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- Erg Chigaga via the Dades and Todra Gorges, 6 Days
Erg Chigaga via the Dades and Todra Gorges, 6 Days
Six days from Marrakech that link the gorges of the south with the dunes of Erg Chigaga, coming home by Lake Iriki and Aït Benhaddou.
- DURATION
- ROUTE
- TOUR TYPE
- PICKUP
- PRICE
About the Tour
Desert routes from Marrakech usually go one of two ways: east through the gorges to Merzouga, or south down the Draa Valley to Erg Chigaga. Here you do both. You head east to the Dades and Todra gorges, cross the stony country below the Jbel Saghro to Zagora, and go on down to the dunes.
On the way back you cross Lake Iriki to Foum Zguid, sleep beside Aït Benhaddou and take the old kasbah road through Telouet. Two nights in the dunes give you a full day there, and you can add nights in the desert or along the route.
Highlights
- The Dades and Todra gorges
- Fossil country around Alnif and the road through Tazarine
- Two nights in the Erg Chigaga dunes
- The 4x4 crossing of Lake Iriki
- A night beside the ksar of Aït Benhaddou and the Telouet road
Day by Day
How the six days go, from your pickup in Marrakech to the drop-off.
Day 1 · Marrakech to the Dades Gorge
Over the Tizi n’Tichka pass, through Ouarzazate and the Skoura oasis to the Dades Gorge.
- Overnight: Hotel in the Dades Gorge
Day 2 · Todra Gorge to Zagora
A walk in the Todra Gorge, then south through Alnif, known for its fossils, and Tazarine to the Draa Valley at Zagora.
- Overnight: Hotel in Zagora
Day 3 · Zagora to Erg Chigaga
Down to M’hamid and by 4×4 into the dunes, with a camel ride at sunset.
- Overnight: Desert camp in Erg Chigaga
Day 4 · A day in Erg Chigaga
A free day for walking, camel riding or sandboarding in the dunes.
- Overnight: Desert camp in Erg Chigaga
Day 5 · Across Lake Iriki to Aït Benhaddou
Across the dry lake to Foum Zguid, then north through Tazenakht and Ouarzazate to Aït Benhaddou.
- Overnight: Kasbah hotel near Aït Benhaddou
Day 6 · Telouet and back to Marrakech
The old road through the Ounila valley to the Glaoui kasbah at Telouet, then over the High Atlas to Marrakech.
What's Included
Included
- Private vehicle and driver for the six days, with a 4x4 for the desert tracks
- Pickup and drop-off at your riad or hotel in Marrakech
- One night: hotel in the Dades Gorge, dinner and breakfast
- One night: hotel in Zagora, dinner and breakfast
- Two nights: desert camp in Erg Chigaga, dinner and breakfast
- One night: kasbah hotel near Aït Benhaddou, dinner and breakfast
- Camel ride in the dunes
- Fuel and road costs
Not included
- Lunches and drinks
- Entrance fees and local guides at the sites
- Tips
- Travel insurance
Questions About This Tour
What is the desert camp like?
You sleep in a tent at a camp in the dunes, with dinner and breakfast. Camps range from simple to comfortable tents with a private bathroom; tell us the level you want and we suggest camps that fit.
What should I pack?
Light clothes for the day, a warm layer for the desert night, a hat, sun cream and a small bag for the camp. Your main luggage stays in the vehicle.
Can we change the route or the hotels?
Yes. We can add nights, change hotels or swap the order of the stops, since only your group is on the tour. Tell us what you have in mind when you enquire.
Can we bring children?
Yes. Tell us how old they are and we plan the driving, the stops and the pace around them.
How do I book?
Send an enquiry with your dates and group size and we reply with availability and a quote. When online booking is open for this tour, you can also reserve with a deposit by card or PayPal.
Book this tour
Send your dates and group size and we reply with a quote.
- Private tour, only your group
- Free enquiry, no obligation
- Private tour, only your group
- Free enquiry, no obligation
- Route and stays adjusted to you
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