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Marrakech to Essaouira via the Erg Chigaga Dunes, 5 Days
Five days from Marrakech to Essaouira by way of the desert. You go down the Draa Valley to two nights in the Erg Chigaga dunes, cross to Taroudant and finish on the coast road.
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About the Tour
Most visitors to Marrakech want to see both the Sahara and the Atlantic coast, and this route joins the two. It loops through the south without using the same road twice and ends by the harbour in Essaouira, after the heat of the desert.
A night in Taroudant splits the long drive out of the desert. The last day is a shorter run up the coast, so you reach Essaouira in the early afternoon and still have time for the medina.
Highlights
- The ksar of Aït Benhaddou and the Draa Valley palm groves
- Two nights in the Erg Chigaga dunes, reached by 4x4 from M'hamid
- The desert crossing over the dry Lake Iriki
- Taliouine, the saffron town, and the walls of Taroudant
- The coast road north to Essaouira
Day by Day
How the five days go, from your pickup in Marrakech to the drop-off in Essaouira.
Day 1 · Marrakech to the Draa Valley
Over the Tizi n’Tichka pass to Aït Benhaddou, then through Ouarzazate and over the Tizi n’Tinififft pass to Agdz for the night.
- Overnight: Guesthouse or kasbah hotel in Agdz
Day 2 · Zagora, M'hamid and into Erg Chigaga
Down the Draa through Zagora and Tamegroute to M’hamid, then about two hours by 4×4 to the dunes, with a camel ride to watch the sunset.
- Overnight: Desert camp in Erg Chigaga
Day 3 · A full day in Erg Chigaga
A free day in the dunes: an early walk, a longer camel ride, sandboarding or simply resting at camp.
- Overnight: Desert camp in Erg Chigaga
Day 4 · Across Lake Iriki to Taroudant
Across the dry lake to Foum Zguid, then through Tazenakht and Taliouine down to the Souss valley and Taroudant. You arrive in the late afternoon with time to walk along the town walls.
- Overnight: Riad in Taroudant
Day 5 · Taroudant to Essaouira
A morning drive to the coast at Agadir, then north past the surf beaches and the argan country to Essaouira, about four hours in all. Drop-off at your riad in the early afternoon.
What's Included
Included
- Private vehicle and driver for the five days, with a 4x4 for the desert tracks
- Pickup at your hotel in Marrakech and drop-off at your hotel in Essaouira
- One night: guesthouse or kasbah hotel in Agdz, dinner and breakfast
- Two nights: desert camp in Erg Chigaga, dinner and breakfast
- One night: riad in Taroudant, 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
Can we do it the other way round?
Yes. The route works in both directions; tell us where you want to start and finish.
Can we go back to Marrakech at the end?
Yes. We can drive you from Essaouira to Marrakech on a sixth day, about three hours.
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.
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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