2-Day Ouarzazate to Erg Chegaga Desert Tour
Overview: 2-Day Ouarzazate to Erg Chegaga Desert Tour
The 2-Day Ouarzazate to Erg Chegaga Desert Tour is a short but immersive journey into one of Morocco’s most remote desert areas. Travel through the Anti-Atlas Mountains and the Draa Valley before reaching M’Hamid and continuing by 4×4 across desert tracks to the spectacular dunes of Erg Chegaga.
Along the way, discover traditional villages, kasbahs, ksars, the palm groves of the Draa Valley, and the pottery workshops of Tamegrout. You’ll also have the opportunity to visit the historic Quranic Library and underground Kasbah before entering the Sahara.
Spend the night in a desert bivouac among the Erg Chegaga dunes, enjoy a camel ride at sunset, have dinner around the campfire, and experience a peaceful evening under the desert sky. The following day crosses the desert towards Lake Iriqui and Foum Zguid before returning to Ouarzazate through Tazenakht.
Highlights of 2-Day Ouarzazate to Erg Chegaga Desert Tour
- Travel from Ouarzazate to the remote Erg Chegaga dunes
- Cross the Anti-Atlas Mountains and the Draa Valley
- See traditional villages, kasbahs and ksars
- Visit the green pottery workshops of Tamegrout
- Discover the historic Quranic Library and underground Kasbah
- Drive by 4×4 through the desert from M’Hamid to Erg Chegaga
- Visit the Sacred Oasis
- Enjoy a camel ride and sunset among the dunes
- Spend one night in a desert bivouac
- Enjoy dinner, traditional music and a campfire
- Cross the desert towards Lake Iriqui
- Visit a carpet cooperative in Tazenakht
Itinerary: 2-Day Ouarzazate to Erg Chegaga Desert Tour
Day 1: Ouarzazate – Draa Valley – Tamegrout – M’Hamid – Erg Chegaga
Your 2-day desert tour from Ouarzazate begins in the morning with hotel or riad pickup. The journey takes you through the Anti-Atlas Mountains towards the Draa Valley, where the landscape changes to palm groves, desert villages, kasbahs and traditional ksars.
Continue through the Draa Valley with several opportunities to stop for panoramic views and photographs. You’ll reach Zagora around lunchtime before continuing towards Tamegrout.
In Tamegrout, visit the local green pottery workshops and, depending on the itinerary, discover the historic Quranic Library and underground Kasbah. From there, continue towards M’Hamid, the last village before the Sahara.
The paved road ends around M’Hamid, and the journey continues by 4×4 across desert tracks towards Erg Chegaga. Along the way, stop at the Sacred Oasis before continuing into the dunes.
Sunset & Overnight at Erg Chegaga Desert Camp
Arrive at the Erg Chegaga dunes in the afternoon and enjoy a camel ride through the desert as the sun begins to set. This is one of the most memorable moments of the trip, with wide views across the Sahara and changing colors over the sand dunes.
After sunset, continue to your desert bivouac for dinner. Spend the evening around the campfire with traditional music before relaxing in your tent. Depending on your booking, you can choose between a standard or luxury bivouac.
Overnight: Erg Chegaga desert camp
Day 2: Erg Chegaga – Lake Iriqui – Foum Zguid – Tazenakht – Ouarzazate
Start the morning with breakfast at the desert camp before continuing your journey by 4×4 across the Sahara. The route takes you through the remote landscapes around Lake Iriqui, an area known for its desert scenery and protected natural environment.
Continue towards Foum Zguid, where the desert tracks eventually connect with the paved road. From there, travel towards Tazenakht, known for its traditional Moroccan carpet production.
Enjoy lunch and some time to relax before visiting a local carpet cooperative. You can learn more about traditional weaving and the craftsmanship behind Moroccan rugs.
In the afternoon, continue the journey back to Ouarzazate. Your driver will drop you off at your hotel or riad, marking the end of your 2-day Erg Chegaga adventure.
Map
What is Include
- Private transportation by 4×4
- Hotel or riad pickup and drop-off in Ouarzazate
- English-speaking driver
- Fuel and transportation costs
- Desert 4×4 transfer to and from Erg Chegaga
- One night in an Erg Chegaga desert bivouac
- Standard or luxury camp option, depending on your booking
- Dinner at the desert camp
- Breakfast at the desert camp
- Camel ride at sunset
- Visit to the Draa Valley
- Visit to Tamegrout pottery workshops
- Visit to the Sacred Oasis
- Visit to Lake Iriqui
- Carpet cooperative visit in Tazenakht
What is Exclude
- Lunches and drinks
- Personal expenses
- Tips and gratuities
- Travel insurance
- Optional activities such as quad biking or buggy rides
- Any services not mentioned in the itinerary
FAQ
How long is the tour from Ouarzazate to Erg Chegaga?
The tour lasts 2 days and 1 night, starting and ending in Ouarzazate. The journey includes road travel, desert tracks by 4×4, and an overnight stay at Erg Chegaga.
Where do we spend the night during the Erg Chegaga tour?
You spend one night in a desert bivouac at Erg Chegaga. Depending on your preference, you can choose between a standard traditional camp and a more comfortable luxury camp.
Is the Erg Chegaga tour suitable for children?
Yes. The tour can be suitable for families with children, although the long driving times and desert tracks should be considered when planning the trip.
Can I add activities at Erg Chegaga?
Yes. Optional desert activities such as quad biking and buggy rides can be arranged, depending on availability and your chosen camp.
Customize your Tour
Our experienced guides, comfortable transportation, and personalized itineraries ensure you’ll experience Morocco like never before. Get in touch now to start planning your dream Moroccan adventure!
