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M’Hamid El Ghizlane: The Ultimate Sahara Expedition

5.0 (84 verified reviews)
Marrakech Loop
5 Days / 4 Nights
M'Hamid Dunes
Camel Trek Zagora
Draa Valley Palms
Desert Camp
Sahara Sunset
+ View Gallery

About the Expedition

Embark on a soulful 5-day journey deep into the Moroccan south, starting and ending in the Red City of Marrakech. This is not just a tour; it is a passage through time, following ancient caravan routes through the Draa Valley—home to over 3 million palm trees—to the edge of civilization at M’Hamid El Ghizlane.

Known as the "Gateway to the Sahara," M'Hamid is the launchpad for reaching the wild, untamed dunes of Erg Chigaga. Unlike the paved roads of Merzouga, Chigaga is only accessible by off-road driving, ensuring a pristine, crowd-free experience. You will explore the sacred library of Tamegroute, witness traditional green pottery crafting, traverse the dried Lake Iriqui, and sleep under a sky ablaze with stars in the deep silence of the desert.

Wild Dunes Erg Chigaga
Heritage Tamegroute Library
Adventure 4x4 Off-Road
Serenity Zero Light Pollution

Exploration Area

*The 4x4 route involves an off-road crossing from M'Hamid to Foum Zguid via Lake Iriqui.

Traveler Briefing: The "Wild" Sahara

  • Remote & Raw: Erg Chigaga is wilder than Merzouga. Expect limited to no phone signal in the deep dunes. It is a digital detox experience.
  • 4x4 Adventure: Day 3 involves a thrilling 60km off-road crossing across the Hamada and dried Lake Iriqui.
  • Cash is King: ATMs are scarce in the desert regions. Please bring cash (MAD) for souvenirs, tips, or extra drinks.
  • Climate: Desert temperatures fluctuate. Days can be hot, nights surprisingly cold. Bring layers.

5-Day Itinerary (Marrakech Loop)

Day 1: Marrakech - High Atlas - Ait Ben Haddou - Agdz

Departure from Marrakech. Cross the High Atlas via Tizi n'Tichka. Visit the UNESCO site of Ait Ben Haddou and the Kasbah of Taourirt in Ouarzazate. Cross the Anti-Atlas mountains to reach the head of the Draa Valley. Dinner and overnight in a traditional Kasbah in Agdz.

Day 2: Agdz - Zagora - Tamegroute - M'Hamid

Follow the Draa River through millions of palm trees. Visit the historic library and pottery workshops of Tamegroute. Continue south to M'Hamid El Ghizlane, the end of the paved road. Sunset camel trek into the first dunes. Overnight in a desert camp or guest house in M'Hamid.

Day 3: M'Hamid - Sacred Oasis - Erg Chigaga

The real adventure begins! 60km off-road drive into the deep Sahara. Stop at the Sacred Oasis. Arrive at the massive dunes of Erg Chigaga. Sandboarding, sunset over the endless sea of sand, and a magical night in a luxury camp under the stars.

Day 4: Chigaga - Lake Iriqui - Taznakht - Ouarzazate

Wake up for sunrise. Cross the dried salt flat of Lake Iriqui and the fossil-rich plains to Foum Zguid. Visit Taznakht, famous for saffron and Berber carpets. Arrive in Ouarzazate for dinner and overnight.

Day 5: Ouarzazate - Telouet - Marrakech

Visit the Atlas Film Studios. Take the alternative route to visit the crumbling but magnificent Telouet Kasbah, former seat of the Glaoui Pasha. Cross the High Atlas once more and arrive back in Marrakech in the late afternoon.

Good to Know

Is the off-road driving safe?
Yes, absolutely. Our drivers are expert desert navigators with years of experience driving 4x4s in the dunes. The vehicles are modern Toyota Land Cruisers, fully equipped for desert terrain.
Is Erg Chigaga different from Merzouga?
Yes! Erg Chigaga is wilder, more remote, and less touristic than Merzouga. It requires off-road driving to reach, offering a more secluded and authentic desert experience compared to the easily accessible Merzouga dunes.

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