Explore The Moroccan Kasbahs
Erg Chebbi is a spectacular sea of golden sand dunes, stretching around 22km from north to south and up to 5km from east to west at its widest point. The highest dune, reaching around 884m, lies towards the north. Scattered among the dunes are several natural oases, where water can be found surprisingly close beneath the sand by digging down a short distance.
The journey to this remarkable desert landscape begins with a long road trip, which is an experience in itself. The route offers fascinating changes in scenery and geography, with plenty of opportunities to stop, stretch your legs, cool down and meet local people along the way.
This trek runs all year round and can depart on any date of your choice.
We usually have several treks departing each week, which you are welcome to join. Please get in touch to discuss your preferred dates.
This trek can be booked independently, including transfers from Marrakech, or we can create a tailor-made itinerary combining your desert adventure with time in Marrakech, Essaouira, the Atlantic Coast or elsewhere in the Sahara.
All our mountain and desert treks can also be combined with other Moroccan tours, including the Sahara Desert, the Imperial Cities and the Atlantic coast.
Pick Up & Drop Off
You will be picked up from your accommodation in Marrakech city, many riads don't have access via car so the driver will park nearby and come to get you.
You will be dropped off at the nearest point to your riad/hotel. Our driver can call your riad to meet you if needed.
Route Details
Day 01
Marrakech to Dades Gorges - Ait Benhaddou kasbah - Ourzazate
We depart from Marrakech at 9.00am in modern, comfortable, air-conditioned transport and travel over the spectacular Atlas Mountains, enjoying magnificent views across the valleys and surrounding countryside. Along the way, we visit the famous Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, with around three hours’ travelling before our first stop.
After our visit and a short break, we continue to Ouarzazate, approximately one hour away, where we have time for lunch and sightseeing. Lunch is available at one of the local cafés. In the afternoon, we continue along the scenic route towards the Dades Valley, arriving at our guesthouse for the night.
The guesthouse offers comfortable private en-suite rooms, with an evening meal and breakfast included. Approx. 7 hours’ driving.
Day 02
Dades Gorges - Merzouga - Todghra Gorges
The next morning, we continue through the spectacular Dades Valley, visiting the dramatic Dades Gorge, the Todra Valley and Todra Gorge, along with other fascinating sights, before making our way towards Merzouga. Here, we explore the village and meet our camels for a memorable 1½-hour journey into the dunes of Erg Chebbi.
The camel trek usually begins shortly before sunset, giving you the chance to watch the sun sink over the golden desert landscape from the top of the dunes. On arrival at our desert camp, we are welcomed with a delicious glass of hot mint tea before settling in for an unforgettable evening beneath the stars.
Enjoy a freshly prepared local dinner of Moroccan tagine or couscous, with vegetable tagine available for vegetarians, followed by traditional drumming, stories and time around the campfire. The camp has toilet facilities and comfortable bivouac tents for everyone, although you can choose to sleep beneath the stars if you wish. With virtually no artificial light, the desert night offers spectacular views of the star-filled sky. Approx. 6 hours’ driving.
Day 03
Merzouga - Marrakech
We wake early, just before sunrise, for a memorable 1½-hour camel ride to explore the desert surroundings as the first light appears over the dunes. We then return to Merzouga by camel, where there is time for breakfast and an opportunity to shower before beginning our journey back to Marrakech.
We travel through the rugged stony desert and over the Atlas Mountains, with plenty of stops for photographs, exploring and lunch along the way. We usually arrive back in Marrakech between 17:00 and 18:00. Approx. 10 hours’ driving. If you prefer to break up the long journey on the final day, we recommend spending the night at the historic Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, as outlined below.
Note: This itinerary is a guideline and may be adapted to suit local conditions.
Equipment
Please ensure you have packed all safety essentials. See the Equipment List here if you're unsure of what to bring. Our guides will conduct a final gear check in Imlil before we commence the ascent to the higher altitudes of the Toubkal massif.
Tour Rates
Flexible Pricing
1 person : 490€
2 - 3 people : 340€/person
4 - 7 people :275€/person
8 - 12 people : 235€/person
What Is Included?
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4x4 / mini-bus with english speaking driver
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1overnight camping on the Erg Chebbi Dunes (Breakfast & Dinner included)
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Camel ride on the dunes.
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1 overnight in a Hotel at Dades Gorges (Breakfast & Dinner included)
What Is Not Included
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Travel insurance.
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Soft/alcoholic drinks
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Tips and personal expanses
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Lunches
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Entrance fee (Monuments visits)
Accommodation & Shelters
1st night is in a hotel in the Dades Gorges: either Hotel Babylon or Hotel Dar Essayaha or similar.
2nd night: Overnight camping on the dunes in Nomadic tents.
Clothing & Essential Equipment
Essential Equipment
Can Be Hired From Us
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Good trainers for valley treks
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Personnel First aid Kit
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Lightweight waterproof over-trousers / rain-pants
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Lightweight daypack
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Sunglasses
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Sunscreen
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Torch and batteries
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Towel & all personal toiletries
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Ask us to see what we have
What Is Appropriate Attire In Morocco?
Morocco is a conservative and religious country, which means you always need to be mindful of your clothing choices. This is especially true in the country’s more rural areas, which include the Sahara Desert and its surrounding villages. As a general rule of thumb, you should always attempt to cover body parts considered “private”. For women, this means covering the arms (or at least the shoulders) and the knees up. For men, it requires covering up the shoulders and above the knee.
High Energy Meals
Meals on the trek are cooked by the Berber muleteers. The food is fresh and healthy. Example meals:
Breakfast: Jam, bread, cookies, fruit, juice, butter, coffee, milkLunch: salad, tomatoes, carrots, lentils, beans, rice or pasta, fish (sardines, tuna), seasonal fruit
Dinner: Soup, classic Morooccan tajine, couscous, olives, nuts, fruit
Can my dietary requirements be catered to?
Absolutely. Just let us know about your catering preferences when you confirm your booking to ensure any dietary requirements are met. Please remind as well your guide and cook on first day of the trek.
Start Your Journey
Ready to explore the Atlas Mountains? Reach out to us for detailed trek inquiries, tailor-made itineraries, or any questions about our Berber-led adventure tours.
Email: aztat.trek@gmail.com
Phone: +212 668-760165
Location: Imlil, Morocco
Personal baggage, cooking equipment and food are carried by the mules, leaving you to carry only a rucksack with whatever you need close at hand for the day. NB: Left luggage or unnecessary luggage can be left safely in our storage in Imlil till you come back from the trek.