Explore The Saharan Oases
Erg Chebbi is one of Morocco’s most spectacular Sahara Desert landscapes, a vast sea of golden sand dunes stretching for approximately 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 northern end of the dune field.
Scattered among the dunes are several natural oases, where water can be found surprisingly close beneath the sand. In places, it is possible to reach fresh water simply by digging a short distance into the ground, providing a fascinating reminder of how people and wildlife have adapted to this harsh but beautiful desert environment.
The journey to the Erg Chebbi dunes begins with a long road journey, which is an experience in itself. The changing geography and scenery provide a fascinating introduction to southern Morocco, with plenty of opportunities to stop, cool down, take photographs and meet local people along the way. As the landscape gradually changes from rugged desert to sweeping golden dunes, the anticipation of reaching the Sahara builds.
This desert 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.
The Erg Chebbi trek can be booked independently, including transfers from Marrakech, or we can create a tailor-made Morocco holiday combining your desert adventure with time in Marrakech, Essaouira, the Atlantic Coast or the wider Sahara Desert.
Our mountain and desert treks can also be combined with other Moroccan tours, including visits to the Imperial Cities, Sahara Desert and Atlantic coast, allowing us to create a memorable Morocco adventure holiday designed around your interests, available time and preferred experiences.
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 – Ouarzazate – Rose Valley – Dades Gorges.
We depart from the airport and travel across the spectacular High Atlas Mountains, crossing the Tizi n’Tichka Pass at 2,260m. The winding mountain road offers magnificent views over the valleys and rugged landscapes of southern Morocco. Along the way, we stop to explore the famous Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, one of Morocco’s most impressive fortified villages, before continuing to Ouarzazate.
From Ouarzazate, we follow the scenic Road of a Thousand Kasbahs, passing through the lush palm groves and traditional villages of Skoura. Here, we stop to visit the beautiful Kasbah Amridil, one of the region’s best-known historic kasbahs. We then continue towards Kelaat M’Gouna, the famous ‘Valley of Roses’ and centre of Morocco’s rose-growing region.
By evening, we arrive at the dramatic Dades Gorges, surrounded by rugged cliffs and spectacular mountain scenery. Overnight stay at a comfortable hotel or traditional kasbah near the Dades Gorges. Approx. 7 hours’ driving.
Day 02
Dades Gorges – Todra Gorges – Merzouga.
After breakfast, we continue through the spectacular Dades Valley towards the dramatic Todra Gorges, with time to stop for lunch in a beautiful setting along the way. We then drive towards Merzouga, crossing the palm groves of Jorf and passing through Erfoud, famous for its fossil-rich marble. Here, we visit a local workshop to see traditional craftsmen creating beautiful pieces from marble fossils.
We arrive at the impressive dunes of Merzouga in the late afternoon, where we meet our camels and begin our memorable journey across the golden sea of dunes. As the sun begins to set, we ride deeper into the Sahara towards our desert camp, located in the heart of the dunes.
After arriving at camp, enjoy a delicious dinner before spending the night beneath a traditional nomadic tent, surrounded by the peaceful silence of the Sahara. Approx. 6 hours’ driving.
Day 03
Merzouga – Rissani – Ziz valley – Midelt – Fes.
We rise early for a memorable camel ride among the Erg Chebbi dunes, with the chance to watch the spectacular sunrise over the Sahara. We then return to the hotel for breakfast and a chance to freshen up before continuing towards Fes.
Our route takes us through Rissani and the historic Tafilalet region, the heartland of the Alaouite dynasty, before following the beautiful Ziz Valley and passing through the dramatic Ziz Gorges. After lunch at a local restaurant in the Middle Atlas Mountains, we continue through peaceful cedar forests, where these ancient trees have been valued since Phoenician and Roman times for timber, crafts, essential oils and boat building.
We then pass through Azrou, a traditional Zayan Berber town in the Middle Atlas, before continuing to Ifrane and on towards Fes. Approx. 9 hours’ driving.
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 : 580€
2 - 3 people : 410€/person
4 - 7 people :330€/person
8 - 12 people : 290€/person
What Is Included?
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4x4 / mini-bus with English speaking driver
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1 night in a hotel at Dades gorges With dinner & breakfast
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1 overnight camping on the Dunes with dinner & breakfast
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Camel ride on the dunes.
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
The first night is in a hotel/kasbah at Dades Gorge.
The second is in a Nomadic tent.
NB:our Guesthouse Dar Adrar in Imlil or our Eco-loge in Ouirgane is always available.
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.