Fes To Marrakech Via The Sahara
Rising from the desert plains of southeastern Morocco, the magnificent Erg Chebbi dunes form one of the most impressive landscapes in the Sahara. The dune field extends for approximately 22km from north to south and reaches around 5km across at its widest point. Its highest dune rises to approximately 884m, while a number of natural oases are found among the sweeping sands.
The journey into this remarkable desert environment begins with an overland drive through the changing scenery of southern Morocco. The route itself is an important part of the experience, with opportunities to stop along the way, cool down, take photographs and meet people from the local communities. Gradually, the landscape becomes more remote and the vast golden dunes of Erg Chebbi emerge from the horizon.
This Sahara 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 incorporated into a tailor-made Morocco holiday. We can combine your desert experience with time in Marrakech, Essaouira, the Atlantic Coast or other parts of the Sahara Desert.
Our mountain and desert adventures can also be combined with other Moroccan tours, including the Imperial Cities, Sahara Desert and Atlantic coast, creating a memorable Morocco adventure holiday tailored to your interests and available time.
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
Fez – Ziz Valley – Erg Chebbi Desert
After breakfast, we depart for Merzouga, travelling through the scenic Middle Atlas Mountains via Ifrane and Azrou. We stop in the beautiful cedar forests, where you may have the chance to spot Barbary macaques among the trees. We then continue south through the changing landscapes of Morocco, following the spectacular Ziz Valley and passing the lush palm groves of the Tafilalet region.
In the afternoon, we arrive in Merzouga, the gateway to the magnificent Erg Chebbi dunes. Here, we meet our camels and set off across the golden sands towards our desert camp. We spend the night in a traditional nomadic tent, surrounded by the peaceful atmosphere of the Sahara. Approx. 9 hours’ driving.
Day 02
Merzouga – Khamlia – Rissani – Merzouga.
We wake early to enjoy a spectacular sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes before returning by camel to the hotel for breakfast and a refreshing shower. Afterwards, we explore the surrounding desert, experiencing the dramatic contrasts of the landscape as the scenery changes from golden dunes to rugged desert plains.
We visit the ‘Black Village’ of Khamlia, where we have the opportunity to listen to traditional Gnawa musicians and discover an important part of the region’s cultural heritage. We then continue to the historic town of Rissani, the ancient capital of the Tafilalet region, where we enjoy a traditional Berber pizza for lunch.
After lunch, we return to the Merzouga area and check into our hotel, where you can relax and unwind after a fascinating day exploring the Sahara. Overnight in Merzouga.
Day 03
Merzouga – Dades’ Gorges
After an early breakfast, we leave Erfoud and continue towards Tinejdad, travelling through the changing landscapes of southern Morocco. We then head towards the spectacular Todra Gorge, passing through lush palm plantations and traditional Berber villages along the way.
On arrival, we visit the dramatic Todra Gorge, where towering rock walls rise above the narrow valley. There is time to explore the gorge and surrounding palm groves before stopping for lunch.
After lunch, we continue towards Boumalne Dades, following the scenic road through the beautiful Dades Valley. The route offers wonderful views of rugged mountains, fertile valleys and traditional villages before arriving in Boumalne Dades for our overnight stay. Approx. 6 hours’ driving.
Day 04
Dade’s Gorges – Rose’s Valley – Ouarzazate – Marrakech
After breakfast, we explore the beautiful Dades Valley before continuing towards Ouarzazate through the scenic Valley of the Roses and the town of Kelaat M’Gouna, famous for its rose-growing traditions. We then travel onwards to the lush Skoura Oasis, where we stop to visit the impressive Kasbah Amridil, one of the region’s finest examples of traditional Moroccan architecture.
In the afternoon, we continue towards Marrakech, crossing the spectacular Tizi n’Tichka Pass through the High Atlas Mountains. Enjoy magnificent mountain scenery and views of traditional Berber villages along the route before arriving in Marrakech in the evening and transferring to your accommodation. Approx. 7 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 : 750€
2 - 3 people : 460€/person
4 - 7 people :360€/person
8 - 12 people : 320€/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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1 overnight night in Ait benhaddou kasbah 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
One night is in a Nomad style tent and the second will be somewhere near Merzouga. The third will be in a hotel in Dades.
NB: we always have access to our Eco Lodge or Dar Adrar.
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.