4 Day & 3 Night Erg Chebbi & Ait Benhaddou Adventure
The amazing Erg Chebbi dunes form one of the most iconic landscapes in the Moroccan Sahara. This vast expanse of golden sand stretches for around 22km from north to south and reaches approximately 5km across at its widest point. The highest dune rises to around 884m, while several natural oases are scattered among the dunes, with water lying surprisingly close beneath the surface.
The journey into the Sahara is an adventure in its own right. A long road journey takes us through the changing landscapes of southern Morocco, with opportunities to stop along the way, cool down, take photographs and meet local people. As we travel towards Erg Chebbi, the scenery gradually becomes more remote and the first sweeping dunes of the Sahara begin to appear.
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 incorporated into a tailor-made Morocco holiday. We can combine your Sahara adventure with time in Marrakech, Essaouira, the Atlantic Coast or elsewhere in the Sahara Desert.
Our mountain and desert treks can also be combined with other Moroccan experiences, including the Imperial Cities, Sahara Desert and Atlantic coast, creating a memorable Morocco adventure holiday tailored around 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
Marrakech- Tizi n Tichka pass- Ourzazate - Dades Valley
You will be picked up from your accommodation in Marrakech at 9.00am and begin your journey across the spectacular Atlas Mountains, travelling over the impressive Tizi n’Tichka Pass. The route passes through traditional Berber villages, offering beautiful views of the mountains and remote valleys along the way.
As we continue towards the desert, the landscape changes dramatically, with riverside oases and barren hillsides dotted with traditional kasbahs – fortified dwellings once used by families and their livestock. Along the way, you can choose to stop and visit the famous Ouarzazate Film Studios or enjoy a short hike in the surrounding countryside.
On arrival at the dramatic Dades Gorge, there is another opportunity to explore the landscape on foot or simply relax and enjoy the surroundings at your hotel. Overnight stay in Dades. Approx. 7 hours’ driving.
Day 02
Dades Valley - Todra gorge - Merzouga
After breakfast at the hotel, we leave the Dades Valley and travel towards the spectacular Todra Gorge, a dramatic geological fault cutting through the High Atlas Mountains. Towering rock walls rise up to 300m above the narrow valley, surrounded by lush palm groves and traditional Berber villages.
Here, there is time to explore the palmery on foot, following trails through this beautiful green oasis beneath towering date palms. After lunch, we continue deeper into southern Morocco towards Merzouga, the gateway to the Erg Chebbi dunes, where we can stock up on supplies for our desert adventure.
We then continue by road to a nearby kasbah, where we meet our camels and begin our journey into the Sahara. Around sunset, we set off on an unforgettable 1½-hour camel trek across the golden dunes to a traditional Berber desert camp. Enjoy a delicious Moroccan dinner before spending the night beneath the stars or in comfortable desert tents. Approx. 6 hours’ driving.
Day 03
Merzouga - Ait Benhaddou
Wake early to experience the spectacular sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes before returning to the kasbah by camel. After breakfast, there will be time to freshen up and relax before leaving the desert behind and continuing towards Ait Benhaddou.
Our route takes us to this remarkable ancient fortified village, renowned for its collection of traditional kasbahs and mud-brick buildings. Ait Benhaddou has provided the atmospheric backdrop for numerous Hollywood films, including The Mummy, Gladiator, Alexander and Lawrence of Arabia. With your guide, you will have time to walk through the narrow streets, explore the historic buildings and discover the fascinating architecture and history of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
We then continue to our nearby hotel, where we spend the night close to Ait Benhaddou. Approx. 5–6 hours’ driving.
Day 04
Ait Benhaddou - Marrakech
We leave Ait Benhaddou and travel through the beautiful Ounila Valley towards Telouet, following an ancient route through the High Atlas Mountains. Our destination is the atmospheric Telouet Kasbah, a fascinating but crumbling fortified palace that was once an important stopping point for traders crossing the mountains.
We take time to explore the kasbah and discover its remarkable architecture and history before stopping for lunch. Afterwards, we continue our journey towards Marrakech, crossing the spectacular Tizi n’Tichka Pass once again and enjoying panoramic views across the High Atlas Mountains along the way.
We arrive in Marrakech after a scenic final day of our Morocco adventure. Approx. 4 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 : 650€
2 - 3 people : 410€/person
4 - 7 people :340€/person
8 - 12 people : 310€/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 will be in the dunes in Nomad style tents and another will be at the hotel in Dades Gorge or similar.
There will also be one night at a hotel in an Ait benhaddou kasbah such as in Auberge panorama chez Brahim , ...
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.