Explore the Moroccan Oases In The Sahara Desert On A 5 Day Desert Tour
Discover the extraordinary Erg Chebbi, a vast expanse of golden Sahara dunes in southeastern Morocco. Stretching for around 22km from north to south and up to 5km across at its widest point, this impressive dune field creates one of the most memorable landscapes in the Moroccan desert. The highest dune reaches approximately 884m, while small natural oases can be found among the sweeping sands.
Getting to the heart of Erg Chebbi is part of the adventure. The journey takes us through the changing landscapes of southern Morocco, from settled valleys and villages to increasingly remote desert scenery. Along the way, we make regular stops to enjoy the views, cool down, take photographs and meet local people, offering a fascinating insight into life in this remarkable part of Morocco.
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.
Your Erg Chebbi desert trek can be booked independently, including transfers from Marrakech, or incorporated into a tailor-made Morocco adventure holiday. We can combine your time in the Sahara with Marrakech, Essaouira, the Atlantic Coast or other desert destinations.
Our mountain and desert adventures can also be combined with other Moroccan tours, including the Imperial Cities, Sahara Desert and Atlantic coast, allowing us to create a flexible itinerary around your interests, available time and preferred style of travel.
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-Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah- Ouarzazate.
We depart from your riad or hotel in Marrakech at 8.00am and travel south across the spectacular High Atlas Mountains, crossing the Tizi n’Tichka Pass at 2,260m. The winding mountain road offers magnificent views across the rugged landscape, with traditional Berber villages scattered among the valleys and hillsides.
We stop for lunch and visit the famous Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Morocco’s most impressive fortified villages. Its atmospheric kasbah and mud-brick architecture have provided the setting for numerous films and television productions.
From Ait Benhaddou, we continue to Ouarzazate, before travelling towards the beautiful Valley of the Roses and the Dades Valley. Along the way, we visit the lush Skoura Oasis, home to impressive historic kasbahs and palm groves within the famous Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs.
We then continue to Ouarzazate, where we spend the night at a comfortable hotel.
Day 02
Ouarzazate – Skoura – Rose valley – Dades Gorges.
After breakfast, we leave Ouarzazate and travel towards Skoura, stopping to visit the magnificent Kasbah Amridil, one of the finest historic kasbahs along Morocco’s famous Route of a Thousand Kasbahs.
We then continue through the beautiful Valley of the Roses, before leaving the main road and travelling approximately 30km off-road into the surrounding countryside. Here, we have the opportunity to meet local nomadic families, enjoy a traditional glass of Moroccan mint tea and gain an insight into their traditional way of life.
We continue towards Ait Youl Kasbah, before travelling onwards to the spectacular Dades Gorge, where we stop for lunch. The afternoon is free to explore the beautiful Dades Valley on foot, with time to enjoy the dramatic scenery, rugged rock formations and peaceful mountain surroundings.
As evening arrives, we return for dinner and settle in for a relaxing night in the atmospheric Dades Gorges. Approx. 4 hours’ driving.
Day 03
Dades Gorges – Todra Gorges – Merzouga
After breakfast, 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 to around 300m above the narrow valley, surrounded by lush palm groves and traditional Berber villages.
After lunch in the gorge, we continue deeper into the arid landscapes of southern Morocco towards Merzouga. As we approach the magnificent Erg Chebbi dunes, the landscape transforms into a vast sea of golden sand.
Here, we meet our camels and set off on an unforgettable 1½-hour camel trek across the dunes to our desert camp. On arrival, enjoy a traditional Berber dinner and spend the evening beneath the stars before settling down for the night in a comfortable nomadic camel-hair tent.
Approx. 6 hours’ driving.
Day 04
Merzouga – Khamlia – Rissani – Merzouga.
We wake early to watch the spectacular sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes before enjoying breakfast and returning by camel to the hotel, where there is time to freshen up and take a shower.
Afterwards, we set out to explore the fascinating landscapes surrounding the desert dunes, experiencing the striking contrasts between the golden sands, rocky desert plains and scattered oases. We continue to Khamlia, known for its rich Gnawa musical heritage, where we meet local musicians and enjoy a performance of traditional Gnawa music over a glass of Moroccan mint tea.
We then travel to the historic town of Rissani, the ancient capital of the Tafilalet region, where we stop for lunch and have the opportunity to sample a traditional Berber pizza.
After lunch, we return to the Merzouga area, where you can relax and unwind at your hotel after a fascinating day exploring the Sahara and discovering the culture of southern Morocco. Overnight in Merzouga.
Day 05
Merzouga – Medilte- Azrou- Fes.
After breakfast, we leave Merzouga behind and begin our journey north towards Fes. We travel through the changing landscapes of southern Morocco, passing through Erfoud and Errachidia before continuing towards Midelt, where we stop for lunch.
After lunch, we cross into the scenic Middle Atlas Mountains and continue towards Azrou. We stop in the beautiful cedar forests, where there is an opportunity to see the Barbary macaques that live among the trees.
We then continue through the Middle Atlas towards the historic city of Fes, arriving before sunset. 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 : 920€
2 - 3 people : 595€/person
4 - 7 people :480€/person
8 - 12 people : 430€/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.
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1 night in a hotel in Ourzazate with dinner & breakfast
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1 night in a hotel in Merzouga with dinner & breakfast
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 in a hotel in Ouarzazat
2nd night in Dades Gorge.
3rd night in Nomad camel hair tent.
4th night in a hotel
NB: we always ahve access to our Guesthouse Dar Adrar in Imlil or in our Eco-loge in Ouirgane
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.