Explore the Moroccan Kasbahs And The Sahara Desert On A 5 Day Erg Chebbi & Ait Benhaddou Desert Tour
The magnificent Erg Chebbi is one of Morocco’s most spectacular desert landscapes, a vast sea of golden dunes stretching approximately 22km from north to south and up to 5km across at its widest point. The highest dune rises to around 884m, while several natural oases can be found scattered among the sands, creating unexpected pockets of life in this arid environment.
The journey into the Erg Chebbi desert is an adventure in itself. Travelling by road through the changing landscapes of southern Morocco, we gradually leave the settled areas behind as the scenery becomes increasingly remote. Along the way, there are opportunities to stop, cool down, take photographs and meet local people, making the journey as memorable as the desert itself.
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 adventure with time in Marrakech, Essaouira, the Atlantic Coast or other areas of the Sahara.
Our mountain and desert treks can also be combined with other Moroccan experiences, including the Imperial Cities, Sahara Desert and Atlantic coast, allowing us to create a memorable Morocco adventure 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 - TiziN’Tichka Pass - Aït BenHaddou - Skoura - El-Kelaâ M’Gouna - Dades Gorges
Today, we pick you up from your accommodation and begin our journey south across the spectacular High Atlas Mountains, travelling over the Tizi n’Tichka Pass at 2,260m. There will be opportunities to stop for photographs and enjoy magnificent views across the mountains and traditional Berber villages along the way.
Our first major stop is the historic village of Ait Benhaddou, where we pause for lunch before exploring its remarkable fortified kasbah and atmospheric mud-brick buildings. We then continue to Ouarzazate, with the option to stop and admire the impressive Kasbah of Taourirt, once associated with the powerful Glaoui dynasty.
From Ouarzazate, we travel towards the lush Skoura Oasis, enjoying views of its extensive palm groves before continuing towards Boumalne Dades and El Kelaa M’Gouna, the famous Valley of the Roses. We then enter the spectacular Dades Valley, also known as the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs, surrounded by rugged mountains, fertile valleys and traditional villages.
Dinner and overnight stay at a comfortable hotel in the Dades Valley.
Day 02
Boumalne du Dadès - Tineghir - Todra Gorges - Tinejdad - Erfoud - Desert.
After breakfast at the hotel, we leave the Dades Valley and travel towards Tineghir and the spectacular Todra Gorge. Along the way, there will be opportunities to stop and enjoy panoramic views across the river valley and surrounding palm groves.
We continue alongside the river towards the gorge, where we stop for lunch before exploring this dramatic landscape on foot. Walk between towering rock walls rising to around 300m and take in the spectacular scenery of one of Morocco’s most impressive natural attractions.
Afterwards, we continue towards Merzouga, passing through Tinejdad and Erfoud. In Erfoud, there is an opportunity to visit a local fossil marble workshop and see how beautiful decorative pieces are created from stone found in the surrounding region.
We then continue to our hotel at the foot of the magnificent orange dunes of Erg Chebbi. Here, we meet our camels and set off across the golden sands towards our desert camp in the heart of the dunes. Enjoy a memorable evening beneath the stars, with a traditional Moroccan dinner and an overnight stay in a comfortable nomadic Berber tent.
Day 03
Tour Around Erg Chebbi dunes.
We wake early to watch the spectacular sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes before returning for breakfast. Afterwards, we set out to explore the small villages and desert landscapes surrounding the dunes, including Hassi Labied, Merzouga and Khamlia.
Our first stop is Hassi Labied, where we visit the village gardens and see the traditional irrigation channels that bring water to the cultivated land. We then continue towards Merzouga, with an opportunity to visit Dayet Srji Lake, a seasonal lake that forms during spring and attracts large numbers of pink flamingos and other wildlife. Its peaceful surroundings also make it a wonderful place for birdwatching.
We continue towards Khamlia, passing through the desert landscape where you may spot reptiles, mammals and other wildlife. In Khamlia, we are warmly welcomed with traditional mint tea, sometimes known locally as ‘Berber whisky’, while enjoying a performance of Gnawa music, an important part of the region’s cultural heritage.
Leaving Khamlia, we continue towards a spectacular viewpoint overlooking the golden Erg Chebbi dunes, close to the Algerian border. Weather and conditions permitting, we stop for a picnic lunch beneath the shade of a tree before visiting a local nomadic family living in a traditional Berber tent. Meet the family, learn about their traditional way of life and enjoy a welcoming glass of Moroccan mint tea.
We then continue to explore the striking black volcanic rock formations before travelling towards the panoramic viewpoint near Yasmina Auberge. Here, enjoy magnificent views across the dunes and, in spring, the nearby seasonal lake. We then return to our hotel for lunch and time to relax.
Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel, with breakfast included.
Day 04
Desert - Rissani - Alnif - Tazzarine - N’kob - Agdz - Ouarzazate.
After breakfast, we leave the magnificent dunes of Erg Chebbi behind and begin our journey towards Ouarzazate. We travel through the changing landscapes of southern Morocco, passing through Rissani, Alnif, Tazarine and N’Kob before reaching the beautiful Draa Valley and the town of Agdz.
Along the way, we stop for lunch and enjoy spectacular views of the arid desert landscape, with scattered acacia trees, dramatic rock formations and the rugged Ait Saoun Mountains. As we continue towards Ouarzazate, the scenery gradually changes, offering a fascinating glimpse into the diverse landscapes of southern Morocco.
We arrive in Ouarzazate in the evening and check into our traditional riad for the night. Overnight stay in Ouarzazate.
Day 05
Ouarzazate - Aït BenHaddou - Telouet - Tizi N’Tichka Pass - Marrakech.
After breakfast, there is an opportunity to visit the famous Atlas Film Studios in Ouarzazate before continuing to the historic village of Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Set on a hillside beside the fertile Ounila River, this remarkable fortified village is renowned for its distinctive mud-brick architecture and has provided the atmospheric backdrop for numerous films, including The Man Who Would Be King, Lawrence of Arabia, The Mummy and Gladiator.
We then continue by road through the beautiful Ounila Valley towards Telouet, where we stop for lunch before exploring the impressive Kasbah of Telouet. Once an important stopping point on the ancient caravan routes, the kasbah offers a fascinating insight into Morocco’s history and architecture.
Afterwards, we begin our journey towards Marrakech, crossing the spectacular Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m). Along the way, there will be opportunities to stop for photographs and enjoy panoramic views across the High Atlas Mountains, with traditional Berber villages scattered along the mountain roads.
We arrive in Marrakech and are dropped off near your hotel.
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 : 820€
2 - 3 people : 510€/person
4 - 7 people : 390€/person
8 - 12 people : 330€/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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1overnight camping on the Dunes with dinner & breakfast
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1overnight in a an Auberge in Merzouga with dinner & breakfast
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1 overnight in a hotel in Ourzazate 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 camping on the dunes (nomad tents). One night in a Hotel at Dades Gorge. One night in a Hotel in Ourzazate and one night in an Auberge in Merzouga
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.