Explore the Moroccan Kasbahs And The Sahara Desert On A 5 Day Erg Chebbi & Ait Benhaddou Desert Tour
Erg Chebbi is a dune field of about 22 Km from north to south and about 5 Km from east to west at the widest point. The highest dune, 884 m, is in the north. Among the dunes there are several oasis and you can easily get water just by digging a little. The trip to the oasis starts with a long route by road which is an experience itself geographically speaking, and also because of the numerous stops to cool down and get in contact with the people.
This trek runs all year-round and can depart at any date of your preference.
We usually have several treks departing each week that you may join if you wish , please get in Touch!!
This trek is available to be booked independently (including transfers from Marrakech) or we can put together a full itinerary and quote to combine your trek with any of Marrakech, Essaouira, The Atlantic Coast and Sahara Desert
All of our Mountain treks ca be combined with some other tours either to the sahara desert, Imperial cities or to the Atlantic coast,
Pick Up & Drop Off
You will be picked up from your accommodation in Marrakech city, many riads does not have access by 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 up you from your place of stay. You will be driven across the TiziN’Tichka Pass (2260 m), you will have opportunities to take photos and enjoy the scenes of High Atlas Mountains along with Berber villages on the way. Our next stop is in the village of Aït Benhaddou,having Lunch break then exploring the exotic Kasbah of Aït Benhaddou. From here we head to Ouarzazate where you may have a stop to view the Kasbah of Taourirt that was built by the Glaoui dynasty then to Skoura where you will be mesmerized with the palm grove along the way. Continuing on towards Boumalne du Dadès or El Kelaa M'gouna (Valley of the Roses), and the Dadès Valley (Valley of One Thousand Kasbahs). Dinner and overnight in a hotel.
Day 02
Boumalne du Dadès » Tineghir » Todra Gorges »Tinejdad » Erfoud » Desert.
After breakfast at the hotel, you will leave toward Tineghir then to Todra Gorges. You will have the chance to stop for a panoramic view of the river. Continuing on the road alongside the river to reach the gorges where you will have a break for lunch. Walk on foot through this stunning place while enjoying the views of high rock walls (up 300 meters). From here we drive to Merzouga passing by Tinejdad, Erfoud, You may have a stop in Erfoud to visit one of the marble fossils Carriers then continue to your hotel situated on the foots of the orange dunes of Erg Chebbi. You will experience a camel ride to reach the desert camp in the middle of dunes where you will spend the night, enjoy your evening, dine under the stars and sleep in Nomad Berber tent.
Day 03
Tour Around Erg Chebbi dunes.
Waking up by the call of your guide very earlier to watch the sunrise then enjoying breakfast. Begin the drive to explore to the tiny villages around Erg Chebbi dunes such as Hassi Labied, Merzouga and Khamlia. In Hassi Labied you will have a stop at the garden where you will view canal irrigation system. From here we continue the trail toward Merzouga. Near Merzouga, you will have the chance to see Dayet Srji Lake that forms in spring time which attracts locks of pink flamingos and wildlife; Bird-watchers will enjoy this peaceful area. On our way to Kamlia we expect to meet locals showing their desert foxes. You may also encounter desert reptiles and mammals . In Khamlia, known as the village of black people who were slaves coming from Sudan. You will be hospitably welcomed with a cup of tea (Whiskey Berber) while enjoying their spiritual Gnawa music. Leaving Khamlia our next stop is on the panoramic view of golden dunes near the Algerian border. We may stop for Picnic lunch under the shadow of a tree before continuing to visit a Nomad family, who are living under Berber tent and who are taking care for herd of cattle, goats and camels. You will be introduced to family members and getting to know about their way of life while enjoying the taste of a nice cup of tea. After these you will have the chance to visit the sites of black volcanic rocks. Continuing on, you’ll reach the panorama near Yasmina Auberge where you will be amazed with the scene of the dunes in addition to the nearby lake (springtime).Back to your hotel for lunch and relax. Overnight in a hotel with dinner and breakfast.
Day 04
Desert » Rissani » Alnif » Tazzarine » N’kob » Agdz » Ouarzazate.
After breakfast in the hotel you will get ready leave the amazing dunes of Erg Chebbi. We will travel to Ouarzazate via Rissani ,Alnif,Tazarine, N’kob and Agdz. Stopping for lunch along the way. You will enjoy the views of Acacia trees, the valley of daraa and rock formations of ait saoun mountain before we reach ouarzazate. Overnight in a riad in Ouarzazate.
Day 05
Ouarzazate » Aït BenHaddou » Telouet » Tizi N’Tichka Pass » Marrakech.
This morning after breakfast you may visit the Atlas films Studios before we head to the village of Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you will visit the exotic Kasbah named after it. This Kasbah is situated on a hill along the fertile Ounila River; it becomes famous due to its role in hosting numerous films such as: The Man Who Would Be King, Jewel of the Nile, Jesus of Nazareth, The Message, Lawrence of Arabia, The Mummy, and Gladiator. Later on, continuing our off roads drive to Telouet. You will have a break for lunch then visit the incredible Kasbah of Telouet .Afterward we continue across the Tizi-n-Tichka Pass (2260m). Stopping along the way for photos and enjoying the panoramic views of High Atlas Mountains along with Berber villages located alongside the road. Arrive to Marrakech and drop off near your hotel.
Note: Itinerary is just a guideline and subject to change to suit local condition.
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
Group 1 person : 820€
Group 2 - 3 people : 510€/person
Group 4 - 7 people : 390€/person
Group 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
1 overnight camping on the dunes (nomad tents)
1 overnight in a Hotel at Dades Gorges
1 overnight in a Hotel in Ourzazate
1 overnight 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.