Explore the Moroccan KAsbahs and the Sahara Deser 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.
Itinerary : 5Day4Night Tour
Day 1: 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 2: 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 2: 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 4: 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 5: 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.
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 2: 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 2: 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 4: 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 5: 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.
Trek & Tour Prices
- Group 1 person : 820€
- Group 2 - 3 people : 510€/person
- Group 4 - 7 people : 390€/person
- Group 8 - 12 people : 330€/person
pRICES INCLUDE & pRICES DOES NOT Included in the Prices
Include :
Does not include :
- 4x4 / mini-bus with English speaking driver
- 1 night in a hotel at Dades gorges with dinner & breakfast
- 1overnight camping on the Dunes with dinner & breakfast
- 1overnight in a an Auberge in Merzouga with dinner & breakfast
- 1 overnight in a hotel in Ourzazate with dinner & breakfast
- Camel ride on the dunes.
Does not include :
- Travel insurance.
- Soft/alcoholic drinks
- Tips and personal expanses
- Lunches
- Entrance fee (Monuments visits)
Availability & dates
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
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
Accommodation
Essential Equipment / Kit hire
- Good trainers for valley treks
- Personnel First aid Kit
- Lightweight waterproof over-trousers / rain-pants
- Lightweight daypack
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Torch and batteries
- Towel & all personal toiletries
Start Point ? Finish Point?
- 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 droped off at the nearest point to your riad/hotel , our driver can call your riad to meet you if needed.
How do you book & pay?
Find the trek you are interested in then contact us via E-mail to discuss your trek and check availability. Once the details of your trek (duration, route and number of people) have been agreed, we will make a provisional booking, giving the dates and cost.
To confirm your booking we ask you to pay a 20% deposit. This can be in Euros, pounds sterling or US dollars online via bank account. The balance is paid in Morocco by cash – again in Euros, sterling or dollars – at the beginning of the trek.
NB: if you can't carry cash, you can always pay again the balance online by bank few days before departure.
To confirm your booking we ask you to pay a 20% deposit. This can be in Euros, pounds sterling or US dollars online via bank account. The balance is paid in Morocco by cash – again in Euros, sterling or dollars – at the beginning of the trek.
NB: if you can't carry cash, you can always pay again the balance online by bank few days before departure.
What is appropriate to wear in Morocco’s smaller villages and in the Sahara Desert?
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.
food on the tOUR
The food is fresh and healthy. Example meals:
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.
- Breakfast: Jam, bread, cookies, fruit, juice, butter, coffee, milk
- Dinner: Soup, classic Morooccan tajine, couscous, olives, nuts, fruit
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.
What's about the luggage during the tOUR ?
Personal baggage will be all the time with you on the car during the whole tour. During the overnight camel trek, you can pack what you will need and leave the rest on the car.
Extend your stay in Morocco’s Sahara Desert, Atlantic Coast or cities
All of our Mountain treks ca be combined with some other tours either to the sahara desert, Imperial cities or to the Atlantic coast, below are some options :
Lastest Reviews
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Every little thing was taken care of. My partner and I are very impressed with the amazing guides who got the balance between explanation and privacy right and their kind hearts. We will never forget this trip. I sincerely booking via this company. I was a bit worried paying the deposit via PayPal because I thought: what if it’s not as good as every review on trip advisor says it is? But honestly, don’t doubt. Most amazing company and guides.
Experience of a lifetime. Hiking and tour of southern Morocco
Mrs
/ Nora
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Aztat Treks made our trekking a great experience! Two friends from the Netherlands, accompanied by a friendly guide and skillful chef (and not to forget a strong mule) discovered the beauty of the Atlas Mountains during a 7 day-trekking. Overall we are happy with the arrangements by Aztat Treks.The company is flexible, reliable, customer-oriented and everything else that is needed to make your stay in Morocco a big success!
Perfect 2 Day Tour of the High Atlas
Mr
/ Boudewijn
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