7 DAYS TOUR FROM AGADIR TO MERZOUGA AND ERG CHIGAGA

Day 1: Agadir – Marrakech

Your journey begins with a private pick-up from your accommodation in Agadir. Traveling north along the modern highway, you arrive in Marrakech, Morocco’s vibrant imperial city known as the “Red City” for its distinctive ochre ramparts.

Accompanied by a certified local guide, you begin an in-depth exploration of the medina. Visit the Koutoubia Mosque (exterior), whose 12th-century minaret dominates the skyline, and continue to the refined Bahia Palace, an exquisite example of Moroccan artistry. Explore the historic Ben Youssef Madrasa, once a prestigious Quranic school, and stroll through the labyrinthine souks—the largest traditional market complex in Morocco.

Conclude the day at the iconic Jemaa el-Fna Square, a dynamic cultural stage animated by musicians, storytellers, and artisans.

Overnight in a charming riad in Marrakech.

Day 2: Marrakech – High Atlas – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate

After breakfast, depart Marrakech and ascend the High Atlas Mountains via the spectacular Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 meters). The road winds through dramatic landscapes, terraced hillsides, and Berber villages perched on steep slopes.

Continue to the UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou, Morocco’s most iconic fortified village. Built in traditional earthen architecture, this ksar once served as a strategic caravan stop. Its cinematic presence in international films has further enhanced its global recognition.

After lunch, proceed to Ouarzazate, situated at the confluence of the Draa and Dades Valleys. Visit the historic Taourirt Kasbah and, if desired, the Atlas Film Studios.

Dinner and overnight in Ouarzazate.

Day 3: Ouarzazate – Todra Gorges – Erfoud

Depart Ouarzazate after breakfast, traveling along the legendary Road of a Thousand Kasbahs. Pass through Skoura Oasis and visit Kasbah Amridil, a remarkably preserved example of southern Moroccan architecture.

Continue through the Valley of Roses and into the Dades region, known for its extraordinary rock formations, often referred to as “Monkey Fingers.”

Arrive at the Todra Gorges, where sheer limestone cliffs rise dramatically to nearly 200 meters. Enjoy a short walk through the canyon before continuing east toward Erfoud, renowned for its fossil workshops and desert heritage.

Overnight in Erfoud.

Day 4: Erfoud – Rissani – Merzouga Desert

After breakfast, visit the historic town of Rissani, once known as Sijilmassa, a powerful medieval trading center on the caravan routes from Timbuktu. Explore its traditional souk, where regional trade continues in an authentic and vibrant atmosphere.

Continue to Merzouga and begin exploring the surrounding desert region. Visit Khamlia village to experience live Gnawa music—a rhythmic spiritual tradition rooted in Sub-Saharan heritage.

In the afternoon, venture by 4×4 into the hamada (rocky desert) to meet nomadic families and share tea in their tents, gaining insight into their resilient way of life.

Later, embark on a camel trek across the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi at sunset. Upon arrival at your desert camp, enjoy dinner, music around the campfire, and an unforgettable night beneath the stars.

Overnight in a desert camp.

Day 5: Merzouga – N’Kob – Zagora

After witnessing sunrise over the dunes and enjoying breakfast, return by camel or 4WD to meet your driver.

Travel westward through palm groves and traditional villages toward Zagora. The route offers expansive desert panoramas and glimpses of rural life shaped by oasis agriculture.

Dinner and overnight in Zagora.

Day 6: Zagora – M’Hamid – Erg Chigaga

After breakfast, travel along the Draa Valley, stopping in Tamegroute to visit its historic Quranic library and traditional green-glazed pottery workshops.

Continue to M’Hamid El Ghizlane, the last village before the open Sahara. From here, leave the paved road behind and embark on a 60-kilometer off-road adventure to Erg Chigaga.

Cross desert plateaus and the vast expanse near Lake Iriki before reaching the towering dunes of Erg Chigaga—one of Morocco’s most remote Saharan regions.

Enjoy a camel ride at sunset and spend the night in a desert camp surrounded by profound silence.

Day 7: Erg Chigaga – Foum Zguid – Tata – Agadir

After breakfast in the desert, begin your return journey along the former Paris-Dakar rally route, crossing the dry basin of Lake Iriki and dramatic desert plateaus.

Reach Foum Zguid and continue toward Tata, passing through oases and Anti-Atlas mountain scenery. Stop in Taroudant, known as “Little Marrakech,” before returning to Agadir in the early evening.

Drop-off at your accommodation marks the conclusion of your seven-day Saharan expedition.

Journey Distance & Travel Rhythm

This seven-day tour covers a large portion of southern Morocco, connecting the Atlantic coast with the High Atlas Mountains and the vast Sahara Desert. Travel days include scenic drives with regular stops for panoramic viewpoints, cultural visits, and short walks to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable pace. While some distances are significant, the itinerary is carefully designed to balance driving time with immersive experiences in Morocco’s most spectacular landscapes.

Desert Experiences in Erg Chebbi and Erg Chigaga

This tour is unique because it includes visits to both major Saharan dune systems in Morocco. Erg Chebbi near Merzouga is known for its tall, golden dunes and accessible desert camps, while Erg Chigaga offers a more remote and wild Sahara experience accessible only by off-road vehicles. Together, these two desert environments provide a deeper understanding of Morocco’s diverse desert landscapes and nomadic culture.

Camel Trekking

Camel trekking is one of the highlights of the desert experience. In Erg Chebbi and Erg Chigaga, camel rides usually last around 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the season and sunset timing. This gentle ride allows travelers to enjoy the beauty of the dunes while watching the colors of the desert change as the sun sets.

Accommodation During the Tour

Throughout the journey, accommodation includes traditional riads, guesthouses, or comfortable hotels in cities and towns such as Marrakech, Ouarzazate, Erfoud, and Zagora. In the desert, travelers stay in authentic Sahara desert camps where private or shared tents are available depending on the selected package.

Climate & Weather

Southern Morocco experiences significant temperature differences between day and night. Desert days can be warm or hot, especially during summer months, while nights can become cool, particularly between November and March. Bringing layers of clothing is recommended to remain comfortable throughout the journey.

What to Pack

Travelers are advised to bring comfortable clothing suitable for desert travel, walking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat for sun protection. A light backpack is useful during excursions and camel rides. It is also recommended to bring a warm jacket for cooler desert evenings.

Cultural Etiquette

Morocco has a rich cultural heritage shaped by Amazigh, Arab, and Saharan traditions. Visitors are encouraged to dress respectfully in rural areas and ask permission before photographing local people. Simple gestures such as greeting locals and showing interest in their traditions often create meaningful cultural exchanges.