Authentic desert of the Chegaga erg

Morocco, discover this 11-day trip

Trip Description

While mass tourism frequents the admittedly beautiful dunes of the Erg Chebbi in Merzouga, which are far too exploited for our taste, we much prefer a true desert crossing south of the Drâa Valley, at the Erg Chegaga, between Mhamid and Foum Zguid. Although the desert is not right next to Marrakech (note that this itinerary can advantageously be done from Ouarzazate or Agadir, thus significantly reducing travel times), we have specifically planned it over about ten days to allow for three different experiences in the desert area. You will also get a good overview of the architecture of the great south, with its earthen villages and kasbahs, which blend so well with the vast palm groves of the Drâa Valley.

Accomodation

No accomodation information available

Stay program

day 1
Marrakech
Welcome at Marrakech airport by a shuttle chartered by your riad. Depending on the time of arrival, possibility of free exploration of the medina, Jemma El Fna square, and the Koutoubia minaret. Accommodation in a 3* riad with bath and spa, half-board, in the medina.
day 2
Marrakech
Discovery of the must-sees of Marrakech, with visits of your choice, not imposed, but accompanied by an official guide for the day. Same riad, but overnight with breakfast: take advantage of the countless dining options in the imperial city!
day 3
Berber High Atlas
Our 4x4 driver will pick you up to set off for the ascent of the High Atlas and cross the Tizi n'Tichka pass. In Telouet, the Glaoui palace is worth a visit, provided it has reopened after the earthquake. Not far away, after an old salt mine, an old kasbah welcomes you, overlooking a high, narrow valley (Tigmi n'Oufella). Simple half-board accommodation, but a warm welcome!
day 4
Ouarzazate
The winding road, an old caravan trail, crosses many Berber villages suffering from a lack of water and overlooking a gorge. You arrive at the famous ksar Ait Benhaddou; it is better to visit it after the departure of the coaches, at the end of the day. Different visits are possible in Ouarzazate, depending on your interests. Accommodation in a guesthouse in a completely non-touristy village, at the Jardin de Yuda, with half board. Warm welcome and good food. Women's weaving cooperative right next door.
day 5
Kasbahs and ksour of the Drâa Valley
A mineral and scenic road leads to the vast palm groves of the Drâa Valley. Don't miss the visit to the impressive fortified villages of Tamnougalte and Timiderte. Original accommodation (half-board) in an old Caïd kasbah, where the descendant welcomes you warmly in an exceptional setting. Magnificent panorama from the kasbah roof and swimming pool available!
day 6
Ouled Driss in Mhamid
Let's skip the highly touristic attractions around Zagora and continue on a very pleasant road to the end of the Drâa Valley, near Mhamid. Here again, several ksour are worth a look, as well as a traditional house. The driver can make a detour to the small Lehoudi erg, which will be an initiatory experience. Ali from the Kasbah Touareg awaits you with simplicity and friendliness in his kasbah to set off on a mini-meharee to dunes on the edge of the Drâa wadi, which is dry here, in order to set up a simple, private camp for a first immersion in the desert area.
day 7
Erg Chegaga
Less than two hours of tracks on very varied terrain allow you to reach the dune massif of the Chegaga erg. The ideal is to climb the highest dune to enjoy the panorama, preferably at the end of the day. Comfortable accommodation at the Aladin camp (sanitary facilities in the tents), with a campfire and local music, as it should be.
day 8
Iriki, Mdouer and Tissint
A soft sand track crosses an area of small dunes and tamarisks where, from time to time, you can spot shy Dorcas gazelles and nonchalant addax. This is followed by a vast flat expanse, usually dry, with frequent mirages: Lake Iriki. An old Dakar track leads to the table mountain of Petit M’Douer, then to the curious formations of Grand M’Douer. There are 45 minutes of driving left from the edge of the desert to the small town of Tissint, where you can hike in a beautiful gorge or try swimming in the unexpected waterfalls. Not far away, a rather incredible and comfortable camp has been set up in a mineral landscape. So you can extend the desert atmosphere for another night!
day 9
Palm groves and rock formations of the Anti-Atlas
We head back up towards Ouarzazate via a few palm groves, then a succession of panoramas over some rather unique rock formations. In Ouarzazate, accommodation in an ecolodge with a swimming pool and half board.
day 10
Marrakech
Return to Marrakech by a different route than on the way there, via Agouim. You should still have a little time left for shopping in the souks of Marrakech or for some treatments at the riad. Same riad as at the beginning, half board.
day 11
Back
Taxi transfer to the airport.