For travellers who want the wild, remote Sahara: a 4x4 expedition down the Draa Valley to Erg Chigaga, the tallest and most untouched dune sea in Morocco, far from the day-tripper crowds of Erg Chebbi. A 4-day Erg Chigaga 4x4 desert tour from Marrakech.
Day by day
Your 4-day plan
- 1
Day 1
Marrakech to Aït Ben Haddou & Ouarzazate
Over the Tizi n'Tichka through the High Atlas to the UNESCO kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou, then on to Ouarzazate, the 'door of the desert', for the night.
- Tizi n'Tichka pass
- Aït Ben Haddou
- Ouarzazate kasbahs
- 2
Day 2
Draa Valley palm groves to Zagora
Follow the Draa Valley, Morocco's longest river, through endless palm groves and old kasbahs to Zagora and the famous 'Timbuktu 52 days' sign, ending near M'Hamid on the edge of the true desert.
- Draa Valley palmeraie
- Zagora
- Tamegroute library
- M'Hamid
- 3
Day 3
4x4 into Erg Chigaga
Leave the tarmac for a 4x4 crossing over reg plains and oued beds to Erg Chigaga, a 40 km belt of dunes rising up to 300 m. Camel trek among the crests at sunset and overnight in a remote desert bivouac far from any village light.
- 4x4 off-road crossing
- Erg Chigaga dunes
- Sunset camel trek
- Remote desert bivouac
- 4
Day 4
Foum Zguid & return to Marrakech
Sunrise over Chigaga, then a 4x4 run across the desert to Foum Zguid, the lake of Iriqui (often dry), and the scenic road back to Marrakech via Taznakht's carpet country.
- Chigaga sunrise
- Foum Zguid
- Iriqui
- Taznakht carpets
Good to know
Practical notes
- Erg Chigaga is reached only by 4x4 — it is far less visited than Erg Chebbi and feels genuinely remote.
- Four days suits the off-road distances; a private 4x4 with an experienced desert driver is essential here.
- Nights are dark and cold, perfect for stargazing — bring warm layers and a torch.
Frequently asked
What is the difference between Erg Chigaga and Erg Chebbi?
Erg Chebbi (near Merzouga) is the more accessible and photographed dune field; Erg Chigaga (near M'Hamid) is larger, taller in places, reached only by 4x4, and far more remote and quiet. Chigaga is the choice for travellers who want wilderness over convenience.
Do I need a 4x4 for an Erg Chigaga tour?
Yes — there is no paved road to Erg Chigaga. The final stretch is an off-road desert crossing that requires a 4x4 and an experienced driver, which is why this tour is run as a 4x4 expedition.
Private & tailored
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