Agadir desert tour to the Erg Chegaga dunes 6 days
Discover the wonders of Morocco with a 6-day Agadir desert tour to Erg Chegaga Dunes. This unique safari allows you to extend your beach holiday and venture into the remote beauty of the Saharan dunes. Erg Chegaga, the largest of its kind, offers a magical and less touristy experience. Imagine fulfilling your adventurous dreams with a sunset camel ride to the top of Erg Chegaga Dunes, where the unknown awaits. At the luxury desert camp, immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of Berber and nomad music around a campfire under the starlit sky. Your exotic tent near the impressive dunes will transport you into the realm of 1001 Arabian Nights. The journey to the desert takes you through Taroudant, known as "little Marrakech," Talouine with its saffron museum, and Taznakht, renowned for its ancient craft of Berber rug-making. After the desert experience, drive through the picturesque Dra’a Valley with its palm tree oases, ancient kasbahs, and charming Berber villages, offering an authentic glimpse into rural Berber life. The Dades Valley will mesmerize you with its breathtaking rock formations. En route to Marrakech, explore the Skoura oasis and Kasbah Amredhil, which further exemplify Berber traditions. The UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, unveils the rich local history. In Marrakech, you'll have the chance to visit the city's main attractions, immersing yourself in the vibrant culture of Morocco. This Safari Morocco tour is a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and natural beauty, leaving you with unforgettable memories.
Desert tour from Agadir to Erg Chegaga – Itinerary :
1st day: Agadir – Taroudant – Tilouine – Foum Zguid
We will depart from Agadir at 8:30 am in a 4WD vehicle heading to Taroudant, often referred to as “the little Marrakech.” Taroudant is renowned for its impressive ramparts and beautiful medina.
Our journey continues to Tilouine, which is the heart of Morocco’s saffron growing region. Here, you’ll find an interesting museum with a delightful saffron scent that showcases the cultivation of this “golden” plant.
Afterward, we will cross the two mountain passes of Tizi-n-Tighatine and Tizi-n-Ikhsane before arriving at Kourkouda and Taznakht, famous for their Berber gelims and carpets. We’ll stop here for lunch.
As we proceed southward, we’ll drive past captivating rock formations and broader, flatter fields as we approach the edge of the Sahara desert. Our destination for the night will be Foum Zguid.
2nd day: Foum Zguid – Chegaga dunes
After breakfast, we embark on a journey into the Sahara Desert, crossing the once abundant Lake Iriqui, which used to be fed by the Dra’a River and teeming with fish and water birds. Now dried-up, the lake offers the opportunity to search for fossils in its middle.
Driving on an off-road trail, we pass through different desert landscapes, including the rocky stony desert known as “reg” and the barren “hammada.”
For lunch, we reach Chegaga, a remote area far from villages and civilization, surrounded by vast dunes as far as the eye can see. Here, you’ll have the chance to enjoy a camel ride in the dunes, lasting approximately one to one and a half hours, and witness the breathtaking sunset from atop the dunes.
Dinner and overnight accommodation await you at a luxurious campsite, where you’ll find private bathrooms, king-sized beds, and beautiful Moroccan furnishings and lamps thoughtfully arranged to immerse you in the serene and captivating beauty of the dunes.
3rd day: Chegaga Dunes – Agdez
For those who wake up early, a mesmerizing sunrise awaits, offering a breathtaking display of vibrant colors and captivating interplay of shadows on the dunes.
Following breakfast, our itinerary takes us to the Dra’a Valley, the longest valley in Morocco. As we traverse the route, we pass through charming villages such as Rissani, Alnif, Tazzarine, and N’Qob, where we pause for a delightful lunch.
In the afternoon, our journey continues to Tansikht, crossing the Dra’a River. The river’s flow can vary from a mighty current to a gentle trickle. From here, we head north, venturing off-road along the ancient caravan route that runs parallel to the valley, showcasing its majestic palm trees and ancient villages. As the afternoon draws to a close, we make a stop in Agdz for a well-deserved dinner and a restful night’s sleep.
4th day : Agdz – Agadir
After enjoying a delicious breakfast, we head northwest from Agdz towards Taznakht, renowned for its Berber gelims and carpets. Along the way, we are treated to stunning landscapes and pass by the Bouazzer mines. This region is secluded and offers a more off-the-beaten-track experience.
Continuing our journey, we head west towards Agadir, crossing the Tizi-n-Ikhsane and Tizi-n-Tighatine passes, each offering breathtaking views. We make a stop in Taliouine for lunch, a place known as the heart of the saffron growing area in Morocco. Here, you can explore an excellent small museum that showcases the art of saffron cultivation.
In the afternoon, we proceed to Taroudant once again, following the course of the often dry Souss River. The route treats us to the sight of numerous argane trees dotting the slopes of the hillsides. Eventually, we reach Agadir by late afternoon, as the journey concludes.
Your Agadir to Merzouga desert tour concludes around 18:00, leaving you with cherished memories of this incredible adventure.
5th day: Dades Gorges – Ouarzazate
After having lunch in the small Berber town of N’qob, we change direction and head north, crossing the Saghro mountains via the Tizi-n-Tazzazert pass (2283m). These mountains feature peculiar peaks and the notable “twin towers” of Bab-n-Ali. The Aït Atta tribe predominates in this region, known for being the last group to resist the French occupation.
For the night, we settle in the scenic Dades Valley.
The next day, following breakfast, we continue our journey up the valley until we reach the gorges, offering a chance for a leisurely walk. From there, we veer right to venture off-road, passing through Boutaghar. Along this route, you’ll encounter Berber nomads living in caves, and you have the opportunity to stop and enjoy tea with them.
Continuing our adventure, we proceed to the Rose Valley, where an annual Rose Festival takes place at the beginning of May. The abundant blossoms are distilled to create delightful oils, soaps, and lotions sold throughout the country. Our next stop is the Skoura Oasis, home to numerous ancient kasbahs, some unfortunately in ruins, nestled among the palm trees. You’ll have the time to explore the intriguing Kasbah Amredhil, which was once depicted on the old 50-dirham note.
Finally, we reach Ouarzazate, where you’ll spend the night in a traditional riad or guest house.
6th day : Ouarzazate – Agadir
The day starts with a visit to the renowned Aït ben Haddou, the most famous Kasbah in Morocco and a UNESCO World Heritage site, located approximately 30 kilometers away.
Returning to the main road, we take a left turn, passing by the well-preserved film set of “the Hills have Eyes” and the newly built Tiouine reservoir, stretching 130 kilometers. We then revisit Taznakht and cross the two mountain passes.
For lunch, we stop in Taliouine before continuing the journey back to Taroudant, following the often dry Souss River and the countless argane trees adorning the hillsides. Our tour concludes as we arrive back in Agadir by late afternoon, around 18:00, concluding the delightful Agadir desert tour to Erg Chegaga Dunes.
Map of Agadir Desert Tour to Erg Chegaga Dunes :
