8 Days Marrakech to Erg Chegaga and Essaouira

Your journey begins in Marrakech with a morning departure across the spectacular Tizi n’Tichka Pass, Morocco’s highest major mountain pass, rising to 2,260 metres above sea level. The road winds through the dramatic landscapes of the High Atlas Mountains and traditional Berber villages.

You will then visit the historic Kasbah of Telouet, also known as the Glaoui Palace, which was once the powerful residence of the Lords of the Atlas. In the afternoon, continue through the scenic Ounila Valley, a colourful canyon dotted with salt mines, ancient villages, and troglodyte caves.

By late afternoon, arrive at the famous fortified village of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Overnight in a traditional riad inside or near the ancient ksar.

After breakfast, depart from Ait Ben Haddou and continue towards Ouarzazate, often known as the “Gateway to the Desert.” From there, travel to the lush Skoura Oasis, renowned for its palm groves and beautifully preserved kasbahs, including the famous Kasbah Amridil.

Continue through the scenic Boutaghrar Valley, a remote and authentic region known for its dramatic landscapes, traditional Berber villages, and terraced fields. The route then leads to the spectacular Dades Valley, where the striking red cliffs and unique rock formations create an unforgettable setting.

Arrive in the Dades Valley in the late afternoon and spend the night in a traditional guesthouse or hotel.

After breakfast, continue through the Dades Valley before travelling towards Tinghir. Visit the impressive Todra Gorge, where towering limestone cliffs rise dramatically on both sides of the narrow canyon.

The journey then continues across the desert landscapes towards Erfoud, famous for its fossil workshops and marble products. Proceed to Rissani, a historic market town and former caravan centre, before reaching Merzouga in the afternoon.

Upon arrival, enjoy a camel trek through the magnificent Erg Chebbi dunes, lasting approximately one and a half hours. Watch the sunset over the Sahara before spending the night in a traditional or luxury desert camp beneath the stars.

After enjoying the sunrise over the desert, leave the dunes behind and travel west across the rugged landscapes of the Sahara’s rocky plateau, known as the hamada or “Black Desert.”

Stop in the small town of Alnif, famous for its trilobite fossils, before continuing through the peaceful desert settlement of Tazzarine. In the afternoon, enter the lush Draa Valley, Morocco’s longest river valley, lined with palm groves and ancient kasbahs.

Arrive in Agdz, overlooked by the distinctive peak of Jbel Kissane. Spend the night in a beautifully restored kasbah in the nearby village of Tamnougalt.

Follow the Draa River south through endless date-palm groves towards Zagora. Along the way, stop in the pottery village of Tamegroute, renowned for its traditional green-glazed ceramics and historic library.

Continue to M’Hamid, the last town before the true Sahara, where the paved road comes to an end. From there, embark on an approximately two-hour 4×4 journey across the desert to the remote dunes of Erg Chegaga.

This vast sea of dunes is quieter and more secluded than Merzouga. Spend the night in a desert camp surrounded by silence and breathtaking starry skies.

In the morning, travel off-road across the dry bed of Lake Iriqui before reaching Foum Zguid. Continue north to Taznakht, a town renowned throughout Morocco for its Berber carpets and traditional weaving techniques.

Later, stop in Taliouine, known as the saffron capital of Morocco and one of the world’s leading saffron-producing regions. By evening, arrive in Taroudant, often called “Little Marrakech” because of its impressive red walls, lively souks, and traditional atmosphere.

After a short visit to the souks of Taroudant, drive west towards the Atlantic coast and the modern seaside city of Agadir. From there, follow the scenic coastal road north to Essaouira.

Along the way, you may pass through argan forests, where goats are famously known to climb the trees in search of the fruit. In the afternoon, arrive in Essaouira, historically known as Mogador.

Explore the city’s historic medina, lively fishing harbour, and impressive sea bastions, including the famous Skala de la Ville. Overnight in a traditional riad in this charming blue-and-white coastal town.

Enjoy a relaxing morning in Essaouira. You may spend time on the beach, stroll through the medina, or shop for traditional thuya-wood crafts, local artwork, and handmade souvenirs.

In the afternoon, drive approximately three hours inland to Marrakech. Along the way, stop at a traditional argan-oil cooperative to learn about the production of Morocco’s famous argan oil.