This twelve-day desert tour offers an adventurous journey through some of Morocco's most stunning landscapes, beginning in Ouarzazate. The tour takes you through the Atlas Mountains, past Berber villages, and into the vast Sahara, with highlights including the towering Erg Chigaga dunes, a night under the stars, the Mars-like Lake Iriki first time has water since 2002, and the prehistoric engravings near Tata. You'll experience nomadic Saharan culture, ancient caravan towns, and remote ksours. The trip culminates at the wild, pristine Plage Blanche beach after visiting historic Fort Bou Jerif. Each day offers a mix of history, nature, and cultural immersion.
Day 1: Marrakech — Ouarzazate (Transfer)
The journey begins with a private transfer from Marrakech to Ouarzazate, a city known as the "Gateway to the Desert" and famous for its film studios, where movies like Gladiator and Game of Thrones were filmed. Along the way, you'll cross the scenic Atlas Mountains, passing traditional Berber villages and oases. Upon arrival in Ouarzazate, settle into your accommodation.
Overnight: Hotel in Ouarzazate.
Day 2: Ouarzazate — Foum Zguid
After breakfast, head towards Foum Zguid, a small town marking the start of true desert landscapes. The route takes you through stunning valleys and traditional Berber villages. Foum Zguid is a gateway to the Sahara, where the desert begins to dominate the landscape.
Overnight: Hotel Bab Rimal in Foum Zguid.
Day 3: Foum Zguid — Erg Chigaga
Today, journey to the majestic Erg Chigaga dunes, some of the highest in Morocco, reaching over 300 meters. Along the way, you'll pass through rocky plateaus and vast expanses of desert before reaching the towering dunes. As the sun sets, the beauty of the golden sands becomes a truly unforgettable sight.
Overnight: Nomad camp in Erg Chigaga, under the stars.
Day 4: Erg Chigaga (Extra Night)
Spend an additional day and night in the stunning Erg Chigaga dunes, allowing for a deeper exploration of this beautiful region. Take time to learn about the nomadic culture of the Sahara, enjoy camel treks through the dunes, or simply relax in the peaceful desert surroundings.
Overnight: Nomad camp in Erg Chigaga.
Day 5: Erg Chigaga — Foum Zguid
After a magical night under the stars, return to Foum Zguid. Along the way, pass Lake Iriki, a dry salt lake that resembles a Martian landscape, now a vast expanse of salt and sand.
Overnight: Hotel Bab Rimal in Foum Zguid.
Day 6: Foum Zguid — Tata
After breakfast, the journey continues towards Tata, crossing desert plateaus with bizarre rock formations in varying colors. Tata is an ancient caravan town, known for its prehistoric rock engravings.
Overnight: Camping Hayat in Tata.
Day 7: Tata — Icht
Leave Tata and head deeper into the desert to the region of Icht, known for its ksours (fortified villages) and peaceful, off-the-beaten-path atmosphere. This region offers a quieter and more tranquil experience of the desert.
Overnight: Hotel Borj Biramane in Icht.
Day 8: Icht — Assa
Today, travel towards Assa, a small oasis town renowned for its traditional architecture and peaceful desert surroundings. The town serves as a gateway to more desert exploration, offering an authentic glimpse into local life.
Overnight: Traditional Berber maison d’hotes Siwaji in Assa.
Day 9: Assa — Tan-Tan
Continue from Assa to Tan-Tan, passing through arid and rocky desert landscapes. Tan-Tan is famous for its annual moussem, a traditional festival that brings together nomads from all over the region.
Overnight: MJI group hotel in Tan-Tan.
Day 10: Tan-Tan — Fort Bou Jerif
After breakfast, set off towards Fort Bou Jerif, an old French military outpost from the colonial era. Now abandoned, it offers a fascinating look into Morocco's colonial history, surrounded by rugged desert landscapes perfect for exploring by buggy.
Overnight: Touristic complex Bou Jerif near Fort Bou Jerif.
Day 11: Fort Bou Jerif — Plage Blanche
Travel from Fort Bou Jerif to Plage Blanche, a remote beach known for its 40 kilometers of pristine white sand. It's the wildest beach in Morocco, framed by the beauty of the coastal Sahara. Set up camp on this secluded beach for an unforgettable night.
Overnight: Camping Atlantique Tantan near Plage Blanche.
Day 12: Tan-Tan — Marrakech (Transfer)
After breakfast, you’ll have a private transfer from Tan-Tan back to Marrakech, crossing vast desert landscapes before arriving in the vibrant city. Your adventure concludes upon arrival in Marrakech.
Included
Buggy Rental, fuel and equipment
Accommodation
Food
Transfer from Marrakech to the starting point and back
Not Included
Alcohol
Souvenirs
Flight to Morocco