This nine-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: Ouarzazate — Foum Zguid
The journey begins in Ouarzazate, often called the "Gateway to the Desert." This city is known for its famous film studios where movies like *Gladiator* and *Game of Thrones* were filmed. As you cross the Atlas Mountains, you'll see traditional Berber villages between oases and endless valleys before arriving at Foum Zguid, a small town marking the start of true desert landscapes. At Foum Zguid, you'll stay at Hotel Bab Rimal.
Day 2: Foum Zguid — Erg Chigaga
You'll reach the Erg Chigaga dunes, some of the highest in Morocco, rising over 300 meters. These dunes offer spectacular sunsets. The surrounding desert is home to nomads who still live traditionally, providing a chance to learn about Saharan culture. In Erg Chigaga, you'll stay in one of the desert nomad camps in authentic tents under the stars.
Day 3: Erg Chigaga — Foum Zguid
After a magical night under the stars in Erg Chigaga, renowned for its exceptionally clear sky, the group returns to Foum Zguid via Lake Iriki, a dry salt lake. You'll encounter a Mars-like landscape—once submerged but now transformed into a vast expanse of salt and sand. Overnight is back at Hotel Bab Rimal.
Day 4: Foum Zguid — Tata
Heading towards Tata, you'll cross desert plateaus dotted with bizarre relief shapes of rock remnants in different colors and scales. Tata is an ancient caravan town that was a major stop for traders crossing the Sahara. The region is also known for its prehistoric rock engravings. Here, you'll stay in Camping Hayat.
Day 5: Tata — Icht
The journey from Tata to Icht takes you deeper into the desert. The Icht region is known for its ksours (fortified villages) and historical mausoleums. This segment of the route is one of the most peaceful, away from major tourist routes. Tonight, the group will stay at Hotel Borj Biramane.
Day 6: Icht — Assa
From Icht, you head towards Assa, a small oasis town known for its traditional architecture and serene desert surroundings. Assa serves as a gateway to explore the unique desert landscape and offers a peaceful respite with its charming, traditional atmosphere. You will stay in an authentic Berber maison d’hotes Siwaji.
Day 7: Assa — Tan-Tan
The journey continues from Assa to Tan-Tan. You will traverse arid, rocky landscapes. Tan-Tan is famous for its annual moussem (traditional festival) that brings together nomads from the region. The city is a meeting point for Saharan tribes, offering a glimpse into traditional desert life. You will stay at MJI group hotel.
Day 8: Tan-Tan — Fort Bou Jerif
Fort Bou Jerif is an old French military fort built during the colonial era. Now abandoned, it remains a fascinating site, offering insight into Morocco's colonial history. The fort is surrounded by rugged desert landscapes, ideal for buggy exploration. On this day, the group will stay in a stylish touristic complex Bou Jerif near the fort.
Day 9: Fort Bou Jerif — Plage Blanche
Travel from Fort Bou Jerif to Plage Blanche. This secluded beach is renowned for its 40 km of pristine white sand. It’s the wildest beach in Morocco, surrounded by the serene beauty of the coastal Sahara. The expedition will finish in an adventurous camping Atlantique Tantan.
Included
Buggy Rental, fuel and equipment
Accommodation
Food
Transfer from Marrakech to the starting point
Not Included
Alcohol
Souvenirs
Flight to Morocco