3-Day Desert Trip to Erg Chegaga from Marrakech

Day 1: Marrakech – M’hamid El Ghizlane

Morning Pickup from Marrakech

1. • Time: Approx. 7:00 AM.
   • Begin your desert adventure with a scenic drive through the High Atlas Mountains, passing Tizi-n-Tichka Pass. Enjoy the changing landscapes, from lush valleys to rugged terrain as you head towards the Draa Valley.

Lunch Stop in Zagora

1. • Time: Around 12:00 PM.
   • Stop in Zagora for lunch, a small desert town where you can stretch your legs and enjoy traditional Moroccan food. You’ll also see the famous “Tombouctou 52 days” signpost.

Arrival in M’hamid El Ghizlane

1. • Time: Approx. 4:00 PM.
   • Continue the journey through the Draa Valley, reaching M’hamid El Ghizlane in the late afternoon. This desert village is known as the gateway to the Sahara, where you can relax and unwind.

Evening in M’hamid El Ghizlane

1. • Enjoy a peaceful evening in M’hamid, with the chance to explore the town, learn about its Berber culture, and enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner at your hotel or camp.

Overnight in M’hamid El Ghizlane

1. • Spend your first night in a comfortable desert camp or hotel in M’hamid El Ghizlane, experiencing the charm of the Moroccan desert under a starlit sky.

Day 2: M’hamid El Ghizlane – Erg Chegaga Dunes

Camel Trek to Erg Chegaga

1. • Time: Morning departure.
   • After breakfast, embark on a camel trek into the desert towards the majestic Erg Chegaga dunes. This 2-3 hour trek offers incredible views of the desert landscape and a chance to fully immerse yourself in the Sahara.

Arrival at Erg Chegaga

1. • Time: Approx. 12:30 PM.
   • Arrive at the Erg Chegaga dunes, where you’ll be welcomed with a traditional Moroccan tea at your desert camp. Enjoy lunch, followed by free time to relax and take in the vastness of the desert.

Explore the Dunes

1. • After lunch, you can explore the surrounding dunes by foot or on a camel. The vastness of Erg Chegaga, with its high sand dunes, is truly breathtaking.

Dinner and Camp Experience

1. • In the evening, enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner under the stars at your desert camp. The evening will be filled with Berber music and a magical atmosphere, offering a chance to unwind and enjoy the serenity of the Sahara.

Overnight in Desert Camp

1. • Sleep under the stars in your desert camp, experiencing the tranquility of the Sahara in an authentic, comfortable setup.

Day 3: Erg Chegaga – Marrakech

Sunrise in the Desert

1. • Wake up early to witness a breathtaking sunrise over the dunes, a truly magical moment that marks the beauty and vastness of the Sahara.

Return Journey to M’hamid El Ghizlane

1. • After breakfast, embark on a scenic 3-4 hour drive back to M’hamid El Ghizlane, crossing desert terrain and dry lakebeds. You may stop along the way to take photos and enjoy the changing landscapes.

Lunch in M’hamid El Ghizlane

1. • Enjoy a traditional lunch in M’hamid before beginning your journey back to Marrakech.

Drive Back to Marrakech

1. • In the afternoon, take the scenic route back to Marrakech, with an estimated arrival time of around 7:00 PM. Along the way, you can reflect on your incredible desert adventure.