3 Days Ouarzazate to Erg Chegaga Desert Tour
Ouarzazate → Agdz → Zagora → M’Hamid → Erg Chegaga (4×4) → Lake Iriki → Foum Zguid → Ouarzazate
Overview
Erg Chegaga is Morocco’s most remote large dune field. Unlike Merzouga, it lies beyond the end of the paved road, so it is reached by 4×4 across stony desert tracks from M’Hamid el-Ghizlane. The result is a quieter, wilder Sahara experience, with camps scattered far apart among the dunes.
From Ouarzazate you follow the Draa Valley through Agdz and Zagora to M’Hamid. The next day you switch to a 4×4 and drive off-road to Erg Chegaga for sunset and a night at camp. The return crosses the dry bed of Lake Iriki to Foum Zguid before the paved road back to Ouarzazate. This trip suits adventurous travellers and photographers who want space and silence.
Tour highlights
- Remote dunes of Erg Chegaga
- Off-road 4×4 crossing from M’Hamid
- The dry lake bed of Iriki
- Draa Valley palm groves
- Quiet camps far from the crowds
Day-by-day itinerary
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Day 1
Ouarzazate – Agdz – Zagora – M’Hamid
Drive the length of the Draa Valley via Agdz and Zagora to M’Hamid el-Ghizlane, the last village before the dunes. Night in a kasbah or camp near M’Hamid.
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Day 2
M’Hamid – Erg Chegaga by 4×4
Leave the asphalt behind and cross stony plains and small dunes by 4×4 to Erg Chegaga. Optional camel ride, sunset from the high dunes and a night at camp.
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Day 3
Erg Chegaga – Lake Iriki – Foum Zguid – Ouarzazate
Sunrise in the dunes, then cross the dry Lake Iriki by 4×4 to Foum Zguid and return on the paved road to Ouarzazate.
What’s included
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with a driver who speaks English (other languages on request)
- Pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation in the departure and arrival cities
- Accommodation for every night of the itinerary (hotel, riad or kasbah and desert camp)
- Breakfast and dinner on each overnight stay
- Camel ride to and from the desert camp where the itinerary includes one
- Fuel, tolls and parking
Not included
- Lunches and drinks
- Entrance fees to monuments and kasbahs
- Local guides in medinas unless stated in your quotation
- Optional activities (quad, 4×4 excursions, sandboarding…)
- Travel insurance and flights
- Tips and personal expenses
Practical information
Accommodation
1 night in a kasbah or camp near M’Hamid, 1 night in a desert camp at Erg Chegaga (standard or luxury).
Transportation
Private vehicle from Ouarzazate, 4×4 with driver for the desert section. Optional camel ride.
Departure & arrival
Starts: Ouarzazate · Ends: Ouarzazate
- Itineraries can be adjusted: tell us your dates, pace and interests
- Accommodation category (standard, superior or luxury) is chosen when you book
- Long driving days include regular photo, coffee and lunch stops
- Bring warm layers for desert nights, especially from November to March
- Final inclusions, price and payment terms are confirmed in your written quotation
Frequently asked questions
Is Erg Chegaga better than Merzouga?
It is different: more remote and quieter, reached by 4×4. Merzouga’s Erg Chebbi is more accessible and has higher dunes close to the road.
Is the 4×4 track comfortable?
It is bumpy in places. It is not recommended for people with back problems.
Can this tour start from Marrakech?
Yes, as a tailor-made itinerary with an extra day of travel.
Request this tour
Send your dates and group details. We reply with a personalised proposal. Your request is not a confirmed booking until we confirm it in writing.
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Tell us your dates and we will prepare a clear, personalised proposal.