Erg Chegaga : an authentic desert

Morocco, discover this 11-day trip

Trip Description

While mass tourism frequents the dunes of the Erg Chebbi in Merzouga but much too exploited for our taste, we much prefer a real crossing of the desert to the south of the Draa Valley, at the Erg Chegaga, between Mhamid and Foum Zguid. If the desert is not the gateway next to Marrakech (note that this itinerary can be advantageously done from Ouarzazate or Agadir, thus significantly reducing the driving time), we have expressly planned it over ten days to allow three different experiences in the desert area. You will also have a good overview of the architecture of the great south, with its villages of land and kasbahs, which blend so well with the vast palm groves of the Draa Valley.

Accomodation

No accomodation information available

Stay program

day 1:
Marrakech
Reception at Marrakech airport by shuttle chartered by your riad. Depending on the time of arrival, it is possible to discover the medina, the Jemma El Fna square and the Koutoubia minaret. Accommodation in a 3* riad with bath and spa, half board, in the medina.
day 2:
Marrakech
Discovery of the must-sees of Marrakech, with a choice of visits not imposed but with an official guide for the day. Same riad but at night with breakfast: enjoy the countless dining options of the imperial city!
day 3:
Berber High Atlas
Our 4x4 driver will take you to climb the High Atlas and pass the Tizi n'Tichka pass. In Telouet, the Glaoui palace is worth a visit if it reopened after the earthquake. Not far away, after an old salt works, an old kasbah welcomes you, overlooking a steep-sided high altitude valley (Tigmi n'Oufella). Accommodation without fuss in DP but good welcome!
day 4:
Ouarzazate
The winding road, an old caravan track, crosses many Berber villages suffering from a lack of water and overlooking a gorge. We arrive at the famous Ksar Ait Benhaddou, it is better to visit after the departure of the coaches at the end of the day. Different visits are possible in Ouarzazate, depending on your interests. Accommodation in a guest house in a completely non-touristy village, in the Yuda Garden, with half board. Good welcome and good food. A women's weaving cooperative next door.
day 5:
Kasbahs and ksour of the Drâa Valley
A mineral and scenic road leads to the extensive palm groves of the Draa Valley. Don't miss a visit to the impressive or interesting fortified villages of Tamnougalte and Timiderte. Original accommodation (in dempi-board) in an old kasbah of Caïd where the descendant welcomes you with kindness in a rather exceptional setting. Awesome panorama of the roof of the kasbah and swimming pool all the same!
day 6:
Ouled Driss to Mhamid
Let's skip the hyper tourist attractions around Zagora, continue on a very pleasant road to the end of the Draa Valley at the level of Mhamid. Here again, several ksour deserve a look, as well as a traditional house. The driver can make a detour to the small erg Lehoudi, which will be initiatory. Ali from the Tuareg Kasbah awaits you with simplicity and sympathy in his kasbah to leave in a mini-camel to the dunes on the edge of the Wadi Drâa here dried up to establish a private, simple camp, for a first immersion in a desert area.
day 7:
Erg Chegaga
Less than two hours of tracks on a wide variety of terrain to reach the dune massif of Erg Chegaga. The ideal would be to climb the highest dune to enjoy the panorama, preferably at the end of the day. Comfortable accommodation at the Aladdin camp (sanitary facilities in the tents), with campfire and local music as it should be.
day 8:
Iriki, Mdouer and Tissint
A soft sand track crosses an area of dunes and tamarisk trees where you can occasionally see fearful Dorca gazelles and nonchalant addax. This is followed by a vast flat expanse, normally dry, with frequent mirages: Lake Iriki. An old Dakar track leads to the table mountain of Petit M'Douer and then to the curious formations of Grand M'Douer. There is still a 45-minute drive at the end of the desert to the town of Tissint to hike in a beautiful gorge or try a swim with unexpected waterfalls. Not far away, a rather incredible and comfortable camp has been set up in a mineral universe. So we prolong the desert atmosphere for another night!
day 9:
Palm trees and rocky formations of the Anti Atlas
We go up to Ouarzazate via some palm groves and then a succession of panoramas of quite new rock formations. In Ouarzazate, accommodation in an ecolodge with swimming pool and half board.
day 10:
Marrakech
We went back to Marrakech by a different road than on the way out via Agouim. You should still have some time left for shopping in the souks of Marrakech or some treatment at the riad. Same riad as at the beginning, half board.
day 11:
Flight back
Transfer by taxi to the airport