Desert Legacy Tours

5-Day Desert Tour from Ouarzazate: Draa Valley, Sahara Trek & Erg Chigaga

The shortest road to the Sahara: from Ouarzazate, follow the kasbahs and palm groves of the Draa Valley to M'Hamid, walk for two days with pack camels to Sidi Naji and Erg Zahar, then reach Erg Chigaga by 4x4 for a night in a nomad camp. A lower price and less driving than the Marrakech or Agadir versions.

Circuit mixte Désert 5 Jours – Départ de Marrakech – Trekking & Erg Chegaga
Duration5 days / 4 nights
DepartureOuarzazate
Group size1-8 people
Typemixed
Best seasonOctober to April

Highlights

  • Shorter transfer and lower price than from Marrakech
  • Draa Valley kasbahs and palm groves on the way
  • Two days walking with pack camels and nomad guide
  • Wild bivouacs at Sidi Naji and Erg Zahar
  • Night at Erg Chigaga with Saharan music

Itinerary

  1. Day 1: Ouarzazate – Agdz – Zagora – M'HamidDeparture from Ouarzazate by private 4x4 through Agdz, the Draa Valley and Zagora, between kasbahs and palm groves. Arrival at M'Hamid El Ghizlane, dinner and night in a fixed camp.
  2. Day 2: Trek M'Hamid – Sidi NajiStart of the trek with your nomad guide and camels: 3-4 hours across the palm grove and the first dunes to Sidi Naji. The bivouac is set up together, dinner and evening around the fire.
  3. Day 3: Trek Sidi Naji – Erg ZaharSecond day of walking (3-4 hours) to the great dunes of Erg Zahar, far from any road. Sunset from the dunes and night in a wild bivouac.
  4. Day 4: 4x4 Erg Zahar – Erg ChigagaTransfer by 4x4 to Erg Chigaga, Morocco's largest erg. Afternoon on the dunes, dinner and a musical evening in a nomad camp.
  5. Day 5: Erg Chigaga – OuarzazateSunrise, breakfast and return by track and road to Ouarzazate, arriving in the afternoon.

What's included

Included

  • Private 4x4 with driver
  • 4 nights (fixed camp, 2 wild bivouacs, nomad camp)
  • Full board in the desert
  • Local nomad guide
  • Pack camels during the trek

Not included

  • Lunch on the road
  • Drinks
  • Tips

Photos

Circuit 4×4 - 2 Jours au Départ d'OuarzazateTrek Randonnées et Excursions 4x4 au Désert Maroc - Voyage MhamidTrek Randonnées et Excursions 4x4 au Désert Maroc - Voyage MhamidTrek Randonnées et Excursions 4x4 au Désert Maroc - Voyage MhamidExpédition 4x4 Erg Chegaga - Aventure Exclusive 2 Jours sur les Pistes du Sahara

Frequently asked questions

How long is the drive from Ouarzazate to M'Hamid?

About 4-5 hours with stops, following the Draa Valley through Agdz and Zagora.

Is this the same programme as the Marrakech and Agadir versions?

Yes, the desert part (two days of trekking and the night at Erg Chigaga) is identical. Only the departure city and the transfer days change, which makes the Ouarzazate version cheaper.

Do I need trekking experience?

No. The walking days are 3-4 hours on sand and flat ground at a relaxed pace, with camels carrying the luggage.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. All our departures are private, in small groups of 1 to 8 people, with your own vehicle, driver and local guide. Dates are flexible and the programme can be adapted to your group.

What should I pack?

Light, breathable clothes for the day and a few warm layers for the evening, comfortable closed shoes, a hat, sunglasses and sun cream. Blankets are provided, but bring a sleeping bag if you have one for extra comfort.

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