Travel circuit from the Erg Chebbi desert to Marrakech

4 nights / 5 days

Trip description

“Erg Chebbi – Marrakech” is a truly authentic to discover the south of the country . This route awakens us in the Erg Chebbi Desert , a spectacle for the senses , with endless dunes and that magical aura that only special places possess, allowing us to spend an unforgettable night under the stars . We will continue in our 4x4 towards the High Atlas Mountains , discovering the landscapes along the way, stopping to contemplate their beauty , chat with the villagers, and leisurely enjoy their secluded villages and immense gorges . The route will end in Marrakech , a city bursting with color , dotted with artisans and artists , with magnificent squares and aromas that will leave a lasting impression.

Duration

4 nights / 5 days
Places

Errachidia, Erfoud, Erg Chebbi, Merdani, Rissani, Tinerhir, Boulmane Dades, Marrakech
Airport

Errachidia / Marrakech
Price

See Details

Duration

4 nights / 5 days
Places

Errachidia, Erfoud, Erg Chebbi, Merdani, Rissani, Tinerhir, Boulmane Dades, Marrakech
Airport

Errachidia / Marrakech
Price

See Details

Day 1 of the itinerary

Departure from the airport of origin towards Casablanca , where depending on the time of year there may be a time difference .
Connection with the Casablanca–Errachidia flight at 23:00 hours .
Arrival in Errachidia at 23:59 hours .
Passport procedures and baggage collection .
Transfer to Erfoud , a city known as "the Gateway to the Desert" , located approximately 70 km (about a 50-minute journey ).
Accommodation and dinner at the Kasbah Xaluca , listed as unique in Morocco for its peculiar characteristics .

Casablanca and its unique time system

Morocco uses UTC+1 for most of the year, but temporarily switches to UTC+0 during Ramadan , which can lead to unexpected time differences compared to your home country. This adjustment explains why, depending on the time of year, the local time in Casablanca may not match your departure time.
Errachidia: aerial gateway to the historic oasis of Tafilalet

Airport (ERH) in Errachidia was initially a military base before opening to civilian traffic. Today, it is the main air gateway to Tafilalet , considered one of the largest oases in North Africa and the birthplace of the current Alaouite dynasty.
Erfoud: Morocco's capital of fossils and a true "Gateway to the Desert"

Erfoud is nicknamed the "Gateway to the Desert" because it is the last major settlement before reaching Erg Chebbi and the Sahara routes. It is also an internationally renowned center for the extraction and processing of Devonian fossils —trilobites, ammonites, and goniatites over 350 million years old—found in the nearby mountains.

Day 2 of the itinerary

Today will be a day of total desert.
We will travel along one of the tracks used in the Dakar Rally , visiting villages and desert nomads .
We will continue until we reach the Great Erg Chebbi , the "Desert of Dunes of very fine sand" , where we will change the 4x4 vehicle for dromedaries to enter the heart of the dunes and contemplate an unforgettable sunset .
We will arrive by dromedary at the Bivouac de Luxe , where we will stay in tents like those used by desert nomads .
Accommodation and dinner.
Sleeping “under the stars” is

The legendary tracks of the old Dakar Rally

The routes connecting Erfoud, Taouz and Erg Chebbi were part of several stages of the Dakar Rally when the race crossed Morocco until 2007. These tracks combine hamadas (stony plateaus), dry wadis and sandy areas, and are still used today by rally-raid teams for training and navigation expeditions.
Erg Chebbi: dunes up to 150 meters high and exceptionally fine sand

Erg Chebbi is one of the few Moroccan ergs with dunes that can reach 100–150 meters in height . Its sand is extremely fine due to the combined action of wind and erosion over thousands of years, which creates a unique optical phenomenon at sunset: the dunes take on golden, reddish, and pinkish hues.
Sleeping in tents: a nomadic tradition that still survives

The haimas are traditional tents historically used by Saharan nomads, made from camel or goat wool to withstand extreme temperatures. Although many nomads are now semi-sedentary, the haimas remain a symbol of Saharan hospitality. Spending the night in one under a sky free of light pollution allows you to observe one of the clearest starry skies in North Africa .

Day 3 of the itinerary

“Date with Dawn”.
is recommended to get up early to walk to the top of the dunes and see the sunrise .
Bedouin breakfast and departure by car which will take us around the Erg to the abandoned village of Merdani .
We will continue to the Sudanese village of Khamlia , where its inhabitants will treat us to their traditional dances and mint tea .
Later we will go to Rissani * to visit its market , unique in these latitudes, a place where the tribes and nomads of the desert are supplied .
Curious to see their “parking” for donkeys .
Finally, we will climb to a natural viewpoint to say goodbye to the desert with a beautiful panoramic view .
In the afternoon, we'll depart on asphalt towards Tinerhir , a town that offers a beautiful panorama of contrasts with its pink houses and palm groves , an ideal starting point to explore the famous Todra Gorges , where we can walk a little following the course of the river .
Later we will arrive at Boumalne Dades , a town located in the Valley of the Birds , at an altitude of 1,612 m in the High Atlas Mountains .
Accommodation and dinner at the Hotel Xaluca Dades 4*.
The Rissani market is held on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays , so sometimes it doesn't coincide with your visit. In that case, we try to schedule it for another day, or sometimes there simply isn't enough time.

Sunrise in Erg Chebbi: one of the most spectacular in the Moroccan Sahara

Erg Chebbi is famous for its 100–150 meter high , offering a unique sunrise experience in Morocco. The fineness of the sand creates an exceptional light phenomenon: the desert changes from reddish to golden and pink hues in just a few minutes, due to the refraction of light on the sand grains.
Khamlia and Rissani: Gnawa music and a historic caravan market
Khamlia It was founded by communities of Sudanese origin and is known for its Gnawa music, registered as Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCOTheir rhythms were used in healing and trance rituals.
- Rissani was the capital of the ancient kingdom of Tafilalet and a key point on the Saharan caravan routes. Its market, which operates mainly on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays , maintains a veritable "donkey parking lot ," actually used by the inhabitants of the surrounding villages and tribes.
Tinerhir and the Todra Gorges: a 160-meter-high canyon

The town of Tinerhir is surrounded by a vast palm grove irrigated by traditional irrigation channels. Nearby are the Todra Gorges , where limestone walls rise to 160 meters at their narrowest point. The Todra River flows year-round, shaping the canyon and providing refreshing walks even in the warmer months.

Day 4 of the itinerary

In this stage we have a few kilometers ahead of us (approx. 310 km) , although they will be rewarded by the spectacular nature of its landscapes .
We will depart for Marrakech.
Along the way we will visit the Kasbah Aït Ben Haddou , declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and the setting for various film productions .
We will cross the entire Tizi n'Tichka or Tichka Mountain Pass , the highest road pass in the country .
Here we will leave behind the lunar landscape , which will give way to the predominant green and ochre colors .
Arrival in Marrakech in the afternoon.
It is recommended to make your first contact by visiting the unique Djemaa el-Fna Square , where at dusk the square fills up with reciters, fortune tellers, jugglers, tooth pullers, dancers, snake charmers and much more.
At dusk, small, illuminated food stalls are set up outdoors , where you can sample their typical dishes .
Accommodation in a Riad in the Medina or a 5* Hotel.
Note: Last day of 4x4 .

Aït Ben Haddou: an ancient ksar turned into a world cinema icon

The Ksar of Aït Ben Haddou , a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987, is one of the best-preserved examples of fortified adobe architecture in southern Morocco. It has been the setting for numerous international productions such as Gladiator , Game of Thrones , Babel , The Mummy , and Kingdom of Heaven . In fact, it is one of the most filmed locations on the entire African continent .
Tizi n'Tichka: the highest paved pass in Morocco

The Tizi n'Tichka pass , at 2,260 meters above sea level , is the highest paved mountain pass in the country. It was built during the French Protectorate in the 1930s to connect Marrakech with the southern regions. Its route is famous for its contrasting landscapes: in just a few kilometers, it transforms from an arid, mineral environment to verdant valleys and cultivated terraces.
Djemaa el-Fna: a living stage with centuries of oral history

Djemaa el-Fna Square has been declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage site by UNESCO, as it preserves vibrant traditions such as storytelling, snake charmers, acrobats, musicians, herbalists, and fortune tellers. At night, it transforms into one of the country's largest open-air food markets, with dozens of traditional food stalls operating for over 100 years.

Day 5 of the itinerary

This morning we will visit the Medina of Marrakech on foot with a local guide .
We will begin by admiring the Koutoubia Minaret , the twin of the Giralda of Seville , and continue by visiting the Bay Palace .
We will venture into the narrow streets of the Souk , where we will have the opportunity to see different artisans in action : weaving carpets , making slippers , etc.
We will be able to find an infinite variety of quality crafts .
We will visit a Berber pharmacy , where they will teach us their "little secrets" .
We will go out again to Djemaa el-Fna Square , where the atmosphere during the day is completely different from that at night .
In the afternoon, free time to practice the art of bargaining or discover the most hidden places of the Medina at our own pace.
At the agreed time , transfer to Marrakech airport to catch your return flight .

The Koutoubia Mosque: the Almohad minaret that inspired monuments in Seville and Rabat

The Koutoubia Mosque , built in the 12th century, is considered the masterpiece of Almohad architecture. Its 69-meter served as direct inspiration for the Giralda in Seville and the Hassan Tower in Rabat , forming a unique architectural trio that symbolizes the historical connection between Al-Andalus and the Maghreb.
The souks of Marrakech: a guild system active since the Middle Ages

The souks of Marrakech's Medina have been organized by trade for centuries: tanners, weavers, blacksmiths, goldsmiths, slipper makers, carpenters, dyers… Many of these trades continue to be passed down from parents to children, preserving traditional craft techniques. It is one of the largest artisan markets in North Africa .
Djemaa el-Fna: a living cultural heritage with unique daily cycles
The Djemaa el-Fna Square, recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage of HumanityIt is one of the most dynamic cultural spaces in the world. Its unique feature is that it changes completely throughout the day:
- In the morning and afternoon , musicians, acrobats, snake charmers and healers predominate.
- As night falls , the square transforms into a large open-air dining area with dozens of stalls selling traditional Moroccan food under makeshift lights.

At Xaluca Tours, all our programs are custom-designed to suit each traveler. Below, you can find the document with indicative prices for this program during peak and off-peak seasons.

👉 View program with detailed prices.

Remember that these prices are only a reference: each trip is quoted individually based on the number of people, dates, accommodation category, and included services.