Tour circuit from the Erg Chebbi desert to Marrakech

6 nights / 7 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

6 nights / 7 days
Places

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

Errachidia / Marrakech
Price

See Details

Duration

6 nights / 7 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,
Depending on the time of year, there may be a time difference.
Connection with the Casablanca – Errachidia flight at 23:00 h.
Arrival in Errachidia at 23:59 h, passport formalities and luggage collection.
Transfer to Erfoud, a city known as "the Gateway to the Desert", located approximately 70 km away (50 minutes journey).
Accommodation and dinner at the Kasbah Xaluca, listed as unique in Morocco for its peculiar characteristics.

Casablanca and its unique time change

Morocco follows UTC+1 for most of the year, but during Ramadan it temporarily switches to UTC+0, resulting in seasonal time differences. This adjustment explains why the local time may vary from the country of origin on certain dates.
Errachidia: the great aerial gateway to the Tafilalet oasis

Airport (ERH) was originally a military base before opening to civilian traffic. It is the main air gateway to Tafilalet, one of North Africa's largest oases and the historical region where the Alaouite dynasty, the royal family that has ruled Morocco since the 17th century, originated.
Erfoud: capital of Devonian fossils and gateway to the Sahara

Erfoud is internationally renowned for its abundance of fossils dating back over 350 million years, especially trilobites and ammonites from the Devonian period. Furthermore, it is the last major city before entering the Erg Chebbi desert, which is why it is known as the "Gateway to the Desert.

Day 2 of the itinerary

Total Desert Day.
We will travel along one of the tracks used in the Dakar Rally, visiting villages and desert nomads.
We will stop at the Marine Fossil Quarries, which are 360 million years old, and have a picnic in an authentic oasis.
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 haimas, tents made with dromedary hair.
Dinner and accommodation.
is Sleeping “under the stars”.

The tracks of the Dakar Rally: historic motor routes in the heart of the Sahara

The tracks linking Erfoud, Taouz, and Erg Chebbi were part of several editions of the Dakar Rally when the race crossed Morocco (until 2007). These routes, now widely used for rally-raid training, combine stony flatlands, dry wadis, and sandy sections that test both navigation and vehicle endurance.
360-million-year-old Devonian fossils: a desert that was once a seabed

The fossil quarries of the Erfoud region contain authentic remains from the Devonian Period, when this area was covered by a tropical sea. Trilobites, goniatites, ammonites, and fossilized primitive fish over 360 million years old, and Morocco is one of the world's largest exporters of Devonian fossils.
Erg Chebbi and the nomadic tents: living tradition under an exceptional sky

Erg Chebbi is one of Morocco's two major ergs and is known for its dunes reaching up to 150 meters in height. Sleeping in traditional tents, made from camel or goat hair, faithfully recreates the nomadic lifestyle of the Sahara. Furthermore, the area boasts one of the clearest starry domes in North Africa, thanks to the almost complete absence of light pollution.

Day 3 of the itinerary

“Appointment with the Dawn.”
It is recommended get up early to walk to the top of the dunes and see the sunrise.
Bedouin breakfast and departure by car to circle 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.
Return to the Kasbah Xaluca to enjoy the rest of the free day.
After the desert experience, it's nice to be able to relax.
Possibility of bathing in the heated pool, enjoying a jacuzzi, playing tennis or mini-golf, or optionally doing a hammam (Turkish bath) or receiving a good massage.
For the more adventurous, there is the possibility of quad bike excursions through the dunes surrounding the hotel (optional excursion).
Accommodation and dinner at the Kasbah Xaluca.
In the afternoon, chauffeured cars will be available if you wish to continue visiting the area, stroll freely around Erfoud or visit a shop selling handcrafted products.
The Rissani market is held on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays; if these do not coincide, an attempt will be made to reorganize or replace the visit depending on availability.

A unique sunrise in Erg Chebbi: colors that change in minutes. Casablanca and its unique time change

Erg Chebbi is one of the best places in Morocco to watch the sunrise thanks to its 100–150 meter high. As sunlight filters through the fine sand, it creates a chromatic phenomenon that transforms the dunes from intense orange to gold and pink in a matter of minutes.
Khamlia: cradle of Gnawa music recognized by UNESCO

The village of Khamlia is inhabited by descendants of Sudanese communities who keep Gnawa music, a tradition recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage. Their rhythms, featuring krakebs and drums, along with their ritual dances, were part of trance and healing ceremonies that are still performed for visitors today.
Rissani: an authentic caravan market with a real “donkey parking”

The Rissani market, open Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, is one of the oldest souks in southern Morocco. It was a key point on the ancient caravan routes of the Sahara and maintains an authentic "donkey parkingarea," where villagers and tribal residents leave their animals while they shop or trade.

Day 4 of the itinerary

We 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 continue to Boumalne Dades, a town located in the Valley of the Birds, at an altitude of 1,612 m in the High Atlas Mountains.
In the afternoon we will travel through the Dades Valley to its gorges, and we will arrive at the viewpoint, where we will have tea.
During the visit, we will stop at the "monkey's paws", a rock formation very characteristic of the area.
Accommodation and dinner at the Hotel Xaluca Dades 4*.

Tinerhir and the Todra Gorges: a canyon with walls up to 160 meters high

The Todra Gorge is one of the most impressive canyons in southern Morocco, where the limestone walls reach up to 160 meters in height at its narrowest point. The Todra River flows year-round, allowing for a pleasant walk along the water's edge even in warmer weather.
Dades Valley: home of the famous “monkey paws”

The "Monkey Fingers" aregeologicalformations created by differential erosion over millions of years on layers of sedimentary rock. Their undulating and repetitive shape is unique in Morocco and makes this area of the Dades Valley one of the most photographed landscapes in the High Atlas Mountains.
Boumalne Dades: a strategic point between oases, mountains and Berber villages

Located at an altitude of 1,612 meters, the town of Boumalne Dades has historically been a meeting point between Berber tribes of the High Atlas Mountains and the routes connecting the southern oases. Its surroundings form part of the Valley of the Birds, so named for the variety of birds that inhabit its cultivated terraces, ravines, and cliffs.

Day 5 of the itinerary

Today we will venture along trails deep into the Central High Atlas, discovering spectacular landscapes.
We will visit Berber villages such as Boutaghrar and Amskar, where time seems to have stood still.
We will see mountains, canyons and valleys, as well as the caves where nomads still live in the mountains.
We will explore the M'Goun Gorges for an unforgettable walk.
Lunch , will be on the roadat a “Gite d'Etape”.
Accommodation and dinner at the Hotel Xaluca Dades 4*.

The Central High Atlas: a territory of mountains shaped over millions of years

The Central High Atlas is home to some of the oldest mountains in North Africa. Its topography—with deep canyons, narrow valleys, and steep formations—was formed primarily during the Alpine orogeny, the same geological process that gave rise to the European Alps.
Boutaghrar and Amskar: villages where the traditional Berber way of life is still preserved

The villages of Boutaghrar and Amskar are known for their mud-brick architecture and for maintaining an ancestral rural lifestyle. In this region, there are still semi-sedentary nomadic families who live in mountain caves for part of the year, taking advantage of natural shelters protected from the wind and extreme temperatures.
M'Goun Gorges: one of the most beautiful and little-known gorges in the Atlas Mountains

The M'Goun Gorges, formed by the waters of the second highest peak in the Atlas Mountains, offer a spectacular landscape with narrow, winding walls eroded over thousands of years. The area is part of the M'Goun Geopark, recognized by UNESCO for its geological value and biodiversity.

Day 6 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 leave 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, which at this time is filled with reciters, fortune tellers, jugglers, tooth pullers, dancers and snake charmers.
As night falls, the square comes alive with its small, illuminated outdoor food stalls, where you can sample typical dishes.
Accommodation in a Riad in the Medina or a 5* Hotel.
Note: Last day of 4x4.

Aït Ben Haddou: an adobe ksar with over 1,000 years of history and a movie star

The Ksar of Aït Ben Haddou, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, is one of the most emblematic examples of fortified adobe architecture in southern Morocco. It has been the setting for productions such as Gladiator, Game of Thrones, The Jewel of the Nile, Lawrence of Arabia , and Kingdom of Heaven, making it one of the most filmed locations on the African continent.
Tizi-n'Tichka: Morocco's highest paved mountain pass

The Tizi-n'Tichka pass, at 2,260 meters above sea level, is the highest road pass in the country. Built in the 1930s during the French Protectorate, its winding route offers one of Morocco's most striking landscape contrasts: in just a few kilometers, the terrain transforms from arid, almost lunar landscapes to fertile valleys filled with terraced farmland.
Djemaa el-Fna Square: a living heritage recognized by UNESCO

was Djemaa el-Fna Square the first space declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO (2001), thanks to its oral traditions, musicians, storytellers, acrobats, herbalists, snake charmers, and street performers. At nightfall, it transforms into one of the largest open-air dining areas in the country, with dozens of stalls selling traditional Moroccan cuisine.

Day 7 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: weaving carpets, making slippers...
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 the Giralda of Seville

The Koutoubia Minaret, built in the 12th century, is a masterpiece of Almohad architecture and served as a direct model for the Giralda of Seville. Its tower measures 69 meters and is perfectly aligned with the main avenue thanks to ancient Islamic urban planning regulations.
The Marrakech Souk: a labyrinth of artisans active since the Middle Ages

The souks of Marrakech have been organized by guilds since the 11th century: tanners, dyers, blacksmiths, carpenters, weavers, potters… Many artisans continue to use traditional techniques inherited from generation to generation, making the medina one of the largest and oldest artisan markets in North Africa.
Djemaa el-Fna: living cultural heritage and social heart of Marrakech

was Djemaa el-Fna Square recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity for preserving oral traditions and popular performances. During the day, snake charmers, musicians, and healers predominate, while at nightfall it fills with illuminated food stalls, a daily ritual that has been maintained for centuries.

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.