Travel circuit from Marrakech to the Erg Chebbi desert

7 nights / 8 days

Trip description

“Marrakech – Erg Chebbi” is a truly authentic to discover the south of the country . This route awakens us in Marrakech , a vibrant city brimming with color , artisans, and artists , with charming squares and aromas that will leave a lasting impression. From the city, we'll continue in a 4x4 towards the High Atlas Mountains , discovering breathtaking landscapes along the way, pausing to admire their beauty , chatting with the villagers and leisurely exploring their hidden villages and immense gorges . We'll leave the mountains to reach the Erg Chebbi desert , a spectacle for the senses , with its endless dunes and the magical aura that only special places possess, allowing us to spend an unforgettable night under the stars . The journey takes us through unique places like the town of Rissani , with its ancient market , among many others…

Duration

7 nights / 8 days
Places

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

Marrakech / Errachidia
Price

See Details

Duration

7 nights / 8 days
Places

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

Marrakech / Errachidia
Price

See Details

Day 1 of the itinerary

Departure from the airport of origin towards Marrakech .
Arrival in Marrakech (where, depending on the time of year, there may be a time difference ).
Airport pickup and transfer to the Riad in the Medina or 5* Hotel .
Accommodation.
Depending on your arrival time , it is recommended to make your first contact with the Medina by visiting the incomparable Djemaa el-Fna Square .
At this hour, the square fills with reciters , fortune tellers , jugglers , tooth pullers , dancers , snake charmers and much more…
As night falls , small, illuminated food stalls begin to appear outdoors , where you can sample their typical dishes .

Djemaa el-Fna: a living cultural heritage recognized by UNESCO

Djemaa el-Fna Square was declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2001. Its recognition is not due to its architecture, but to its unique cultural life : musicians, storytellers, acrobats, snake charmers, herbalists, and street performers who maintain oral traditions that date back centuries.
A square that changes completely between day and night
Djemaa el-Fna is one of the few places in the world where the atmosphere changes radically in a single day:
- In the afternoon , street performers, storytellers, fortune tellers, and snake charmers appear.
- At nightfall , the square transforms into a large open-air dining area with more than 50 traditional food stalls , a tradition documented since the late 19th century.
Marrakech and the time difference: a unique system in North Africa

Morocco uses UTC+1 for most of the year , but during Ramadan it temporarily switches to UTC+0 to accommodate religious observances. This means that, depending on the time of year, there may be an unexpected time difference compared to the traveler's country of origin, even on short flights.

Day 2 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 … and we can find an infinite variety of quality crafts .
We will visit a Berber pharmacy , where they will show 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.
Accommodation in a Riad in the Medina or a 5* Hotel .

The Koutoubia Mosque: the Almohad minaret that shaped the architecture of the Maghreb and Al-Andalus

The Koutoubia Mosque was completed in the 12th century and is one of the greatest achievements of Almohad architecture. Its 69-meter directly inspired the Giralda in Seville and the Hassan Tower in Rabat, forming a unique architectural trio in the Western Islamic world. Furthermore, its name derives from the Koutoubins , the manuscript sellers who frequented the mosque during the Middle Ages.
The souks of Marrakech: a medieval guild system still in operation

The souks of Marrakech have been organized by guilds for centuries: weavers, dyers, metalworkers, carpenters, slipper makers, potters, jewelers… Each street retains its historical specialization, and many of the trades are passed down from generation to generation . It is one of the largest and most authentic artisan markets in North Africa.
Djemaa el-Fna: a living heritage that changes every hour of the day
The Djemaa el-Fna Square, inscribed by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural HeritageIt functions as an open-air stage where oral traditions and popular performances dating back centuries persist. Its most striking feature is its daily transformation:
- By day : snake charmers, fortune tellers, herbalists, acrobats, musicians.
- At night : the square becomes a large open-air dining area with dozens of typical food stalls.

Day 3 of the itinerary

Today we will leave in a 4x4 vehicle with a driver to head to the Central High Atlas .
In this stage we have approximately 310 km ahead of us, although we will be rewarded by the spectacular scenery .
We will cross the Tizi n'Tichka , or Tichka mountain pass , the highest road pass in the country .
Here we will leave behind the predominant green and ochre colors to give way to a lunar landscape .
Along the way we will visit the Kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou , a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the setting for several film productions .
We will pass through Ouarzazate and continue through the Valley of Roses until we reach Boumalne Dades , a town located in the Valley of Birds at an altitude of 1,612 m in the High Atlas Mountains .
Accommodation and dinner at the Hotel Xaluca Dades 4* .

Tizi n'Tichka: the highest paved pass in Morocco

The Tizi n'Tichka , at 2,260 meters , 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 ascent reveals a unique contrast: from fertile, forested areas, the landscape gives way to an arid, mineral-rich, and almost lunar landscape as it descends the southern slopes of the Atlas Mountains.
Aït Ben Haddou: an ancient ksar that has conquered Hollywood

The Ksar of Aït Ben Haddou , a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987, is one of the finest examples of mud-brick architecture in the Maghreb. Its walls and towers have served as a backdrop for numerous blockbuster films such as Gladiator , Game of Thrones , Kingdom of Heaven , Babel , and The Mummy . It is considered one of the most filmed locations on the African continent.
Valley of the Roses and Boumalne Dades: a natural corridor at 1,612 meters

The Valley of Roses , famous for its Damask rose , celebrates the Rose Festival , a centuries-old tradition that involves thousands of local growers. Further along, Boumalne Dades , located at 1,612 meters , is the gateway to the spectacular Dadès Valley, an area historically known as the Valley of the Birds due to the migratory species that pass through this natural corridor.

Day 4 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 time seems to have .
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 the road , at a “Gite d'Etape” .
Accommodation and dinner at the Hotel Xaluca Dades 4* .

Boutaghrar and Amskar: Berber villages where traditional life survives

Boutaghrar and Amskar areas , located between the Valley of Roses and the upper reaches of the M'Goun River, are known for the presence of nomadic Aït Atta families , who still use natural caves as shelters during their seasonal migrations. These villages preserve mud-brick kasbahs, vernacular architecture, and traditional irrigation systems inherited from centuries of agricultural life.
M'Goun Gorges: an impressive canyon sculpted over millions of years

The M'Goun Gorges , also known as the Achabou Gorges , feature walls that can reach over 150 meters in height , with sections so narrow that they barely allow any light to pass through. They were formed by the constant erosion of the M'Goun River, which originates in the Mgoun massif (4,071 m), the third highest mountain in Morocco.
The Central High Atlas: one of the oldest geological territories in the country

The Central High Atlas Mountains possess geological formations from the Paleozoic and Mesozoic eras, making it one of the oldest and most tectonically diverse regions in Morocco. It is an area rich in fossils, minerals, and mountain folds that bear witness to millions of years of geological activity.

Day 5 itinerary

This morning we will travel through the Dades Valley to its gorges and arrive at the viewpoint , where we will have tea .
During the visit, we will stop at the “monkey paws” .
We will continue our route 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 Erfoud , a city known as "the Gateway to the Desert" .
Accommodation and dinner at Kasbah Xaluca , listed as unique in Morocco for its peculiar characteristics .

Dadès Valley: an iconic viewpoint and unique geological formations

The Dadès viewpoint offers one of the most photographed panoramas in Morocco thanks to its zigzag road, initially built by French engineers. Near the viewpoint are the rock formations known as " Monkey Fingers," sculpted by millions of years of differential erosion on the valley's sandstone.
Tinerhir: natural gateway to the Todra Gorges

The town of Tinerhir stretches across a vast palm grove irrigated by an ancient system of canals. Its proximity to the Todra Gorge , where limestone walls reach up to 160 meters , makes it one of the most visited spots in southern Morocco. The Todra River flows year-round, even during the dry season.
Erfoud: capital of fossils and authentic Gateway to the Desert

Erfoud is internationally renowned for its Devonian fossil industry, boasting remains over 350 million years old that originate from ancient marine layers. It's also the perfect base for accessing Erg Chebbi , which is why it's nicknamed "the Gateway to the Desert ." Furthermore, every October it hosts the National Date Festival , one of the most important in the country.

Day 6 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 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 camel 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 .

Legendary tracks of the Dakar Rally

The tracks linking Erfoud, Taouz, and Erg Chebbi were part of several stages of the Dakar Rally when the competition crossed Morocco (until 2007). These routes combine hamadas, dry wadis, and sandy areas, and are still used today by rally-raid teams for training and navigation tests.
Devonian fossils in the middle of the Sahara: a desert that was once a sea

The region's marine fossil quarries Devonian Period , over 360 million years old trilobites, ammonites, and goniatites have been found there , and Morocco is one of the world's largest producers of Devonian fossils.
Erg Chebbi: dunes up to 150 meters high and one of the most beautiful sunsets in the Sahara

Erg Chebbi is one of Morocco's two great ergs and is notable for its dunes that reach 100–150 meters in height . Its extremely fine sand creates a unique optical effect at sunset: the dunes are tinged with gold, orange, red, and pink, offering one of the most breathtaking sunsets in the Moroccan desert, especially from the back of a camel on the way to the bivouac.

Day 7 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 return to the 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 .
Return to the Kasbah Xaluca to take the rest of the day off .
After the desert experience , it's nice to be able to relax .
We can take a dip in the heated pool , enjoy a jacuzzi , play tennis or mini-golf , or optionally have a hammam (Turkish bath) or receive a good massage .
For the more adventurous, there is the possibility of taking quad bike excursions through the dunes surrounding the hotel ( optional excursion ).
Accommodation and dinner at the Kasbah Xaluca .
This afternoon, chauffeured cars will be available if you wish to continue exploring the area , go to Erfoud for a leisurely stroll , or visit a craft shop .
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.

An unforgettable sunrise from the highest dunes of Erg Chebbi

Erg Chebbi is one of Morocco's two great ergs and is home to dunes that reach between 100 and 150 meters in height . Thanks to this altitude and the exceptional fineness of its sand, sunrise creates a characteristic chromatic phenomenon: the dunes change from reddish tones to golden and pink hues in just a few minutes.
Khamlia: Gnawa music with Sudanese roots and international recognition

The village of Khamlia , historically inhabited by communities of Sudanese origin, is famous for its Gnawa music , recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage . Its rhythms, featuring krakebs ( a type of drum), drums, and traditional dances, were once part of spiritual healing and trance ceremonies. Today, the inhabitants keep this tradition alive and share it with visitors.
Rissani: a caravan market with its authentic donkey "parking"

The Rissani market , held mainly on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays , is one of the oldest souks in southern Morocco. For centuries, it was a meeting point for caravans from the Sahara. One of its most striking features is its "donkey parking lot ," a real area where locals leave their animals while they shop or trade at the market.

Day 8 itinerary

Transfer to Errachidia airport to catch the flight back to the point of origin .
Along the way, we will stop at the Ziz Valley viewpoint , with more than ten million palm trees inside.
Departure of the flight from Errachidia towards Casablanca , to connect with the flight to the point of origin .

Ziz Valley: a gigantic oasis in the heart of southern Morocco

The Ziz Valley is part of the historic Tafilalet , one of the largest continuous palm groves in North Africa. It is home to more than ten million date palms , many of which are dedicated to producing the famous Medjool date , considered one of the best in the world.
A fertile oasis created by the Ziz River, which originates in the High Atlas Mountains.

The oasis exists thanks to the Ziz River , which originates in the High Atlas Mountains and has been utilized for centuries through traditional irrigation systems such as the khettaras . This contrast between lush vegetation and arid landscape is one of the most iconic features of southeastern Morocco.
Errachidia: the main air link between the desert and Casablanca

Airport (ERH) in Errachidia, originally a military base, is now the key airport connecting the southeastern desert with Casablanca , the country's major air hub. Most international connections depart from there, allowing passengers to return to their point of origin without long road journeys.

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.