8-Day Tour from Marrakech: Erg Chegaga Desert, Tata, Tafraoute, Agadir, and Essaouira

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  • 8 Days – 7 Nights
  • Private Tour
  • Spanish, English
  • All Year Round

Introduction

On an eight-day private trip, discover the highlights of southern Morocco. From bustling Marrakech to the remote Erg Chegaga Desert, you’ll cross the High Atlas and Anti-Atlas Mountains and explore the Atlantic coast. Experience a unique journey with diverse landscapes, Berber culture, and authentic Moroccan hospitality.

Esta incluido

  • Private 4x4 transportation with a professional driver/guide.
  • 1 night in a desert camp (luxury tent)
  • Accommodation in selected riads and hotels
  • Camel ride in Erg Chegaga – 1 per person
  • Pickup and drop-off at your accommodation in Marrakech
  • Official local guide in Marrakech and Ait Ben Haddou
  • 5 nights accommodation with half board, excluding Marrakech
  • Vegetarian and gluten-free meals available.

No está incluido

  • Hotel in Marrakech
  • Monument entrance fees
  • Lunch and drinks
  • Tips for the staff

Itinerary

Day 1 - Marrakech – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Zagora

We depart from Marrakech, crossing the High Atlas Mountains via the spectacular Tizi N’Tichka Pass (2,260 m), enjoying panoramic views. We visit the famous Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Then we continue to Ouarzazate, known as the “gateway to the desert” and famous for its film studios. Afterwards, we travel through the Draa Valley with its endless palm groves and traditional ksour. Arrival in Zagora and accommodation in a riad or hotel.

• Crossing the High Atlas via Tizi N’Tichka Pass (2,260 m) with panoramic stops.
• Visit to Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah (UNESCO World Heritage).
• Continue through Ouarzazate and the Draa Valley (palm groves and ksour).
• Arrival in Zagora. Accommodation in a riad/hotel.

Day 2 – Zagora – M’hamid – Erg Chegaga (Desert)

After breakfast in Zagora, we continue south, crossing Berber villages and the vast palm groves of the Draa Valley. We arrive in M’hamid, the last village before the desert, known as the “gateway to the Sahara.” From here, we embark on an exciting 4×4 journey across sandy tracks and hamadas to the stunning Erg Chegaga dunes. Enjoy a camel ride at sunset and a magical night in a Berber camp under a starry sky.

• Journey through Berber villages and Draa palm groves to M’hamid.
• 4×4 route across tracks to Erg Chegaga.
• Sunset camel ride. Dinner and overnight in a Berber camp.

Day 3 – Erg Chegaga – Iriki Lake – Tata

After enjoying a magical sunrise over the Erg Chegaga dunes and breakfast at the camp, we bid farewell to the desert and begin an exciting 4×4 journey across Saharan tracks. We leave the Erg Chegaga dune sea, crossing hamadas (rocky deserts), solitary acacias, and small dunes until we reach Iriki Lake. This former lake, now a vast salt plain, offers stunning and unique landscapes perfect for photography. During the rainy season, the lake may partially fill, creating spectacular reflections and mirages.

Along the way, you may encounter small nomadic communities still living in traditional tents and tending their herds of camels and goats. We arrive at Foum Zguid, a small Saharan town, where we can stop for lunch at a local restaurant and rest before continuing. We then proceed to Tata, crossing arid landscapes, hidden oases, and Anti-Atlas canyons. Tata is a city rarely visited by mass tourism, making it a true hidden gem. It is known for its adobe houses, palm groves, and the spectacular rock formations and mountains that surround it.

Accommodation in Tata: Riad or hotel, where you can enjoy the tranquility of this unique region.

• Sunrise over the dunes and 4×4 journey across hamadas, acacias, and low dunes.
• Crossing Iriki Lake (dry plain; may contain water during the rainy season).
• Stop in Foum Zguid for lunch.
• Continue to Tata (oases, adobe architecture, and Anti-Atlas mountains).

Day 4 – Tata – Tafraoute (Anti-Atlas)

We leave Tata and head into the Anti-Atlas Mountains, crossing arid landscapes, hidden oases, and traditional Berber villages. The route offers spectacular views of rock formations and green valleys dotted with acacias. We arrive in Tafraoute, a charming town famous for its pink houses and granite boulders scattered throughout the valley. In the afternoon, there is an optional visit to the famous “Painted Rocks” and a stroll among the palm groves. Dinner and overnight stay in a Riad/Hotel in Tafraoute.

Arrival in Tafraoute, a true haven of tranquility.

• Scenic drive through mountains, oases, and Berber villages.
• Arrival in Tafraoute, famous for its pink granite and unique landscapes.
• Optional visit to the Painted Rocks and stroll among the palm groves.

Day 5 - Tafraoute – Tiznit – Agadir

After breakfast in Tafraoute, we leave the tranquil Anti-Atlas Mountains to begin our journey toward the Atlantic coast. The route passes through stunning landscapes with pink granite mountains, hidden palm groves, and small Berber villages where time seems to have stood still. Tafraoute is famous for its “Painted Rocks,” huge granite boulders painted by the artist Jean Vérame in the 1980s, which can be visited before departure.

We arrive in Tiznit, a walled city renowned for its silver craftsmanship. Here you can stroll through the medina, visit local jewelry workshops, and admire its reddish adobe walls. It’s the perfect place to purchase authentic Berber jewelry as a souvenir.

From Tiznit, we continue north, enjoying the first coastal landscapes with pristine beaches and cliffs overlooking the Atlantic. Arrival in Agadir in the afternoon. This modern coastal city, rebuilt after the 1960 earthquake, is famous for its long golden sandy beach and relaxed atmosphere. Free time to walk along the promenade, relax on the beach, or enjoy a coffee with ocean views. Accommodation in Agadir.

• Departure from Tafraoute with the option to visit the Painted Rocks (if not visited the previous day).
• Stop in Tiznit, a walled city famous for silver craftsmanship.
• Continue to Agadir along the Atlantic coast. Free afternoon at the promenade and beach.

Day 6 - Agadir – Essaouira

We depart from Agadir along the coastal road, enjoying spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and small fishing villages. Arrival in Essaouira, the charming blue-and-white city, famous for its medina, Portuguese ramparts, and traditional port. Free afternoon to explore its beaches, souks, and the lively Moulay Hassan Square.

• Coastal route with cliffs and fishing villages toward Essaouira.
• Free afternoon to explore the medina, ramparts, and traditional port.
Approx. driving time: 3 hours

Day 7 - Essaouira – Marrakech

• Free morning in Essaouira (souks, thuya wood crafts, beach).
• Stop at a women’s argan oil cooperative en route.
• Arrival in Marrakech.

Wake up to the sea breeze in Essaouira and enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your Riad. Before leaving this charming coastal city, you’ll have free time to continue exploring its medina or take a final stroll along the beach. Visit the bustling fishing port, where blue boats and seagulls create a unique scene. It’s also the perfect time to shop for artisanal souvenirs in the souks, famous for hand-carved thuya wood, jewelry, and local products such as argan oil.

We depart Essaouira toward Marrakech, traveling along roads lined with argan trees, where goats are often seen climbing to feed on the fruit. There will be a stop at a women’s argan oil cooperative to learn about traditional production methods and sample natural products. Along the way, enjoy typical rural landscapes of western Morocco: gentle hills, olive groves, and small villages before arriving in Marrakech.

Day 8 – Marrakech – Guided Tour

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• Guided tour with an official guide: exterior of the Koutoubia, Majorelle Gardens, Bahia Palace, souks, and Jemaa el-Fnaa.
• Free afternoon for shopping or a traditional Hammam.

We dedicate the day to discovering the treasures of Marrakech with a local guide. We visit the Koutoubia Mosque (exterior), the Majorelle Gardens, and the Bahia Palace with its exquisite architecture. We stroll through the souks full of handicrafts, scents, and unique colors. We walk through the medina and the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, with its vibrant atmosphere of musicians and snake charmers. Free afternoon to continue exploring or relax in the riad.

Accommodation

Accommodation depends on availability or similar comfort category (equivalent to 4 stars):

Accommodation

City Hotels
Zagora Riad Laman
Erg Chegaga Cravane du sud
Tata  
Tafraoute  
Agadir Timoulay Hotel
Essaouira Riad Zahra
Distances and times (approx.)

Distances and times (approx.)

  • Marrakech → Ait Ben Haddou → Zagora: 7–8 h
  • Zagora → M’hamid → Erg Chigaga: 3–4 h road + 1.5–2 h track
  • Erg Chigaga → Foum Zguid → Tata: 6–7 h
  • Tata → Tafraoute: 3–4 h
  • Tafraoute → Tiznit → Agadir: 4–5 h
  • Agadir → Essaouira: 3 h
  • Essaouira → Marrakech: 2.5–3 h
Recommended optionals

Recommended optionals

  • Quad ride or sandboarding in Erg Chigaga.

  • Kasbah Taourirt or film studios in Ouarzazate.

  • Cooking workshop or basic Tamazight class in Tata/Tafraoute.

  • Seafood dinner at the port of Essaouira.

  • Hammam & traditional massage in Marrakech.

Travel Tips

Travel Tips

Luggage: day backpack, sunglasses, sunscreen, scarf, light jacket (desert nights can be cool).
Footwear: comfortable shoes for sand and trails.
Climate: best time September–May. In summer, high temperatures in inland areas.
Transport: 4×4 vehicle is essential for the M’hamid → Erg Chigaga → Foum Zguid section.

Politics and logistics

Politics and logistics

  • Daily departures subject to availability.
  • Private and 100% customizable tour (hotels, pace, activities).
  • Confirmation with a deposit and payment of the balance at the start or by bank transfer.
  • Free cancellation up to 7 days before (check specific conditions for season and accommodations).
Map

FAQ

How can I book the excursion?

To book the excursion, simply follow these easy steps:

1. Select your desired dates, the number of rooms, and the number of passengers per room.
2. Enter your contact details.
3. Complete the booking.
4. You will receive a confirmation once the deposit has been made.

What type of vehicles are used?

We use modern vehicles, such as 4x4s or minivans, ideal for couples, friends, or families of 2 to 7 people. For groups of 8 or more, we provide minibuses. All our vehicles are modern and equipped with air conditioning to ensure your comfort throughout the trip.

Can we bring our luggage with us on the excursion?

Of course! We have vehicles with enough space to carry your luggage.

What are the cancellation and refund policies?

– Low season: Free cancellation up to 7 days before your arrival.
– Mid season (long weekends, September, October, March, April, and May): Free cancellation up to 15 days before your arrival.
– High season (Christmas, New Year, Easter): Free cancellation up to 30 days before your arrival.

What is the meeting point to start the excursion?

The meeting point for this excursion is your accommodation (hotel, riad, or hostel). If you are staying in an Airbnb, we will meet in front of the entrance. If you have any doubts or change accommodations once you arrive, please contact us via WhatsApp or email.

What are the payment methods?

The deposit can be paid by credit card, debit card, bank transfer, or PayPal. The final payment is made on the day of the excursion directly to the driver.

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