Camel Caravan Desert Trek: Erg Chigaga
Erg Chigaga is golden! The soft yellow sand dunes seem as eternal as time itself. To reach this desert of dreams and stars, travel over the Tichka pass, through the beautiful Draa Valley with its lush date palm oases. Visit ruins of kasbahs that once guarded this ancient caravan route. From the village of M’Hamid, you can either take a short camel trek to Erg L’Houdi and overnight in a deluxe tent camp, or if you prefer, enjoy local hospitality in one of the local inns. Then explore Erg Chigaga for a day excursion to Iriki Oasis and into the dunes.
Key Tour Highlights
6 Days/5 Nights:
- Guided walking tour of major points of interest: Marrakech medina,* Majorelle Gardens (optional)
- Tichka Pass
- Ouarzazate: Kasbah Taourirt OR Atlas Studios
- Ksar Ait Ben Haddou*
- Tamegroute: Koranic library, local pottery workshop
- Tinfou dunes (national monument)
- Erg Chigaga 4X4 excursion
- Overnight: local inn or deluxe tent camp; optional camel ride
- Exceptional cuisine, beautiful accommodations
ADD A DAY:
- Spend an extra day in Zagora to explore the city (visit the date market), and the village of Amazraou (silversmithing tradition), or take the path to the summit of Jebel Zagora.
Seasonal: Participation in, or access to local festivals and cultural events. Contact us for details.
*UNESCO World Heritage Sites
6 DAYS:
Day 1: Arrive: Marrakech; optional visit to Majorelle Gardens, Djemaa El Fna Square
Day 2: Half-day tour: Marrakech medina* and travel to Ouarzazate
Day 3: Tour Ouarzazate: Ksar Ait Ben Haddou*, Kasbah Taourirt, and travel to M’Hamid; visit Tamegroute, camel ride to tent camp OR overnight in local inn
Day 4: 4X4 tour: Tinfou dunes, Erg Chigaga, Iriki Oasis
Day 5: Return to Marrakech
Day 6: DEPARTURE
PRICE PER PERSON:
USD $1620
Tour price includes airport transfers, all ground transportation, services of the driver, private 4X4 vehicle or 8-passenger van, fuel, 3/4 star accommodations, all breakfasts. Some lunches and dinners may be included. Accommodations confirmed prior to final payment. See “What’s Included” tab for full details.
Prices valid to December 31. Subject to currency fluctuations.
BOOKING CONDITIONS: A 30% deposit is required to reserve your spot on the tour. It is 100% refundable up to 30 days prior to tour departure. Final payments are due 30 days prior to departure. Your reservation is confirmed when we have received your full payment and a signed Contract for Travel Services.
Full and final payments are non-refundable once received. If you cancel within 30 days of your tour departure for any reason, we issue a credit for the full value of your payment less any non-refundable costs we have incurred on your behalf and a USD$75. administration fee. The credit can be used for any trip of any length for any number of people within 18 months of the original departure date, and is also transferable.
See Bookings and Reservations for full details including refunds and cancellations.
GROUND TRANSPORTATION: All ground transportation in a private 4X4 vehicle or 8-passenger van (depending on numbers), including the vehicle, fuel, and services of your Moroccan host/driver each day. Airport transfers on both ends of your tour are also included.
ACCOMMODATIONS: All accommodations in private rooms with private bathrooms for 5 nights in Moroccan-owned and operated riads/hotels. Contact us to see a detailed itinerary including the proposed properties. Properties will be confirmed before final payment is due. You always know where you will stay before we ask for final payment.
MEALS: Breakfast is included each morning at your riad except on your day of arrival. Two lunches are included: lunch en route to M’Hamid and lunch on the Erg Chigaga desert excursion. Other lunches are not included. Three dinners are included: in Ouarzazate, the desert tent camp, and in Zagora.
We encourage you to discover hidden gems or local specialties for the meals when you’re on your own, but we’re happy to make recommendations. Your accommodations may offer dinner with advance notice. (We can arrange this for you if you wish.)
GUIDING SERVICES: We hire a professional guide fluent in the language of your choice for your walking tour in Marrakech and at the Kasbah Taourirt. The guide and walking tour is included in the price. No guide is needed at the Majorelle Gardens (if you visit).
ADMISSION FEES: Admission is included for the Kasbah Taourirt and the Koranic library.
ACTIVITIES: A camel ride and night in a deluxe Moroccan tent camp is included.
NOTE: Payments made on your behalf for third-party services or activities are non-refundable.
NOT INCLUDED:
MEALS: Lunches other than those noted above and on the itinerary are not included. Two dinners are not included.
ADMISSION FEES: Admission fees to attractions you may want to visit on your guided walking tour in Marrakech are not included so that you can more freely decide what you want to visit. Admission to the Atlas Studios (Ouarzazate) is not included and the visit is optional.
GRATUITIES: Gratuities are not included so that you can make a personal decision about how or if you would like to recognize the services of your driver, guides, and other service personnel who help you along the way.
PERSONAL BEVERAGES: Personal beverages (including bottled water, soft drinks, fruit juices and alcohol) are not included, nor are snacks you might purchase along the road or at your accommodations.
Good to Know
THE ROAD LESS TRAVELLED…
This is the road less travelled. The Draa Valley region and Erg Chigaga feature some of the most dramatic landscapes in the country. The landscape is dotted with the ruins of kasbahs. Areas along the Draa river are surprisingly lush. The area has a deep and rich history for its former importance on trade routes, and the sights to be seen still reflect that glorious past.
Erg Chigaga itself is remote, and 4X4 travel through the desert is strenuous. This tour is unsuitable for individuals with back or hip issues.
TRIP LENGTH:
6 DAYS
TOUR START:
MARRAKECH
STARTING PRICE
6 DAYS/5 NIGHTS
USD $1620 per person
Incl. all taxes and fees. Reductions for larger groups. No single supplement. Subject to currency fluctuations. See “What’s Included” tab for complete details.
DEPARTURE DATES
6 DAYS: TBA
Contact us to request other dates.
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