5 Days Marrakech to Fes (via Erg Chigaga)

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Private Sahara crossing through Atlas mountains, oases and remote dunes

Travel between Marrakech and Fes on a private 4×4 journey through southern Morocco’s oases, mountains and remote Sahara desert landscapes. This five-day route suits couples, families and friends seeking a slower, more immersive experience. You cross the High Atlas, visit Ait Ben Haddou, explore the Draa Valley and reach Erg Chigaga. Travel with an English-speaking driver and stay in characterful rural guest-houses plus one desert camping night. Best enjoyed between September and May for comfortable temperatures and clear desert skies throughout.

4 nights from

€960 pp

Tour Details

Highlights

Expect varied scenery and rewarding road journeys linking Morocco’s south. You travel from the UNESCO region of Ait Ben Haddou through the Ounila Valley, across Iriqui National Park and into the vast Erg Chigaga dunes. Highlights include a camel trek, sunset views from high sand ridges, the palm-lined Draa Valley, Agdz, the dramatic Todra Gorge and changing Atlas landscapes. Nights combine rural hospitality with a memorable stay beneath canvas in the Sahara. Far from busy tourist circuits.

Cross the High Atlas via Tizi n’Tichka Pass
Explore Ait Ben Haddou and scenic Ounila Valley
Travel off-road through remote Iriqui National Park landscapes
Watch sunset from the towering Erg Chigaga dunes
Enjoy a camel trek from camp into desert
Stay beneath canvas in a remote Sahara setting
Follow the palm-fringed Draa Valley through southern Morocco
Discover Agdz and traditional settlements beside the river
Walk between cliffs and river scenery at Todra
Reach Fes through cedar forests and mountain plateaux

Reviews

Seth Warrick

May 2026

This was a true five-star experience from beginning to end. Khalid was an incredible guide, driver and host, and by the end of the journey he genuinely felt like a friend. The three-day 4×4 tour through the Atlas Mountains, desert landscapes and traditional towns was exactly the kind of adventure we were hoping for. We loved that the trip avoided the busy tourist routes, allowing us to experience authentic local culture and traditions instead. Along the way, we enjoyed fascinating private visits to pottery, rug and artisan workshops. Khalid’s knowledge, insights and storytelling made the experience even more special. Wild Morocco offers a truly authentic and unforgettable adventure.

Sarah Berelowitz

April 2026

We had a wonderful trip to Morocco with Wild Morocco from start to finish. Emily and the team were incredibly helpful throughout the planning process, taking the time to understand exactly what we were looking for and offering excellent advice on where to visit and stay. Everything was organised seamlessly, which made the journey completely stress free. Our driver and guide, Khalid, was fantastic — friendly, knowledgeable and great company throughout the trip. He made us feel safe and relaxed at all times, while also sharing helpful recommendations and local insights along the way. We would absolutely book another adventure with Wild Morocco in the future.

Alisa Reynolds

March 2026

I cannot say enough good things about our trip with Wild Morocco. From start to finish, the experience exceeded our expectations in every way. The camp at Erg Chigaga was beautifully set up, with comfortable accommodations, excellent facilities and fantastic food throughout our two-night stay. The staff were incredibly warm, friendly and attentive, always making sure we were comfortable and enjoying every moment of the experience. A special thank you to Ismael, our guide and driver from Marrakech, who was knowledgeable, professional and wonderful company throughout the journey. His insights into Moroccan culture added so much to the trip and made the entire experience even more memorable.

Paolo

Feb 2026

Our four-day private tour from Marrakech to the desert felt less like a tour and more like travelling with a local friend. I was visiting from Italy with my wife and our 11-year-old child, and from the very beginning we felt completely at ease. Miki, our guide and driver, treated us like family. The trip was beautifully organised, yet flexible enough to include our personal preferences along the way. The landscapes were breathtaking and we encountered kindness everywhere we went. We always felt safe and relaxed on the road. Special thanks to Yahya for his quick, precise communication. Highly recommended!

Adam S

Jan 2026

We would like to thank you for an incredible journey through Morocco. Driving across the country was a truly unforgettable experience, especially through the breathtaking Dades Valley, the dramatic Draa Valley and the majestic Atlas Mountains. Along the way, we discovered not only stunning landscapes but also wonderful cuisine, particularly the unforgettable dishes at Dar Rihana in the Dades Gorges. Our adventure ended at the spectacular Erg Chigaga dunes, where we enjoyed camel trekking and a magical desert sunset beneath a sky filled with endless stars. Special thanks to our driver Khalid, whose knowledge and companionship made the trip even more memorable.

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Tour Details

Summary

This private Morocco desert tour links Marrakech and Fes through some of southern Morocco’s most varied landscapes. Travelling by private Toyota Land Cruiser with an English-speaking driver, you cross the High Atlas Mountains, visit the Ait Ben Haddou region and follow the lesser-visited Ounila Valley before heading south towards the Sahara. A major highlight is the journey into Erg Chigaga, reached by several hours of off-road driving through Iriqui National Park, dried lake beds and remote desert scenery. You spend one night camping among the dunes, with a choice between a standard camp and a luxury camp with private bathroom facilities.

The route continues through Mhamid, Zagora and the Draa Valley to Agdz, then across Jebel Saghro towards the Todra Gorge. Three nights are spent in characterful rural guest-houses. The pace is medium to heavy, particularly on the final drive to Fes. Best suited to couples, families and friends travelling privately between September and May.

Itinerary

Day 1
Depart Marrakech at 09:00 and travel by private 4×4 across the High Atlas Mountains via Morocco’s highest main road pass. Continue through traditional villages towards Telouet and the ruined Kasbah Glaoui before following the scenic Ounila Valley. Explore the Ait Ben Haddou UNESCO region and overnight in a restored kasbah-style guest-house near the village.

Day 2
Leave the Ait Ben Haddou region and travel south through Tazenakht and Foum Zguid. From here, the tarmac ends and an extended off-road journey begins across remote landscapes including Lake Iriqui’s dried salt flats and the Madouar rock formations. Reach Erg Chigaga camp, enjoy a camel trek, climb the dunes for sunset and spend the night beneath canvas.

Day 3
After breakfast, enjoy further time among the dunes before departing Erg Chigaga. Travel off-road towards Mhamid El Ghizlane and rejoin the paved road. Continue through Tamegroute and Zagora while following the Draa Valley, Morocco’s longest river course. Palm groves, kasbahs and oasis scenery accompany the drive. Overnight in a rustic guest-house near Agdz.

Day 4
Following breakfast, an optional walk can be enjoyed in the palm groves surrounding Agdz. Later, travel through the dramatic volcanic landscapes of Jebel Saghro in the Anti-Atlas region. Continue towards Tinghir and then enter the Todra Gorge. Spend time walking beneath the towering canyon walls before overnighting at a comfortable guest-house near the gorge.

Day 5
Today is the longest driving day. Leave the Todra Valley and climb through mountain landscapes towards Midelt. Continue across elevated plateaux before passing cedar forests near Azrou. The scenery changes repeatedly as you approach northern Morocco. Arrive in Fes by late afternoon and conclude your private journey through the Atlas Mountains and Sahara regions.

What’s Included?

Your private tour includes dedicated transport, accommodation and key desert experiences. Travelling with your own driver allows flexibility for comfort stops, photography and sightseeing opportunities along the route. Accommodation combines rural guest-houses with a Sahara camp stay, creating a varied experience across Morocco’s southern landscapes.

Daily private Toyota Land Cruiser transport with driver
Four nights accommodation as specified
One night camping at Erg Chigaga dunes
Three nights in rural guest-house accommodation
Camel trek at Erg Chigaga to the highest dune
Shared sand-boards at the dunes
Breakfasts during the tour
Evening meals during the tour
Drinking water and hot drinks at the desert camp

Not included:

Lunches on travel days
Drinks at guest-houses
Alcohol at standard desert camp
Tips for driver and camp team
Entry fees for optional kasbah visits
Personal purchases and souvenirs
Travel insurance

Optional extras:

Carry Dirhams cash for lunches and sundries
Bring binoculars for wildlife and birdlife viewing
Wear suitable footwear for desert walking
Pack warm layers for Winter departures

Dates & Prices

This tour operates on a private departure basis and can run from Marrakech to Fes or in reverse. Small groups of family or friends travel together in one vehicle. September to May generally offers the most comfortable conditions. Availability is subject to accommodation and camp space.

From Eur €960 pp (based on two people travelling).

Gallery

Draa Valley - private Morocco desert tours

Tent Interior - desert camping at Erg Chigaga dunes

Acacias Near The Madouar And Jebel Bani (credit Jared Gerlach) - Across Iriqui desert hiking with Wild Morocco

Off-road journey to the desert camp at Erg Chigaga dunes - with Wild Morocco

Campfire sessions at Erg Chigaga desert camp - tailor-made Morocco desert tours

Tamarisk Trees At Dusk - desert wilderness hiking Across Iriqui in the Moroccan Sahara with Wild Morocco

Guided camel trek at Erg Chigaga dunes from the desert camp

Desert tour drivers - travel to Erg Chigaga dunes in Morocco's Iriqui National Park

Highlight by M Breitung - Wild Morocco photography tour

Enquire

Complete the form to enquire. All fields required please*. Alternatively call +212 679 006 221 or via WhatsApp

FAQs

What vehicle is used for this tour?

Travel is by private Toyota Land Cruiser 4x4 with an English-speaking driver. The vehicle is used throughout the route, including the off-road sections across Iriqui National Park towards Erg Chigaga. Private transport allows flexibility for stops, photographs and breaks during longer driving days.

How much luggage can I bring?

Standard luggage is usually suitable for this tour. Soft-sided bags can be more practical than very large hard cases, particularly when travelling with multiple passengers. If you have unusually large luggage requirements, please advise in advance so arrangements can be discussed before departure.

Are meals included?

All meals are included apart from lunches on the travel days. Drinking water and hot drinks are available at the desert camp (*and alcohol at the luxury camp if you choose this option). Drinks at guest-houses are not included. Please advise any dietary restrictions, allergies or special requirements before travel so suitable arrangements can be made.

What facilities are available at the desert camp?

You can choose between a standard desert camp positioned near the tallest Erg Chigaga dune or a luxury camp with private bathroom facilities. Both options provide the experience of spending an unforgettable night in a remote Saharan setting away from light pollution.

When is the best time to travel?

September to May is generally the preferred period for this itinerary. Temperatures are often more comfortable for sightseeing, desert walks and outdoor activities. Winter evenings and early mornings can be cold in the desert and mountains, so warm layers are recommended.

Is this tour suitable for everyone?

The tour suits many couples, families and groups of friends, but there are some considerations. Walking on deep sand to reach the summit of Erg Chigaga can be demanding. Alternative viewpoints may be arranged. Please advise if you prefer not to participate in the camel trek.

About Wild Morocco

Desert Hiking

4x4 Tours

Photography

Camping

About Wild Morocco

Desert Hiking

4x4 Tours

Photography

Camping