The great dunes 3 days

Marrakech, Morocco

Duration

3 days

Tour Type

Adventure, Discovery, Trekking

3.87 by 3 reviews

Quality4
Location3.67
Amenities2.67
Services4.33
Price4.67

Reviews

Wishlist

Overview

Traveling in a direct line from Mhamid, the starting point of this desert walk, you’ll reach the Erg Chigaga big dunes, Morocco’s largest sand dune field, after three days of hiking. Consequently, you’ll need four-wheel drive transportation out of the desert, and there are two possible routes to go.

When you get to Erg Chigaga, you have the option of spending a third night wild camping at the base of the towering sand dunes for an extra Eur €40 per person. Or, if you’re pressed for time, you may leave the desert and return to Mhamid on the third night (the two-hour drive back will be done right after sunset so you can watch the sun go down from atop the dunes). If you spend your last night in the desert at Erg Chigaga, you may leave the following morning for Marrakech (or Ouarzazate) by car transfer, leaving the desert through the north-west via FoumZguid and arriving in Marrakech somewhere in the late afternoon, or returning to Mhamid.

The areas on our map labeled “Lotide” and “Bougarn” will serve as waypoints during your walk. You will remain in the area north of the Draa River’s path.

Included/Exclude

Tour Amenities

Accepts Credit Cards

Car Parking

Outdoor Seating

Smoking Allowed

Wireless Internet

Tour Plan

Day 1: In The Tamarisk Grove

Get out of M'hamid and head west toward the massive dunes of Erg Chigaga; keep the Jebel Bani range to your north in sight the whole while. It is necessary to traverse dry river beds (such as the Oued Naam) and pass through a variety of desert plants and scrub before the landscape opens out and becomes more arid. Camp beside some undulating dunes and protective Tamarisk trees as the day comes to a close.

Day 2: West Of Bougarn

As you go westward, you'll see more isolated landscapes and greater sand dunes (such as those in Bougarn), surrounded by huge, dry earth plateaux and desert hamada (black stone). If you climb up on the sand dunes, you can see Erg Chigaga out in the distance. West of Bougarn, among some secluded dunes and bushes, is where we'll set up camp for the night.

Day 3: Erg Chigaga And The Drive Back To M'hamid By 4x4

The plateaux around you will open up with various plant and tree life as you go further into the sand (in previous water courses/dried rivers), and you will arrive to an area that provide grazing pasture for the rare Dorcas gazelle. Eventually, you'll reach a plateau that borders Er Chigaga and mark the end of your journey across the larger dunes. Get to Erg Chigaga in th nick of time for sunset. Relax and set up camp again, or prepare for the long 44 ride back to M'hamid.