Desert Roots: The Deep South

Ismail grew up in Morocco's desert region, and this is the south he loves to share: the long green ribbon of the Draa Valley, ancient kasbahs, and at the end of the road, the wild dunes of Erg Chigaga, reached only by desert track.

Erg Chigaga is quieter and more remote than Merzouga. If you want silence, space and a sky full of stars, this is it.

Day by day

1. Day1

   Down the Draa

   Marrakesh → Tizi n'Tichka → Ouarzazate → Agdz~5 h driving

   Cross the High Atlas and drop into the Draa Valley at Agdz, where the palm groves begin. Walk to the old kasbah of Tamnougalt and sleep among the palms.

2. Day2

   The end of the road

   Agdz → Zagora → Tamegroute → M'Hamid → Erg Chigaga~3.5 h + desert track driving

   Follow the river south through Zagora to Tamegroute, known for its green pottery and its old library of manuscripts. At M'Hamid the road ends, and a 4x4 takes you across the desert to a camp in the dunes of Erg Chigaga.

3. Day3

   A day in the deep desert

   Erg Chigaga → M'Hamid → Draa Valley~3 h incl. track driving

   Sunrise from the highest dunes, time to wander the silence, then back to the Draa Valley for a night in a palm grove guesthouse.

4. Day4

   Back to Marrakesh

   Draa Valley → Ouarzazate → Tizi n'Tichka → Marrakesh~6 h driving

   Return north along the valley and over the Atlas, with stops wherever the view asks for one.

Make it yours

This route is a starting point, not a package. Every day can change. Here are a few ideas:

• Break the last driveAdd a night in Ouarzazate or Skoura on the way back.
• Two nights in ChigagaMore time for the dunes, the stars and the silence.
• Continue to MerzougaLink Chigaga and Erg Chebbi through the southern back road.
• Add a desert trekA morning or full-day walk with camels, arranged with a local team.

What we can arrange for you

• Private air-conditioned vehicle with a licensed driver for the whole route
• Riads, kasbahs and hotels to match your style and budget
• Desert camps, from simple to luxury
• Licensed local guides for medinas and monuments
• Activities: camel rides, cooking classes, hammams, hikes
• Airport pick-up and drop-off

Prefer to book your own accommodation? No problem. We'll simply drive the route around your bookings.