Marrakech to Erg Chigaga Desert Tour: Camel Trek & Sandboarding

Summary

Sahara Desert Adventure: Atlas Mountains, Kasbahs & Berber Camp

If you want to swap city noise for desert silence—even just for a couple days—this trip gives you real Sahara moments: camel rides, Berber music under stars, ancient kasbahs and wild dunes you’ll remember long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed leaving Marrakech was the air—cooler than I expected, with that faint scent of orange blossom drifting in from roadside stalls. Our driver weaved us up into the High Atlas Mountains, where the roads twist and the views just keep opening up. We stopped for mint tea at a tiny café overlooking the valley; our guide, Hassan, pointed out how the colors shift as the sun moves—one minute dusty pinks, then deep ochre. By midday we reached Aït Ben Haddou. Walking through those ancient mudbrick walls felt like stepping back in time—kids playing football in the square, women selling flatbread right outside their doors. The kasbah’s silence is only broken by distant calls to prayer or a donkey braying somewhere behind a crumbling wall.

After a night in Agdez (the riad had these heavy wooden doors and thick wool blankets—it gets chilly!), we set off along an old caravan route. The road hugs the river; you’ll see date palms everywhere and kids waving as you pass by. Lunch was at Erg Lihoudi—a simple tagine under a canvas awning while camels waited nearby, chewing quietly. Riding into the desert on camelback is slow and kind of hypnotic—the only sounds are hooves sinking into sand and wind whistling past your ears. When we hit Erg Chigaga’s dunes, it was late afternoon; sand everywhere, golden light bouncing off every ridge. Tried sandboarding for the first time—honestly, I fell more than I slid but couldn’t stop laughing.

Night at camp is something else entirely. Dinner around a fire with Berber music—drums echoing across empty dunes—and stars so bright you can actually see the Milky Way stretching overhead. Slept in a nomad tent; woke up to silence except for someone making tea over hot coals. On the way back to Marrakech, we crossed Lake Iriqui (dry this time of year), stopped in Foum Zguid for showers and strong coffee, then passed through Taznakht where carpets hang outside every shopfront. By late afternoon we were winding down from mountain passes back into Marrakech’s busy streets—dusty, tired, but honestly wishing it wasn’t over yet.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Marrakesh to Agdez

• Visit Tamnougalet kasbah
• Visit High Atlas
• Visit Kasbah Aitbenhaddo

Day 2 — Agdez to Chagaga Desert

• Drive ancient caravan road, visit villages and gardens, lunch at Erg Lihoudi
• Camel ride in desert
• Drive to Erg Chagaga dunes
• Dinner and overnight in desert camp

Day 3 — Chagaga to Marrakesh

• Drive through desert scenery, lunch in Foum Zguid, shower available
• Drive back to Marrakesh via Taznakht and High Atlas

Top questions

Is this Marrakech desert tour suitable for families with young children?

Yes! Kids can ride camels with adults or use specialized seats. The pace is relaxed and there are plenty of stops along the way.

Do I need any special gear for sandboarding or camping?

No special gear needed—sandboards are provided at camp and tents have all bedding ready. Just bring comfy clothes and maybe a scarf for dust.

How long is the camel ride during this Sahara trip?

The camel trek lasts about two hours through Erg Lihoudi dunes—a good stretch but not too tiring even if it’s your first time.

Are showers available during the desert camp stay?

Showers aren’t available at the desert camp itself but you can freshen up once you reach Foum Zguid on your return journey.

What’s included

This tour covers transport from Marrakech and back, all accommodation (hotels/riads plus one night in a Berber tent), guided visits to kasbahs like Aït Ben Haddou, camel trekking, sandboarding at Erg Chigaga dunes, meals as per itinerary, plus plenty of local insights from your guide along the way.