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Tour Overview : 3 Days From Ouarzazate To Chegaga Desert Tour

Imagine embarking on a thrilling adventure that takes you from the picturesque town of Ouarzazate deep into the heart of the Moroccan Sahara. This journey is an incredible blend of culture, nature, and the enchanting beauty of the desert. Buckle up as we take you on a 3 Days From Ouarzazate To Chegaga Desert Tour, passing through the Kasbahs, Berber villages, oases, and concluding with an unforgettable night in a desert camp.

What to expect in 3 Days From Ouarzazate To Chegaga Desert Tour

• Camel Riding in Erg Chegaga

The adventure begins with an exhilarating camel ride in Erg Chegaga, a sea of golden sand dunes that stretch as far as the eye can see. It's an experience you won't soon forget, as you glide across the dunes, taking in the breathtaking desert landscape.

• Luxurious Desert Camping

As the sun dips below the horizon, your night in the Sahara unfolds. You'll stay in comfortable luxury tents nestled amidst the dunes. Imagine falling asleep to the tranquil sounds of the desert and waking up to a mesmerizing sunrise over the sand dunes.

• Journey Through the Anti-Atlas Mountains

To reach the Erg Chegaga Dunes, you'll embark on a scenic drive over the Anti-Atlas Mountains, providing you with awe-inspiring vistas of this rugged terrain.

• Kasbah Tamnougalte

Your journey takes you to Kasbah Tamnougalte, the largest Kasbah in the Dra’a Valley. Here, you'll have the opportunity to explore the ancient structure with a knowledgeable local guide, delving into the history and culture of the region.

• The Caravan Route

Following in the footsteps of ancient caravans that once transported precious goods from sub-Saharan Africa, you'll witness the historic caravan route. This journey will lead you past numerous ancient Kasbahs and verdant oases, both typical features of this part of Morocco.

• Exploring Tamgroute

In Tamgroute, you'll have the chance to visit renowned green glaze pottery workshops, showcasing the exquisite craftsmanship of the locals. Additionally, you can explore the Qoranic Library, home to exquisite manuscripts that provide a glimpse into the region's rich heritage.

• Fossil Hunting at Iriqui Lake

As you venture deeper into the Sahara Desert, you'll pass by distinctive desert landscapes and have the opportunity to search for fossils in the dry Iriqui Lake. It's a unique and educational experience for those with an interest in geology.

• Berber Village Encounters

Your journey will introduce you to the small Berber villages that dot the desert landscape. This is a chance to get a firsthand look at the traditional Berber way of life, both on your way to the dunes and when you return.

•  The Art of Berber Rug-Making

On your return to Ouarzazate, you'll have the opportunity to explore the art of Berber rug-making. This ancient skill plays a significant role in the local economy, and you can witness the intricate process firsthand.

Itinerary: 3 Days From Ouarzazate To Chegaga Desert Tour

Day 1: Ouarzazate to M’hamid

At 8:30, your 3 Days From Ouarzazate To Chegaga Desert Tour adventure begins as you venture forth in a rugged 4×4, taking you through the striking Anti-Atlas Mountains and across the picturesque Tizi-n-Tinfifte pass. Beyond this pass lies the charming Agdez, the gateway to the Dra’a Valley. Shortly after Agdez, you'll pause to explore Kasbah Tamnougalte, the oldest and most enchanting Kasbah in the Draa Valley, before following the age-old caravan route alongside the river, surrounded by lush villages and vibrant gardens.

A stop at the Foum Chenna rock carvings, dating back 4000 years, reveals Morocco's ancient history. As you continue, the bustling town of Zagora offers a delightful lunch stop, and you'll also visit the pottery workshops run by four local families in Tamgroute. An absolute marvel, the ancient Quranic library holds beautifully handwritten Arabic texts that will leave you in awe. Your journey south leads you to M’hamid, known as the gateway to the desert, marking the end of the paved road. Here, the vast and enigmatic Sahara desert begins. As the day comes to a close, you'll relish in a sumptuous dinner and an overnight stay at a luxurious camp located on the edge of the dunes, granting you the opportunity to witness a captivating desert sunset.

Day 2: M’hamid to Chegaga

After a satisfying breakfast, your exploration continues as you visit the ancient village of M’hamid. Crossing the now often dry Dra’a River, the village, characterized by adobe structures and sheltered streets to escape the intense summer heat, reveals the unique lifestyle of desert dwellers. In the afternoon, the towering Erg Chegaga dunes (300m) await, just 60km away via off-road terrain. This remarkable journey showcases various facets of the desert, from the dramatic "erg" (dunes) to the rugged "hammada" (stony desert), as well as refreshing oases.

Erg Chegaga lies far from any urban areas, where only a few nomads endure the harsh conditions of relentless wind, occasional sandstorms, and scarce rainfall. Yet, the silence, the vast expanse of sand, and the sheer magic of this place are nothing short of awe-inspiring. You'll even have the chance to savor a camel ride, indulging in a sunset spectacle. The evening unfolds with a delectable dinner and another luxurious night at the camp, complete with all the amenities of your first desert night in M’hamid. Be mindful that Chegaga's dunes can get quite hot during the summer, with most camps closing, so we recommend considering our 3 day excursion to the Erg Chebbi dunes.

Day 3: Chegaga to Ouarzazate

On this final day, an additional 90 kilometers of rugged desert terrain take you across the now-dried Lake Iriqui. Amidst this desert landscape, you may even catch a glimpse of a mirage, although such occurrences are rare unless heavy rainfall has recently graced the region. The lake's edge offers a unique opportunity to search for fossils, some easily gathered while others are firmly embedded in the rocks.

From Foum Zguid, a village that marks the very edge of the desert, we venture north to Taznakht, renowned for its exquisite Berber rugs and carpets. Here, you'll pause for a delightful lunch before setting your course eastward, ultimately arriving in Ouarzazate by late afternoon. Your captivating 3 Days From Ouarzazate To Chegaga Desert Tour concludes around 18:00, leaving you with unforgettable memories of this mesmerizing desert adventure.

Included: 3 Days From Ouarzazate To Chegaga Desert Tour

• Private vehicle 4x4 with heating/air conditioning.
• English-speaking driver/guide at your disposal all the time of the tour.
• Fuel
• Accommodation in a Berber camp in the desert of Erg Chebbi on half board (dinner and breakfast).
• Accommodation in Kasbah Hotel in Mhamid on half board (dinner and breakfast).
• Camel ride to/from the camp.
• Pick up and transfer at any point in Ouarzazate that you indicate to us.

Not included:

• Drinks
• Meals not included in the previous section
• Entrance fees to monuments and personal expenses.