Combined circuit · Atlas + Desert · 5 nights / 6 daysHigh Atlas · Erg Chebbi

The Atlas and the Erg Chebbi dunes.

Discovering southern Morocco on a 4x4 circuit from Berber mountains to the dunes of the Sahara.

Duration

5 nights / 6 days

Airports

In Ouarzazate · Out Errachidia

Highlights

High Atlas · Boutaghrar · M'Goun · Todra · Erg Chebbi

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Trip description

From the High Atlas to the gates of the Sahara.

Want to disconnect for a few days and live something truly magical?

We propose an escape to the closest dune desert to Europe: the Erg Chebbi, in southern Morocco.

The route begins in the High Atlas range, where a 4x4 with private driver takes us through Imazighen villages frozen in time.

We cross valleys and gorges all the way to the gate of the desert, where the magic of the Sahara wraps every moment of the journey.

Ancestral traditions, markets, desert colours and a night under the stars turn this experience into an unforgettable trip.

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Quick facts

The essentials.

Duration5 nights / 6 days

PlacesOuarzazate · Boumalne Dades · Tinerhir · Erfoud · Erg Chebbi · Merdani · Rissani · Errachidia

AirportsOuarzazate / Errachidia

TypeAtlas + Desert

Experiences4x4 · camels · bivouac · Berber villages · gorges · oases

Listen to this journey

Let us tell you the route.

A narration to picture every stage before you set off.

Listen to this journey

Let us tell you the route.

A narration to picture every stage before you set off.

The whole route

Your journey on a single map.

Every stop connected — the full route, day by day, in a single image.

stops6

approximate km315

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City
Desert

Travel notes

Pack your bag

Handwritten notes from those who already did this route — what to pack to enjoy it surprise-free.

Layer up

Clothing for the Atlas & the desert

Dress in layers: a cool High Atlas morning can turn into a hot afternoon on the dunes.
A fleece or jumper for the nights: both the Atlas and the desert cool down after sunset.
Closed, broken-in shoes for walking through kasbahs, gorges and sand.
A large scarf (cheche): it shields you from sun, wind and fine sand.

— Your Xaluca team

Don't forget

Must-have accessories

Sunglasses and SPF 50 sunscreen: the Sahara sun is no joke.
A cap or wide-brimmed hat for the midday hours.
Lip balm and moisturiser: the air is very dry and your skin will feel it.
A reusable bottle and hand gel for the 4x4 legs.

— Your Xaluca team

Under the stars

Desert nights & travel days

A head torch and a power bank: the bivouac doesn't always have plugs.
A small bag for the night at camp; your big suitcase stays in the 4x4.
Something warm for sleeping: the desert surprises with its cool nights.
Some cash in dirhams for tips, mint tea and small purchases along the way.

— Your Xaluca team

Tap a stage to read the details

Day 01
Arrival in Ouarzazate – Boumalne Dades
Day route:Ouarzazate → Dades
Highlights
- 01Unique altitude and landscapeBoumalne Dades sits at 1,612 m in the upper High Atlas: panoramic views over valleys, snowy peaks in winter and scattered Berber villages.
- 02The Dades river valleyFamous for the Gorges du Dadès. The winding road that climbs the gorge is one of the most photographed views in Morocco. 9-10 km from town, the «Monkey Fingers» rock formation adds an otherworldly feel.
- 03Rose tradition and local marketThe valley hosts the Rose Valley fields used for centuries to produce rose water and essential oils. Every Wednesday a weekly market gathers nearby villages selling produce and Berber craft.
The day, in detail
Departure from your home airport toward Casablanca and onward connection with the 23:20 Casablanca – Ouarzazate flight, arriving Ouarzazate at 01:10. Airport pick-up and asphalt transfer (110 km) to Boumalne Dades, at 1,612 m in the High Atlas range. Accommodation at Hotel Xaluca Dades 4★. 📌 Flight options vary by departure city.

Full itinerary

Day by day, no shortcuts.

Day 01

1 / 10

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Notes of the day

Don't miss it

Unique altitude and landscape

Boumalne Dades sits at 1,612 m in the upper High Atlas: panoramic views over valleys, snowy peaks in winter and scattered Berber villages.

Did you know

The Dades river valley

Famous for the Gorges du Dadès. The winding road that climbs the gorge is one of the most photographed views in Morocco.

For the photo

Rose tradition and local market

The valley hosts the Rose Valley fields used for centuries to produce rose water and essential oils. Every Wednesday a weekly market gathers nearby villages selling produce and Berber craft.

Day 01

Arrival in Ouarzazate – Boumalne Dades

Departure from your home airport toward Casablanca and onward connection with the 23:20 Casablanca – Ouarzazate flight, arriving Ouarzazate at 01:10. Airport pick-up and asphalt transfer (110 km) to Boumalne Dades, at 1,612 m in the High Atlas range. Accommodation at Hotel Xaluca Dades 4★. 📌 Flight options vary by departure city.

Cultural highlights

Unique altitude and landscape

Boumalne Dades sits at 1,612 m in the upper High Atlas: panoramic views over valleys, snowy peaks in winter and scattered Berber villages.

The Dades river valley

Famous for the Gorges du Dadès. The winding road that climbs the gorge is one of the most photographed views in Morocco. 9-10 km from town, the «Monkey Fingers» rock formation adds an otherworldly feel.

Rose tradition and local market

The valley hosts the Rose Valley fields used for centuries to produce rose water and essential oils. Every Wednesday a weekly market gathers nearby villages selling produce and Berber craft.

Xaluca Tours · Specialists

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What travellers say about this day

The Dades valley switchbacks are hypnotic. We stopped at the viewpoints for photos and the scenery didn't disappoint.

Raquel S.

Zaragoza, Spain

Verified traveller

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XALUCA HOTEL

Day map

Day's landmarks

1 landmark

Trip progress

Day 01 / 06

17%

Place gallery

Hotel Xaluca Dades 4★

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Hotel Xaluca Dades 4★

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An oasis of comfort in the Dadès Valley

Set in a privileged environment, this hotel combines traditional architecture, gardens, and magnificent views of the mountains and the valley.

Hotel Xaluca Dades 4★

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Relax among mountains and palm groves

Enjoy its facilities, spa, pool, and spaces designed for relaxation after a day of exploration.

Hotel Xaluca Dades 4★

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The hospitality of southern Morocco

Experience a unique accommodation surrounded by some of the most impressive landscapes of the Atlas.

Alto Atlas Central – Boutaghrar – M'Goun

Day 02

1 / 10

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Notes of the day

Don't miss it

The «little Moroccan Tibet»

Boutaghrar, above 2,400 m, preserves a near-intact Berber way of life.

Did you know

Atlas troglodyte families

Ait Atta nomad families still use natural caves as summer shelters.

For the photo

The M'Goun Gorges

Nearly 30 km long, Morocco's longest canyon — known as «the river you walk».

Day 02

Central High Atlas – Boutaghrar – M'Goun

Off-road journey through the Central High Atlas, discovering villages like Boutaghrar and Amskar. Visit caves still inhabited by nomad families. Walk through the M'Goun Gorges and lunch at a traditional Gîte d'Étape. Dinner and accommodation at Hotel Xaluca Dades.

Cultural highlights

The «little Moroccan Tibet»

Boutaghrar, above 2,400 m, preserves a near-intact Berber way of life.

Atlas troglodyte families

Ait Atta nomad families still use natural caves as summer shelters.

The M'Goun Gorges

Nearly 30 km long, Morocco's longest canyon — known as «the river you walk».

Xaluca Tours · Specialists

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What travellers say about this day

The Berber mountain villages, clinging between peaks, stole our hearts. Our driver knew every story.

Pablo & Marta

Alicante, Spain

Verified traveller

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Mountain
Berber village
XALUCA HOTEL

Day map

Day's landmarks

5 landmarks

Trip progress

Day 02 / 06

33%

Place gallery

High Atlas range

3 cards

High Atlas range

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The great backbone of Morocco

Behold impressive mountains, deep valleys, and landscapes that constantly change along one of the most spectacular mountain ranges on the continent.

High Atlas range

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Crossing high passes and landscapes

Travel along scenic roads, mountain trails, and small Berber villages hidden among the peaks.

High Atlas range

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The grandeur of the Moroccan mountain

Enjoy spectacular panoramas, wild nature, and the authenticity of local communities.

Valle del Dades – Gargantas del Todra – Erfoud

Day 03

1 / 10

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Notes of the day

Don't miss it

Dades viewpoint

One of the most photographed landscapes in Morocco.

Did you know

The «Monkey Paws»

Rock formations sculpted by differential erosion over millions of years.

For the photo

Todra Gorges

Natural canyons with walls up to 160 metres.

Day 03

Dades Valley – Todra Gorges – Erfoud

Drive through the Dades Valley to its famous gorges and panoramic viewpoint. Stop at the geological formations known as the «Monkey Paws». Continue to Tinerhir and the Todra Gorges. Arrival in Erfoud, accommodation at Kasbah Hotel Xaluca.

Cultural highlights

Dades viewpoint

One of the most photographed landscapes in Morocco.

The «Monkey Paws»

Rock formations sculpted by differential erosion over millions of years.

Todra Gorges

Natural canyons with walls up to 160 metres.

Xaluca Tours · Specialists

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What travellers say about this day

The Todra gorges make you feel tiny: towering walls and a stream at the bottom. A wonder of nature.

David G.

Córdoba, Spain

Verified traveller

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Town
Gorges
XALUCA HOTEL

Day map

Day's landmarks

4 landmarks

Trip progress

Day 03 / 06

50%

Place gallery

Tinerhir

3 cards

The oasis between mountains and palm groves

Tinerhir

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The oasis between mountains and palm groves

Discover a city surrounded by one of the largest palm groves in southern Morocco and situated at the gates of the Todra Gorges.

Tinerhir

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Explore the heart of the oasis

Stroll among palm trees, visit traditional villages, and discover the daily life of one of the most fertile regions in the south.

The perfect contrast between water and mountain

Tinerhir

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The perfect contrast between water and mountain

Enjoy landscapes where green oases meet the arid Atlas mountains, creating unique settings.

Day 04

1 / 10

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Notes of the day

Don't miss it

The historic Dakar Rally tracks

Between Erfoud and the Erg Chebbi several tracks were used by the Dakar Rally during the Moroccan editions (until 2007). Many cross hamadas and dry wadis, making them iconic for 4x4 and adventure motorcycling.

Did you know

360-million-year-old fossils

The Erfoud and Merzouga marine fossil quarries date from the Devonian (approx. 360-380 million years ago), when the region lay under a shallow tropical sea.

For the photo

Erg Chebbi

One of the two great ergs of the Moroccan desert, its dunes can reach 150 metres in height, shaped from extremely fine sand carried by Saharan winds. The tallest dune sits near Hassi Labied and is one of the most photographed spots in the desert.

Day 04

Full desert – Erg Chebbi & bivouac

A day of Total Desert. We drive one of the historic Dakar Rally tracks, visiting villages and desert nomads. Stop at the Marine Fossil Quarries — 360 million years old — and picnic in an authentic oasis. We continue to the great Erg Chebbi, the «desert of fine-sand dunes», where we swap the 4x4 for camels and ride into the heart of the dunes to witness an unforgettable sunset. We arrive on camelback at the Bivouac de Luxe and sleep in nomad-style jaimas. Dinner and overnight — spectacular under the stars.

Cultural highlights

The historic Dakar Rally tracks

Between Erfoud and the Erg Chebbi several tracks were used by the Dakar Rally during the Moroccan editions (until 2007). Many cross hamadas and dry wadis, making them iconic for 4x4 and adventure motorcycling. They are still used today for off-road training and competitions.

360-million-year-old fossils

The Erfoud and Merzouga marine fossil quarries date from the Devonian (approx. 360-380 million years ago), when the region lay under a shallow tropical sea. Ammonites, trilobites, goniatites and primitive fish all come from here — Morocco is one of the world's largest exporters of authentic Devonian fossils.

Erg Chebbi: dunes over 150 metres

One of the two great ergs of the Moroccan desert, its dunes can reach 150 metres in height, shaped from extremely fine sand carried by Saharan winds. The tallest dune sits near Hassi Labied and is one of the most photographed spots in the desert.

Xaluca Tours · Specialists

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What travellers say about this day

The Erg Chebbi dunes and the night at the camp were the best of the trip. The starry sky is simply indescribable.

Beatriz R.

Burgos, Spain

Verified traveller

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Berber village
Geology
Palm grove
Dunes
XALUCA HOTEL

Day map

Day's landmarks

6 landmarks

Trip progress

Day 04 / 06

67%

Place gallery

Dakar Rally tracks

3 cards

Dakar Rally tracks

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The legendary routes of the desert

Discover the spectacular landscapes where some of the most mythical stages of the Dakar Rally in Morocco took place for years.

Dakar Rally tracks

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Adventure trails

Explore desert tracks, rocky plains, and routes that traverse some of the wildest landscapes of the Sahara.

Dakar Rally tracks

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Feel the spirit of Dakar

Experience the excitement of visiting historic sites associated with one of the most famous competitions in the world.

Amanecer en el desierto – Khamlia – Rissani

Day 05

1 / 10

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Notes of the day

Don't miss it

Khamlia

Founded by Sudanese communities generations ago, the village is internationally known for its Gnawa music, listed as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Local groups like Pigeons du Sable keep alive this tradition of hypnotic rhythms, metallic krakebs and drums.

Did you know

Rissani

The Rissani souk, busiest on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, is one of the most important markets of the Ziz valley. Aït Atta nomads and remote-village dwellers gather to trade.

For the photo

Erg Chebbi

Sunrise over the Erg Chebbi is one of Morocco's most recognised natural phenomena: dunes top 100-150 metres, and dawn light casts deep shadows across the fine sand creating stripes of orange, gold and pink that shift by the minute.

Day 05

Sunrise – Khamlia – Rissani

«A date with the Sunrise»: we recommend an early walk to the top of the dunes for sunrise. Bedouin breakfast and drive around the Erg to the abandoned village of Merdani. We continue to Khamlia, a village of Sudanese origin, where its inhabitants offer traditional dances and mint tea. Later we head to Rissani's market (Tues, Thurs and Sun), unique in these latitudes, where desert tribes and nomads come to stock up — curious to see the famous «donkey parking». We climb to a natural viewpoint for a final desert farewell. Lunch at Des Dunes, Erfoud's most authentic Berber pizzeria. Return to Kasbah Xaluca with the rest of the day free: heated pool, jacuzzi, tennis, minigolf, optional hammam, massage or quad ride. Dinner and overnight at Kasbah Xaluca.

Hotel wellness

Heated pool
Hammam & Jacuzzi
Massages
Optional quads
Tennis & minigolf

Cultural highlights

Khamlia: ancestral Gnawa music in the desert

Founded by Sudanese communities generations ago, the village is internationally known for its Gnawa music, listed as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Local groups like Pigeons du Sable keep alive this tradition of hypnotic rhythms, metallic krakebs and drums.

Rissani: a unique and ancient southern market

The Rissani souk, busiest on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, is one of the most important markets of the Ziz valley. Aït Atta nomads and remote-village dwellers gather to trade. Its famous «donkey parking» — where merchants tie up their animals during market day — is one of the most photographed quirks.

Erg Chebbi: sunrises over 100-metre dunes

Sunrise over the Erg Chebbi is one of Morocco's most recognised natural phenomena: dunes top 100-150 metres, and dawn light casts deep shadows across the fine sand creating stripes of orange, gold and pink that shift by the minute.

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What travellers say about this day

The Rissani souk is pure Morocco: colours, aromas and freshly picked dates. A very authentic experience.

Carlos D.

Sevilla, Spain

Verified traveller

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Viewpoint
Berber village
Living culture
Market

Day map

Day's landmarks

6 landmarks

Trip progress

Day 05 / 06

83%

Place gallery

Sunrise over the dunes

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Sunrise over the dunes

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The awakening of the Sahara

Watch as the first light of day slowly illuminates the dunes and transforms the desert into a spectacle of colors.

Sunrise over the dunes

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Walking on golden sand

Traverse the crests of the dunes and enjoy the absolute tranquility of the early hours of the day.

Sunrise over the dunes

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An unforgettable moment

Experience one of the most magical moments of the trip by watching the sun rise over the Saharan horizon.

Day 06

1 / 10

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Notes of the day

Don't miss it

Ziz Valley

Stretching from Errachidia to the gates of the Sahara, it hosts one of North Africa's largest palm groves, part of the historic Tafilalet oasis with more than one million date palms. It is one of Morocco's main date-producing regions, especially of the prized Medjool variety.

Did you know

Errachidia airport

Moulay Ali Cherif Airport (ERH) was originally built as a military airport and later adapted for civil flights. Today it is the main air hub linking south-eastern Morocco with Casablanca, allowing connections to international flights without long road transfers.

For the photo

One of the most scenic roads in southern Morocco

The road between Erg Chebbi/Erfoud and Errachidia offers sweeping views over the great fertile Ziz valley, where traditional hamlets alternate with adobe kasbahs, khettara irrigation channels and agricultural terraces. It is considered one of southern Morocco's most photogenic roads — contrast between the valley's green and the arid mountains.

Day 06

Ziz Valley – Errachidia – Return

Transfer to Errachidia airport for the return flight home. Along the way, stop at the Ziz Valley viewpoint, home to more than ten million palm trees. Flight departs Errachidia at 07:15 toward Casablanca, arriving at 08:30 to connect with your onward flight.

Cultural highlights

Ziz Valley: one of North Africa's largest palm groves

Stretching from Errachidia to the gates of the Sahara, it hosts one of North Africa's largest palm groves, part of the historic Tafilalet oasis with more than one million date palms. It is one of Morocco's main date-producing regions, especially of the prized Medjool variety.

Errachidia airport: key gateway between Atlas and Sahara

Moulay Ali Cherif Airport (ERH) was originally built as a military airport and later adapted for civil flights. Today it is the main air hub linking south-eastern Morocco with Casablanca, allowing connections to international flights without long road transfers.

One of the most scenic roads in southern Morocco

The road between Erg Chebbi/Erfoud and Errachidia offers sweeping views over the great fertile Ziz valley, where traditional hamlets alternate with adobe kasbahs, khettara irrigation channels and agricultural terraces. It is considered one of southern Morocco's most photogenic roads — contrast between the valley's green and the arid mountains.

Xaluca Tours · Specialists

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What travellers say about this day

The endless green palm grove of the Ziz valley, amid arid mountains, was a beautiful farewell to the south.

Nuria V.

Valladolid, Spain

Verified traveller

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Palm grove
Viewpoint
Geology
Airport

Day map

Day's landmarks

4 landmarks

Trip progress

Day 06 / 06

100%

Place gallery

Ziz Valley

3 cards

The most spectacular oasis of the Moroccan Sahara

Ziz Valley

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The most spectacular oasis of the Moroccan Sahara

Admire one of the largest palm groves in Morocco, where thousands of palm trees create an impressive green corridor between mountains and desert areas.

Ziz Valley

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Discover life around water

Explore panoramic viewpoints, visit oasis towns, and discover the traditional irrigation systems that have brought life to the region for generations.

Ziz Valley

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The great contrast of Southern Morocco

Enjoy stunning landscapes where lush vegetation emerges amidst arid and mountainous environments.

Postcards from the journey

Handwritten memories

What travellers like you wrote to us after this route.

A postcard from MerzougaThe sea of dunes

Hello from the desert,

We climbed onto a camel just as the sun was sinking over Erg Chebbi and, suddenly, the world fell silent. Tonight we sleep in a tent, under more stars than I've ever seen.

Still with sand in my shoes,

Marta

Xaluca ToursMERZOUGA

Erg Chebbi · Sahara

A postcard from Aït Ben HaddouAdobe kasbahs

Dear family,

Today we wandered the adobe kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou and in the afternoon a Berber family invited us in for mint tea. In Khamlia we listened to Gnawa drums until we lost track of time. I've never felt so welcome so far from home.

Shukran for everything,

Lucía

Xaluca ToursOUARZAZATE

Aït Ben Haddou · Ouarzazate

A postcard from the gorgesRock and palms

To anyone longing to escape,

The road between the Todra and Dades gorges was one surprise after another: walls of red rock, hidden palm groves and villages clinging to the mountain. I came looking for desert and I'm leaving with mountains I never expected too.

I'll be back, for sure,

Diego