Combined circuit · Desert + Atlas · 4 nights / 5 daysErg Chebbi · High Atlas

Erg Chebbi and the High Atlas.

Discovering southern Morocco on a 4x4 circuit through dunes, oases and Berber villages.

Duration

4 nights / 5 days

Airports

In Errachidia · Out Ouarzazate

Highlights

Erg Chebbi · Khamlia · Todra · Dades · M'Goun

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Trip description

An escape to the closest desert to Europe.

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 Erfoud, known as «the gate of the desert», from where we head into the Sahara in a 4x4 with private driver.

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

We then continue across the High Atlas range, crossing valleys, gorges and Imazighen villages where time seems to have stopped.

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Quick facts

The essentials.

Duration4 nights / 5 days

PlacesErrachidia · Erg Chebbi · Merdani · Rissani · Erfoud · Tinerhir · Boumalne Dades · Ouarzazate

AirportsErrachidia / Ouarzazate

TypeDesert + Atlas

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.

stops5

approximate km359

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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 Errachidia – Erfoud
Day route:Arrival → Erfoud
Highlights
- 01Errachidia and its former military airportErrachidia airport was a French military base in the 1930s before turning civil.
- 02Erfoud, world capital of fossilsThe region holds millions of marine fossils more than 380 million years old.
- 03The true gate of the SaharaFrom Erfoud, the Erg Chebbi dunes rise to over 150 metres in height.
The day, in detail
Departure from your home airport with a connection via Casablanca to Errachidia. Night arrival and transfer to Erfoud, known as «The Gate of the Desert». Accommodation and dinner at Kasbah Hotel Xaluca, an emblematic hotel of southern Morocco.

Full itinerary

Day by day, no shortcuts.

Day 01

1 / 10

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Notes of the day

Don't miss it

Errachidia and its former military airport

Errachidia airport was a French military base in the 1930s before turning civil.

Did you know

Erfoud, world capital of fossils

The region holds millions of marine fossils more than 380 million years old.

For the photo

The true gate of the Sahara

From Erfoud, the Erg Chebbi dunes rise to over 150 metres in height.

Day 01

Arrival in Errachidia – Erfoud

Departure from your home airport with a connection via Casablanca to Errachidia. Night arrival and transfer to Erfoud, known as «The Gate of the Desert». Accommodation and dinner at Kasbah Hotel Xaluca, an emblematic hotel of southern Morocco.

Cultural highlights

Errachidia and its former military airport

Errachidia airport was a French military base in the 1930s before turning civil.

Erfoud, world capital of fossils

The region holds millions of marine fossils more than 380 million years old.

The true gate of the Sahara

From Erfoud, the Erg Chebbi dunes rise to over 150 metres in height.

Xaluca Tours · Specialists

Have any questions about this trip?

Book a call with one of our specialists and we'll help you plan your trip in a personalised way, with no obligation.

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What travellers say about this day

The arrival was flawless: flight, pick-up and transfer to the hotel without a single worry. Starting like this builds real trust.

Carlos D.

Cáceres, Spain

Verified traveller

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Town
XALUCA HOTEL

Day map

Day's landmarks

3 landmarks

Trip progress

Day 01 / 05

20%

Place gallery

Errachidia

3 cards

Errachidia

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The eastern gateway to the Sahara

Discover a city surrounded by oases, mountains, and desert landscapes that acts as a gateway to the great routes of southern Morocco.

Errachidia

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Explore oases and traditions

Stroll through local markets, discover the surroundings, and learn about the daily life of this region in southeastern Morocco.

Errachidia

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A meeting with authentic Morocco

Enjoy tranquility, local hospitality, and the characteristic landscapes of the desert gates.

Day 02

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 02

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.

Nuria V.

Málaga, 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 02 / 05

40%

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.

Day 03

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 03

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.

Xaluca Tours · Specialists

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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.

Carmen & Ramón

Santander, Spain

Verified traveller

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Viewpoint
Berber village
Living culture
Market

Day map

Day's landmarks

6 landmarks

Trip progress

Day 03 / 05

60%

Place gallery

Sunrise over the dunes

3 cards

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 04

1 / 10

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Notes of the day

Don't miss it

The «Monkey Paws»

Limestone folds shaped 70 million years ago, a perfect example of chevron folding.

Did you know

The Todra Gorges

Natural canyons with walls up to 300 metres high — a world-class climbing destination.

For the photo

The Valley of the Birds

A High Atlas refuge where golden eagles, vultures and Barbary falcons soar.

Day 04

Tinerhir – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley

Drive to Tinerhir and the famous Todra Gorges. Continue to Boumalne Dades with accommodation at Hotel Xaluca Dades. Visit to the Dades Valley and stop at the «Monkey Paws» geological formations.

Cultural highlights

The «Monkey Paws»

Limestone folds shaped 70 million years ago, a perfect example of chevron folding.

The Todra Gorges

Natural canyons with walls up to 300 metres high — a world-class climbing destination.

The Valley of the Birds

A High Atlas refuge where golden eagles, vultures and Barbary falcons soar.

Xaluca Tours · Specialists

Have any questions about this trip?

Book a call with one of our specialists and we'll help you plan your trip in a personalised way, with no obligation.

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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.

Cristina & Hugo

Tarragona, Spain

Verified traveller

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Town
Gorges
XALUCA HOTEL

Day map

Day's landmarks

4 landmarks

Trip progress

Day 04 / 05

80%

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 05

1 / 10

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Notes of the day

Don't miss it

Ouarzazate, the Hollywood of Africa

Over 200 international films and series shot here — Gladiator, Game of Thrones, Babel…

Did you know

Atlas Studios

The largest film studios in Africa, active since 1983.

For the photo

The Noor solar plant

Over 6,000 hectares of mirrors: one of the largest thermo-solar plants on the planet.

Day 05

Ouarzazate – Return

Drive to Ouarzazate to catch the return flight via Casablanca.

Cultural highlights

Ouarzazate, the Hollywood of Africa

Over 200 international films and series shot here — Gladiator, Game of Thrones, Babel…

Atlas Studios

The largest film studios in Africa, active since 1983.

The Noor solar plant

Over 6,000 hectares of mirrors: one of the largest thermo-solar plants on the planet.

Xaluca Tours · Specialists

Have any questions about this trip?

Book a call with one of our specialists and we'll help you plan your trip in a personalised way, with no obligation.

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What travellers say about this day

Ouarzazate and its film studios surprised us. The day's organisation and the hotel were impeccable.

Rocío G.

Albacete, Spain

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Town

Day map

Day's landmarks

1 landmark

Trip progress

Day 05 / 05

100%

Place gallery

Ouarzazate

3 cards

Ouarzazate

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Aït Ben Haddou Kasbah

Discover a city surrounded by kasbahs, oases, and desert landscapes that has become one of the most emblematic destinations in Morocco.

Ouarzazate

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Explore history, cinema, and culture

Visit the Kasbah Taourirt, explore the film studios, and discover the most interesting corners of the city.

Ouarzazate

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The Hollywood of Morocco

Experience the thrill of visiting some of the locations used in famous international productions while exploring the country's cinematic capital.

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