Circuit · Marrakech ↻ Erg Chebbi · 4 nights / 5 daysMarrakech · High Atlas · Erg Chebbi · Marrakech

Escape to the Erg Chebbi desert from Marrakech.

A short escape from Marrakech to the heart of the Sahara, crossing the High Atlas, Aït Ben Haddou and the Todra Gorges.

Duration

4 nights / 5 days

Airports

In & out Marrakech

Highlights

Tizi n'Tichka · Aït Ben Haddou · Todra · Erg Chebbi · Bivouac

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Trip description

Morocco in depth, from Marrakech.

Discover Morocco in depth with this 4-night/5-day escape from Marrakech to the stunning Erg Chebbi desert — a journey that blends majestic mountains, Berber villages, historic kasbahs and the magic of the Sahara at its most authentic.

You will cross the High Atlas through the legendary Tizi n'Tichka, explore valleys, gorges and famous Dakar Rally tracks, meet nomads, walk through canyons and palm groves, and ride into the sea of dunes on camelback for an unforgettable sunset and a night at a bivouac under a star-filled sky.

The experience is rounded off with Gnawa music in Khamlia, traditional markets in Rissani and relaxing moments at Kasbah Xaluca.

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Quick facts

The essentials.

Duration4 nights / 5 days

PlacesMarrakech · Tizi n'Tichka · Aït Ben Haddou · Ouarzazate · Boumalne Dades · Tinerhir · Todra · Erfoud · Erg Chebbi · Merdani · Alnif · Marrakech

AirportsMarrakech

TypeMarrakech · Erg Chebbi · Marrakech

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 km615

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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
Marrakech · Tizi n'Tichka · Aït Ben Haddou · Boumalne Dades
Day route:Dades
Highlights
- 01Tizi n'Tichka: Morocco's highest tarmac passAt 2,260 m, the Tizi n'Tichka is Morocco's highest tarmac mountain pass. The drive shows how the landscape changes dramatically — from the green, fertile north to the near-lunar south side of the Atlas.
- 02Aït Ben Haddou: ancient ksar and film setUNESCO World Heritage since 1987 and one of the finest examples of traditional southern-Moroccan adobe architecture. It has hosted blockbusters like Gladiator, The Mummy, Game of Thrones and Kingdom of Heaven.
- 03Boumalne Dades, in the Valley of the BirdsTown set at 1,612 m in the heart of the High Atlas range. A strategic point between oases, kasbahs and Berber villages, and the natural gateway to the spectacular Dades Valley.
The day, in detail
Pick-up at 09:30 from the agreed point in Marrakech and departure in a 4x4 with driver towards the Central High Atlas. A few kilometres lie ahead, generously rewarded by the landscape. We cross the Tizi n'Tichka — Morocco's highest tarmac mountain pass at 2,260 m — leaving the greens and ochres behind to enter a lunar landscape. Along the way we visit the Aït Ben Haddou Kasbah, UNESCO World Heritage and backdrop of countless film productions. We pass through Ouarzazate and continue along the Valley of the Roses to Boumalne Dades, at 1,612 m in the Valley of the Birds. Dinner and overnight at Hotel Xaluca Dades 4*.

Full itinerary

Day by day, no shortcuts.

Marrakech · Tizi n'Tichka · Aït Ben Haddou · Boumalne Dades

Day 01

1 / 10

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Notes of the day

Don't miss it

Tizi n'Tichka

At 2,260 m, the Tizi n'Tichka is Morocco's highest tarmac mountain pass. The drive shows how the landscape changes dramatically — from the green, fertile north to the near-lunar south side of the Atlas.

Did you know

Aït Ben Haddou

UNESCO World Heritage since 1987 and one of the finest examples of traditional southern-Moroccan adobe architecture. It has hosted blockbusters like Gladiator, The Mummy, Game of Thrones and Kingdom of Heaven.

For the photo

Boumalne Dades, in the Valley of the Birds

Town set at 1,612 m in the heart of the High Atlas range. A strategic point between oases, kasbahs and Berber villages, and the natural gateway to the spectacular Dades Valley.

Day 01

Marrakech · Tizi n'Tichka · Aït Ben Haddou · Boumalne Dades

Pick-up at 09:30 from the agreed point in Marrakech and departure in a 4x4 with driver towards the Central High Atlas. A few kilometres lie ahead, generously rewarded by the landscape. We cross the Tizi n'Tichka — Morocco's highest tarmac mountain pass at 2,260 m — leaving the greens and ochres behind to enter a lunar landscape. Along the way we visit the Aït Ben Haddou Kasbah, UNESCO World Heritage and backdrop of countless film productions. We pass through Ouarzazate and continue along the Valley of the Roses to Boumalne Dades, at 1,612 m in the Valley of the Birds. Dinner and overnight at Hotel Xaluca Dades 4*.

Cultural highlights

Tizi n'Tichka: Morocco's highest tarmac pass

At 2,260 m, the Tizi n'Tichka is Morocco's highest tarmac mountain pass. The drive shows how the landscape changes dramatically — from the green, fertile north to the near-lunar south side of the Atlas.

Aït Ben Haddou: ancient ksar and film set

UNESCO World Heritage since 1987 and one of the finest examples of traditional southern-Moroccan adobe architecture. It has hosted blockbusters like Gladiator, The Mummy, Game of Thrones and Kingdom of Heaven.

Boumalne Dades, in the Valley of the Birds

Town set at 1,612 m in the heart of the High Atlas range. A strategic point between oases, kasbahs and Berber villages, and the natural gateway to the spectacular Dades Valley.

Xaluca Tours · Specialists

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What travellers say about this day

Aït Ben Haddou looks straight out of a film — and it is. Climbing to the top of the ksar at sunset was spectacular.

Lucía F.

Zaragoza, Spain

Verified traveller

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Town
Mountain
Viewpoint
Kasbah
XALUCA HOTEL

Day map

Day's landmarks

7 landmarks

Trip progress

Day 01 / 05

20%

Place gallery

Marrakech

3 cards

Marrakech

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The red city of Morocco

Discover palaces, gardens, souks, and historical monuments that make Marrakech one of the most fascinating destinations in North Africa.

Get lost in the most vibrant medina in the country

Marrakech

Need a hand?

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Get lost in the most vibrant medina in the country

Stroll through traditional markets, lively alleys, and corners where history and culture are present at every step.

Marrakech

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Talk to an agent and find your ideal trip.

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The cultural soul of Morocco

Enjoy the atmosphere of Jemaa el-Fna, the local cuisine, and the unique energy that characterizes this imperial city.

Alto Atlas Central · Dadès · Todra · Erfoud

Day 02

1 / 10

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Notes of the day

Don't miss it

Boutaghrar and the troglodyte nomads

In Boutaghrar, Aït Atta Berber families still live in caves and troglodyte houses — a centuries-old tradition. They welcome travellers with hospitality and reveal how they preserve nomadic or semi-nomadic ways of life in the very heart of the Central High Atlas.

Did you know

Dadès Valley & the «Monkey Paws»

Geological formations sculpted by erosion over millions of years, with an almost otherworldly appearance. The Dadès canyon is one of southern Morocco's most spectacular drives.

For the photo

The Todra Gorges

One of Morocco's most impressive canyons, with vertical walls up to 160 metres high at their narrowest point. The Todra river carved these walls over millions of years — a world-class climbing destination.

Day 02

Central High Atlas · Dadès · Todra · Erfoud

This morning we head off-road into the heart of the Central High Atlas, discovering spectacular landscapes. We visit Berber villages such as Boutaghrar, where time seems to have stopped. We see mountains, canyons and valleys, as well as caves still inhabited by nomad families. We drive the Dadès Valley to its gorges and reach the viewpoint for tea, stopping at the «Monkey Paws». In the afternoon we continue to Tinerhir, a small and prosperous town of pink houses and palm groves — the ideal starting point to enter the famous Todra Gorges, where we walk along the riverbed. We then continue to Erfoud, known as «the Gate of the Desert». Dinner and overnight at Kasbah Xaluca, listed as unique in Morocco for its singular character.

Cultural highlights

Boutaghrar and the troglodyte nomads

In Boutaghrar, Aït Atta Berber families still live in caves and troglodyte houses — a centuries-old tradition. They welcome travellers with hospitality and reveal how they preserve nomadic or semi-nomadic ways of life in the very heart of the Central High Atlas.

Dadès Valley & the «Monkey Paws»

Geological formations sculpted by erosion over millions of years, with an almost otherworldly appearance. The Dadès canyon is one of southern Morocco's most spectacular drives.

The Todra Gorges

One of Morocco's most impressive canyons, with vertical walls up to 160 metres high at their narrowest point. The Todra river carved these walls over millions of years — a world-class climbing destination.

Xaluca Tours · Specialists

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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.

Sara & Diego

Alicante, Spain

Verified traveller

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Mountain
Berber village
Town
Gorges
XALUCA HOTEL

Day map

Day's landmarks

6 landmarks

Trip progress

Day 02 / 05

40%

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.

Day 03

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 03

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.

Claudia R.

Córdoba, 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 03 / 05

60%

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 · Merdani · Khamlia · Rissani · Kasbah Xaluca

Day 04

1 / 10

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Notes of the day

Don't miss it

Khamlia

A village founded by Sudanese communities, internationally known for its Gnawa music, listed as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Local groups such as Pigeons du Sable keep alive a 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 — and its «donkey parking» is one of the most photographed quirks.

For the photo

Kasbah Xaluca

An emblematic hotel of southern Morocco, unique in the country thanks to its singular architecture and a full set of wellness services: heated pool, jacuzzi, hammam, massages, tennis and minigolf. The perfect refuge after a night under the stars.

Day 04

Sunrise · Merdani · Khamlia · Rissani · Kasbah Xaluca

«A date with the Sunrise»: we recommend an early walk to the top of the dunes for sunrise. Bedouin breakfast and back to the vehicle for a 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 — unique in these latitudes — where desert tribes and nomads stock up; the «donkey parking» is a sight worth photographing. We climb to a natural viewpoint for a final desert farewell. Arrival at Kasbah Xaluca for a free afternoon: heated pool, jacuzzi, tennis, minigolf, hammam, massage or — for the more adventurous — optional quad biking or a visit to nearby kasbahs. Dinner and overnight at Kasbah Xaluca.

Hotel wellness

Heated pool
Hammam & Jacuzzi
Massages
Optional quads
Tennis & minigolf

Cultural highlights

Khamlia: ancestral Gnawa music

A village founded by Sudanese communities, internationally known for its Gnawa music, listed as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Local groups such as Pigeons du Sable keep alive a tradition of hypnotic rhythms, metallic krakebs and drums.

Rissani: a unique 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 — and its «donkey parking» is one of the most photographed quirks.

Kasbah Xaluca: an oasis after the desert

An emblematic hotel of southern Morocco, unique in the country thanks to its singular architecture and a full set of wellness services: heated pool, jacuzzi, hammam, massages, tennis and minigolf. The perfect refuge after a night under the stars.

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.

Jorge M.

Burgos, Spain

Verified traveller

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Berber village
Living culture
Market
XALUCA HOTEL

Day map

Day's landmarks

4 landmarks

Trip progress

Day 04 / 05

80%

Place gallery

Merdani

3 cards

Merdani

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Virgin dunes of the Sahara

Discover a lesser-known area of the desert where the dunes remain virtually untouched and away from the busiest routes.

Merdani

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Explore the wilder Sahara

Traverse landscapes of endless sand, walk across the dunes, and enjoy the absolute tranquility of the surroundings.

Merdani

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The purest silence of the desert

Experience an exclusive moment surrounded only by sand, sky, and endless horizons.

Day 05

1 / 10

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Notes of the day

Don't miss it

Alnif and the fossil road

A small Berber town in the Anti-Atlas, internationally known for its Devonian trilobite deposits — among the most complete in the world. A mandatory stop on the crossing from the desert to the Atlas.

Did you know

From the Anti-Atlas to the Haouz plain

The route chains three ecosystems in just a few hours: stony lands and palm oases of the Anti-Atlas, river valleys with olive groves and, finally, the great agricultural Haouz plain stretching to the foot of the Atlas.

For the photo

Arriving in Marrakech with calm

Arriving in Marrakech after several days of tracks and dunes feels especially intense: the buzz of the medina, the colours of the souks and the aromas of Djemaa el-Fna are the trip's best farewell.

Day 05

Erfoud · Alnif · Return to Marrakech

Today we make our way back to Marrakech, passing through the town of Alnif and enjoying a wide variety of landscapes that link the Anti-Atlas with the Haouz plain. A long but scenic transfer day. Arrival in Marrakech and end of our services.

Cultural highlights

Alnif and the fossil road

A small Berber town in the Anti-Atlas, internationally known for its Devonian trilobite deposits — among the most complete in the world. A mandatory stop on the crossing from the desert to the Atlas.

From the Anti-Atlas to the Haouz plain

The route chains three ecosystems in just a few hours: stony lands and palm oases of the Anti-Atlas, river valleys with olive groves and, finally, the great agricultural Haouz plain stretching to the foot of the Atlas.

Arriving in Marrakech with calm

Arriving in Marrakech after several days of tracks and dunes feels especially intense: the buzz of the medina, the colours of the souks and the aromas of Djemaa el-Fna are the trip's best farewell.

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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Contact us

What travellers say about this day

Marrakech won us over from the first step. Haggling in the souk and the mint tea were exactly the experience we were after.

Teresa N.

Sevilla, Spain

Verified traveller

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Town
Mountain

Day map

Day's landmarks

2 landmarks

Trip progress

Day 05 / 05

100%

Place gallery

Marrakech

3 cards

Marrakech

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The red city of Morocco

Discover palaces, gardens, souks, and historical monuments that make Marrakech one of the most fascinating destinations in North Africa.

Marrakech

Need a hand?

Talk to an agent and find your ideal trip.

Book a call

Get lost in the most vibrant medina in the country

Stroll through traditional markets, lively alleys, and corners where history and culture are present at every step.

Marrakech

Need a hand?

Talk to an agent and find your ideal trip.

Book a call

The cultural soul of Morocco

Enjoy the atmosphere of Jemaa el-Fna, the local cuisine, and the unique energy that characterizes this imperial city.

Postcards from the journey

Handwritten memories

What travellers like you wrote to us after this route.

A postcard from the Draa ValleyThe endless palm grove

Hello from the south,

From Marrakech we drove south to Zagora along the Draa Valley, the longest palm grove in Morocco: miles of palms, mud kasbahs and a sign reading 'Timbuktu, 52 days'. The desert begins long before the dunes.

Heading for the stars,

Elena

Xaluca ToursZAGORA

Draa Valley · Zagora

A postcard from MarrakechTea and souks

Dear grandma,

I'm writing from a café looking out at the Koutoubia. These days we've eaten bread fresh from clay ovens, shared tea with a nomad family and haggled in the souks amid laughter. People here welcome you as if they'd always known you.

Bringing you a thousand stories,

Pablo

Xaluca ToursMARRAKECH

Koutoubia · Marrakech

A postcard from the bivouacFire and drums

For those unafraid to get lost,

We spent the night at a camp among the dunes, around the fire, listening to drums and watching shooting stars. We head back to Marrakech tomorrow, but some of this silence is coming with me. Some journeys end and others stay.

With sand in my soul,

Sara