The classic Moroccan journey runs south from Marrakech, over the High Atlas and down towards the great dunes. Here is how the route works and what to expect along the way.
Over the High Atlas
The road climbs to the Tizi n'Tichka pass, at 2,260 m the highest road crossing in North Africa, before dropping towards the pre-Sahara. On the way lies Aït Benhaddou, the UNESCO-listed earthen ksar that has featured in countless films, and the film-studio town of Ouarzazate.
Down the Draa Valley
Beyond Ouarzazate the route follows the Draa, the longest river in Morocco, through one palm grove after another towards Zagora and the desert proper.
Erg Chigaga or Erg Chebbi?
Morocco has two great dune fields. Erg Chebbi, near Merzouga, is the easier to reach and therefore the busier. Erg Chigaga is remoter and quieter — the final stretch is off-road by 4x4 — and the camps are smaller and further apart, so the silence at night is complete.
How long you need & what to pack
Allow at least three days round trip to reach the dunes without rushing; more if you want to slow down. Pack layers: desert days are warm and the nights, especially in winter, can be cold. Sun protection is essential year-round.
We run this journey as a fully private trip, at your own pace.
See the desert trip