5-Day Desert Trekking
Tour from Marrakech
A Sahara trekking journey through
Iriqui National Park and Erg Chegaga
Tour Overview
Explore Morocco on a 5-Day Itinerary from Marrakech
Tour Length:
5 Days / 4 Nights
Start City:
Marrakech
Price Range:
€TBD
Stops
8+
Key Areas:
Iriqui National Park, Lake Iriqui, Erg Mhazil, Erg El Ghoule, Lgrizima Oasis, Erg Chegaga, Mhamid Lghizlan, Tamegroute, Draa Valley
5-Day Desert Trekking
Tour from Marrakech
A Sahara trekking journey through
Iriqui National Park and Erg Chegaga
Tour Overview
Explore Morocco on a 5-Day Itinerary from Marrakech
Tour Length:
5 Days / 4 Nights
Start City:
Marrakech
Price Range:
€TBD
Stops
8+
Key Areas:
Iriqui National Park, Lake Iriqui, Erg Mhazil, Erg El Ghoule, Lgrizima Oasis, Erg Chegaga, Mhamid Lghizlan, Tamegroute, Draa Valley
5 days
All Destinations
Luxury or Standard
About this Tour
Explore Iriqui National Park, trek across vast dune fields, visit authentic nomadic communities, and camp at remote oases and towering dunes such as Erg Chegaga.
Led by expert local guides and staying in traditional Berber camps while following low-impact travel practices, this trekking itinerary offers a rare way to experience the Sahara through walking routes, remote camps, and desert landscapes.
Highlights
Your Desert
Trek: At a Glance
Best for:
Travelers who want a trekking-focused Sahara experience with remote camps and nomadic culture
Tour length:
5 Days / 4 Nights
Start city:
Marrakech
Route:
Iriqui National Park • Lake Iriqui • Erg Mhazil • Erg El Ghoule • Nomad visit • Lgrizima Oasis • Erg Chegaga • Mhamid Lghizlan • Tamegroute • Draa Valley
Walking focus
Multi-hour dune trekking days with local guides
Overnights
Desert tents/camps and an oasis camp (as per itinerary)
Itinerary Route
Your Desert Journey: Day-by-Day
Iriqui National Park • Lake Iriqui • Erg Mhazil • Erg El Ghoule • Nomad visit • Lgrizima Oasis
• Erg Chegaga • Mhamid Lghizlan • Tamegroute • Draa Valley
Day 1: Marrakech – Lake Iriqui – Erg Mhazil
We start our journey early in the morning with a departure by 4×4, enjoying lunch along the way, and arriving before sunset at the Erg Mhazil Desert, where we spend the first night in tents prepared in advance by our trekking guides.
Along the route, we cross Iriqui National Park, established in 1994 to protect biodiversity, flora, and fauna across 123,000 hectares in southeastern Morocco, with a special focus on preserving the temporary wetlands of Lake Iriqui at the heart of the desert.
At sunset, we admire the landscapes of the Erg Mhazil sand dunes, known for their light and colors at sunrise and sunset. In the evening, we gather around a campfire under a sky full of stars and discover constellations.
Overnight: Erg Mhazil (tents prepared by trekking guides)
Day 2: Erg Mhazil – Erg El Ghoule Dunes
After breakfast, we begin a four-hour trek across the sand dunes, heading towards the Erg El Ghoule dunes. We walk through the heart of the desert, with Jebel Bani on the northern horizon and the Draa Hamada to the south, near the Algerian border. In the evening, we set up camp near the Erg El Ghoule dunes.
Overnight: Camp near Erg El Ghoule
Day 3: Erg Lghoul – School Nomad – Oasis Lgrizima
After breakfast, we set out on foot to visit the nomads. We enjoy lunch with them and gain insight into their traditional lifestyle and customs. Afterwards, we head to the Lgrizima Oasis, surrounded by palm trees, and participate in preparing traditional desert bread. We spend the night at the oasis, enjoying the calm and natural setting.
Overnight: Lgrizima Oasis
Day 4: Oasis Lgrizima – Erg Chegaga
Departure towards the highest dunes of Erg Chegaga, passing by tamaris trees, with lunch along the way before arriving at the desert camp. Upon arrival, you will have time to shower and relax. Enjoy free time to watch the sunset from the dunes, followed by dinner and music under the desert sky.
Overnight: Erg Chegaga desert camp
Day 5: Chegaga – Mhamid Lghizlan – Tamegroute – Draa Valley – Marrakech
After breakfast, we begin our journey back to Marrakech, passing through Mhamid Lghizlan, formerly known as Targalate. This region holds historical significance as trade caravans some comprising up to 5,000 camels would gather in Sidi Khalil before setting off for Timbuktu and other distant destinations.
Next, we visit Tamegroute, known for its green pottery workshops and the distinct shade of green used in local pottery. Finally, we pass through the Draa Valley before continuing to Marrakech.
Gallery
Tour Gallery
MAP
Tailor Made
Journeys Crafted for You
At Affordable Morocco Tours, every journey begins with you. Whether you’re seeking a brief escape or an elaborate family adventure, we craft private tours that mirror your interests, pace, and travel style.
From romantic retreats to multigenerational experiences, we welcome travelers of all sizes. The sample itineraries on our website highlight guest favorites, yet they serve merely as a starting point. Once we understand your travel dates and preferences, we tailor the route to ensure a smooth flow from arrival to departure.
Our mission is to make your Moroccan journey smooth, authentic, and truly unforgettable.
frequently asked questions
5-Day Desert Trekking Tour
from Marrakech - FAQ's
Didn't see your questions?
Q1: How long is the desert trekking tour from Marrakech?
It is 5 days / 4 nights and starts and ends in Marrakech.
Q2: Which desert areas are included in this trekking itinerary?
The route includes Iriqui National Park, Lake Iriqui, Erg Mhazil, Erg El Ghoule dunes, Lgrizima Oasis, and Erg Chegaga.
Q3: Is this tour focused on trekking (walking) in the desert?
Yes. The itinerary includes desert trekking days, including a four-hour trek across dunes on Day 2, with guided walking across remote dune fields.
Q4: Is there a camel trek in the Erg Chebbi dunes?
Yes. You take a camel trek across the dunes in Merzouga as the sun sets.
Q5: Do we visit nomadic communities during the tour?
Yes. Day 3 includes a visit to nomads and lunch with them, offering insight into their traditional lifestyle and customs.
Q6: Do we visit Todra Gorges and Dades Valley?
You stay in desert tents/camps prepared by trekking guides, camp near the dunes, and spend a night at Lgrizima Oasis, followed by a camp at Erg Chegaga (as per the itinerary).
Q7: What happens on the return day to Marrakech?
On Day 5, the return includes passing through Mhamid Lghizlan, visiting Tamegroute (green pottery workshops), and traveling through the Draa Valley before continuing to Marrakech.
Ready to Plan
Your Morocco Tour?
Explore Morocco with a local team that handles everything
private transportation, authentic cultural moments, and unforgettable
nights in the Sahara. Choose a tour or build a custom itinerary.
Affordable Morocco Tours creates private journeys inspired by the Sahara and Morocco’s timeless heritage.
