Private tour · Ouarzazate round trip
2-Day Zagora Desert Tour from Ouarzazate: Private Round Trip to Erg Chegaga
The 2-day Zagora desert tour from Ouarzazate is a private round trip by 4×4: you drive through the Drâa Valley with a lunch stop in Zagora, spend one night in a desert camp at Erg Chegaga, and return to Ouarzazate via Lake Iriqui, Foum Zguid and Taznakht.
Can you visit Erg Chegaga from Ouarzazate in two days?
Yes. This Ouarzazate to Erg Chegaga desert tour covers the round trip in two long days, with one night in a desert camp in the Erg Chegaga dunes.
Zagora is on the route; Erg Chegaga is where you sleep. Zagora is the town in the Drâa Valley where you stop for lunch on day one. Erg Chegaga is a separate dune field further south, beyond M'Hamid, at the end of the paved road. This tour does not go to Merzouga or Erg Chebbi, which lie in a different region to the east.
The Moroccan National Tourist Office names the area as a starting point for guided trips, noting that
"Ouarzazate, Zagora and Tinghir are the perfect place for departures in organized tours."— Moroccan National Tourist Office (Visit Morocco), The road to the kasbahs
Jump to a day
The tour has two days: Ouarzazate to Erg Chegaga via the Drâa Valley and Zagora, then Erg Chegaga back to Ouarzazate via Lake Iriqui and Taznakht.
How do you book an Ouarzazate desert tour?
To book, send us your dates, party size and preferences through the form, and we'll reply with a quote for your private Erg Chegaga tour.
To plan your tailor-made desert experience, please include:
- Your travel date, or dates you're considering
- Number of travellers, and the ages of any children
- Where you're staying in Ouarzazate
- The language you'd like your driver-guide to speak
- Any preferences or questions about the camp or the route
You can also email culture.moroccotours@gmail.com or call/WhatsApp +212 662 178 227.
Send your trip details
By sending the form you agree to our privacy policy and terms and conditions.
What is the Ouarzazate desert tour itinerary?
The itinerary is a loop: south through the Drâa Valley and Zagora to Erg Chegaga on day one, and back north on desert tracks via Lake Iriqui and Foum Zguid on day two.
Ouarzazate to Erg Chegaga via the Anti-Atlas, Agdez, the Drâa Valley and Zagora
Day 1 is the 4×4 journey from Ouarzazate to Erg Chegaga, crossing the Anti-Atlas, following the Drâa Valley, stopping for lunch in Zagora and ending with sunset in the dunes.
You leave Ouarzazate in the morning on a scenic Anti-Atlas crossing to Agdez, then follow the palm groves and desert oases of the Drâa Valley south to Zagora for lunch. The road continues to M'Hamid, where the paved road ends. From there you head into the desert towards Erg Chegaga, and camels take you into the dunes to watch the sunset before dinner at the camp.
Erg Chegaga to Ouarzazate via Lake Iriqui, Foum Zguid and Taznakht
Day 2 is the return to Ouarzazate, starting off-road across the desert to Lake Iriqui and Foum Zguid, then by road through Taznakht and the Anti-Atlas.
After sunrise over the dunes and breakfast at the camp, the 4×4 follows desert tracks between Erg Chegaga and the dry bed of the Drâa, past Lake Iriqui. The Moroccan National Tourist Office describes the area as
"part of the unavoidable Iriqui National Park"— Moroccan National Tourist Office (Visit Morocco), Ouarzazate-Zagora-Tinghir: nature
At Foum Zguid you rejoin the paved road north. Lunch is in Taznakht, a town known for Amazigh carpet weaving (the tourist office highlights the region's carpets and local crafts), before the final crossing of the Anti-Atlas to Ouarzazate.
Where do you spend the night?
You spend the night in a traditional Berber desert camp (jaima) in the Erg Chegaga dunes, with dinner in the evening and breakfast the next morning.
Erg Chegaga is a large dune field reached by desert tracks rather than paved road, which is why the whole tour runs in a 4×4. The Moroccan National Tourist Office lists the Chgaga dune among the region's outdoor destinations. The camp's standard for your dates is confirmed with your quote.
What is included in the private tour?
The tour includes a private 4×4 with driver-guide and fuel, the camel ride, one night in a Berber desert camp, dinner and breakfast; lunches, drinks, tips and entrance fees are not included.
Included
- Private tour — no other travellers in your group
- Transport in a 4×4 vehicle, with fuel
- Driver-guide throughout (currently listed as Spanish-speaking; ask about other languages)
- Camel ride into the Erg Chegaga dunes
- 1 night in a Berber desert camp
- Dinner and breakfast
Not included
- Flights to and from Morocco
- Lunches in Zagora and Taznakht
- Drinks
- Tips
- Entrance fees to museums and attractions
Why choose this private Erg Chegaga tour from Ouarzazate?
This Ouarzazate desert round trip reaches Morocco's remote Erg Chegaga dunes in two days and returns by a different, off-road route.
Landscapes of the Drâa Valley
Palm groves and oases from Agdez to Zagora.
Sunset over the Erg Chegaga dunes
You arrive for sunset and wake in the dunes for sunrise.
A different road back
The return crosses the desert to Lake Iriqui and Foum Zguid instead of retracing the valley.
Taznakht's weaving heritage
A lunch stop in a town known for Amazigh carpets.
Private 4×4 journey
Only your group in the vehicle, with a driver-guide throughout.
Privately planned itinerary
Stops and timing arranged around your group.
How much driving and off-road travel does the tour involve?
A lot: both days are long, and part of each day beyond M'Hamid is on unpaved desert tracks, which can be bumpy and dusty.
Is two days enough?
It's enough to reach Erg Chegaga and spend a night in the dunes, but there is little free time; most of both days is spent travelling.
Who is the off-road section suitable for?
Most travellers are fine, but tell us about back problems, motion sickness or travelling with young children so we can advise you.
What should you pack?
A small overnight bag, a warm layer for the desert night, sun protection and a scarf against dust.
When does the tour start?
In the morning, from your accommodation in Ouarzazate; the exact time is confirmed with your booking.
Sources and further reading
Destination facts on this page are supported by the Moroccan National Tourist Office (Visit Morocco), which does not endorse any tour operator.
- The road to the kasbahs — Moroccan National Tourist Office
- Ouarzazate-Zagora-Tinghir: nature — Moroccan National Tourist Office
- Ouarzazate-Zagora-Tinghir: shopping and crafts — Moroccan National Tourist Office
- Ouarzazate-Zagora-Tinghir: desert and sport — Moroccan National Tourist Office
Frequently asked questions about the Erg Chegaga overnight tour
This tour is private, starts and ends in Ouarzazate, stops in Zagora and includes one night in a desert camp at Erg Chegaga.
Is this a private tour?
Yes. Only your group travels in the 4×4, with your own driver-guide.
Where does the tour start and end?
In Ouarzazate. You're collected in Ouarzazate on day one and dropped back there at the end of day two.
Do you sleep in Zagora or Erg Chegaga?
In Erg Chegaga. Zagora is only a lunch stop on day one; the night is spent in a desert camp in the Erg Chegaga dunes.
Is this the same as a Merzouga tour?
No. Erg Chegaga and Merzouga (Erg Chebbi) are different dune fields in different regions. For Merzouga, see our 2-day Merzouga tour from Ouarzazate.
Is the camel ride included?
Yes, a camel ride into the Erg Chegaga dunes is included. If you'd rather not ride, tell us when you enquire and we'll explain the options.
What language does the driver-guide speak?
The tour is currently listed with a Spanish-speaking driver-guide. Tell us your preferred language when you request a quote.
Which meals are included?
Dinner and breakfast at the camp. Lunches in Zagora and Taznakht, and all drinks, are paid locally.
How much does the tour cost?
The price depends on your group size and dates, so we quote each private tour individually. Send your details through the form to receive one.
Other desert tours from Ouarzazate
If you'd prefer the Erg Chebbi dunes or more time, choose a Merzouga tour from Ouarzazate instead.
Request a private Erg Chegaga tour quote
Tell us your dates, party size and preferences, and we'll send a quote for your private journey through southern Morocco.