After years of running both Merzouga and Erg Chigaga routes, we see this tour as the “shortcut to the wild Sahara”. In just three days you don’t have time to see everything, but you can still experience the Draa Valley, a taste of oasis life, and a full night in the dunes where there are no big hotels on the horizon. We’ve tested different timings and stop combinations so you can leave Marrakech in the morning, reach the remote dunes by the second evening, and still get back without feeling you’ve spent all your time in the car.

1. We confirm the vehicle condition (tyres, brakes, AC, lights) before each departure, especially for the Erg Chigaga pistes and Lac Iriqui crossing.
2. We check in with local partners in M’Hamid and around Chigaga about track conditions, wind and visibility, adapting routes if needed.
3. We reconfirm all accommodation and camp bookings, including any dietary notes or special requests.
4. Driver-guides are briefed on the group profile (families, older travellers, photographers) so they can adjust pacing and stops on your Erg Chigaga tour from Marrakech.

• Watching guests experience the silence at Erg Chigaga, so different from the busy squares of Marrakech.
• The contrast between the lush Draa Valley palm groves and the vast empty flats of Lac Iriqui.
• Evenings by the campfire, with tea, simple stories and Berber stargazing experiences far from city lights.
• The feeling of “end of the road” at M’Hamid El Ghizlane, where the asphalt simply stops and the Sahara begins.

Weather & Best Time

This Erg Chigaga desert tour from Marrakech runs most of the year, but conditions differ by season. Spring and autumn offer warm days and cool nights in the Draa Valley and dunes, ideal for short stays. Summer can bring intense heat, especially on the tracks between M’Hamid and Chegaga, so departures are earlier and evenings are used for activities. Winter nights can be cold at altitude and in the desert, but days are often sunny and clear. Sandstorms and strong winds are possible at any time but are more frequent in some shoulder-season weeks.

Packing

For this 3 day Marrakech desert tour, pack light but smart. Bring layers: a T-shirt or light shirt for daytime, a warmer layer for evenings, and a windproof or light jacket, especially outside summer. Comfortable closed shoes or trainers are best for walking in villages and on rocky ground; sandals or light shoes are fine around the camp. Don’t forget sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen, a hat or scarf, personal medication, and a small daypack for water, camera and essentials during camel and 4×4 segments.

Accessibility & Options

This remote Sahara Morocco tour involves stretches of driving, climbing in and out of a 4×4 and optional camel riding. It generally suits travellers with moderate mobility; if you prefer not to ride a camel, the camp can often be reached by 4×4 instead. Families with children used to road trips usually do well, as long as they are prepared for limited Wi-Fi and simple desert facilities. In some cases, an extra night in the Draa Valley or Marrakech can be added to make the schedule feel more relaxed.

This itinerary is ideal if you want a private Marrakech to Sahara desert tour that feels wild and authentic but fits into a long weekend or short stay. It’s a great choice for travellers who are curious about Erg Chigaga vs Merzouga and prefer secluded dunes, smaller camps and fewer hotels. If you like the idea of combining a scenic road trip, a taste of oasis culture and a full night in a remote desert camp—with professional guidance and logistics handled for you—this 3 day Erg Chigaga desert tour is a strong option.