Caravan Route: 6-Day Adventure from Marrakech to Chegaga Desert

A Quick Overview of the Tour

This exceptional tour follows the ancient caravan routes from Marrakech to the legendary kasbahs of the south, the lush Dades and Drâa valleys, Berber villages perched in the mountains, and the Chegaga Desert. Over 6 days, immerse yourself in authentic Morocco: spectacular landscapes, human encounters, local crafts, ancestral architecture, and a Sahara bivouac.

An ideal itinerary for lovers of culture, nature, photography, and gentle adventure.

Price:

From €1200 / person

Day 1: Marrakech – High Atlas – Telouet – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate

Depart at 8:30 am from your Marrakech hotel in a comfortable 4x4. Begin with the ascent of the High Atlas via the Tizi-n-Tichka pass (2,260 m), one of Morocco’s highest. The winding road offers views of deep valleys, snow-capped peaks (in winter), and Berber villages clinging to hillsides. Stop at the Telouet Kasbah, former residence of Pacha El Glaoui. Though partially in ruins, it showcases stunning carved ceilings, zelliges, and grand doors. Continue through the picturesque Ounila Valley, a scenic route through mineral landscapes, adobe villages, and terraced fields. Arrive at the UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, one of Morocco’s most beautiful ksars, featured in films like Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia, and Game of Thrones. Explore and lunch on-site. In the afternoon, head to Ouarzazate, the "Gateway to the Desert." Visit the Atlas Film Studios, Africa’s largest, used in major blockbusters. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 3: Todra Gorges – Jbel Saghro – Drâa Valley – Zagora

In the morning, stroll through the Todra Gorges and Tinghir palm grove, observing traditional agriculture and ingenious irrigation systems. Depart for the Jbel Saghro, a volcanic mountain range with lunar landscapes, contrasting with lush valleys. Cross the spectacular Tizi-n-Tazazert pass (2,200 m) for a unique desert plateau panorama. Lunch in N’Kob, known for its 45 adobe kasbahs and authentic atmosphere. In the afternoon, follow the ancient caravan route along the Drâa Valley, famous for its endless palm grove, terraced crops, and traditional kasbahs. Arrive in Zagora, a desert town with the iconic “Timbuktu 52 days” sign. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 5: Chegaga Dunes – Iriqui Lake – Foum Zguid – Taznakht – Agdez

Wake up to a magical sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast at the camp, depart in a 4x4 toward Iriqui Lake, a dried-up lake resembling a mirage in a vast desert plain. Follow the old Paris-Dakar rally route, a wild journey through desert and mountains to Foum Zguid, where lunch is served. In the afternoon, stop in Taznakht, known for its hand-knotted Berber carpets. Continue to Agdez, a small town at the entrance of the Drâa Valley. Dinner and overnight stay in a charming riad.

Day 6: Agdez – Tamnougalt Kasbah – Tizgui Waterfalls – Fint Oasis – Return to Marrakech

After breakfast, visit the Tamnougalt Kasbah, perched by the Drâa wadi and surrounded by palm trees, once home to prominent local families. Continue to the Tizgui Waterfalls, small cascades nestled in the rocky Anti-Atlas landscape. Proceed to the stunning Fint Oasis, a hidden paradise near Ouarzazate. Take a walk through its peaceful palm groves, gardens, streams, and adobe houses. Lunch at the oasis, then return to Marrakech via the Tizi-n-Tichka pass, enjoying the mountain scenery. Arrive at your Marrakech hotel by late afternoon.