Three days from Marrakech take you across the High Atlas to Erg Chigaga, where 300m dunes, two-hour camel treks and overnight nomad bivouacs showcase Sahara life. Expect long drives, loose sand, and star-filled nights with Berber music around the fire.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You crest a ridge of pale sand and the world recalibrates: the wind pushes at your scarf, the horizon becomes a rim of gold, and a caravan of camels threads across the base of a 300m dune. Nights here are raw — a sky so clear the Milky Way seems to lean in — and days are shaped by heat, motion, and the slow drag of sand beneath your boots.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
3 days
Fitness Level
Basic to moderate fitness for walking on sand and enduring long vehicle transfers; comfortable with multi-hour camel rides.
Wildlife
History
The route follows parts of old trans-Saharan caravan tracks; kasbahs and oases along the way reflect centuries of trade and localized Amazigh (Berber) culture.
Conservation
The desert’s biological crust and sparse vegetation are fragile—stay on tracks, minimize wood collection, and pack out waste to protect dunes and oases.
Reserve your spot on the Marrakech Desert Trip Chigaga Dunes Riding Camel Sandboarding today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Hydrate for long drives
Carry at least 3 liters of water per person daily—desert heat and transit between stops can quickly drain you.
Layer for big temperature swings
Daytime temperatures can be hot but nights drop sharply; pack a warm midlayer and wind shell for camp.
Protect skin and eyes
High UV and reflective sand mean SPF 50, lip protection, and UV sunglasses are necessities.
Practice basic sandboarding posture
Stick to short drops on first runs and use knees-bent, weight-back posture to avoid falls on steep sand faces.
3–4L hydration system or water bottles
Reliable water is essential for desert heat and long transit hours.
Sturdy closed-toe shoes and gaiters
Protect feet from hot sand, abrasive rock, and long walks around camp.
Sunhat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen
UV exposure is intense on open dunes; protect skin and eyes.
summer
Warm midlayer and compact sleeping bag (rated ~0°C)
Nights in a bivouac can be cold—bring insulated layers for comfort.
winter