GO TO THE DESERT FROM MARRAKESh
Going on an adventure in the desert is an unforgettable experience! Marrakech is the ideal starting point to explore the vast expanses of the Moroccan Sahara. With its breathtaking landscapes, its golden dunes and its unique nomadic culture, the Erg Chegaga desert is a destination of choice for lovers of authentic travel and letting go.
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Two different trips from Marrakech
At Yaya Desert Travel, we offer you 2 exciting desert excursions from Marrakech to discover the beauty of the Moroccan Sahara :
Erg Chegaga Desert Excursion - 3 days and 2 nights
450€/pers. from 2 people then decreasing prices
This excursion will take you through the majestic Atlas Mountains to the heart of the Erg Chegaga desert. You will cross spectacular landscapes, discover the life of desert nomads, and spend a night in Agdz before arriving in the desert for an unforgettable night under the stars in a traditional bivouac. You will also have the opportunity to ride a camel and admire a breathtaking sunset over the dunes.
- Day 1: Departure in the morning from Marrakech, visit of the Kasbah Aït Ben Haddou (UNESCO World Heritage), meal and journey in the Draa Valley before arriving at the hotel located in Agdz
- Day 2: Departure from Agdz, discovery of Lake Iriki and its fossils. Then head to the Erg Chegaga desert to enjoy a timeless moment in a bivouac
- Day 3: Breakfast at the bivouac, possible walk in the Erg Chegaga desert (on foot or on the back of a camel), before setting off again in 4×4 in the dunes forFoum Zguid (capital of Berber carpets). Return to Marrakesh.
Erg Chegaga Desert Excursion - 4 days and 3 nights
440€/pers. from 2 people
This excursion will give you a complete experience of the Erg Chegaga desert by spending 4 days of letting go. You will explore the dunes of Chegaga, visit Berber villages, discover the nomadic culture, and have the opportunity to enjoy various activities such as camel rides, the discovery of fossils, and the contemplation of stars in the desert sky. A sumptuous discovery awaits you in the hotel “Bab Rimal”…
- Day 1: Departure in the morning from Marrakech, visit of the Kasbah Aït Ben Haddou (UNESCO World Heritage), meal and journey in the Draa Valley before arriving at the hotel located in Agdz
- Day 2: Departure from Agdz, discovery of Lake Iriki and its fossils. Then head to the Erg Chegaga desert to enjoy a timeless moment in a bivouac
- Day 3: Breakfast at the bivouac, possible walk in the Erg Chegaga desert (on foot or on the back of a camel), before setting off again in 4×4 in the dunes forFoum Zguid (capital of Berber carpets). Rest and night at the hotel “Bab Rimal”.
- Return to Marrakech by 4×4
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EXCELLENT26 avis sur
Constance C26/01/2023Séjour exceptionnel et hôte incroyable Notre séjour chez Yahya fut magique. Nous avons passé une nuit chez lui à M’Hamid (facilement accessible en taxi depuis Zagora) et sommes ensuite partis pour un trek de 4 jours et 3 nuits dans le désert en compagnie de son cousin Mohammed, de son acolyte au rire incroyable et de 3 dromadaires. Ce voyage fut juste exceptionnel, tant par la gentillesse et la simplicité de ces nomades, tant par leur accueil et la splendeur poétique des paysages alentours. Matin, midi et soir, des repas copieux et excellents, beaucoup de joie et de douceur. Nous étions sans cesse impatients de l’installation du campement (toujours dans des endroits typiques du désert). Le 3ème jour, nous avons grimpé la Erg EzzaHar et avons profité d’une vue magnifique et d’un coucher de soleil inoubliable.Marcher au rythme des nomades fut une expérience que je souhaite à tout un chacun de vivre au moins une fois.Merci encore pour tout, nous n’avons qu’une envie, revenir et rester encore plus.Antonin M26/01/2023Une expérience magique Nous avons fait un trek de 4 jours dans le désert avec des cousins de Yaya. Un bel aperçu de la vie de nomades, avec dromadaires, bivouacs, tajines, feus de camp, pain de sable et chants marocains. Ce fut une expérience extraordinaire qui restera gravée dans nos mémoires et nos cœurs. Merci pour les djellaba que tu nous as prêtées, ça nous a bien tenus chaud, on voulait plus les quitter! Merci Yaya pour ton accueil au gîte. La chambre à Mhamid est super, calme et proche des magasins, restaurants et du départ pour le trek.Asouu7707/01/2023Magique Séjour incroyable, si vous voulez rêver foncez ! L’hôte et ses amis sont supers , ils vous mettront à l’aise et les excursions sont exceptionnelles. Je n’oublierai jamais ce voyage. Je recommande et à refaire pour faire découvrir ce merveilleux endroits92Giulsss9612/12/2022Luogo magico ♥️ Luogo magico e caratteristico, consiglio a tutti i viandanti di soggiornare lì. Luogo semplice, tradizionale, accogliente. Camere curate, pulite e colorate. Cucina tradizionale davvero buona, arricchita dalla compagnia e gentilezza di chi la gestisce, torneremo presto. Grazie di tutto!epope1201/11/2022Taragalte Festival and Er Chigaga We were picked up from the bus station by Ya Ya and immediately felt at ease. He has a laid back and accomodating vibe. When we tried to extend our stay and no rooms were available he allowed us to sleep in the living room for a few nights. The house has a beautiful courtyard where we spent many go slow mornings playing music and drinking tea. He helped us organise an Er Chigaga adventure that fitted into our timing. While we were here we went to the Taragalte Festival, he came in with us, enjoyed the music and helped us get home. Would recommend coming to Dar Ya Ya and spending time here, the desert is a beautiful place and Ya Ya was super helpful.Julie B28/05/2022Excursion dans le désert Yaya est un guide ainsi qu’un hôte extraordinaire !Il nous a guidé dans le désert durant 2 jours, et nous a par la suite accueilli chez lui Cette expérience restera gravée à jamais dans nos mémoires ! Si vous décidez de faire appel à un guide, alors n’hésitez pas, Yaya est à l’écoute de vos demandes, c’est une personne bienveillante et d’une extrême gentillesse.Nous reviendrons avec grand plaisirEncore merci à toi Yaya !Yannik18/03/2022Wholesome trip into the desert Yahya is a great guy and we had an awesome time with him. His welcome was really warm and he presented us the best possible trip to Erg chegaga desert. Driving wir a 4x4 to the camp, explaining a lot of things and getting served with great food. When possible, we will definitely stay with him again!Laure H07/11/2021Vacances Maroc Super logement. Mais surtout super accueil. Yaya nous accueilli comme des rois. Nous étions 8, deux couples avec deux enfants chacun. Il nous a fait profiter de sa culture et de son désert. Les enfants et nous mêmes en gardons un super souvenir. On reviendra sans problème.Sylvie S29/02/2020Extraordinaire excursion dans le désert Yahya est un guide fantastique pour une excursion dans le désert. Que ce soit pour une nuit à la belle étoile entre 2 dunes ou dans un bivouac confortable au pied de la haute dune de Chegaga, il exauce tous vos voeux en toute simplicité et avec une immense gentillesse. Si vous cherchez du partage et de l'authenticité, c'est ici qu'il faut venir.Virginie B02/12/2019Aventure dans le désert Merci Yahya de nous avoir fait découvrir ton désert, merci pour cette aventure courte mais intense!!Yahya est charmant, très serviable et intarissable sur son désert et son pays.On reviendra!!! Je recommande très vivement!!
Tips for planning your trip from France:
Before leaving for your desert excursion from Marrakech, here are some tips to prepare your trip from France:
Check the paperwork : Make sure you have a valid passport and check any visa requirements to enter Morocco.
Prepare your equipment : Pack suitable clothing for the desert, such as light and loose clothing, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, a flashlight, and plenty of water.
Ask about the weather conditions : The desert can be extremely hot during the day and cold at night, so it is important to find out about the expected weather conditions during the period of your trip and plan appropriate clothing accordingly.
Physical Preparation : Desert tours can be physically demanding, with dune treks and outdoor activities. Make sure you are in good physical condition and bring any medication or special equipment you may need.
Familiarize yourself with the local culture : Before leaving, learn about the nomadic culture of the Moroccan desert, local customs and traditions. Respect the traditions and lifestyles of the desert nomads during your stay for a more authentic and enriching experience.
Places to visit on the road from Marrakech :
The road from Marrakech to Erg Chegaga offers interesting stops to discover the cultural treasures of Morocco.
Here are some places to visit along the way:
Ait Ben Haddou : This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a beautiful fortified village made of raw earth, known for its kasbahs and adobe houses. It is an impressive example of the traditional architecture of Morocco.
Lake Iriki : Located in the Sahara Desert, near the Erg Chegaga region, Lake Iriki is a vast dry lake surrounded by golden sand dunes as far as the eye can see. For lovers of nature and exploration, Lake Iriki offers a unique and unusual landscape to explore.
Foum Zguid: Located in the Sahara region of southern Morocco, Foum Zguid is often referred to as the “capital of Berber rugs” due to its pivotal role in the production and sale of these handcrafted treasures. Visitors can head to the local souks to buy these authentic rugs and learn about the traditional manufacturing techniques used by local artisans.
The Draa Valley : This fertile valley runs along the road between Marrakech and Erg Chegaga, offering spectacular landscapes of palm trees, Berber villages and traditional kasbahs. You can stop to explore villages and oases along the valley for an immersion in local culture.
What to pack for the desert excursion from Marrakech?
It is recommended to bring comfortable and light clothes, hiking shoes or comfortable shoes for walking, a jacket or a sweater for cool evenings, a hat or a cap to protect yourself from the sun, sunscreen and sunglasses to protect the eyes from the reverberation of the sand. It is also advisable to bring a small first aid kit, water and snacks.
What activities are offered on the desert excursion from Marrakech?
The activities offered on the desert excursion from Marrakech vary depending on the duration of the excursion and the itinerary chosen. Common activities include camel rides, dune treks, overnight bivouacs under the stars, visits to traditional Berber villages, and local culinary experiences. It is important to check the proposed itinerary to ensure that the desired activities are included.
When is the best time to go to the desert from Marrakech?
The best time to head into the desert from Marrakech is during the cooler months of the year, November to February, when temperatures are more pleasant and there is less risk of heatstroke. However, desert tours are run throughout the year, and each offers different experiences.
How long is the desert excursion from Marrakech ?
The duration of the desert excursion from Marrakech depends on the type of excursion chosen. Excursions last a minimum of 3 days. It is important to check the duration of the excursion before booking to ensure that there is sufficient time available.