12-Day Grand South Tour: Marrakech, Zagora Dunes & Atlantic Coast
Tour Overview
Most Sahara tours from Marrakech head to Merzouga and the Erg Chebbi dunes, which means sharing the experience with a lot of other travelers. This 12-day round-trip instead follows the Draa Valley south to Zagora and continues by 4x4 to Erg Chegaga, Morocco’s largest and most remote dune field, before looping back through the coastal town of Essaouira.
It’s built for travelers who have the time for a longer trip and want a genuinely quieter desert experience alongside the classic High Atlas crossing and Ait Ben Haddou. The final third of the tour slows right down with three nights on the Atlantic coast, giving you space to unwind before flying home from Marrakech.
Highlights
Itinerary
Marrakech to Zagora via the Draa Valley
Depart Marrakech and cross the High Atlas via the Tizi n'Maachou pass, descending into the Draa Valley, Morocco's longest river oasis lined with palm groves and mudbrick kasbahs, arriving in Zagora by evening.
Zagora to Erg Chegaga Dunes by 4x4
Transfer by 4x4 across rocky desert plains (hamada) to reach the Erg Chegaga dunes, Morocco's largest and most remote dune field. Ride camels into the dunes for sunset before dinner and an overnight stay in a private desert camp.
Erg Chegaga Sunrise & Return to Zagora
Wake early for sunrise over the dunes, ride camels back to meet your 4x4, and return to Zagora across the hamada, stopping at nomadic settlements along the way.
Zagora to Ouarzazate
Drive back up the Draa Valley to Ouarzazate, visiting kasbahs and palmeries along the route, including the fortified village of Tamnougalt.
Ouarzazate & Ait Ben Haddou
Visit the Atlas Film Studios and the Taourirt Kasbah in Ouarzazate, then the UNESCO-listed Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, one of Morocco's best-preserved fortified villages.
Ouarzazate to Marrakech
Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n'Tichka pass, stopping at scenic viewpoints, and arrive back in Marrakech by early afternoon.
Guided Tour of Marrakech
Explore the Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs, and the Koutoubia Mosque with a local guide, before wandering the souks and Jemaa el-Fnaa square at dusk.
Marrakech to Essaouira
Drive west through argan tree forests to the Atlantic coast, arriving in the fortified port town of Essaouira, known for its relaxed pace and sea breeze.
Explore Essaouira
A full free day to explore Essaouira's UNESCO-listed medina and Portuguese sea ramparts, relax on the beach, or try kitesurfing on the reliably windy bay.
Essaouira Free Day
A second day at leisure in Essaouira, with time to browse the art galleries and thuya woodwork workshops, or take an optional boat trip to the offshore Purple Islands.
Essaouira to Marrakech
Return to Marrakech in the morning, with the afternoon free for last-minute shopping in the souks or a relaxing hammam session.
Departure from Marrakech
Transfer to Marrakech Menara Airport for your onward flight.
What is Included
- •Private air-conditioned vehicle with driver/guide, plus 4x4 transfer for the Erg Chegaga dunes
- •11 nights accommodation in hotels and riads as listed
- •1 night in a private desert camp at Erg Chegaga
- •Camel trekking in the Erg Chegaga dunes
- •Local expert guide in Marrakech
- •All breakfasts and 2 dinners
What is Not Included
- •International flights
- •Lunches and drinks
- •Entrance fees to monuments and museums
- •Tips and personal expenses
Frequently Asked Questions
How is Erg Chegaga different from the more famous Merzouga dunes?
How is Erg Chegaga different from the more famous Merzouga dunes?
Is the 4x4 transfer to the dunes comfortable?
Is the 4x4 transfer to the dunes comfortable?
Book Your Adventure
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