Night in the desert:
Erg Chegaga dunes
- Price: from €100 per person
- Start: Desert Camp Chraika
- Begins: 10 am on Day 1
- Ends: 10 am on Day 2
Highlights of the tour to Erg Chegaga dunes
- Spend one night in the desert in a cozy, comfortable camp
- Ride a camel & walk in the area of dunes covering over 500 km2
- Savor the sunset and sunrise in an unforgettable scenery
- Visit an oasis and a nomad family – one of very few still living in the Sahara
- Listen to desert blues live by the camp fire at night
- Try a Berber omellette and traditional tajines
Night in the desert: Erg Chegaga dunes tour itinerary
Day 1 – jeep safari & night in the desert
This expedition is a relatively short, yet rich journey showcasing the best in just 24 hours. At 10 in the morning, we set off by jeep towards the vast dunes of Erg Chegaga, situated 60 km away, approximately a 1.5-hour jeep ride. En route, we will make a stop at an oasis known as Sacred Oasis, where you can witness a flowing water source. We will also visit a nearby nomadic family. It is said that only about 20 families are capable of sustaining themselves living in the desert.
In the afternoon, we arrive at the campsite in Erg Chegaga, where the hosts will serve lunch. The rest of the afternoon will be dedicated to relaxation and exploring the desert. You will witness an unforgettable sunset spectacle – people from around the world come here for this view. Part of the journey to the highest dune will be on a camel, and then you’ll climb to the summit. After time for discovery, you will indulge in exquisite Moroccan dishes: a harira soup and savory tajines. Experience an unforgettable evening by the campfire, where nomads gather with drums, singing the desert blues.
You’ll spend the night in one of the spacious, comfortable tents at the Erg Chegaga camp, equipped with cozy beds and mattresses. In the alternative version with wild camping, it will be in a large nomadic tent.
Day 2 – return to the base camp near M’hamid
In the morning, after breakfast, we embark on the return journey, aiming to be back at Desert Camp Chraika by noon the next day.
Includes
- Transport by a 4×4; 60k-long off-road journey through desert landscape
- Accommodation at a comfortable camp among the dunes of Erg Chegaga
- Lunch, dinner and breakfast
- Water, hot and cold beverages, snacks (fruits, cookies)
- Camel ride at the sunset
- Sand boarding
Things to know before embarking on Erg Chegaga journey
Here is the list of things that can be useful during this tour:
- A refillable bottle for water
- Light, comfortable clothes for the day
- If you come in the wintertime – warmer clothes and socks for the night
- A long scarf or a turban
- Sandals or light trekking shoes (for the tour in the dunes, you may leave shoes at the camp and walk barefoot)
- Sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses
- Headlight
You may sort things out and leave the remaining luggage at our camp. It can be safely kept there until your return from the trip.
All supplies like water, beverages and food will be provided, as well as blankets and towels at the camp.
Best months for desert tours in Morocco are October, November, March and April, when you can expect mild temperatures – around 25-30°C in the daytime, and 10-15°C at night.
February and December are a bit cooler, but with good preparation also very good for a desert trip.
On the other hand, May and September are good for those enjoying temperatures above 35°C, allowing the sand hammam rituals in the daytime and sleeping under open sky at night.
Exemplary dishes served by our hosts in Eg Chegaga are: tajines, harira soup, lentils in tomatoes, beans, various salads with both cooked and raw vegetables, “Berber omelette”. Also, refreshing and energising Moroccan mint tea is an every day treat on a desert tour.
You should be ready to walk for about 1-2 hours on an uneven, sandy terrain to climb the dunes.
Yes, of course! From our experience, children enjoy being in the desert. Running in its vast spaces, playing with the sand, learning how to make fire, collecting the wood – all these activities are not only playful, but also educational.
From the age of 5, kids are usually ready for this kind of adventure.
Let's create your best travel story
Salam, friends! If you have any questions regarding your journey, or wish to create your own plan, simply let us know – we will be happy to help.
