DAY 1: ARRIVAL AT ERRACHIDIA → MERZOUGA

Your tour begins with a pick-up at Errachidia airport (ERH) or your hotel in town. From there it’s a direct drive south through the Ziz Valley to Merzouga at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes — around two hours of straightforward road. Dinner and overnight in Merzouga.

A note on flights: Ryanair operates domestic flights from Marrakech three days a week (morning or early afternoon arrivals), and Royal Air Maroc flies daily from Casablanca (arriving late at night). The Day 1 timing can be adjusted around your arrival — if you land at midnight, you’ll rest in Errachidia and continue to the desert the next morning.

Approximate driving distance/time: 120 km / 2 hours

DAY 2: FULL DAY IN THE MERZOUGA DESERT

After breakfast, the day is dedicated to exploring the Erg Chebbi region. A 4×4 takes you off-road to the old galena mines (galena was once used to make kohl), then on to a nomadic family living at the edge of the dunes, where you’ll share tea in a traditional Berber tent and learn about their way of life.

Next comes Khamlia, a small village famous for its Gnawa music — the tradition traces back to Sub-Saharan communities from Mali, Sudan, and Niger who settled here generations ago. You’ll hear live music and dance performances before a free lunch at a local restaurant.

The afternoon includes a drive through a palm grove and a stop at Merzouga’s seasonal lake — known locally as the “flamingo lake” when water levels are high enough to attract them. In the late afternoon, you’ll switch to camels for the ride across the dunes to your luxury camp, pausing on a high ridge for sunset. Dinner at the camp is followed by drumming around the campfire under a full night sky.

Approximate driving distance/time: around 60 km of 4×4 touring

DAY 3: MERZOUGA → RISSANI → ERFOUD → ZIZ VALLEY → ERRACHIDIA

A sunrise over the dunes is worth the early wake-up. After breakfast, you’ll return to Merzouga by camel or 4×4, where your driver will be waiting. Depending on your flight time, some of the following stops can be shortened, moved to Day 1, or skipped entirely.

The route heads north to Rissani — the historic capital of the Tafilalet region and still a major trading town. If your trip falls on a Tuesday, Thursday, or Sunday, the traditional souk is in full swing. From there, a short drive takes you to Erfoud, where a fossil workshop shows the region’s geology at close quarters.

The drive then follows the Ziz Valley back north with a stop at a panoramic viewpoint over the palm oases. Drop-off at Errachidia airport or your accommodation in town. End of the tour.

Approximate driving distance/time: 120 km / 2 hours (plus stops)

IMPORTANT NOTES

– Driving times don’t include stops for lunch and sightseeing.
– This itinerary can be adjusted around the timing of your arrival and departure flights.
– Dietary preferences (vegetarian, vegan, allergies) can be accommodated — please mention this when booking.
– Prefer not to ride a camel? A 4×4 will take you into and out of the camp at no extra cost. ATVs can also be arranged as an option at additional cost.
– Your main luggage is transported to the camp by 4×4 while you ride camels — you’ll only carry what you need for the ride.
– Alternative endings available: the same first two days can finish in Fes (see the 3 Day Errachidia to Fes Tour) or Marrakech (see the 3 Day Errachidia to Marrakech Tour), or extended to four days with an overnight in the Dades Valley (see the 4 Day Errachidia to Marrakech Tour).