7-Day Atlantic Coast and Desert Tour From Marrakech to Erg Chigaga
7-Day Atlantic Coast and Desert Tour: Essaouira, the Anti Atlas and Erg Chigaga
Trade Atlantic breezes for golden dunes on a journey through Morocco’s wildest contrasts. In seven days you wander Essaouira’s ramparts, follow the ocean south to Legzira, climb to the pink granite of Tafraoute, sleep beside the great dunes of Erg Chigaga and return by palm oases and Ait Ben Haddou.
This Atlantic coast and desert tour is for travellers who want more than one postcard. It starts on the windy ramparts of Essaouira, passes Argan forests, turns inland through the Anti Atlas and ends with a camel ride into one of Morocco’s most remote dune fields. Most people visit either the coast or the desert, and this route lets you have both in a single loop from Marrakech.
Erg Chigaga is quieter and wilder than the better known dunes of Merzouga, which makes it a favourite for travellers who want space and silence. Between the sea and the sand you cross the Draa Valley, Tamgroute, Zagora and Ouarzazate, so every day brings a new landscape, a new town and a new kind of light.
- Duration7 days
- RouteMarrakech to Marrakech, as a loop
- CoastEssaouira, Agadir, Mirleft, Legzira
- MountainsAnti Atlas and Tafraoute
- Desert nightErg Chigaga, with a camel ride
- Best forCouples, friends, travellers who want variety
Atlantic Coast and Desert Tour Highlights
- Walk the UNESCO listed medina and the ramparts of Essaouira, a port with a Portuguese past
- Drive past argan trees along the Atlantic coast, where local goats climb into the branches
- Visit Tiznit, the Silver city, and the beaches of Aglou, Mirleft and Legzira
- Cross the Anti Atlas foothills, with small oases and Berber villages among the mountains
- Reach Tafraoute, perched at about 1,200 m amid pink granite blocks that glow at sunset
- Cross the Taliouine area, then ride a camel to your camp in the Erg Chigaga dunes and watch the sunrise
- Explore M’Hamid, Tamgroute and its Koran library, Zagora and the Draa Valley
- Finish at Ait Ben Haddou, the fortified village on the old caravan route
7-Day Atlantic Coast and Desert Itinerary
One loop, three landscapes: the ocean, the mountains and the desert. Distances are real, so we balance every long drive with a stop worth making.
Day 1: Marrakech to Essaouira
We pick you up from your riad or hotel in Marrakech and head west to Essaouira, the UNESCO protected port that carries echoes of the 16th century Portuguese settlers. The fortress sits right at sea level, and its white washed houses with blue shutters give the city a very special look.
Essaouira is also famous for its handcrafts, so allow time to browse the workshops and small shops before the sea wind pulls you back to the ramparts. You have dinner and spend the night at the hotel.
Day 2: Essaouira to Agadir along the Atlantic coast
We leave the historic city behind and follow the Atlantic coast south towards Agadir. The route passes argan tree plantations, where local goats do some impressive climbing among the branches, and you can stop for photos of one of Morocco’s most unusual sights.
The coast is wide and open, with sea views for much of the way. You reach Agadir in the late afternoon, which leaves time to relax before dinner and the night at the hotel.
Day 3: Agadir to Legzira via Tiznit, Aglou and Mirleft
After a hearty breakfast we drive from Agadir to Tiznit, known as the Silver city. From there we follow the coast to Aglou beach, then continue to Mirleft, where you have lunch and some time to relax by the sea.
In the afternoon we reach your hotel at Legzira beach, a stretch of coast known for its red cliffs above the Atlantic. It is an easy place to walk, watch the waves and enjoy a quiet evening.
Day 4: Legzira to Tafraoute through the Anti Atlas
Today the road leaves the ocean and climbs inland through the foothills of the Anti Atlas, on new trails that few travellers see. Small oases and Berber villages appear between the mountains, with palm trees growing in every valley that holds water.
By evening you arrive at Tafraoute, perched about 1,200 m above sea level among blocks of pink granite. At sunset the stones glow in shades of pink, ochre and purple. You have dinner and spend the night at the hotel.
Day 5: Tafraoute to Erg Chigaga via Tazenakht, Taliouine and Foum Zguid
After a delicious breakfast we set off east towards the great dunes of Erg Chigaga. The route crosses the Taliouine area, known for its Berber villages and for saffron, then passes Tazenakht and Foum Zguid, the last towns before the sand.
From there we leave the paved road for an off-road adventure across the desert plains to the large dunes. Once we arrive, you climb on a camel and ride to your campsite for the night, a moment that most travellers remember long after the trip is over.
Day 6: Erg Chigaga to Ouarzazate via M’Hamid, Tamgroute and the Draa Valley
Enjoy the fresh morning breeze and the sunrise over the Chigaga dunes, then head back towards the road, with a stop in M’Hamid for a cup of tea. Next we visit Tamgroute, a historic village with an underground kasbah and a famous Koran library.
We continue to Zagora for lunch, then drive along the Draa Valley, a long ribbon of palm trees, kasbahs and traditional houses. The day ends in Ouarzazate, often called the Hollywood of Morocco, where you have dinner and spend the night at the hotel.
Day 7: Ouarzazate to Marrakech via Ait Ben Haddou and the High Atlas
After breakfast we drive to Ait Ben Haddou, one of Morocco’s most spectacular fortified villages. It once served as a passage for caravan traders crossing the Atlas Mountains, and walking through its earthen towers shows you why.
The road then climbs through the High Atlas and its Berber villages, with a lunch stop in the mountains. We arrive in Marrakech by late evening, with the ocean, the mountains and the dunes all behind you.
Why Book This Tour With Visit the Desert
Sea, mountains and desert in one loop
Most tours choose one landscape. This route gives you the Atlantic, the Anti Atlas and a real dune camp, without ever repeating a road.
The quieter dunes
Erg Chigaga is wilder and less visited than Merzouga, which suits travellers who want space, silence and a starry sky.
Adjustable to your pace
Want a second night on the coast, a longer stay at the camp or a different start city? Tell us, and we reshape the route around your dates.
What Is Included in the 7-Day Atlantic Coast and Desert Tour
Included
- Air-conditioned vehicle with a professional driver for the whole route
- Pick-up and drop-off in Marrakech
- Hotel accommodation with dinner and overnight as listed in the itinerary
- One night in a desert camp at Erg Chigaga
- Off-road transfer to the dunes and camel ride to the camp
- Taxes and service charges
Not included
- Lunches and drinks
- Entrance fees to monuments and sites
- Personal expenses
- Tips for your driver and camp staff
Good to Know Before You Go
Long driving days
Day 5 and day 7 are the longest, and the off-road section to the dunes is slower than a normal road. Bring water, snacks and a light layer for the vehicle.
Pack for sea and sand
Coastal evenings are breezy, Tafraoute is at about 1,200 m, and the desert night is cold in winter. Layers, closed shoes and a scarf for wind and sun are ideal.
Desert night
Take a small overnight bag for the camp and leave your main luggage in the vehicle. A camel takes you to the campsite, and no special fitness is needed.
Best season
Spring and autumn are the most comfortable for both coast and desert. Summer is very hot in the south, and winter nights at the dunes are cold.
Route and hotels
Overnight stops can be adjusted to availability and your preferences. Tell us what matters to you when you book, and we confirm the options for your dates.
Ready to Combine the Ocean and the Sahara?
Pick your travel dates in the booking form on this page, or message us to adjust the route, the camp or the number of nights.
Atlantic Coast and Desert Tour: Frequently Asked Questions
What does the 7-day Atlantic coast and desert tour include in terms of places?
You visit Essaouira, Agadir, Tiznit, Aglou, Mirleft, Legzira, Tafraoute, Erg Chigaga, M’Hamid, Tamgroute, Zagora, Ouarzazate and Ait Ben Haddou. It is a full loop that starts and ends in Marrakech.
Where do we sleep during the tour?
On most nights you sleep in a hotel, in Essaouira, Agadir, Legzira, Tafraoute and Ouarzazate. On day 5 you sleep in a camp in the Erg Chigaga dunes. We confirm the exact accommodation with you when you book.
Why Erg Chigaga instead of Merzouga?
Erg Chigaga is wilder and quieter, with larger dunes and fewer visitors. It also fits this route naturally, because you come from the Anti Atlas and the Draa Valley rather than from the Middle Atlas. If you prefer Merzouga, see our private Merzouga desert tour.
How do we reach the dunes of Erg Chigaga?
After Foum Zguid the paved road ends, and we continue off-road across the desert plains to the large dunes. At the dunes you switch to a camel for the ride to your campsite. Your driver knows the tracks, so you can relax and watch the landscape.
Is the camel ride suitable for beginners?
Yes. Camel riding is easy to learn and your guide helps you climb on and off. The ride takes you from the large dunes to the campsite at a calm pace, with time to enjoy the scenery.
Can I start in Agadir instead of Marrakech?
Yes, we can adapt the start or end point. For a shorter Agadir based trip, see our Agadir to Erg Chegaga desert tour, or message us to build a custom route.
What is the best time of year to travel?
March to May and September to November are the most comfortable months for the coast, the Anti Atlas and the desert. July and August are very hot in the south, and winter nights at the camp are cold, so bring warm clothes.
What should I pack for this tour?
Pack light layers, a windproof jacket for the coast, closed shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen and a scarf for sand and sun. A small overnight bag is enough for the camp, and the rest of your luggage stays in the vehicle.
