Discovery of the magic of Zagora and Erg Chigaga.

Sahara Desert adventure in Zagora & Erg Chigaga. Dunes, stars, Berber culture.
Embark on a 5-day odyssey into the heart of Morocco's Sahara Desert, where golden dunes stretch to the horizon, and the spirit of the desert whispers through the sands. Immerse yourself in the magic of Zagora and the majestic Erg Chigaga Dunes. Discover Berber culture, ride camels into the sunset, and sleep under a blanket of stars in traditional desert camps. This journey is a timeless adventure that promises to awaken your wanderlust and leave you with indelible memories of the Sahara's beauty and serenity.
A 3-day motorbike raid starting from Ouarzazate with a destination of Mhamid, and then returning to Ouarzazate via Foum Zguid, will give you a fantastic opportunity to explore both the desert and the Atlas Mountains. The route will combine off-road adventure, dramatic desert landscapes, and some beautiful Moroccan villages along the way.
Here’s a detailed itinerary for your motorbike raid:
Day 1: Ouarzazate to Mhamid (Approx. 250-270 km, 5-6 hours)
- Start your raid in Ouarzazate, heading south through Agdz, a scenic town on the edge of the Draa River Valley.
- From Agdz, continue along the N9 road toward Tamegroute, a well-known town with a Koranic library and traditional pottery.
- After Tamegroute, the terrain starts to shift, becoming more rugged as you ride further towards Mhamid.
- From here, the road is mostly dirt tracks and off-road terrain, giving you a true desert adventure as you approach the edges of the Sahara.
- By the end of the day, you’ll arrive in Mhamid, the gateway to the Erg Chigaga dunes. You can relax, explore the village, or go for a short evening ride near the dunes to enjoy the sunset.
Day 2: Explore Mhamid and Erg Chigaga Dunes
- After an exhilarating ride to Mhamid, day 2 is all about desert exploration.
- Erg Chigaga is the largest sand dune system in southern Morocco and is a thrilling location to experience on a motorbike.
- Ride across the dunes, depending on your skill level and preference, and explore the vast Sahara Desert.
- You can arrange for a 4x4 tour or camel trek if you'd like to take a break from riding and experience the desert in a different way.
- In the evening, you could camp in the desert under the stars or stay at one of the local desert camps or guesthouses for a traditional experience.
Day 3: Mhamid to Ouarzazate via Foum Zguid (Approx. 230 km, 5-6 hours)
- For the return trip, you will take a more rugged route that goes through the desert roads leading towards Foum Zguid, a village located near the edge of the Anti-Atlas Mountains.
- From Mhamid, head towards Foum Zguid through off-road trails and dirt tracks. This route is more isolated, offering a true adventure experience as you pass through small villages and vast desert landscapes.
- Once in Foum Zguid, you can stop to rest, refuel, and then continue toward Ouarzazate via the N12 road.
- The final part of your journey takes you through the anti-Atlas region, where the landscape shifts again, offering stunning mountain views as you descend back towards Ouarzazate.
Additional Tips and Considerations:
- Motorbike Preparation: Make sure your bike is suited for off-road travel with appropriate tires and suspension. Also, carry extra fuel, as there are limited refueling stations in the desert.
- Navigation: Carry a GPS device or a detailed map as these routes can be remote. Sometimes, signal can be weak in rural areas, so being well-prepared is important.
- Weather: Check the weather forecasts, as temperatures in the desert can be extreme—hot during the day and chilly at night.
- Accommodation: You can either camp in the desert for a truly adventurous experience or opt for local accommodations like desert camps and guesthouses.
- Safety: Keep your mobile phone charged, and share your travel plans with someone in case of an emergency.
Things to Do Along the Way:
- Visit the historic Kasbahs in Agdz and Tamegroute.
- Enjoy the tranquility of the Erg Chigaga dunes in Mhamid.
- Explore the anti-Atlas Mountains on your way back to Ouarzazate via Foum Zguid.
- Experience traditional Moroccan culture in small desert towns and villages.
This raid will offer a unique mix of desert, mountain, and off-road adventure, perfect for an exciting 3-day journey! Would you like to know about motorbike rental options or guides to assist with your trip?