Desert Chegaga
DAY 01 · OVER THE ATLAS
Marrakech to Foum Zguid
Over the Tizi n'Tichka pass (2,260 m), lunch facing the ksar of Aït Benhaddou, tea with the carpet weavers of Tazenakht, and a family dinner at our guesthouse in Foum Zguid.
Mountain passKasbah lunch
3-DAY EXPEDITION
The Silent Sahara: Foum Zguid to Erg Chigaga
Three days built around one idea: the desert is best heard, not talked over. One night in our camp, phones away, a sunrise walked in silence.
Marrakech ⇄ Erg ChigagaMax 8 people
- ROUTE
- via Lake Iriqui
- MEALS
- 2 dinners, 2 breakfasts
- NIGHTS
- Guesthouse + bivouac
- DIFFICULTY
- Easy
JOURNEY DAY BY DAY
Journey day by day
DAY 02 · INTO THE ERG
Lake Iriqui to Erg Chigaga
Leave the tarmac behind and cross the dry lake bed by 4×4, mirages likely. Picnic at a nomad well, rest through the heat, then a camel walk to the high ridge for sunset. Phones go in the pouch at dinner.
4×4 crossingSunset camel walk
DAY 03 · THE QUIET HOUR
Silent sunrise, back to Marrakech
One hour of wordless walking until the sun clears the dunes. Breakfast with bread baked in the sand, then the drive home, dropped at your door by evening.
Silent walkSand-baked bread
WHY IT'S CALLED SILENT
Why it's called silent
Phones in the pouch
From sunset to sunrise. Emergencies go through your guide's satellite phone.
One hour without words
The dawn walk on day three is wordless. It's the part most people remember.
No engines after ten
Generators off, lanterns on. The camp runs on solar and firelight.
Breathable layers
Light cotton or linen for the day.
A warm fleece
Essential once the sun drops.
Sun protection
High SPF, a hat and a scarf for sand.
Closed shoes
Plus sandals for the camp.