How to Get to Nubia Camp, Erg Chigaga
N 29º51′46″ W 6º14′21″
Travel to Erg Chigaga by private 4×4 from Marrakech (≈8½ hours) or fly to Zagora and continue overland. The off-road segment starts at M’Hamid El Ghizlane after Zagora, with sand tracks leading to the camp. We’ll organise driver-guides, routes and stopovers.
- Route time — Marrakech → Erg Chigaga: ~8½ hours by private 4×4
- Flight option — Marrakech → Zagora, then ~3 hours off-road by 4×4
- Required vehicle — 4×4 for final sand tracks; experienced driver essential
- Common stopovers — Aït Ben Haddou, Agdz, Zagora
- Meeting points — Ouarzazate/Zagora pick-ups available for partial self-drive
- Seasonality — Best road conditions Oct–Apr; summer travel uses early/late timings
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Luxury tents set among the sand dunes in full daylight.
Transport
Nubia Luxury Camp sits deep in the Erg Chigaga dunes — the final stretch requires a 4×4 with an experienced driver.
We arrange all transfers, whether you’re travelling from Marrakech (8.5 hours by road), flying into Zagora (3 hours by 4×4 from the airport), or arriving by helicopter.
Our vehicles are air-conditioned Toyota Land Cruisers carrying up to 6 passengers. All drivers speak English and know the desert routes well.
Sweeping dunes shaped by wind and evening light.
Palm lined road winding through the Draa Valley landscape
Following the ancient caravan route from Marrakech, you wind your way through the Atlas Mountains and find yourself travelling through Berber villages and passing spectacular rock formations and landscapes.
You will make your way down to the UNESCO World Heritage Berber Kasbah town of Ait Ben Haddou, the location for many famous films, stopping here for lunch and to explore the site.
Morocco Tour Helicopter flying over desert sand dunes
Guide and 4x4 vehicle positioned on the dunes.
Driving through the lush green Draa Valley with its thousands of palms, you arrive in Zagora and head on to the nomadic town of M’hamid El Ghizlane at the edge of the Sahara Desert. After an exciting off-road dunes drive, meet your camels for a sunset trek to camp and receive a warm Berber welcome from the team.
Saddled camels waiting on the sand at sunset.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Our experienced drivers know the desert routes well and use suitable 4×4 vehicles for the off-road section beyond M’Hamid El Ghizlane. We monitor weather and driving conditions and can adjust the route when necessary.
Private 4×4 transfers are included in our Nubia Camp packages. We can arrange your journey from Marrakech or another agreed meeting point, with flexible options if you prefer to self-drive part of the route and meet your Moroccan Journeys driver before the more demanding desert section.
Erg Chigaga lies in the Moroccan Sahara, around 50 km beyond M’Hamid El Ghizlane. There are no paved roads for the final section, so reaching the camp requires travel across desert tracks by 4×4.
Allow around 8½ hours by private 4×4, depending on stops and road conditions. Many travellers break the journey at Aït Ben Haddou, Agdz or Zagora. The final section beyond M’Hamid El Ghizlane is off-road.
Yes. A 4×4 with an experienced driver is required for the final desert section beyond M’Hamid El Ghizlane. Private 4×4 transfers are included in our Nubia Camp packages, and we can also arrange a meeting point if you prefer to self-drive part of the route.
Yes. Flights to Zagora are available on limited schedules, normally connecting through Casablanca. From Zagora, the journey to Nubia Camp continues by private 4×4. Flight schedules can change, so we will advise on the most practical route for your travel dates.
Helicopter transfers can be arranged on request, subject to availability, weather and landing arrangements. The final part of the journey may still require a short 4×4 transfer to the camp.
Aït Ben Haddou, Agdz and Zagora are useful places to break the journey between Marrakech and Erg Chigaga. We can recommend accommodation and arrange the route over one or more nights as part of a longer Morocco itinerary.
We can arrange meeting points in places such as Ouarzazate or Zagora. From there, a Moroccan Journeys driver can take over for the more demanding desert and mountain sections. The exact meeting point and timing are agreed when your itinerary is arranged.
Soft-sided bags are easier to store in a 4×4 than large rigid suitcases. It is also useful to keep a small day bag with water, sun protection and an extra layer for the cooler evening temperatures.
October to April generally offers the most comfortable conditions for travelling to Erg Chigaga and spending time in the desert. Summer travel is possible, but journeys and activities are normally planned around the cooler parts of the day.
