Zagora Desert Trip 2 Days 1 Night: Erg Chigaga and Lake Iriki Loop

Zagora desert trip 2 days 1 night: this Erg Chigaga Lake Iriki tour is the one for anyone who wants more than just dunes in a weekend. It's a genuine loop, not a there-and-back. Over two days you visit Tamegroute, camp near Erg Chigaga, and return through Foum Zguid and the dried-up Lake Iriki, ground none of our other 2-day tours cover.

We depart Zagora around 1:00 PM and first stop at the historic village of Tamegroute, where you see the Quranic school and its library, the underground kasbah, and the local green pottery craftsmanship. As we continue through the stunning Draa Valley, you take in views of dunes and ancient kasbahs before heading deeper into the desert. The day ends at Erg Chigaga with a camel ride at sunset, then a desert camp with a bonfire, Berber music and dinner under the stars.

Day 2 starts with sunrise over the dunes. This Lake Iriki desert tour leg continues after breakfast, passing the dried-up lake. On the way we stop to visit a nomadic family and share a traditional tea ceremony in the desert, then explore fossil-rich areas and the Jebel Bani mountains, covered in acacia trees. After lunch in Foum Zguid (not included), we drive back to Zagora, arriving around 2:00 PM.

If you are planning a 2 day trip to Zagora and want it to feel like an expedition, this is the one. Short on time or budget? Our direct two-day trip to Erg Chigaga goes straight to the big dunes and back from €115, and our closest overnight stay in the dunes near town starts from €45. See our full range of Zagora desert tours to compare all the options.