Merzouga to Erg Chegaga & Lake Iriki
A private Sahara crossing from Erg Chebbi through Ouzina and Ramlia to Erg Chegaga and the open basin of Lake Iriki.
This private journey is designed for travelers who want meaningful time in southern Morocco rather than a rushed photo stop. Your local driver-guide balances genuine off-road sections with viewpoints, village encounters and unhurried breaks. The precise piste is chosen for the day’s sand, wind and weather.
Travel in our private 4×4, bring your own vehicle for a guided convoy, or ask about guided quad tours, KTM enduro bikes and 4×4 car rental.
Explore quads, KTM bikes and 4×4 rental →What makes it special
- 01Erg Chebbi and Erg Chegaga
- 02Ouzina and Ramlia
- 03Lake Iriki crossing
- 04Camp beneath the stars
- 05Private local driver-guide
- 06Flexible scenic and photography stops
Day by day
Open each day for a fuller picture of the route, landscapes and rhythm. The itinerary remains private and can be adapted to your interests.
Day 1Merzouga → Taouz → Ouzina+
Day 1 — Merzouga → Taouz → Ouzina: sandy tracks, fossil plains and sunset near Erg Ouzina.
After a short route briefing, travel at an unhurried pace with scenic, photography and refreshment stops. Your guide selects the best line for the weather, track conditions and your group. By late afternoon, arrive at the planned camp or guesthouse with time to settle in before dinner.
- Pace
- Flexible, with photo and refreshment stops
- Terrain
- Sand, hammada and remote pistes
- Meals
- Breakfast and dinner on overnight stages
Day 2Ouzina → Ramlia → M’Hamid area+
Day 2 — Ouzina → Ramlia → M’Hamid area: a long expedition day across hammada and acacia valleys.
After a short route briefing, travel at an unhurried pace with scenic, photography and refreshment stops. Your guide selects the best line for the weather, track conditions and your group. By late afternoon, arrive at the planned camp or guesthouse with time to settle in before dinner.
- Pace
- Flexible, with photo and refreshment stops
- Terrain
- Sand, hammada and remote pistes
- Meals
- Breakfast and dinner on overnight stages
Day 3M’Hamid → Erg Chegaga+
Day 3 — M’Hamid → Erg Chegaga: remote sandy pistes and an overnight camp beneath the high dunes.
After a short route briefing, travel at an unhurried pace with scenic, photography and refreshment stops. Your guide selects the best line for the weather, track conditions and your group. By late afternoon, arrive at the planned camp or guesthouse with time to settle in before dinner.
- Pace
- Flexible, with photo and refreshment stops
- Terrain
- Sand, hammada and remote pistes
- Meals
- Breakfast and dinner on overnight stages
Day 4Erg Chegaga → Lake Iriki → Foum Zguid+
Day 4 — Erg Chegaga → Lake Iriki → Foum Zguid: cross the vast dry lakebed and finish at the desert gateway.
After a short route briefing, travel at an unhurried pace with scenic, photography and refreshment stops. Your guide selects the best line for the weather, track conditions and your group. The final stage is timed around your agreed drop-off, while leaving enough freedom for the most rewarding stops.
- Pace
- Flexible, with photo and refreshment stops
- Terrain
- Sand, hammada and remote pistes
- Meals
- Breakfast and dinner on overnight stages
Included and excluded
Included
- Private 4×4 and fuel, or guiding for your own vehicle
- Professional local driver-guide
- Pickup and drop-off as agreed
- Breakfasts and dinners on multi-day tours
- Camp or guesthouse in the selected category
- Route planning and off-road navigation
Excluded
- Lunches unless specified in your quote
- Drinks and personal purchases
- Travel insurance and flights
- Optional tips
- Activities not confirmed in your program
Accommodation
Choose standard or comfort desert camps and selected local guesthouses. Multi-day proposals clearly identify each night and room category.
Good to know
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Most comfortable season: October–April
- Closed shoes and sun protection recommended
- Routes may change for safety or weather
- Vegetarian meals available with notice
Frequently asked questions
Is this a private tour?
Yes. The standard program is private for your group, with your own guide and flexible stops.
Is it suitable for beginners and families?
Yes when traveling in our 4×4. We adapt the sand sections and daily pace.
Can we drive our own 4×4 or bring motorbikes?
Yes. Guided convoy and motorbike-guiding options are available, and a support 4×4 can be added.
When is the best time to travel?
October through April is generally most comfortable.
Can the route or accommodation be customized?
Yes. Add nights, change the finishing city, choose your comfort or focus more on dunes, culture or photography.
