Camel trekking in Sahara desert Morocco

Camel trekking in Sahara desert

Join us for an amazing 6 day camel trekking in Sahara desert expedition from Marrakech to the Erg Chegaga dunes. This immersive hike leads you through diverse Saharan landscapes, offering a unique escape into the golden sands. We perfectly pair the thrill of desert exploration with the enchanting atmosphere of Marrakech. Experience the warmth and beauty of Morocco, the jewel of North Africa, on a journey designed to inspire.

ITINERARY:

Day 1: Marrakech – High Atlas – Zagora – Jebel Bani

Our desert adventure begins early. After breakfast at the riad, we depart by minibus, heading southeast toward the High Atlas Mountains. We’ll cross the stunning Tizi n’Tichka pass, where you’ll enjoy panoramic views of lush valleys and ocher-colored Berber villages. After passing through Ouarzazate—Morocco’s cinematic “Hollywood”—and crossing the Ait Saouné Pass, we descend into the lush Drâa Valley.

In the gateway town of Zagora, we’ll stop to purchase traditional Chach headscarfs and enjoy a final cold drink before entering the wilderness. Here, we meet our camel team and begin our trek toward the foot of Mount Jebel Bani to set up our first camp.

• Drive time: ~7 hours (400km)

Day 2: Jebel Bani – Faija Plateau – Oasis

Awaken to an early breakfast as the team prepares the camels. We begin by ascending a gorge through Jebel Bani, crossing a mountain pass that opens onto the vast, rocky Faija Plateau. We’ll break for a fresh lunch in the shade of tamarin and acacia trees.

In the afternoon, we trek alongside the striking Saghro mountain range until we reach a hidden oasis filled with tall date palms. Here, we set up camp, explore the local area, and perhaps gather firewood for the evening bonfire. Dinner is served in the tent, followed by a night under the stars.

• Walk time: 6–7 hours

Day 3: Dry Riverbeds & Rising Sand

Today’s trek follows a dry riverbed, offering easy walking across unique mountain terrain. As we move deeper into the valley, the landscape shifts from rock and gravel to the first signs of soft sand. We arrive at our campsite in the early afternoon, leaving time for an optional hike up the ridge of Jbel Abbes for a better view of the horizon. Tonight, you have the option to sleep in the open air for an unforgettable view of the Milky Way.

• Walk time: 4–5 hours

Day 4: The Great Dunes of Erg Chegaga

This is an intense but rewarding day. We leave the valley and trek across a massive rocky plateau after crossing the El Abbes Pass. From here, the “ocean of sand”—the mighty Erg Chegaga dunes—finally comes into view. Following ancient nomad trails, we’ll break for lunch under the shade of an acacia tree.

As the sun begins to dip, we transition into the soft, rolling dunes, arriving at the heart of Chegaga. We’ll climb the highest dunes to witness what is arguably the world’s most beautiful sunset before sharing stories around the campfire.

• Walk time: 6 hours

Day 5: Erg Chegaga – Bougarne Dunes

We rise at dawn to catch the sunrise from the crest of the dunes. After breakfast, we continue our hike eastward toward M’hamid. The trekking becomes more challenging as we navigate the deep sand of the wide Drâa Valley. We’ll find shade under tamarind trees for lunch and water refills before pushing on to the Bougarne Dunes. This remote, rarely visited area offers a sense of true wildness. We’ll camp at the foot of the largest dune, celebrating our final night in the desert with traditional music and drums.

• Walk time: 7 hours

Day 6: Sahara – Ouarzazate – Marrakech

Our desert journey concludes this morning. After a final breakfast with our camel team, we board 4WD vehicles to cross the plateau to the main road, where our minibus awaits. We travel back through the Drâa Valley and over the High Atlas, stopping for lunch along the route. We arrive back at our riad in Marrakech in the late afternoon for a well-deserved shower and a relaxing evening.

• Drive time: ~7 hours

COSTS:

– 2 people : 1300£ / per person

– 3 people: 1100£ / per person

– 4 to 7 people : 850£ / per person

– 8 to 12 people: 700£ / per person

– 13 to 16 people: 600£ / per person