5-Day Camel Trek from M'hamid to Erg Chigaga Desert – Explore Morocco’s Sahara
Tour Overview:
Embark on the ultimate 5-day camel trekking adventure in Morocco’s Sahara Desert. Immerse yourself in the majestic beauty of the desert on this thrilling journey, visiting some of the most iconic sand dunes in Morocco, including the remote Erg Chigaga dunes. Over the course of five days, you’ll have the unique opportunity to disconnect from the modern world and embrace the nomadic lifestyle. Relax into the rhythm of desert life, where luxurious simplicity—star-filled nights, breathtaking sunsets and sunrises, and the serene, untouched desert landscape—awaits you.
Experience the very essence of Morocco’s Sahara Desert on this 5-day journey. Traverse the wild desert on camels and savor the tranquility of the Sahara’s vast landscapes. This 5-day trek offers an unforgettable adventure, with 4 to 5 hours of hiking each day, allowing you to follow in the footsteps of ancient Berber caravans and experience the desert in its purest form.
- The Best 5-Day Camel Trek in Morocco’s Sahara Desert
During this 5-day camel trek, you’ll indulge in both walking and camelback riding. This journey through the eastern part of Morocco’s Sahara Desert promises a unique and refreshing experience. As you traverse the mysterious and awe-inspiring desert features—including “erg” sand dunes, the barren “reg” desert, “hammada” flatlands, and lush desert oases—you’ll gain a deep appreciation for the natural beauty of this extraordinary landscape. Camel trekking also provides a window into the traditional lifestyle of local nomads and the fascinating nature of these serene desert creatures.
This multi-day trek offers you the freedom to explore the depths of Morocco’s desert dunes at your own pace. Whether traveling solo, as a couple, in a group, or with family, this adventure is an unparalleled journey of discovery. As we say here in Morocco, “Marhaba” – welcome to a world of wonder!
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Tour Description:
Our adventure begins as we set out on foot into the Sahara Desert from M’hamid. Our team of camels, handlers, and a cook will be waiting at the starting point. Your luggage will be loaded onto the camels, and we’ll begin our trek, walking past palm groves and stopping for a midday break. After a brief rest, we continue our journey to Sidi Naji, marveling at stunning desert landscapes. We’ll set up camp for the night upon arrival.
Day 2: Sidi Naji to Erg Zahar
After breakfast, we trek toward one of the tallest dunes in the region, passing the ruins of Ksar Bousnina, an ancient kasbah. We pause for lunch beneath the shade of Tamarisk trees. After lunch, we continue our journey to the Erg Zahar dunes, where you can bask in the beauty of the golden sands and watch a breathtaking desert sunset. We camp near the dunes for the night.
Day 3: Erg Zahar to Erg Sedra
We start the day by following the dromedary caravan as we head toward Erg Sedra. After several hours of walking, we cross the Draa Valley and stop for lunch in Erg Smar, resting under the shade of a Tamarisk tree. After our break, we continue our trek to Erg Sedra, where we set up camp for the night.
Day 4: Erg Sedra to Erg Chigaga
Today’s destination is Erg Chigaga, one of the tallest and largest dunes in Morocco, stretching over 50 km. After three hours of trekking through diverse desert landscapes, we stop for lunch. Then, we continue our trek to Erg Chigaga, where we can enjoy an unforgettable sunset. We’ll set up camp and spend the night there.
Day 5: Erg Chigaga to M’hamid and Zagora
After a memorable sunrise, we have breakfast in the open air at our camp. With the desert sands still fresh beneath your toes, we’ll return from this extraordinary adventure by 4×4 to the village of M’hamid or Zagora, arriving around 11:45 am.
Prices per number of people:
€439 per person Minimum: 2 people
€339 per person Minimum: 2 people
€319 per person Minimum: 3 people
€289 per person Minimum: 4 people or more
Services Included:
Reach the starting point.
Camels for carrying luggage.
4 nights in the desert, staying in a mobile camp.
Full board (meals included).
Professional guide and support team.
Trekking and hiking activities.
Mineral water during the trek.
Fun around a campfire at night: enjoy stories, music, and a warm atmosphere under the starry sky.
Transportation to reach Zagora or M’Hamid after the end of the tou
Services Not Included:
Tips for the guide and team.
Holiday insurance.
Private camel for riding.
Sleeping bags.
Lunch meals upon return to M’Hamid or Zagora.
Travel insurance and flight tickets.
Accommodation in M’Hamid El Ghizlane or Zagora upon return, if you wish to stay there.
Important Information:
All prices are listed per person.
This trek starts in the M’Hamid region.
Families are encouraged to bring their children.
Children under 8 years old receive a 20% discount on the ticket price.
Children aged 4 years and younger can use our services free of charge.
Children under 8 ride at the front of their parents’ camel for a safe and comfortable journey.
We offer a variety of vegetarian dishes as part of our combined tour meals.
We ensure that all meals are prepared without ingredients that may cause allergies and provide safe options for individuals with dietary restrictions.
We specialize in organizing birthday parties and other celebrations to make your event unforgettable
Advice About Camel Treks:
What will you need to bring?
Comfortable walking shoes for trekking.
Nomadic turban to protect from the sun and sand.
Pocket lamp or headlamp for night use.
Usual personal medications (if needed).
Sunscreen to protect against the desert sun.
Sleeping bag.
Discover the Wonders of Zagora, Tamegroute, and M’hamid El Ghizlane on a 5-Day Desert Adventure
Zagora – Gateway to the Desert
Zagora, a charming town in the Draa Valley, serves as a vital gateway to Morocco’s vast Sahara Desert. Known for its famous “Timbuktu 52 Days” sign, Zagora offers a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Visitors can explore its bustling souks, ancient kasbahs, and the nearby oasis. As the starting point for many desert expeditions, Zagora is approximately 160 km from Ouarzazate and 95 km from Tamegroute, making it an accessible yet adventurous destination.
Tamegroute – A Cultural and Spiritual Hub
Located about 95 km from Zagora, Tamegroute is a small village rich in cultural and spiritual heritage. It is renowned for its 17th-century Islamic library, containing ancient manuscripts, and its distinctive green pottery. Visitors can wander through its narrow streets, visit the pottery workshops, and immerse themselves in the village’s serene atmosphere. Tamegroute’s proximity to both Zagora and M’hamid El Ghizlane makes it an essential stop on your desert journey.
M’hamid El Ghizlane – The Last Oasis
M’hamid El Ghizlane, situated about 35 km from Tamegroute and 100 km from Zagora, marks the edge of the Sahara Desert. Known as the “Gateway to the Desert,” M’hamid is a small oasis town where the paved road ends, and the vast expanse of sand dunes begins. It is the perfect launch point for camel treks and desert safaris, offering a glimpse into the nomadic lifestyle that has been preserved for generations.
Unforgettable Experiences on Your Desert Journey
Camel Trekking through Golden Sand Dunes
Embark on an unforgettable adventure as you travel by camel through the Sahara’s golden sand dunes. Your journey will take you across ever-changing landscapes, where the rhythmic sway of the camels and the vast silence of the desert create a serene and meditative experience. Watch as your luggage is loaded onto the camels, and set out into the heart of the desert, leaving the modern world behind.
Magical Desert Nights
As the sun sets, your desert camp comes alive. Gather around the campfire and savor traditional meals cooked over an open flame. Experience the unique taste of sand-baked bread, a staple of desert life. Listen to the stories of the nomads, passed down through generations, and join in their songs and dances. The night sky, unpolluted by city lights, offers a breathtaking view of the stars, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Sunrise and Sunset Spectacles
Witness the awe-inspiring beauty of the desert at sunrise and sunset. The dunes come alive with a palette of colors as the sun paints the sky. Whether you’re standing atop a dune or relaxing at camp, the view is nothing short of magical. These moments of tranquility and wonder are a highlight of any desert journey.
Desert Wildlife and Flora
The Sahara is teeming with life, despite its harsh conditions. Keep an eye out for gazelles, camels, sheep, and goats, as well as a variety of desert birds. The landscape is dotted with resilient vegetation, including Tamarisk and Acacia trees, and date palms that thrive in the oases. These natural elements add to the unique charm of the desert.
Authentic Bedouin Hospitality
Throughout your journey, you’ll be welcomed with open arms by the local nomadic tribes. Experience their genuine hospitality, enjoy their traditional tea ceremonies, and learn about their way of life. This cultural exchange is an integral part of the adventure, leaving you with a deeper appreciation for the rich heritage of the Sahara.
This 5-day desert trek promises not just a journey through stunning landscapes, but a voyage into the heart of Morocco’s cultural and natural wonders. Let the desert’s beauty captivate you as you create memories that will stay with you forever