Top 10 to Visit in the Heart of the Desert Between Foum Zguid and M’Hamid El Ghizlane

Acacia of the Iriki National Park

Located between Foum Zguid and M’Hamid El Ghizlane, south of Ouarzazate and Zagora, the Iriki desert is an area preserved from mass tourism where you can discover a multitude of landscapes, share the life of desert nomads and all the cultural and natural wealth of this region.
We have selected for you 10 activities and must-see sites in the Iriki National Park

1/ The Dunes of Erg Chigaga

The dunes of Chegaga are among the most famous desert landscapes in Morocco. This is where the vast Sahara begins. Here, you will find the highest dune in Morocco, reaching up to 300 meters in height. From the top, you will enjoy a breathtaking view of the endless sea of sand, with kilometers of dunes stretching as far as the eye can see in absolute tranquility.
At Erg Chegaga, you can sleep in a bivouac to experience the silence of the desert, disconnect completely from the modern world while still enjoying all the necessary comforts, and spend an unforgettable evening around the fire, accompanied by music from local nomads.
This is also the perfect place to go on a camel trek and explore the desert at the peaceful rhythm of these essential animals. Depart at sunset to make the experience even more magical.
Erg Chegaga is accessible only by 4×4 or motorbike, from Foum Zguid or M’Hamid El Ghizlane.

2/ The Village of Zaouiat Sidi Abdenabi

It is one of the only villages in the entire Iriki Desert region. The village of Zaouiat Sidi Abdenabi is the perfect place to meet the locals and understand the life of these families in such a unique environment.
This small village, once located on the shores of Lake Iriki, now faces desertification and struggles to maintain the last remaining families living here year-round. In doing so, they continue the traditions of the El Mhazil tribe. These families survive thanks to the oasis around which the village is centered. They cultivate vegetables and plants that serve as food or are sold at the market in Foum Zguid, along with a few herds of animals, mainly goats and sheep.
At the heart of the village, the small school is essential for everyone. It welcomes around 12 children, who will be delighted to greet you when you pass by.
On the heights of the village, you will find the last dry stone walls that once formed the ancient granaries, mainly used to store grain harvests. From this hill, there is a magnificent view of the peaceful village, the vast expanses of the desert, and, in the distance, the dunes of the Sahara. It is hard to imagine that centuries ago, Lake Iriki was filled with water, and this arid landscape was once a lush oasis.
At the foot of the village stands the tomb of the marabout Sidi Abdenabi. He was the holy man of the tribe and the founder of this place. A modest yet well-maintained mausoleum by the families, it is the silent witness of history, keeping the memory of this land alive.
During your stay at our guesthouse, Auberge Dreams Iriki or Guest House Lac Iriki, we will share the history of this village with you through a walking tour, allowing you to meet the locals and experience their way of life.

3/ The Oasis of Laarjimia

An oasis is always a magical place in the desert, and the oasis of Laarjimia is no exception. Departing from Foum Zguid, after about 30 minutes of off-road driving in a 4×4, the oasis is located at the foot of the Madouar El Kbir mountains, creating an even more fascinating landscape.
The water spring that emerges here allows date palms to grow and provides a well where herds of animals—camels, sheep, goats, and donkeys—come to drink. This shaded spot is highly appreciated as a place to enjoy a picnic or a cup of mint tea, a tradition that desert nomads have mastered so well in the heart of nature

4/ The Mountains of Madouar El Kbir

Departing from Foum Zguid, you can observe from a distance the mountainous silhouettes standing out on the horizon, with rather astonishing shapes. The mountains of Madouar El Kbir are an unusual landscape that you must absolutely see during your visit to the Iriki National Park.
They are easily recognizable thanks to one mountain shaped like a tajine and another shaped like a cobra. These table mountains form plateaus and are several thousand years old, constituting a fascinating geological heritage. They are also nicknamed the Colorado of the Moroccan desert because these rock formations strongly resemble the mountains of the American Colorado.
In just a few kilometers, you will find yourself immersed in completely different landscapes, worthy of movie sets, perfect for a photo break

5/ Rock Engravings and Cave Paintings

The southern region of Morocco is home to a unique archaeological heritage, as it contains prehistoric engravings and paintings dating back to the Neolithic era.
Near the Djebel Bani mountains, which form a natural barrier between the Atlas and the Sahara, one can observe the marks left by prehistoric humans directly on the rock. Some of these depict abstract shapes that have yet to be deciphered, while others represent more concrete depictions of prehistoric life. These engravings offer insights into the animal life that once thrived in the region, featuring species like rhinoceroses and giraffes. Long ago, the now-arid landscapes were covered in savanna vegetation and hosted wildlife typical of such ecosystems.
Departing from our guest house Of lac Iriki, we guide visitors on a two-hour hike through the mountains located just behind, to explore these hidden engravings and paintings nestled within a canyon. These are secret places, known only to those who grew up here, a true hidden treasure that we take great pleasure in sharing with you

6/ Having Tea with the Nomads

At Désert Foum Zguid Tours, we are passionate about introducing you to the true heritage of our region, which is best experienced through encounters with its people. This allows you to share authentic moments and get as close as possible to the daily life of the nomads
Between our guesthouse and the Erg Chegaga dunes, we take you to nomadic families to experience the precious tea ceremony, a tradition that embodies the sacred hospitality of the desert people.
You will witness the simplicity of nomadic life, where daily routines are deeply connected to nature, and solidarity is essential.
If you wish, you can bring school supplies or clothing to support these families. Feel free to ask us if you have any questions.

7/ Prehistoric Fossils

Until the 1960s, the lands of Iriki National Park were home to the waters of Lake Iriki. Now dried up, its cracked terrain reveals numerous shells.
However, some areas bear traces of an even older aquatic life, dating back to a time when the sea covered the lands of Morocco. This period is known as the Devonian era, approximately 380 million years ago. As the water gradually receded, sedimentation allowed for the fossilization of these mollusks, particularly orthoceras, a species related to modern nautiluses.
Amidst the sand, black rock formations reveal thousands of these shells, preserved in an astonishing state.
This is a true treasure worth discovering, where the very concept of time seems to fade away completely.
Departing from Foum Zguid, we take you by 4×4 to explore these prehistoric fossil sites in southeastern Morocco

8/ A Trek in the Iriki Desert

For an intense and immersive experience in the desert, we recommend going on a trek in the heart of the Iriki Desert dunes. This is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in nomadic culture and relive the great adventure of the Sahara, just as ancient caravans once did.
Set off for several days, accompanied by a team of nomads and dromedaries. You will learn to live in harmony with nature, allowing for a true rejuvenation.
The simplicity of this lifestyle will enable you to experience a reset, freeing yourself from the excesses of daily life and focusing on what truly matters: connecting with yourself and your environment.
Each day, you will walk through breathtaking landscapes, discovering the fauna and flora of the desert. Nights under the open sky will offer you the exceptional spectacle of the desert’s brilliant starry vault.
You will share in the traditions of the nomads and their incredible ability to adapt to their surroundings with minimal resources. Learning to bake bread in the sand is just one of the many unforgettable experiences.
The nomads will also introduce you to their philosophy of life, where hospitality is legendary. They possess a remarkable calmness and patience, showing immense generosity and kindness to everyone they meet.
More than just a sporting challenge, a desert trek is above all a deeply enriching human adventure.
Discover all our trekking options, adaptable to your preferences, on our Hiking and Trekking page

9/ Crossing the Iriki National Park

The Iriki National Park is a natural gem of Morocco that must be crossed to fully appreciate its beauty. Its true richness lies in the diversity of its landscapes and the history of its ancient and modern tribes.
From Foum Zguid to M’Hamid El Ghizlane, you will first travel on rocky trails, requiring experienced 4×4 drivers skilled in navigating stones and potholes—a journey reminiscent of the legendary Paris-Dakar Rally, which once followed these tracks.
On the horizon, mountainous massifs suddenly rise from the vast plains. These are the Medouar El Kbir mountains, also known as the Colorado of the Moroccan desert, whose history we mentioned earlier. These formations stand frozen in time, acting as landmarks in the stony desert, both fascinating and surreal.
As the journey continues, the rocky terrain gradually transforms into a landscape of black stones, revealing an impressive fossil site. As the first dunes approach, the sand takes over. But there is still more to discover—next, you will cross another landscape: the dried-up lake of Iriki.
Here, the ground suddenly becomes smooth and flat, offering a sense of stability and peace after the bumpy and rugged stony tracks. The cracked earth still bears the traces of ancient water movements, a silent testimony to the lake that once thrived here. However, desertification has replaced the once-abundant waters with a completely arid landscape.
As you progress across the dried lake, you will reach the first dunes of the Sahara—a sight that feels almost like an illusion. The excitement builds as these majestic sand hills mark the beginning of an infinite space—the mysterious and mythical Sahara, a land of adventure, history, and legendary desert explorers.
Beyond the dunes, on the other side of the lake, lies a landscape of savanna-like plains, dotted with acacia trees (Acacia radiana). It is astonishing to see these

10/ Stay with Locals at the Guest House in Lac Iriki

Visiting the Iriki Desert is also about seeking an authentic journey, meeting local people and their culture. Staying with the locals offers a unique opportunity for a truly immersive experience.
The guest house is a charming lodging experience within Iriki National Park. Built with traditional pisé (rammed earth), the house is typical of local dwellings. It is a family home, carefully restored in keeping with tradition, while adding a touch of comfort for guests.
Moreover, it aligns perfectly with a commitment to environmental respect through sustainable resource management. Water comes from a deep well, restored and equipped with a solar-powered pump system. Electricity is also generated from solar energy, ensuring a minimal environmental footprint.
Thanks to my uncle Mohamed, you will enjoy delicious traditional dishes, prepared with fresh local ingredients. The vegetables and meats come either from the village or from the markets and butcher shops of Foum Zguid, which source their products locally. You will have the chance to taste tajines, grilled skewers, soups, fresh salads, and of course, delicious couscous.
The guest house is set in an exceptional natural environment in heart of sidi abdenabi Village. Behind the house rise the majestic The old Kasbah of sidi abdenabi and Djebel Bani mountains, while in front, vast plains dotted with Palm Trees, acacia trees stretch as far as the eye can see. In the distance, the magnificent Sahara dunes shimmer under the waves of heat, creating an ever-changing landscape.
One of the most remarkable aspects of this place is the incredible tranquility—a soothing silence that guarantees perfect nights of restful sleep.
The atmosphere is relaxing and welcoming. Thanks to the traditional nomadic hospitality, guests feel at ease right away. The colorful and joyful decor creates a warm ambiance. In the evening, locals from the nearby village often join the house to share a musical evening, exchange the latest news, and tell stories of the desert, all amid laughter and song.
The guest house is a unique and unforgettable place—a spot that leaves no traveler indifferent. Visitors quickly fall under its charm and feel an irresistible urge to return.
For more information about the guest house, feel free to contact us and make the most of your desert adventure by adding an extra night or more to your stay.
We hope that all this information has inspired you to discover these extraordinary places and to take the time to stay among us for a journey beyond time.