Hiking and yoga trip in the heart of the Sahara
In summary
-
Sports
-
Duration8 days
-
LevelAll levels
-
DestinationAtlas Mountains / Marrakech
-
AgeFrom 16 - 75 years
-
CO₂-Emissions130.58 kg CO2
-
Type of stayIn a group
-
Languages
French
English
In a few words
Experience an authentic immersion in the heart of the Moroccan desert , where the practice of yoga blends perfectly with the soothing rhythm of a traditional caravan . Far from the beaten track, this trek invites you to journey through pristine dunes , guided by a nomadic family happy to share their knowledge and daily life.
Each day combines easy walks , the tranquility of wide-open spaces, and outdoor yoga sessions in a breathtaking setting. As the sun sets, the flavors of vibrant local cuisine precede warm moments of sharing and music over tea. Nights are spent in nomadic tents or directly under a spectacular starry sky.
A perfect blend of disconnection , human connection , and simplicity , this adventure invites you to slow down and experience a true reconnection with yourself and nature . An unforgettable inner journey, accessible to all.
The highlights
-
Travel alongside a local nomadic family and discover an authentic way of life
-
Alternate each day between hiking in the dunes and yoga sessions
-
Sleep in a bivouac in the heart of the desert, in a preserved environment
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
Yoga level: all levels. Sessions are accessible to beginners as well as experienced practitioners and adapted to each person's pace.
Hiking level: all levels. No prior desert trekking experience is necessary. The walks are at an accessible pace, with regular breaks. Approximately 90% of the routes are on hard, easy-to-walk ground, with only occasional sections through dunes. However, a good level of general fitness is recommended for walking several hours a day.
In figures
Yoga
- Average duration/day: 1h
- 2 average daily practices
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 3h
- Average distance/day: 13 km
- Exposed Passages: Yes
Management
French
English
We are passionate about the art of living and well-being.
Our meeting dates back to 2019, during a yoga class which marked the beginning of a beautiful friendship and an enriching collaboration.
We share a common passion for travel and discovery.
Each new destination is an opportunity for us to explore not only new horizons, but also to discover ourselves through encounters and exchanges with others.
We firmly believe that every journey is an adventure that brings us a little closer to our essence.
As yoga teachers, we are passionate about sharing our love of yoga and supporting each individual on their personal journey. We look forward to sharing our love of yoga and discovery with you!
Étoile du Désert is a local family agency based in M'Hamid El Ghizlane, at the gateway to the Moroccan Sahara. For several generations, our nomadic family has shared its passion for the desert through treks, immersive trips, and retreats combining hiking, wellness, and cultural discovery.
Our team will accompany you throughout your stay, drawing on their intimate knowledge of the desert, its landscapes, and its traditions. Guides, camel drivers, and cooks will ensure your comfort, safety, and the quality of every experience, all within a warm and friendly atmosphere.
We are committed to offering authentic stays that respect local communities and the environment. You don't just discover the Sahara: you experience it from within, at the pace of those who live there.
Program
-
Arrival in Marrakech
- Accommodation Riad
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Arrival in Marrakech and overnight stay in a comfortable Riad, in the heart of the medina.
Group discovery and opening circle
Day 1 -
Departure is towards the desert
- Transportation Minibus - 07h - 425km
- Activity Yoga
- Duration of the activity 1h
- Number of practices per day 1
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Breakfast at the Riad and early departure by car from Marrakech to M'Hamid El Ghizlane (10 hours drive including a lunch break)
Arrival in M'Hamid, meeting with the team of nomadic guides, dropping off heavy luggage and departure on an excursion for a memorable evening in the dunes of the palm grove.
A night in a tent or under the stars to begin this immersion in the life of nomads.
Day 2 -
Desert Trekking
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 3h per day
- Distance 13 km
- Exposed passages Yes
- Activity Yoga
- Duration of the activity 1h per day
- Number of practices per day 2
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
6:30 am: wake-up and preparation of belongings so that the nomads can fold up their tents
7:45 am: 45 minutes of gentle yoga with Lucile, then breakfast
8:30 am: departure for the walk of approximately 3 to 4 hours on average per day.
(Tea breaks and snacks will be offered in the shade of the tamarisk trees)
Arrived around 1 p.m. for a small aperitif before a well-deserved big lunch.
3pm-5pm: free time.
(Optional extras: massage with Alvina, walk in the dunes, creative workshop, drawing, reading, nap...)
5:30 pm: Sunset atop the dunes, a timeless moment
6-7:30 pm: 30-minute gentle Hatha yoga session followed by 1 hour of relaxation, sound bath, yoga nidra... With Lucile and Alvina
8 p.m.: Dinner and festive evening by the fire, ending with a beautiful night in a tent or under the stars
Days 3 to 6 -
Return to Ouarzazate
- Transportation Minibus - 03h - 250km
- Activity Yoga
- Duration of the activity 1h
- Number of practices per day 2
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After a morning yoga session and a final breakfast served by the nomads in a sumptuous setting, it is time to return to the village and say goodbye to the team of guides who shared this adventure with you.
Return by bus to Ouarzazate, you have 2 options:
Your choice:
- Return to France via a flight from Ouarzazate to Paris
- Overnight in Ouarzazate before hitting the road again the next morning towards Marrakech
Day 7 -
End of retirement
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Breakfast at the hotel and departure for Ouarzazate airport for the return flight.
It is possible to arrange transport to Marrakech if needed (please request this in advance).
Day 8
Accommodation
The first night of the stay is spent in a riad in the heart of the Marrakech medina.
Riads close to Jemaa el Fna square and the souks of Marrakech are true havens of peace where you can start a retirement.
The first and last nights of the stay are spent in a comfortable hotel in Ouarzazate.
Accommodation is provided in shared rooms, for 2 to 4 people depending on the group size. Rooms can be configured as twin, triple or quadruple.
If you require more privacy, a private room can be booked on request, subject to availability, for an additional €30 per night.
Participants traveling alone will share a room with people of the same gender. If room sharing is not possible (for example, only one person of the same gender in the group), a single supplement of €30 per night will apply. This provision does not apply to couples, families, or friends wishing to share a room.
Access
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- Two nights in a Riad in Marrakech (shared room)
- 2 nights in a riad and 5 nights in the desert
- Meals during the 8-hour journey (excluding drinks)
- The 3 meals in the desert, as well as water and tea
- Breakfasts at the Riad
- Yoga & Meditation Classes
- Accompaniment by local guides
The price does not include
- International flights
- Airport/Marrakech transfer (approximately €15)
- Tips and drinks at restaurants
- Sleeping bag
- Personal expenses
- Lunches and dinners in a Riad in Marrakech
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
No need to turn your backpack into a house! We'll take care of all the necessary camping equipment:
- Sleeping mattress
- Covers
- Tents and camping equipment
- Drinking water during the trek
- All food is cooked on site (breakfast, lunch, snacks and dinner, right down to the evening herbal tea!)
Equipment to bring
The desert encourages you to travel light! Here are our tips for packing your bag and fully enjoying the adventure, without being weighed down.
Equipment needed:
- A small water bottle to stay well hydrated during walks
- A small backpack for the day
- Sunglasses and good sunscreen
- A headlamp or small lamp for evenings at the campsite
- An external battery: in the desert, there are no electrical outlets!
- A sleeping bag suitable for the season
- A small first aid kit and your personal medications
Clothing to bring
Opt for comfortable, lightweight and breathable clothing for days of walking.
- Good hiking shoes (sneakers or sandals!), already broken in.
- A pair of flip-flops for times when you're not walking.
- Lightweight clothing for the day
- Comfortable trousers and protective clothing to shield you from the sun
- A fleece or a light down jacket for the evenings.
- Warmer clothes for nighttime, depending on the season
- Socks suitable for walking
- A hat during cooler periods
The Mohamed team
Based in M'Hamid El Ghizlane, on the edge of the Sahara, our local expert specializes in immersive stays and tailor-made wellness retreats. A member of the Nouaji tribe, he designs itineraries that combine desert treks with practices such as yoga and meditation. With his multilingual local team, he manages all the logistics to offer an authentic, safe, and environmentally conscious nomadic experience.
