4-day, 3-night trek and bivouac in the Moroccan desert
In summary
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Sports
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Duration4 days
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LevelAll levels
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DestinationAtlas Mountains / Marrakech
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AgeFrom 4 - 80 years
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CO₂-Emissions251.83 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
Arabic
French
English
In a few words
From Marrakech , head towards M'Hamid , the true gateway to the Moroccan Sahara . Upon arrival, your adventure begins with an immersion in the heart of the Saharan landscape, spending your first night in a traditional camp before embarking on a trek at the peaceful pace of a camel caravan .
During a two-day trek , traverse wild landscapes and waves of sand to the majestic Erg Zahar dune . At this exceptional site, you will enjoy two nights camping under the stars , immersed in the immensity of the landscape.
Accompanied by a local team of Sahrawi guides , this journey fosters an authentic immersion in Bedouin culture . Your evenings will be spent enjoying cozy moments around the campfire, soothed by the silence of the desert . The return trip to M'Hamid is by 4x4 , followed by a transfer to the red city to conclude this nomadic adventure.
The highlights
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3 nights in the desert, including 2 nights in a nomadic bivouac in the heart of the Moroccan desert
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Walk at the pace of a camel caravan, accompanied by native desert guides
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A simple, human and authentic atmosphere for discovering the great sand dunes
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
There isn't really any elevation change in the desert; we travel between the dunes. Most of the time, the sand has a slightly crusty texture, and your feet don't sink into it like on the beach, making the stay easily accessible.
The bags are carried by camels.
At the level of the large dune, real sand dunes form and if you want to go to their summits, it's a bit more intense! But it is possible to skip the climb of the large dune if you are tired.
If you're not confident about walking, you can opt for a camel for €60 for this trek. This option is not included in the price and is an additional cost. (The other camels in the caravan are reserved for carrying camping equipment and luggage).
In figures
Trekking
- Average duration/day: 4h
- Average distance/day: 12 km
Management
Arabic
French
English
Mourad was born in the desert. His family later settled in M'Hamid el Ghizlane, at the gateway to the vast expanses of the Sahara.
For several years, he has accompanied travelers in this region which he knows intimately. His family history remains closely linked to caravans and life in the desert, a knowledge he enjoys sharing during his travels.
Through the trips he organizes, Mourad primarily wants to showcase a territory he has known since childhood, but also the people, customs and know-how that give it its character.
A way to discover the desert through the eyes of someone who is deeply attached to it.
We work exclusively with local guides native to the Moroccan desert. They know the Sahara intimately and ensure safety, attentive listening, and support throughout the journey.
The advantage of traveling with locals is that it makes the trip authentic: as desert dwellers, they naturally share their history and nomadic way of life. This allows for a privileged approach to a deeply rooted Saharan culture.
The guides all speak Darija, the Moroccan dialect of Arabic. However, there is always at least one French-speaking nomadic guide with whom you can communicate in French.
Program
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Transport to the desert. Festive and comfortable evening at the starting camp in the dunes.
- Transportation Car - 07h30 - 448km
- Accommodation Glamping
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Departure at 8am from Marrakech. Lunch on the way is included, drinks not included.
You'll travel through beautiful landscapes on the road as you descend the Draa Valley, with several stops to fully appreciate them. The route promises to lead you through unspoiled desert areas; it will take you to the very edge of the desert.
In the late afternoon, you arrive in M'Hamid el Ghizlane, the last village before the desert. The nomads meet you there and take you in a 4x4 to discover their camp in the Moroccan desert. Saharan hospitality will always include a cup of tea as a welcome. A delicious meal, with the spiced (but not spicy!) flavors of the Maghreb, and a restful, comfortable night in real beds will gently ease you into the wild Sahara of Morocco.
Day 1 -
Introduction to the desert, walking in the Sahara dunes and mobile camping.
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 12 km
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The trek begins on foot from the fixed camp. Accompanied by the camel caravan and the Bedouin team, you head towards Sidi Naji, a place steeped in history which owes its name to a marabout who lived in the region.
As you walk, the landscapes of dunes and tamarisk trees herald the vast open spaces of the Sahara. You discover the first steps of nomadic life: setting up camp, gathering firewood and preparing for the night, before admiring a magnificent sunset over the desert.
In the evening, the group gathers around a campfire for a moment of sharing and conviviality. The first night is spent in a nomadic tent or under the stars, in the heart of the desert.
Day 2 -
Trek to discover the great Erg Zahar sand dune and sleep in the desert
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 12 km
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
At daybreak, the camp is dismantled before setting off again, keeping pace with the camel caravan. The march takes place in the cool of the morning, heading towards Erg Zahar, one of the most beautiful dunes in the Moroccan Sahara.
As the journey progresses, the landscape gradually changes. The tamarisk trees slowly disappear, giving way to a mineral world dominated by sand. Erg Zahar then comes into view on the horizon. Its summit offers an exceptional panorama of the desert, stretching as far as the Algerian mountains on a clear day.
At the end of the day, you'll enjoy a sunset over the dunes before heading to a sheltered bivouac. The evening will continue around the campfire in a friendly atmosphere, perfect for chatting with the nomadic team.
Day 3 -
Breakfast in the early morning light of the Sahara and return transport.
- Transportation Car - 07h30 - 458km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
After a night in a nomad tent, enjoy a final breakfast in the wild Sahara of Morocco. The camels then set off on foot with their camel driver.
A 4x4 will meet you for the return journey. Combining hiking with a camel caravan and the return trip by 4x4, this trek allows you to venture deep into the desert and reach the great dune. In just two days of trekking, a complete change of scenery is guaranteed. You will have the opportunity to see several facets of the same desert and spend a special moment with a people whose nomadic way of life is declining.
A stop at the fixed camp is planned before returning to Marrakech in the evening.
Day 4
Note
This program may be modified at the guide's discretion if conditions, weather, or the physical condition of the participants require it.
Accommodation
The permanent camp is set up in the heart of nature, amidst the dunes of the Moroccan Sahara, far from any inhabited area. From the village, you reach the camp in about fifteen minutes by 4x4, accompanied by a nomadic guide.
This deliberately isolated location allows you to experience a true night in the Moroccan desert, in a preserved, silent environment far from any tourist bustle.
The entire camp is organized around a central hearth, the true heart of nomadic life, where meals, evening gatherings and moments of sharing take place.
- There is a shared space for toilets and showers.
- There is hot water, which comes from a dug well. Water is a precious resource and must, of course, be used sparingly in the desert.
- There is a restaurant area where dinner is offered on the first evening.
The accommodations are small, traditional earthen buildings, inspired by local architecture.
Nights are spent in shared rooms for 3 to 5 people. The bedding is comfortable and sheets/blankets and towels are provided.
Thanks to solar panels, there is electricity at the permanent camp.
One or more tents are brought along for sleeping and resting time for participants during the bivouac portion.
Tents for the nomadic team and the kitchen setup are also brought along; the guides do not sleep with the participants.
For the night, sleeping mattresses are provided and warm blankets are brought along that you can borrow to put over your sleeping bag.
A few small Quechua tents can also be anticipated for people who have difficulty with the community or to be able to respect a separation of genders during the nights.
Note that one of the recommended experiences during the trek is to take your sleeping bag, borrow a blanket and a sleeping mat to put it on a nearby dune and sleep under the stars.
Access
Marrakech is approximately a 7.5-hour drive from the starting village of the treks, M'Hamid el Ghizlane. Our private transport will meet you at 8:00 AM on the morning of departure in Jemaa el Fna square in Marrakech. The drive is scenic, and breaks are planned, including a lunch break included in the price (drinks not included). Arrival in the village is in the late afternoon.
For the return journey, the estimated arrival time at Jemaa el Fna square in Marrakech is around 20/2030.
Go to the starting point
In the village, it is possible to leave your car in a secure parking lot for €2/day.
Price details
The price includes
- Return transport from Marrakech. Meals included on the route (excluding drinks).
- One night at a fixed camp in the desert with dinner and breakfast included.
- Full board throughout the trek. Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
- The trek is supervised by a team of nomadic guides throughout its duration.
- A camel caravan and camping equipment for the duration of the trek. Carry the bags and all the camp logistics.
The price does not include
- International flights
- Drinks and personal expenses on transport.
- Tips and personal expenses. It is customary to tip the accompanying nomadic team, at each person's discretion. (Generally, everyone gives around €30. There is no obligation, but it's a real boost for the nomads).
- Option “Sleeping bag rental” at €25.
- “Riding camel” option at €60.
Options
- “Saddle camel” option : On request
- "Sleeping bag rental" option : On request
- 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/ ).
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Visa to Morocco
No visa is required, but it is imperative to have a valid passport with an expiry date at least 3 months beyond your departure date.
Health and government recommendations
Although not mandatory, travel insurance is strongly recommended.
The water in Morocco is not safe to drink, never drink tap water and buy bottled water.
Local currency
The official currency of Morocco is the Moroccan dirham (MAD).
1 euro is roughly equivalent to 10–11 dirhams, depending on the current exchange rate.
Here are some tips for managing your budget while you're there:
- ATMs are available in all major cities. Check with your bank about foreign withdrawal fees before you leave.
- For purchases in the souks or for tips, the euro is often an accepted currency. Always carry some cash, in euros or dirhams.
- Finally, keep some 20 and 50 dirham notes for small expenses: small taxis or a bottle of mineral water.
Staying connected in Morocco: Internet, SIM card
Morocco has a good mobile network, but beware of roaming charges which are often very high.
- Turn off data roaming as soon as you arrive.
- Buy a local SIM card.
- For added simplicity, opt for an international eSIM
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- Camping equipment (tents/ground mats/foam mattresses)
- Kitchen equipment (utensils/cutlery/glasses).
- A cook and baker are present among the nomadic team on site.
- Pack camels to carry equipment and camel driver.
Equipment to bring
Regarding hygiene:
- Toilet paper and lighter (Toilets in the wild during the trek, the paper can be burned after use or taken back in a garbage bag).
- A few small 10 or 5L garbage bags.
- Tissues.
- Small bottle of liquid soap.
- Bottle of hand sanitizer gel.
- Baby wipes for a quick bath.
- Dry shampoo and comb.
- Earplugs.
- No-rinse micellar water.
- Microfibre towel for space saving (Showers available at the fixed campsite on the first and last day).
First aid kit section:
- Doliprane.
- Antidiarrheals & Powdered Rehydration Solutions.
- Medications for constipation.
- Physiological saline solution.
- Lip balm.
- Biafine sunscreen, SPF 50+.
- Tweezers, nail clippers, antiseptic.
- Plasters for blisters.
During the cooler months (late November/December/January/February):
- Leggings and thermal underwear
- A pair of gloves, a neck warmer and a hat.
- One or two pairs of thick socks for cool nights
During the warmer months (late November/December/January/February):
- A fan, a misting spray.
Clothing to bring
During the trek:
- Sandals, shoes or walking sneakers.
- Flip-flops, Crocs, or sandals to wear when not walking at the nomadic bivouac. They can also be used as an alternative to hiking boots in case of blisters.
- Lightweight, flowing, and comfortable clothing. You can bring shorts and t-shirts, but we recommend long sleeves to protect yourself from the sun and breathable fabrics to avoid perspiration.
- A clean and warm outfit so you can change in the evening and stay warm during cool nights. (Puffer jacket, warm sweater + windbreaker).
- Sunglasses.
- Ski goggles in case of sandstorms. The shemagh also provides protection.
- A cap or hat is recommended to avoid sunstroke. It's best to buy a shemagh locally. They are available for purchase at base camp before the trek begins.
- A comforting snack for when you're feeling sluggish. (mixed dried fruit, chocolate bars…)
During the colder months (December/January/Early February)
- Leggings and thermal underwear
- A pair of gloves, a neck warmer and a hat.
- One or two pairs of thick socks for cool nights
During the warmer months (September/October/Early November/Late February/March/April/May)
- A fan, a misting spray.
The Mourad team
Our local expert, based in southeastern Morocco, specializes in Saharan treks for everyone (families, friends, solo travelers). He offers authentic journeys, far from mass tourism, led by native guides and their camels. His trips emphasize immersion in nomadic culture, respect for the environment, animal welfare, and high-quality local organization, thus guaranteeing a human, responsible, and safe experience.
