Ouarzazate
Between Sky and Desert: Yoga and Trekking in the Moroccan Sahara
5/5
(1 reviews)
Réf : ZCDCCA
In summary
-
Sports
-
Duration7 days
-
LevelAll levels
-
DestinationAtlas Mountains / Ouarzazate
-
AgeFrom the age of 18
-
CO₂-Emissions129.2 kg CO2
-
Type of stayIn a group
-
Languages🇫🇷French🇬🇧English🇦🇪Arabic🇵🇱Polish
In a few words
Embark on an immersive journey into the heart of the Moroccan Sahara , at the pace of a trek punctuated by yoga sessions amidst the dunes. Each day, the walk leads you to a new mineral landscape, between golden ergs , vast expanses of sand and bivouacs under the stars .
This adventure invites you to slow down and reconnect with what truly matters. Yoga practices in the heart of the desert , adapted to the rhythm of hiking, promote recovery, balance, and energy, while cultivating mindful awareness of yourself and your surroundings. The silence of the vast open spaces, the changing light on the dunes, and evenings around the campfire create an atmosphere conducive to disconnecting and rejuvenating.
Inspired by the nomadic spirit, this trip combines desert trekking , contemplation, and moments of sharing. Beneath the Milky Way , facing the vastness of the Sahara, experience a profoundly human journey, a blend of mindful movement and rediscovered serenity.
The highlights
-
Variety of sessions: yoga flow, yin, nidra and pranayama, accessible to all levels
-
Beauty of the desert: golden dunes, sunrises and sunsets, starry skies
-
Immerse yourself in nomadic life: authentic sharing, music, and delicious food.
Subscriber benefit
save 5%
by joining
our community
Decathlon Travel Benefits
Best price guaranteed:
We offer twice the difference
Free cancellation more than 30 days in advance
Payment in 2 installments
Learn more
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
Everyone can participate in this trip. The supervision or program is tailored to each person's level.
The expert's opinion
Inspired by different approaches - movement, breathing, meditation and restorative practices - this vision of yoga is adapted to today's life, while remaining attentive to the rhythm of the stay and the particular experience of the desert.
The sessions are accessible to everyone , whether you're discovering yoga for the first time or have been practicing for a long time. The aim is not to follow a rigid form or strive for performance, but to enter into a freer, more mindful, and personal practice.
For those who wish, invitations to journal will also accompany the stay: a few words, a thought, an image, a feeling - a discreet way to leave a trace of the experience over the days.
The practices will take place at the end of the day, in the afternoon light or as sunset approaches, as a way to gently accompany the transition to the evening.
In figures
Yoga
- Average duration/day: 1h
- 1 average daily practices
Trekking
- Average duration/day: 2h30
- Average distance/day: 9 km
- Exposed Passages: Yes
Management
During this stay, several supervisors will be present to guide and assist you, ensuring your comfort and safety throughout the trip.
Band :
1 supervisor for 3 to 15 people
Languages spoken:
🇫🇷
French
🇬🇧
English
🇦🇪
Arabic
🇵🇱
Polish
Issen
Issen
A yoga teacher since 2017, Issen has accumulated over 1200 hours of training worldwide. After studying business and beginning her career in financial markets, she decided to change course to pursue her passion: yoga. It was on her mat that she rediscovered balance and serenity, without imagining that this would mark the beginning of a profoundly transformative journey.
Trained in several styles of yoga and wellness approaches (Hatha & Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Yin & Yoga Nidra, Prenatal/Postnatal Yoga, Stråla, Chromatic Yoga, Pranayama, sophrology, and hypnosis), she guides her clients with pedagogy and compassion, leading each individual toward physical, mental, and emotional transformation. Her sessions, enriched by the vibrations of singing bowls and essential oils, offer a space to move with ease, breathe fully, and be grounded in the present moment. Always curious and passionate, Issen continues to develop and share her yogic world with authenticity and generosity.
Nomades de la famille Nouaji
Nomades de la famille Nouaji
The Nouaji family, nomads, are deeply rooted in the desert and its traditions. For generations, they have roamed the vast expanses of the Sahara, guided by the stars and the needs of their herds. Constantly on the move, they live in tents, each encampment an adventure to be discovered.
Over time, the harsh realities of the desert, particularly drought, led them to adopt a semi-sedentary lifestyle in M'hamid el Ghizlane. This choice in no way severed their connection to the desert; it simply opened a new chapter in their nomadic life. Today, they generously and cheerfully share their culture and expertise, offering travelers an authentic and profoundly human experience.
Program
-
Arrival in Marrakech or Ouarzazate
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Arrival in Marrakech or Ouarzazate , depending on your chosen airport. Your arrival time is flexible throughout the day, depending on your flight schedule. Transfers are not included in the retreat price and are at your own expense. You are free to organize your arrival at your own pace and according to your preferences.
If you arrive in the morning, you can leave your luggage at the riad or hotel ; the rooms will be ready in the afternoon . You can then enjoy some rest or explore the surrounding area as you wish.
In Marrakech , the possibilities are numerous: strolling through the medina, exploring the souks, or relaxing in a hammam or traditional spa (optional, with supplement ).
At the end of the day, an informal group gathering is offered around 7 pm to get acquainted before departing for the desert. Those who wish can share a convivial dinner at the riad or hotel: a typical Moroccan dish, often a tagine, with vegetarian or gluten-free options; dinner is available at an additional cost .
You will spend the first night depending on your arrival point:
- at the riad / at the hotel in Marrakech
- at the riad / at the hotel in Ouarzazate
Day 1 -
Towards the Gates of the Desert
- Transportation Minibus - 07h - 425km
- Activity Yoga
- Duration of the activity 0h30
- Number of practices per day 1
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 0h20
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Transport by minibus/taxi - 7 hours journey from Marrakech (425km) and 4 hours journey from Ouarzazate (255km): arrival in M'Hamid El Ghislaine around 6:00 PM
If you have chosen to land in Marrakech, after your breakfast you will take the road towards the desert (transfer around 8:00 am).
The journey begins with a crossing of the High Atlas Mountains, a spectacular mountain range dotted with typical Berber villages. You will be able to admire the Tizi n'Tichka pass (2,260 meters altitude), an iconic gateway to southeastern Morocco.
If you have chosen to land the day before in Ouarzazate, a minibus coming from Marrakech with part of the group will pick you up at your accommodation between 11:30 and 12:30.
A group lunch is planned in Ouarzazate before continuing your journey towards the Draa Valley, known for its thousand kasbahs and vast palm groves. This crossing will offer unforgettable panoramas until your arrival in M'Hamid El Ghizlane, at the gateway to the desert.
Stops are planned along the way to allow you to take photos, discover local argan oil cooperatives or buy some handcrafted souvenirs.
From M'Hamid, an easy walk (20 minutes) will take you to your bivouac, set up in the heart of nature, where you will meet your team of nomads and enjoy a first yoga session.
Day 2 -
Erg Aït Ounir, a spectacular dune field
- Activity Yoga
- Duration of the activity 1h
- Number of practices per day 1
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Distance 10 km
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After breakfast served around 8:00 am, we will walk for about 3 hours at the pace of the caravan, towards Erg Aït Ounir, a spectacular dune field.
Upon arrival, the nomads set up camp. Tea and snacks are served, followed by lunch, and you can relax and admire the beauty of the desert.
A one-hour yoga session with both dynamic and gentle sections. You can admire the sunset before dinner around the campfire, followed by a social gathering. You can spend the night in a tent or under the stars to admire the Saharan sky.
Day 3 -
On the way to Erg Zahar
- Activity Yoga
- Duration of the activity 1h
- Number of practices per day 1
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 3h30
- Distance 12 km
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After breakfast served at 8:00 am, we will walk for approximately 3.5 hours, at the pace of the caravan, towards Erg Zahar, the second highest dune in the region. The landscapes throughout this trek are breathtaking.
Upon arrival, the nomads set up camp. Tea and snacks are served, followed by lunch, and you can relax and admire the beauty of the desert.
A one-hour yoga session with both dynamic and gentle sections. You can admire the sunset before dinner around the campfire, followed by a social gathering. You can spend the last night in the desert, either in a tent or under the stars, admiring the Saharan sky.
Day 4 -
Step by Step towards Sidi Naji
- Activity Yoga
- Duration of the activity 1h
- Number of practices per day 1
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 3h20
- Distance 11 km
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After breakfast served around 8:00 a.m., we walk for about 3 hours and 20 minutes at the pace of the caravan, towards Sidi Naji, a mausoleum built in homage to the ancestor of our tribe, the Nouaji.
Upon arrival, the nomads set up camp. Tea and snacks are served, followed by lunch, and you can relax and admire the beauty of the desert.
A one-hour yoga session with both dynamic and gentle sections. You can admire the sunset before dinner around the campfire, followed by a social gathering. You can spend the last night in the desert, either in a tent or under the stars, admiring the Saharan sky.
Day 5 -
On the Return Road - M'Hamid to Ouarzazate or Marrakech
- Transportation Minibus - 07h - 425km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast, departure around 8:30 am in a 4x4 from the desert to M'Hamid El Ghizlane (approximately 30-minute journey), then continuation by minibus or taxi to Ouarzazate or Marrakech, depending on your accommodation or departure airport.
A group lunch in Ouarzazate is planned for around 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM . After the meal, part of the group will remain in Ouarzazate for the last night at the hotel, while the other part will continue on to Marrakech, where arrival is scheduled for the end of the day around 7:00 PM .
Upon arrival at your accommodation, you'll have free time to relax, stroll around, or explore the city at your own pace . Along the way, you can stop to buy souvenirs or enjoy the scenery.
In the evening, you can choose to dine freely or share a final convivial group dinner at the riad or hotel ( dinner at an additional cost ), to end the trip in joy and conviviality , reliving the memories of your adventure in the desert and southern Morocco.
Day 6 -
Last Moments in Morocco - Free Time and Departure
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast at your riad/hotel in Marrakech or Ouarzazate, the morning is free . You can take this opportunity to stroll around, visit the city , or simply enjoy one last immersion in the Moroccan atmosphere.
It is possible to leave your luggage at the riad or hotel before your return flight, to travel light and fully enjoy your last hours in Morocco.
Transfer to the airport : not included and remains at your own expense.
Depending on your flight schedule, you will then head to the airport for your departure, taking with you the memories and magic of your adventure in the desert and southern Morocco.
Day 7
Accommodation
During this stay, you will sleep in several different accommodations.
🏨 3-star hotel - Day 1 and 6
The arrival and departure location depends on the chosen airport:
- For flights to Marrakech , the first and last nights are spent in a comfortable hotel or riad.
- For flights to Ouarzazate , these nights are spent in a comfortable hotel or riad .
⛺️ Bivouac / Tent - Days 2 to 5
The tents are shared between people of the same sex , and their capacity varies from 3 to 12 people , depending on the size of the group and the location of the bivouac.
Access
Departure
Marrakech ou Ouarzazate, selon votre choix d’aéroport.
Day 1
: 19h00
End of stay
Marrakech ou Ouarzazate, selon votre choix d’aéroport.
Day 7
- 10h00
You are free to choose whether to arrive and depart from Marrakech or Ouarzazate , whichever suits you best. You can arrive during the day, at a time that suits you. The time indicated (7:00 PM) is a guideline for group gathering. Dinner is not included, but it can be arranged for the group upon request—whether you arrive in Marrakech or Ouarzazate .
You are also free to choose your return airport: Marrakech or Ouarzazate .
Go to the starting point
The nearest airport isAéroport de Marrakech Or Aéroport de Ouarzazate
Airport-hotel transfers are not included and remain at your own expense.
Would you like to travel on other dates?
Create an alert and we'll notify you by email if new departures are added.
Price details
The price includes
- Two nights in a shared room in Marrakech or at a hotel in Ouarzazate, with breakfast included on Day 1 and Day 6.
- Transfer by private minibus or comfortable taxi from Marrakech or Ouarzazate to M'Hamid El Ghislaine on day 2, and return on day 6, with lunch at a restaurant on both the outbound and return journeys.
- Desert trek : overnight stays in shared tents, delicious meals and full support
- Yoga sessions including dynamic and gentle moments to harmonize body and mind
- Moments of sharing around the fire , punctuated by traditional nomadic music
- Exclusive e-book : Essence between Sky and Desert , which combines a practical guide (the essentials for this getaway), a discovery of the world of essential oils, as well as an address book in Marrakech and Ouarzazate for a sensory immersion.
The price does not include
- International flights (round trip) to and from Marrakech or Ouarzazate
- Taxi on day 1 from Marrakech and Ouarzazate airport to the riad/hotel and taxi on day 7 from the riad/hotel in Marrakech or riad/hotel in Ouarzazate to the airport
- Dinner on Day 1 in Marrakech or Ouarzazate and dinner on Day 6 in Marrakech or Ouarzazate
- Tips for nomads
- Personal expenses
- Sleeping bag for nights in the desert
- Private rooms: if you are the only woman or the only man in the group, this supplement will be requested to ensure you have a private room.
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Equipment
They traveled with us
Discover the authentic experiences of our travelers
5/5
(1 reviews)
Reviews displayed in reverse chronological order
J
Decathlon Travel Partner
Our partner team
5/5
(2 reviews)
• 12 stays
Situé à M’Hamid El Ghizlane, aux portes du Sahara, cet établissement propose une immersion profonde alliant tradition nomade et art du bien-être. Notre partenaire local se spécialise dans l'organisation de retraites de yoga et de treks, offrant une parenthèse de reconnexion et d'authenticité au cœur des dunes dorées du Maroc.
Are you satisfied with this page?
Subscriber benefit
save 5%
by joining
our community
Decathlon Travel Benefits
Best price guaranteed:
We offer twice the difference
Free cancellation more than 30 days in advance
Payment in 2 installments
Learn more
