Moroccan Desert Trek – 8 days of adventure between mountains and dunes
In summary
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Sports
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Duration8 days
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LevelAll levels
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DestinationAtlas Mountains / Marrakech
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AgeFrom 18 - 75 years
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CO₂-Emissions119.7 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
English
French
German
In a few words
Embark on a unique 7-day sporting adventure in the heart of the Moroccan desert. This trek connects the Djebel Bani mountains to the immense dunes of Erg Chegaga through varied landscapes: valleys, oases, rocky plateaus, dry riverbeds and golden dunes.
Each day involves between 5 and 6 hours of walking, at a pace adapted to the group. Luggage is carried by camels, allowing you to walk with a light pack and fully enjoy the experience. Evenings are spent around a campfire under a starry sky, offering a true immersion in nomadic life.
This adventure is ideal for lovers of hiking, trail running, trekking and wide open spaces who wish to take on a sporting challenge while discovering the nomadic culture of the Sahara.
The highlights
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7 days of trekking with 5 to 6 hours of walking per day
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Crossing the Djebel Bani and the Erg Chegaga
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Supervision by a local team and a camel caravan
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
This trek is suitable for people in good physical condition. Daily stages involve between 15 and 22 km of walking, with sections in the mountains, on rocky terrain, and in the sand. Basic physical preparation is recommended to fully enjoy this adventure.
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 1h30
- Average distance/day: 3 km
- Exposed Passages: Yes
Trekking
- Average duration/day: 5h30
- Average distance/day: 16 km
- Exposed Passages: Yes
Management
English
French
German
Ali Ennaji – Founder of Dar Nomads and Secrets of the Desert
Born and raised in the heart of the Sahara desert, in M'Hamid El Ghizlane, Ali Ennaji comes from a nomadic family that has perpetuated Saharan traditions for several generations.
Founder of Dar Nomads and Secrets du Desert, he works to showcase an authentic Sahara through treks, camel caravan expeditions and adventure trips that respect local people and the environment.
An experienced local guide, he knows the routes connecting the Djebel Bani, the oases, and the dunes of Erg Chegaga perfectly. He accompanies travelers safely, sharing his experience of the desert, nomadic traditions, the history of ancient caravans, and the richness of Saharan flora and fauna.
Its ambition is to offer human and sporting experiences, far from the classic circuits, promoting responsible tourism and an authentic immersion in the heart of the Moroccan Sahara.
Your adventure is guided by a local team from the Moroccan Sahara, passionate about their territory and experienced in organizing treks in desert environments.
The lead guide is intimately familiar with the routes between Djebel Bani and Erg Chegaga. He adapts the walking pace to the group, ensures the safety of the participants, and shares his knowledge of nomadic culture, fauna, flora, and the history of the desert.
The team is completed by experienced camel drivers who accompany the caravan and handle luggage transport as well as the logistics of the bivouac. Meals are prepared daily on site with fresh produce, respecting local traditions.
Thanks to their experience and knowledge of the terrain, our guides guarantee an authentic, friendly and safe adventure.
Program
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Marrakech / Ouarzazate – Draa Valley –
- Transportation Bus - 07h - 450km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 1h45
- Distance 5 km
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Early departure towards southern Morocco, crossing the Tizi n'Tichka pass. Travel through the spectacular landscapes of the High Atlas before reaching the Drâa Valley, famous for its palm groves and kasbahs.
Setting up the first bivouac at the foot of Djebel Bani and meeting with the camel team.
Dinner and overnight stay in a nomadic tent.
Day 1 -
Oum Laachar Pass – Diabi Oasis
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 15 km
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The trek begins with the gradual ascent of Jebel Bani. The panoramas alternate between rocky terrain and vast desert plateaus.
Lunch break in an oasis then continuation to the Diabi spring.
5.5 hours of walking. Dinner and overnight stay in a bivouac.
Day 2 -
Diabi – tighraghrine – imi n’oued lemhasser
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 15 km
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Hiking through mineral valleys and ancient riverbeds. The landscapes become wilder and offer a beautiful geological diversity.
Setting up camp in an area frequented by nomads.
Approximately 6 hours of walking. Dinner and overnight stay in a tent.
Day 3 -
Imi n’oued lemhasser – erg chegaga
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 15 km
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A gradual descent towards the first large dunes of the Sahara. The terrain varies between rocky plateaus, regs and sand.
Arriving at the majestic dunes of Erg Chegaga to witness the sunset.
5.5 hours of walking. Dinner and overnight stay in a bivouac in the heart of the dunes.
Day 4 -
Erg chegaga – dunes of Bourgane
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 15 km
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The final major stage of the hike takes you through the dunes and tamarisk trees. A sporty day offering magnificent panoramic views of the desert.
Setting up the last camp in the dunes of Bourgane.
Approximately 5 hours of walking. Dinner and overnight stay in a tent.
Day 5 -
Dunes of Bourgane – Oued NaÂm
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 17 km
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After sunrise over the dunes of Bourgane, we continue our hike towards Oued Naâm, an ancient valley that shelters fauna and flora adapted to the extreme conditions of the Sahara.
This stage offers excellent opportunities to observe signs of wildlife. With a bit of luck, we might spot wild ostriches reintroduced to the region, as well as gazelles, desert foxes, or numerous Saharan birds.
The route alternates between dunes, regs and wide desert plains, offering a final great day of walking in spectacular landscapes.
Approximately 5.5 hours of walking. Dinner and overnight stay in a bivouac at Oued Naâm
Day 6 -
Oued Naâm → Transfer by 4x4 to M'Hamid – Night at Dar Nomads.
- Transportation Car - 00h45 - 17km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 1h
- Distance 3 km
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Riad
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After breakfast, transfer by 4x4 to M'Hamid.
Settle in at Dar Nomads where you can enjoy a shower, a moment of rest and a friendly evening to celebrate the end of the adventure.
Dinner and overnight stay in a guesthouse.
Day 7 -
Tamgroute – Marrakech or Ouarzazate
- Transportation Bus - 07h30 - 400km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 1h
- Exposed passages Yes
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
On the way back, visit Tamgroute, renowned for its ancient library and its famous green pottery.
Continue to Marrakech or Ouarzazate depending on your program.
Day 8
Accommodation
The final night is spent at Dar Nomads, a local, family-run riad located in M'Hamid El Ghizlane, on the edge of the Sahara. The rooms are comfortable and air-conditioned (subject to availability), with private or shared bathrooms. After several days of trekking, it's the perfect place to relax, take a shower, and share a final, convivial dinner.
Access
The meeting point is set for early morning in Marrakech. A private transfer is arranged to the starting point of the trek, passing through the Tizi n'Tichka pass, Ouarzazate, and the Draa Valley. Breaks are planned along the way.
End of stay: Marrakech
At the end of the trek, a 4x4 transfer takes you back to M'Hamid. After a final night at Dar Nomads, the return journey to Marrakech begins the following day via Tamgroute, Zagora, Ouarzazate, and the High Atlas Mountains. Arrival in Marrakech is expected in the late afternoon or early evening, depending on traffic conditions.
We recommend not scheduling an international flight until the evening of the last day, or ideally the following day, in order to travel with complete peace of mind.
Go to the starting point
Transfers are provided in comfortable, air-conditioned tourist vehicles.
Depending on the group size, travel is by private car (4x4 or SUV) or minibus. All vehicles are driven by experienced drivers familiar with the roads of southern Morocco to ensure a comfortable and safe journey.
Price details
The price includes
- Round-trip transfers from Marrakech or Ouarzazate.
- All transportation planned during the stay.
- Supervision by a local French-speaking guide.
- The team of camel drivers and the camel caravan.
- Transporting luggage by camels during the trek.
- Accommodation in a bivouac under nomadic tents (6 nights).
- 1 night in a guesthouse in M'Hamid (Dar Nomads).
- Full board from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on the last day.
- Mineral water during meals.
- Camping equipment (tents, mattresses and blankets).
- The visit to Tamgroute.
The price does not include
- International flights.
- Drinks outside of meals.
- Personal expenses.
- Tips for the guide and local team.
- Travel insurance (assistance, repatriation and cancellation).
- The single room supplement (if available).
- Any service not mentioned in the "Price includes" section.
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
Bivouac mattress
Covers
Shared nomadic tents
Mess tent for meals
Kitchen equipment
Dishes (plates, cutlery, bowls and cups)
Camping tables and chairs
Drinking water during the trek
Luggage transport by camels
Support vehicle (4x4) at the end of the trek
Community first aid pharmacy
Equipment to bring
Hiking backpack (30 to 40 L)
Travel bag or duffel bag (carried by camels)
Sleeping bag (comfort rating 0 to 10°C depending on the season)
Water bottles or hydration packs (2 to 3 liters)
Hiking poles (recommended)
Headlamp with spare batteries
SPF 50+ sunscreen
Lip balm
Microfiber towel
Toiletry bag
Personal medications
Small first aid kit
Toilet paper and hand sanitizer
External battery (power bank)
Camera (optional)
Clothing to bring
Hiking cap or hat
Sunglasses (category 3 or 4)
Neck warmer or buff
Breathable technical T-shirts (2 to 3)
Lightweight fleece
Windproof and waterproof jacket
Lightweight down jacket (depending on the season)
hiking shorts
Hiking pants
Breathable underwear
Hiking socks (3 to 4 pairs)
High-top hiking boots or trail running shoes
Sandals or light shoes for camping
The Ali team
Based in the Moroccan Sahara, our local expert orchestrates authentic desert adventures departing from M'Hamid El Ghizlane. A specialist in camel treks and tailor-made tours, he operates his own guesthouses and desert camps. His local, multilingual team (French, English, Arabic, Berber) passionately shares nomadic culture. Committed to responsible tourism away from the crowds, he guarantees safe and memorable expeditions into the heart of the dunes.
