Saharan trek in the Drâa Valley between palm groves and dunes

You leave Marrakech early in the morning heading towards the Tizi n'Tichka pass , the country's highest paved mountain pass at 2,260 meters , passing through a succession of Berber villages clinging to the mountainside. The road continues towards Ouarzazate , known as the capital of cinema , where you stop for lunch at a local restaurant. The route then resumes over the Aït Saoune pass at 1,600 meters , offering a clear view of the M'Goun massif, before a long descent through more arid landscapes to Agdz . Here begins the Draa Valley palm grove , which you follow for nearly 200 kilometers , passing ksour , kasbahs , and successive oases such as Zagora and Tamgrout . At the end of the day, you reach M'Hamid El Ghizlane , gateway to the desert and formerly the Plain of the Gazelles . You will meet your camel team before the start of the trek , approximately 1 hour , leading to the Ras Nkhal site. Overnight camping under the stars. Approximately 8 hours of travel time during the day.

The day begins with a gradual immersion in the solitude of the vast desert landscapes , paced by the walking and tranquil progress of the camel caravan . You slowly leave behind the irrigated and cultivated areas to enter a more mineral environment. The route crosses a tamarisk forest bordering the old Draa Riverbed before reaching the Sidi Naji plateau , a vast open expanse with clean lines. You visit the marabout of Sidi Naji , a place steeped in spirituality and a traditional landmark for nomads. The walk continues in a calm and silent atmosphere, conducive to contemplation and the slow rhythm of the desert. At the end of the day, you set up camp near the dried-up well of Azalay , in the heart of this desert landscape. The day includes approximately 4 hours of walking , at a manageable and steady pace, allowing you to fully enjoy this first real stage in the desert.

You continue your trek westward , gradually venturing deeper into the vast desert . The tamarisk forest slowly gives way to open spaces dominated by sand and the horizon. The landscape changes dramatically with every step, signaling your entry into a truly desert world. After about four hours of walking , the first large dunes appear, leading to Erg Zaher , a vast dune massif with ever-changing shapes. At the end of the day, you have time to wander freely among the dunes and climb one to watch the sunset , which offers a clear view of the entire erg. A short time is dedicated to orientation , to better understand the environment and find your bearings in this natural space. The bivouac is set up at the foot of Erg Zaher , in a calm and quiet atmosphere, perfect for observing the desert as night falls.

You leave the Zaher erg heading towards the Draa River , passing through the village of Bloc and its abandoned oasis , a discreet testament to past life in this desert region. The route then leads you into the heart of the Smar erg , where the dunes gradually rise. From their summits, the view stretches far across a sea of ​​sand with undulating lines, offering a clear understanding of the desert's immensity. The trek continues across a long reg , a mineral landscape contrasting with the dunes, before reaching the Sedrat erg . In the late afternoon, you participate in gathering wood , used to prepare sand bread , a moment of sharing and learning traditional bivouac practices. The day ends with setting up camp in the hollow of the dunes , in a sheltered and silent setting. This stage takes approximately 4 hours of walking .

You resume your trek, following the Oued Attach , nicknamed the "river of thirst ," towards the famous Chegaga dunes . The landscape gradually opens up to reveal an immense dune massif, recognized as one of the largest and highest in Morocco , alongside the Erg Elabidliya. The approach is made at the steady pace of the caravan, in an increasingly stark and silent atmosphere. After about four hours of walking , you reach the great dunes, whose peaks dominate the horizon. At the end of the day, you take the time to climb to the crests to watch your last sunset , with an unobstructed view of the Bani mountain range to the north. This moment marks the culmination of your desert crossing. The night is spent camping in tents , pitched in the heart of the Chegaga dunes , in a secluded and peaceful setting.

Early in the morning, you'll meet up with the 4x4 vehicles to leave the Chegaga dunes via the track. The route follows the dunes of the Erg Lamhazil and crosses the expanse of the dried-up Lake Iriki , a vast mineral plateau with sweeping horizons, before reaching Foum Zguid , where you'll rejoin the paved road. The 4x4s will then be replaced by a minibus to continue the journey through an oasis valley towards Taznakht , a region known for its open landscapes and rural villages. Along the way, you'll catch glimpses of the Sirwa massif , whose highest peak reaches 3,003 meters . The route continues over the Tizi N'Tichka pass , before arriving in Marrakech at the end of the day. This leg of the journey is primarily dedicated to transfers, with approximately 8 hours of driving . Overnight stay in a riad , with breakfast included .

Depending on your flight schedule , you will be transferred to the airport . This final free day allows you to enjoy Marrakech one last time, at your own pace. You can choose to visit the Majorelle Gardens , treat yourself to a relaxing hammam with an argan oil massage , or simply stroll through the narrow streets of the medina , between lively squares and quieter neighborhoods. This free time offers the opportunity to extend your Moroccan experience before departure, combining cultural discoveries with moments of relaxation, according to your preferences and available time.