Tour overview
Four days walking in the Sahara with a camel caravan, far from roads and towns. From M’Hamid El Ghizlane we follow dry riverbeds and cross big dunes. At night we sleep in nomad tents under more stars than you have ever seen.
The walking is easy, about five hours a day, and the camels carry the bags. You can also ride a camel for a while if your feet need a rest. On the way there and back you cross the High Atlas and visit the Draa oasis and Ait Ben Haddou.
- Tour name
- Moroccan Sahara Desert Trek
- Recommended age
- 8 to 75
- Accommodation
- Hotel or riad, and desert camps during the trek
Highlights
- Explore the medina of Marrakech
- Cross the High Atlas Mountains
- Visit the film studios of Ouarzazate
- See Ait Ben Haddou, a famous film location
- Trek through the Sahara with camels
- Visit the Draa oasis
Route map
The line shows the approximate route. Tap a day in the itinerary to zoom in on it.
- Marrakech
- M'Hamid
- Sidi Naji
- Erg Zahar
- Erg Smar
- Agdz
- Marrakech
Itinerary
Day1Arrival in Marrakech
Welcome to Marrakech, the Red City. Look for the We Gravel Morocco sign at Menara Airport, and we’ll drive you to your hotel. Explore the city if you like before the welcome meeting, where you meet your guide and go through the trip.
Day2Marrakech to M'Hamid and the Draa oasis45 minutes
A long but beautiful drive today. We cross the High Atlas over the Tizi n’Tichka pass (2,260 m), the highest road pass in Morocco. We stop for lunch in the big palm groves of the Draa Valley, then continue to Ras Nkhal on the edge of the Sahara. First night in camp.
Day3Oulad Driss to Sidi Naji5 hours
The trek begins. Once the camels are loaded, we walk through golden dunes to the big dune of Erg Mado and climb it for a wide view over the desert. Lunch is a picnic in the shade of tamarisk trees. Night in camp.
Day4Sidi Naji to Erg Zahar5 hours
We follow the camels across stony plateaus and climb the dune of Erg Zahar for another great view. Night in camp.
Day5Erg Zahar to Erg Smar5 hours
Get up early for the sunrise and have breakfast in the open air. Then we walk deeper into the desert along the dry bed of the Draa River. You can ride a camel for a while, and the camel men will show you how they bake bread in the hot sand. Night in camp.
Day6Erg Smar to Oulad Driss, transfer to Agdz
After breakfast we walk for an hour and a half to Oulad Driss and say goodbye to the caravan team. Then we drive to the Agdz oasis and spend the night in a kasbah.
Day7Agdz to Marrakech via Ait Ben Haddou1 hour
We follow the old caravan road through a green oasis to Ait Ben Haddou, the ksar used in many films. After lunch we walk through the old village, then drive on to Marrakech.
Day8Departure
Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
What’s included
Included
- Meals: 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 6 dinners, plus water during the trek
- Accommodation: 3 nights in hotels and 4 nights in camps
- Transport by comfortable van or Toyota 4×4
- A visit to the old medina of Marrakech, 4 days of trekking in the Sahara, a tour of Ait Ben Haddou and a camel ride in the desert
Not included
- Flights
- Visas
- Meals not listed in the itinerary
- Tips, drinks, laundry and souvenirs
- Personal travel insurance
Frequently asked questions
How hard is the Sahara desert trek?
The trek is easy. You walk about 5 hours a day for 4 days, and the camels carry the bags. You can ride a camel for a while if your feet need a rest. The recommended age is 8 to 75.
Where does the desert trek start?
The trek starts near M’Hamid El Ghizlane, on the edge of the Sahara in southern Morocco. You drive there from Marrakech on day 2 over the Tizi n’Tichka pass and through the Draa Valley, about 9 hours with stops.
Where do you sleep in the desert?
You spend 4 nights in desert camps with nomad tents, and 3 nights in hotels, including a kasbah in the Agdz oasis.
When is the best time for a Sahara trek?
The best time is from September to May, when the desert is cooler for walking.
How much does the trek cost and what is included?
The trek costs from 1,050 € per person. The price includes 7 nights, 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 6 dinners, transport by van or 4×4, 4 days of trekking with camels, a camel ride, and visits to Marrakech and Ait Ben Haddou. Flights, insurance and tips are not included.
Where does the tour start and finish?
The tour starts and finishes in Marrakech, with pick-up at Marrakech Menara Airport. Groups are usually 2 to 16 people.
Related guides
Book this tour or ask us anything
Send us your dates on WhatsApp or by email. Our team in Marrakech replies within 24 hours and can adapt the tour to your group, level and dates.
Four days walking in the Sahara with a camel caravan, far from roads and towns. From M’Hamid El Ghizlane we follow dry riverbeds and cross big dunes. At night we sleep in nomad tents under more stars than you have ever seen.
The walking is easy, about five hours a day, and the camels carry the bags. You can also ride a camel for a while if your feet need a rest. On the way there and back you cross the High Atlas and visit the Draa oasis and Ait Ben Haddou.
Trip details
- Tour name: Moroccan Sahara Desert Trek
- Duration: 8 days
- Grade: Easy
- Best time to visit: September to May
- Type of travel: Trekking
- Group size: Usually 2 to 16 people
- Recommended age: 8 to 75
- Start / finish: Marrakech
- Accommodation: Hotel or riad, and desert camps during the trek
Highlights
- Explore the medina of Marrakech
- Cross the High Atlas Mountains
- Visit the film studios of Ouarzazate
- See Ait Ben Haddou, a famous film location
- Trek through the Sahara with camels
- Visit the Draa oasis
