Overview
“One sits down on a sand dune. One sees nothing, hears nothing. And yet something shines in silence.” — Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince
Embark on an extraordinary Moroccan adventure combining the elegance of city life with the timeless beauty of the Sahara Desert. This eight-day journey takes you from the vibrant atmosphere of Marrakech across the spectacular Atlas Mountains and into the palm-filled oases and vast desert landscapes of southern Morocco.
Following your arrival in Marrakech, a scenic drive through the High Atlas Mountains brings you to Ouarzazate, the gateway to the desert. From there, travel through the magnificent Drâa Valley, a landscape of lush palm groves, traditional mud-brick villages and ancient fortified settlements, before reaching the desert village of M’Hamid.
Here, your unforgettable camel trek begins. Accompanied by an experienced guide and a dedicated team of camel handlers, you will spend several days exploring the remote wilderness of the Sahara, crossing golden dunes, vast sandy plateaus and the spectacular landscapes of Erg Aït Ounir, Erg Zehar, Sidi Naji and Erg Hnitti.
Far from the bustle of modern life, experience the profound tranquillity of the desert. Enjoy panoramic sunsets from towering dunes, share traditional meals around the camp and spend peaceful nights beneath a brilliant canopy of stars. Each day brings a new landscape and a deeper connection with the natural beauty of the Sahara.
Your adventure concludes with a scenic return journey to Marrakech, where you can unwind at the elegant El Andalous Lounge & Spa Hotel before your departure.
A journey of discovery, adventure and serenity, offering an authentic immersion into the spirit of the Moroccan desert.
Highlights
- Experience a complete immersion in the magnificent landscapes of the Sahara Desert.
- Enjoy an unforgettable multi-day camel trek through remote desert terrain.
- Discover the lush palm groves, traditional villages and historic ksars of the Drâa Valley.
- Explore the spectacular dunes of Erg Aït Ounir, Erg Zehar and Erg Hnitti.
- Witness breathtaking desert sunsets from panoramic viewpoints.
- Spend magical nights in traditional desert bivouacs beneath the stars.
- Travel with an experienced guide and a professional camel-trekking team.
- Cross the dramatic landscapes of the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n'Tichka Pass.
- Enjoy a relaxing final night in Marrakech at El Andalous Lounge & Spa Hotel.
- Choose to arrive in Marrakech or Ouarzazate, subject to the agreed travel arrangements.
Itinerary
Arrival in Morocco | Marrakech – Ouarzazate
Upon arrival at Marrakech Airport, meet your driver and begin your journey towards Ouarzazate.
Travel through the spectacular landscapes of the High Atlas Mountains, crossing winding mountain roads and enjoying breathtaking views of rugged peaks and traditional Berber villages.
This scenic transfer offers a first glimpse of Morocco’s remarkable geographical diversity as you leave the vibrant city behind and head towards the southern regions.
Upon arrival in Ouarzazate, settle in and enjoy a relaxing evening before continuing your journey towards the Sahara.
Transfer: Marrakech to Ouarzazate
Approximate duration: 4 hours
Distance: 200 km
Overnight: Ouarzazate
Ouarzazate | Drâa Valley – M’Hamid Oasis
After breakfast, depart by minibus towards M’Hamid, following the beautiful Drâa Valley and its seemingly endless ribbon of palm trees, traditional villages and ancient fortified ksars.
Along the way, pass through Agdez, Zagora, Tamegroute and Tagounite, discovering the changing landscapes and cultural heritage of southern Morocco.
Upon reaching M’Hamid, meet your experienced camel-trekking team. Your luggage and provisions are loaded onto the pack camels, and your desert adventure begins.
Set off on foot through the sandy landscapes surrounding the oasis, gradually leaving civilisation behind as the vast Sahara opens before you.
As evening approaches, settle into your first desert bivouac near the M’Hamid palm grove, surrounded by dunes and the peaceful silence of the desert.
Transfer: Ouarzazate to the starting point of the trek
Approximate duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
Distance: 230 km
Activity: Introduction to the camel trek
Overnight: Desert bivouac near M’Hamid
M’Hamid Oasis – Erg Aït Ounir
Continue westward through the magnificent desert landscapes, following the tracks of the pack camels towards Erg Aït Ounir.
As you walk, the distant edges of the Drâa hamada gradually appear on the horizon, creating a striking contrast between the open plateaus and the surrounding sandy terrain.
Around midday, pause beneath the shade of tamarisk trees to enjoy lunch and rest before continuing your trek through this remote and peaceful environment.
By late afternoon, reach your bivouac area and settle into the tranquillity of the desert as the changing light transforms the dunes.
Trekking duration: Approximately 5 hours
Meals: Provided during the trek
Overnight: Desert bivouac near Erg Aït Ounir
Erg Aït Ounir – Erg Zehar
Today, continue your journey along the dry riverbed of the Drâa, following ancient desert routes through an ever-changing landscape of sand, open plains and scattered vegetation.
Gradually, the impressive dunes of Erg Zehar emerge on the horizon, becoming your landmark for the day’s destination.
Upon arrival, climb the high dunes to enjoy magnificent panoramic views across the Sahara. As the sun begins to set, watch the sand shift through warm shades of gold, orange and red, creating an unforgettable desert spectacle.
Return to camp for dinner and a peaceful night beneath a vast sky filled with stars.
Trekking duration: Approximately 4 hours 30 minutes
Highlight: Panoramic views and sunset over the dunes
Overnight: Desert bivouac at Erg Zehar
Erg Zehar – Erg Sidi Naji
Set off towards the north, leaving the Drâa riverbed behind as the scenery gradually changes.
Walk across beautiful desert plateaus before stopping for lunch beneath the shade of magnificent tamarisk trees, a welcome resting place in the vast and open landscape.
In the afternoon, continue towards the dunes near Sidi Naji, a site associated with a local holy figure and the remains of an ancient fortified settlement.
This stage offers a fascinating combination of natural beauty and cultural heritage, revealing traces of the human history that has shaped life in the desert over generations.
As evening approaches, settle into your bivouac among the dunes and enjoy another peaceful night in the Sahara.
Trekking duration: Approximately 5 hours
Highlight: Desert plateaus, tamarisk groves and the historic surroundings of Sidi Naji
Overnight: Desert bivouac near Erg Sidi Naji
Erg Sidi Naji – Erg Hnitti
Continue your trek towards the north-east, travelling through the remote landscapes of the Sahara in the direction of the palm groves.
As you progress, the imposing ridges of the Jbel Bani mountain range become increasingly visible on the horizon, adding a dramatic backdrop to the sandy terrain.
Follow the desert trails towards Erg Hnitti, where rolling dunes provide a beautiful setting for your next camp.
Upon arrival, take time to relax, enjoy the peaceful surroundings and appreciate the immense openness of the desert before settling in for the evening.
As night falls, gather at the bivouac and enjoy the unique atmosphere of the Sahara, where silence, open skies and countless stars create a truly memorable experience.
Trekking duration: Approximately 6 hours
Highlight: Remote desert landscapes and views towards the Jbel Bani range
Overnight: Desert bivouac near Erg Hnitti
Erg Hnitti – Ouled Driss – Ouarzazate – Marrakech
Enjoy your final moments in the desert before beginning a short walk towards the road, where your driver will be waiting.
Bid farewell to your camel-trekking team and begin the return journey towards Ouarzazate, travelling through Zagora and Agdez and enjoying the changing landscapes of the Drâa Valley.
Stop for lunch along the way before continuing north across the spectacular Tizi n’Tichka Pass in the High Atlas Mountains.
Arrive in Marrakech towards the end of the afternoon and check in at El Andalous Lounge & Spa Hotel, where you can relax after your desert adventure and enjoy a comfortable final evening.
Activity: Short morning walk and return transfer
Route: Ouled Driss – Ouarzazate – Marrakech
Approximate transfer duration: Around 8 hours from Ouled Driss to Marrakech, depending on stops and road conditions
Overnight: El Andalous Lounge & Spa Hotel, Marrakech
Departure from Marrakech
Enjoy some free time depending on your flight schedule.
At the appropriate time, your driver will transfer you to Marrakech Menara Airport for your return flight.
Please allow sufficient time for check-in, security procedures and airport formalities, following your airline’s recommendations.
Transfer: Marrakech city centre to Marrakech Menara Airport
Approximate duration: 30 minutes
Distance: 10 km
End of your Sahara adventure in Morocco.
Carte du circuit
