Introduction :

This 9-day journey from Marrakesh into the Sahara combines camel trekking, desert camping, and cultural discovery in one unforgettable Moroccan adventure. Crossing the majestic Erg Chegaga dunes, you will travel through vast golden landscapes, sleep beneath star-filled skies, and experience the quiet beauty of the desert at its most authentic. Along the way, the route includes encounters with Berber communities, visits to nomadic tents, ancient kasbahs, and traditional Moroccan meals. Designed for travelers looking for a more off-the-beaten-path experience, this trip blends scenic desert views, cultural insight, and the magic of Sahara sunsets.

Program details :

1 Day 1 : Marrakech – Atlas mountains – Taliouine
After breakfast, departure toward Taliouine via the Berber village of Asni, the Ouirgane Valley, and the High Atlas Mountains through the Tizi N-Test pass (2260 m). There will be stops to admire the landscapes and enjoy lunch in a local restaurant before continuing to Taliouine for a village visit and overnight stay at the hotel.

2 Day 2 : Taliouine – Taznakht – Foum Zguit – Iriki Lake – Sahara desert
In the morning, leave Taliouine and head to Foum Zguit via Taznakht, with lunch in Foum Zguit. In the afternoon, continue to Chegaga, visit nomads living in tents, cross the dry Iriki Lake and the desert plateau dotted with acacias, then arrive late afternoon at Abed Lia, in the heart of the Sahara dunes. Meet the camel guide, set up camp for the night, and enjoy dinner under the stars or inside a nomad tent.

3 Day 3 : Abed Lia to Khert Lgerzi
After breakfast around 08:00, begin the walk from Abed Lia to Khert Lgerzi, taking about 4 hours. Pass through part of the Erg Chegaga sand dunes, stop for lunch near the area where nomads water their cattle, then continue for around 2 more hours to Khert Lgerzi, where the day ends.

4 Day 4 : Khert Lgerzi to Erg Sedra
After breakfast, continue walking deeper into the desert from Khert Lgerzi toward the beautiful dunes of Erg Sedra, a route of about 4 hours. After lunch, walk for around 2 more hours before reaching camp for the night.

5 Day 5 : Erg Sedra to Erg Zehar
After a peaceful night in Erg Sedra, walk toward Erg Zehar, known as the dunes of chance. Before arriving, pause for Berber strong tea under an acacia tree and have lunch after about 4 hours of walking. Continue for around 2 hours more to Erg Zehar, where you will spend the night in camp.

6 Day 6 : Erg Zehar to Sidi Naji
Leave Erg Zehar in the morning and walk for about 4 hours, then stop for lunch and rest in a quiet place. Continue for around 2 hours toward Sidi Naji, where the grave of an old marabout is a pilgrimage site for nomads. Camp overnight here.

7 Day 7 : Sidi Naji to M'hamid El Ghezlan
Begin the final trekking day across the reg Bousnina, walking for around 4 hours. Stop for lunch in a scenic spot where the landscape changes every 2 hours. Arrive in M'hamid El Ghezlan, marking the end of the Sahara camel trek.

8 Day 8 : M'hamid El Ghezlan – Tamegrout Zagoura – Ouarzazate
After breakfast in M'Hamid, drive to Ouarzazate via Zagora, with a stop to visit the palm grove. After lunch, continue through the Draa Valley and arrive in Ouarzazate in the mid-afternoon. Overnight at the hotel.

9 Day 9 : Ouarzazate – Ait Benhaddou – Marrakech
Depart Ouarzazate in the morning and stop for a panoramic view of Kasbah Taourirt, then near the Atlas Film Studios. Visit Kasbah Ait Benhaddou and have lunch in a local restaurant. In the afternoon, return to Marrakesh through the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi N'tichka pass (2260 m). End of the 9-day Sahara camel trek tour.

What to bring :

Lightweight backpack for daily trekking
Walking shoes or trainers with sturdy soles
Hat to protect from the sun
Fleece, gloves, windbreaker, warm hat, warm socks, trousers, nightwear
Ski mask (against possible sandstorms)
Sunglasses
Sleeping bags
Sunscreen
Torch/Flashlight
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Lighter or matches
Toilet paper
Rubbish bag
Bottled water minimum 1.5 liters
Medical supplies: prescription drugs, painkillers, bandages, sunburn lotion, diarrhea medication

Included :

Private air-conditioned 4WD/van throughout the tour (first 2 and last 2 days)
English-speaking driver guide with sightseeing information
2 nights with dinner & breakfast in Taliouine and Ouarzazate hotels
Camel ride (one camel per person) 5 days in the Sahara desert with breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Team/guide, cooker, camels carrying luggage (tents, mats, food…)
Full board and water during the trekking

Not included :

Drinks and lunch meals in the first 2 and last 2 days
Entrance fees into Kasbahs/museums if applicable
Holiday insurance

Events in Merzouga