Desert Trekking in Morocco: 6 Days from M’Hamid to Erg Ezzahar
Why Choose This Desert Trekking in Morocco Trip
This desert trekking in Morocco trip takes you on foot through the Sahara south of the Draa Valley, far from the busy dunes. To begin with, you drive from Marrakech to M’Hamid, the last village before the sand. Then you walk for four days with a camel caravan, past the dunes of Erg Ezzahar, dry riverbeds and small oases.
Throughout the trek, the camels also carry the luggage, while you can ride one when you are tired. In fact, you sleep in simple camps, so the night sky is one of the best parts of the trip. As a result, this trek suits walkers who want silence and space.
However, if you prefer mountains, see our Jbel Saghro trek. Also see all our trekking tours in Morocco.
| Duration | 6 days / 5 nights |
|---|---|
| Start and end | Your hotel or riad in Marrakech |
| Walking | 4 trekking days in the desert |
| Level | Easy to moderate, mostly on sand and flat ground |
| Nights | Hotel in M’Hamid, 3 nights in desert camps, guesthouse in Ouled Driss |
| Best time | October to April |
| Price | From 445 € per person |
Highlights of Desert Trekking in Morocco
- To begin with, cross the High Atlas and visit Ait Ben Haddou on the way south.
- Then follow the palm groves of the Draa Valley to M’Hamid.
- After that, walk with a camel caravan into the Sahara.
- Also, climb the dunes of Erg Ezzahar for sunset.
- Later, sleep in camps under a sky full of stars.
- Finally, end the trek in the oasis village of Ouled Driss.
Desert Trekking in Morocco: Itinerary
Day 1: Marrakech – Ait Ben Haddou – M’Hamid
To begin with, your driver picks you up in Marrakech in the morning. Then you cross the Tichka pass and stop at Ait Ben Haddou. After that, you follow the Draa Valley, with its long palm groves, to M’Hamid. In general, the drive is long, so you arrive in the evening and sleep in a hotel.
Day 2: M’Hamid – Sidi Naji
In the morning, you meet the camel team and load the caravan. Then you walk out of M’Hamid into a land of small dunes and stony plains. After a picnic lunch in the shade, you also continue to your first camp near Sidi Naji, in time for sunset.
Day 3: Sidi Naji – Erg Ezzahar
Then you walk deeper into the desert, towards the higher dunes of Erg Ezzahar. Along the way, you also cross the dry bed of the Draa river. Later, you climb a dune for the view and camp in the sand.
Day 4: Erg Ezzahar – Boughbra
After sunrise on the dunes, you walk towards the area of Boughbra, where tamarisk trees grow. In fact, the landscape changes often, from sand to gravel plains. In the evening, you share a tagine by the fire before your last night in camp.
Day 5: Boughbra – Ouled Driss
Later, you leave the dunes and walk through small oases to Ouled Driss. There you also say goodbye to the camel team. In the afternoon, you enjoy a shower and a quiet night in a guesthouse.
Day 6: Ouled Driss – Ouarzazate – Marrakech
Finally, after breakfast, you drive back up the Draa Valley to Ouarzazate for lunch. Then you cross the High Atlas again. As a result, you reach Marrakech in the evening.
Expert tip from our desert guides
Wear light trekking shoes and gaiters, because sand gets into boots. In addition, bring a warm jacket, since desert nights are cold from November to March. Also, cover your head with a scarf against the sun and wind. Finally, tell us if you want to ride a camel each day, so we plan enough animals.
More treks in Morocco: 5 day Jbel Saghro trek, 8 day Draa Valley trek and overnight camel trek in Merzouga.
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What Is Included
- Full transportation from Marrakech to Mhamid and back
- All necessary permits and fees
- Experienced English-speaking guides and camel handlers
- Full board meals throughout the trek
- Comfortable camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, etc.)
- Camel caravan for trekking and luggage transport
- Support vehicles for emergency purposes
- Visit to Ait Ben Haddou UNESCO site
Good to Know Before Your Desert Trek
- Pickup: we also collect you from your hotel or riad in Marrakech in the morning.
- Level: walking on sand is tiring, but the pace is slow and the camels can carry you.
- Season: October to April is best, because summer is too hot.
- Water: the team carries drinking water, so bring a reusable bottle.
- Comfort: camps are simple, with no showers until Ouled Driss.
- Before you go: read our guide to camel trekking in Morocco.
- Booking terms: please read our terms and conditions before you confirm.
Price of the 6 Day Desert Trek
Prices start at 445 € per person, because every trek is private. Therefore, the final price depends on your group size, so ask us for a free quote.
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Marrakech → Ait Ben Haddou → M’Hamid → Erg Ezzahar → Ouled Driss → Marrakech
FAQ About Desert Trekking in Morocco
Is desert trekking in Morocco suitable for beginners?
Yes, in general, if you can walk 4 to 5 hours a day. Also, the camels carry the luggage and can carry you.
When is the best time for desert trekking in Morocco?
October to April is best, since the days are mild. However, nights can be cold in winter.
Where do we sleep?
In fact, you sleep in a hotel, three desert camps and a guesthouse.
Is water provided?
Yes, the team carries drinking water. Therefore, you only need a refillable bottle.
What should I bring?
Above all, bring a sleeping bag, a warm jacket, a scarf, sunscreen and light shoes.
Will I meet nomads?
Sometimes, yes. For example, nomad families often camp near the wells along the route.
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TripAdvisor Reviews
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Amazing tour guide
I would like to share our experience and give feedback on the trip taken by us. We really enjoyed the trip with Mr. Mohammad, he really took very good care of us during the entire trip. He was very cordial, warm, and respectful during the entire journey…
— Tehseen A
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Fantastic trip
Fantastic trip, Mohammed is an excellent guide, great person as well. He looked after our group of 5 people. He tailored the trip to our interests. We had lots of interesting stops and stayed in great places. He also made sure we were always safe and comfortable….
— Peter H
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Private tour around Morocco
Absolutely fantastic! Great vista and wonderful people! Ate authentic Moroccan meals with local families. Experienced next level hospitality with some fantastic locals. Hit the highlights from the tree climbing and jumping goats, to shopping in the Marrakech ..
— Spring rabiea
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Morrocos stays in the heart
Morocco leaves an indelible mark on our souls and hearts! With its captivating scents, flavors, and natural wonders, it enchants us effortlessly! And who better than Mohammed to lead and guide us through these paradisiacal destinations! Choukran..
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