Experience Morocco's remote Sahara on a point-to-point trek from M'Hamid to Erg Chigaga, with wilderness camping, camel support and a spectacular 4WD crossing of Lake Iriqui.
8 Days from
$
Moderate
Discover a different side of Morocco's Sahara on this eight-day journey through the Draa Valley and into the remote dunes of Erg Chigaga. For travellers drawn to exploring the desert on foot, this supported trek follows a point-to-point route through stony plains, tamarisk groves, secluded oases and sweeping dune systems, with nights spent camping beneath the desert skies.
From Marrakech, cross the High Atlas Mountains and visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou before continuing south through Zagora to M'Hamid, where the trek begins. Accompanied by an experienced local trekking team and camel support, journey through Erg Ait Ounir, Erg Sahel and Erg Seddrate, following a route shaped by the desert's changing terrain and historic travel routes.
The trek culminates among the expansive dunes of Erg Chigaga, where an afternoon exploring the sands leads to sunset over the desert. Continue by 4WD across the dry Lake Iriqui basin to Foum Zguid, completing a point-to-point journey through the varied landscapes and cultural heritage of southern Morocco.
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Meals: D
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Meals: B,L,D
Meals: B
14 scheduled departures between 17 Jan 2027 and 28 Dec 2028.
Enjoy a stay in a traditional Moroccan riad in Marrakech, offering a welcoming introduction to the city's distinctive architecture and rich cultural heritage.
Located in the Zagora region of Morocco's Draa Valley, this traditional riad provides a comfortable retreat surrounded by the landscapes and palm groves of southern Morocco, before the journey into the Sahara Desert.
Every departure date advises whether the date is confirmed, and roughly how full it is. Here is what each one means.
If a date shows Guaranteed to go, it runs regardless of further bookings.
It means two travellers are enough to confirm the departure. It could be 2 more to add to the group, or the date only needs 2 people to run. Either way, if you book for two people, the date will become guaranteed to run.
You will know the status before you book. Every date on this page is labelled, and dates marked “Guaranteed to go” are running regardless of further bookings. Where a date has not reached its minimum we either offer a surcharge to operate for a smaller group size so it can still run, or we cancel it. We contact you directly either way.
If we cancel a departure due to not meeting minimum trip numbers, you receive a full refund of everything you have paid us less any non recoverable costs, where insurance may cover you. We cannot refund money committed elsewhere – additional non refundable deposits advised at the time of booking, flights, visas, vaccinations, gear - which is why it is worth waiting for “Guaranteed to go” before booking other arrangements around this trip date. Please read our Booking Terms and Conditions before you book.
Each trip closes online a set time before departure. Permits, internal flights and hut or campsite bookings all have to be arranged before we take payment. Call or enquire as it might still be possible to organise last minute places.
Cancellations happen and places do open up on closed dates, so it is worth being on our list. We can also tell you which nearby date on the same trip has space, which is usually the faster route.
Yes, as a private departure. We can run this trip on a date you choose, for your own group - family, friends, a club, or in many cases, just for the two of you. Tell us when you want to travel and who is coming, and we will build it around that.
Erg Chigaga is a vast dune system in southern Morocco, beyond the desert settlement of M'Hamid. Unlike more accessible desert destinations, Erg Chigaga offers a remote Sahara experience, with sweeping dunes, open desert landscapes and fewer developed facilities. Our journey reaches the dunes on foot, following a supported trekking route through the Sahara.
Camping in Morocco's Sahara Desert is a highlight of this adventure. You'll spend three nights in mobile wilderness camps and one night in a fixed desert camp at Erg Chigaga. Expect simple facilities, peaceful desert surroundings and evenings beneath expansive night skies. Tents, sleeping bags and sleeping mats are provided during the camping portion of the trip.
Our Erg Chigaga Sahara Desert trek is graded Moderate, with several consecutive days of walking for approximately 5–6 hours per day. The route crosses soft sand dunes, rocky desert plains and remote valleys, where walking can be more demanding than on established trails. A good level of fitness and regular walking preparation are recommended.
Previous multi-day trekking experience is helpful but not essential. You should be comfortable walking for several hours on consecutive days, including across soft sand and uneven desert terrain. Preparing with regular walks, longer hikes and some walking on sand will help you enjoy the experience.
The cooler months, generally October to April, are well suited to trekking in southern Morocco's Sahara Desert. Daytime conditions are typically more comfortable for walking than during the intense summer heat. Desert temperatures can vary significantly, however, and winter nights can be particularly cold, so warm clothing is essential.
No. This is a fully supported Sahara Desert trek, with camels transporting your main luggage and camping equipment between wilderness camps. You'll only need to carry a daypack with water, sun protection, extra clothing and personal essentials, allowing you to enjoy the remote desert landscapes without carrying a heavy pack.
Carbon Footprint
So what does 100 kg of carbon look like? Here is a rough guide to help put it into perspective:
Discover how we're working to cut carbon emissions from our adventures by exploring the Climate Action page within our Responsible Travel hub.
Please note trip footprints do not include flights to and from the tour.
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