Trekking in the Sahara Desert – Erg Chegaga
Trekking in the Sahara of Erg Chegaga for 7 days and 6 nights is more than a unique desert adventure; it is an opportunity to experience wild Morocco, discover the traditional lifestyle of nomadic communities, and connect with the landscapes of the Sahara of Morocco. This Morocco desert holiday takes you deep into the Erg Chegaga region, combining camel trekking, peaceful desert landscapes, cultural encounters, and time to disconnect from everyday life, making it a memorable adventure and a week of relaxation and reflection from Marrakech.
Program: Trekking in Chegaga – 7 Days 6 Nights
Day 1: Marrakech – Ouarzazate – Zagora – Faija
At 8 AM our Sahara trekking trip will start. We leave Marrakech, driving through the spectacular Tizi n’ Tichka Pass (2260m above sea level). This beautiful mountain road has unforgettable scenery and is the highest road in the Chegaga trekking 7 Days / 5 Nights the country. We continue through the towns of Ouarzazate and Zagora, enjoying the palm groves and local villages. Our direction changes just before the famous sign “52 Days to Timbuktu,” and we continue along the plateau of Faija. We overnight at a camp in Faija.
Day 2: Faija – Oum Laachar – Pass – Oued Mhasser
After breakfast and loading the camels, we start our hike by crossing the pass of Oum Laachar. We continue along a dry river and pass a hidden oasis between the mountains. We continue with short climbs and descents till we reach our camp on the riverbank of Oued Mhasser. About a 5-hour trek.
Day 3: Oued Mhasser – Chegaga camping in the desert – Chegaga
Today we start walking along the river of Oued Mhasser and cross a pebbly desert. If it’s clear, we can begin to see the great dunes of Chegaga, which appear more impressive the closer we get. We join our team in camp on a plateau and enjoy an amazing sunset over the dunes. As the stars come out, we relax in traditional tents and have a tasty meal around the campfire. About 5 hours walk.
Day 4: Dunes of Chegaga – Dunes of Bougarne
If you wake up early, you can enjoy a breathtaking sunrise on the dunes before breakfast, after which, we continue our trek. We cross a dry lake and rocky desert to reach Oued Laatach (‘river of thirst’) and along the way see nomad camps with their flock of goats. We cross another rocky desert to reach our camp near the dunes of Bougarne. These dunes are smaller than those of Chegaga, but still, provide panoramic views across the landscape as we watch the sunset.
About 5 hours of walking.
Day 5: Dunes of Bougarne – Oued Naam
Our desert trek today starts across a rocky desert plateau, which gives a mineral edge to the landscape. After a long walk, we arrive at our camp next to Oued Naam, with its famous well. We can have a wash, but we must be conscious of this fragile resource, about a 5-hour walk.
Day 6: Oued Naam – Mhamid – Marrakech
We depart very early because we have a long trip back to Marrakech. We trek across a plateau of small dunes and then a forest of Tamaris. Around noon, we arrive in the village of Mhamid, the last village before the vast Sahara. We say goodbye to our team of camel drivers and drive back to Marrakech, passing through Zagora and Ouarzazate. We overnight in Marrakech before full departure the following day. About a 4-hour walk.
Overnight at a Riad
Day 7: Departure- Return flight
Transfer to the Marrakech airport for your return flight according to schedule.
End of your trip: Sahara trekking in Chegaga for 7 Days and 5 Nights
Sahara trekking tour details:
- Name of the trip: Trekking in the Sahara – Erg Chegaga
- LEVEL: From easy to average
- DURATION: 7 days/6nights
- BEST PERIOD: From October to May
- LUGGAGE: Carried by camels
- TRANSPORT: Tourist van/ 4 by 4
- ACCOMMODATION: Tents (1 for 2 persons) during the trek
- GUIDING: CFAMM-certified mountain guides
What to bring for the Morocco Sahara trekking:
- Suitable walking clothes ( long and light trousers and tops
- A warm jacket, especially if your Sahara trekking trip is in Wintertime( December to March)
- Water bottle
- Small backpack
- Hat, or cap
- Scarf
- Sleeping bag adapted to the period of your trek in the Sahara trip
- Headlamp
- Lighter
- Good walking shoes
Not to forget your Sahara camel trekking:
Remember it’s a harsh environment where there is less water and fewer facilities than you are used to in your usual life. Therefore, protecting your documents well before leaving
We all love to take pictures, but pay double attention to your camera. Sand is everywhere during the Sahara desert holidays.
The challenge of the camel trek in Morocco is to stay away from your daily comfort. Water is a precious element here; try to use it properly.
What’s Included:
- Hotel pick-up and departure transfers
- All ground transfers in comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles
- Accommodation in a comfortable riad on the last night
- Professional, certified English-, French-, or Spanish-speaking guide
- Full board throughout the trip
- Spacious igloo tents, with 2 people per tent (single tents available for individual travelers)
- One foam mattress per person
- Camels to carry luggage during the trek
- Accompanying staff, including guide, cooks, and camel drivers
- All necessary logistics and equipment for the trip
- First-aid kit with standard equipment
- Beverages, including bottled mineral water, coffee, and Moroccan mint tea
Excluded:
- Travel assurance
- Accommodation in Marrakech for the first night
- Tipping and gratuities
Check also our 6 days desert camel trekking in Morocco
UPCOMING GROUP TOUR: 15TH FEBRUARY TO 21ST FEBRUARY
