This is the Sahara on foot. Camels carry the bags and the food; you walk alongside them from M'Hamid El Ghizlane, the last village of the Draa valley, across open plains and small dune fields to Erg Chegaga.
Erg Chegaga lies about 50–60 km beyond M'Hamid, with no paved road. It is wilder and far quieter than Merzouga. A local cook travels with the group, and three of the four nights are spent in desert camps.
- Duration
- 5 days, 4 nights
- Route
- Marrakech – Draa valley – M'Hamid – Erg Smar – Erg Chegaga – Foum Zguid – Ouarzazate – Marrakech
- Starts
- Marrakech
- Ends
- Marrakech
- Style
- Private tour
- Level
- Moderate (desert walking)
- Languages
- English, French, Spanish
- Price
- Price on request
Highlights
- The palm groves and ksour of the Draa valley
- Walking old caravan routes with a camel team
- The dunes of Erg Smar and Erg Chegaga
- Three nights camping in the desert
- Meals cooked on the trail by your own cook
Day by day
Day 1 · Marrakech – Ouarzazate – Agdz – M'Hamid
Cross the High Atlas on the Tizi n'Tichka pass, pass Ouarzazate and Agdz, and follow the Draa valley's palm groves and ksour south to M'Hamid El Ghizlane. Meet the camel team and walk a short way into the desert at sunset.
Day 2 · M'Hamid – Sidi Naji – Erg Smar
The first full day on foot, at an easy pace across plains and tamarisk groves. Lunch in the shade of acacias, then on to the dunes of Erg Smar.
Day 3 · Erg Smar – Erg Chegaga
Deeper into the sand toward Erg Chegaga. Arrive in the afternoon with time to climb the dunes before sunset.
Day 4 · Erg Chegaga – Foum Zguid – Ouarzazate
Walk out across plateaus and a dry lake bed, then a 4×4 takes you to Foum Zguid and on to Ouarzazate.
Day 5 · Ouarzazate – Marrakech
A free morning in Ouarzazate for its kasbahs or the film studios, then back over the High Atlas to Marrakech by evening.
What’s included
Included
- Transport from and back to Marrakech
- Camel-supported trekking with local guides and camel handlers
- Your own cook
- Full board during the trek
- Nights in desert camps
- A licensed local guide
Not included
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Tips
- Optional activities
Good to know
- You walk most of days 2 to 4. Camels carry the luggage, and riding is possible for part of the way.
- Spring and autumn are the best seasons; summer days in the Draa are very hot.
Ask about dates and price
Every tour is private and priced for your group size and dates. Send us your dates and how many you are, and we reply with a price and a plan.