6 days 5 night walking with nomadic Bedouin to Erg Chegaga Morocco
6 days 5 night walking with nomadic Bedouin
to Erg Chigaga Morocco
Desert trek Morocco, M'hamid, Grande Dune, erg Chegaga, erg Smar dunes, tamarisk, well, Sahara
Walk on the two largest ergs in the Moroccan desert, Zahar and Chigaga
Route which connects the village of Mhamid El Ghizlane to the dunes of Erg Chigaga.
A unique circuit which allows you to reach on foot the 2 most beautiful ergs of the Drâa valley: erg Zahar & Chigaga
A mainly "sand" trek with the possibility of meeting nomadic shepherds with their flocks anunforgettable experienced walking trip offers beautiful views of the entire Sahara desert
Nights in a nomadic bivouac in the heart of the dunes,
A return in 4X4 which allows you to discover another type of landscape: the regs & hamadas
The program at a glance
The trek route to the dunes of Erg Chigaga Morocco
1 night in a fixed campsite all comfort
4 nights in a nomadic bivouac
4 days of walking & return trek in 4x4
Intermediate desert trip (3h30/4h00 walk day depending on the pace of the group)
Discovery of Erg Chegaga, Sidi Naji, Erg Zahar (the howling dune), Erg Smar.
ITINERARY
Day 1 - Transfer to M'hamid - Night in fixed bivouac.
Departure from Marrakech in the morning to reach the village of Mhamid El Ghizlane, at the edge of the desert (455 km, through the Atlas and the Drâa Valley). The journey alone is a real change of scenery between the ocher mountains of the Atlas, and the immensities of the hamada of Drâa. Visits and stops offered during the journey: Atlas village, Col Tichka, Ait Ben Haddou, Zagora, pottery.... After Mhamid El Ghizlane, the road stops! we take the track to reach the bivouac located a few kilometers at the foot of the dunes. In the evening, night in a fixed “comfort” bivouac shower, toilet, electricity
Day 2 - Departure on a trek to a site rich in history and tradition 3h30 walk to marbout
After loading the camel caravan, departure from the fixed bivouac, on foot to reach the dunes of the Erg.Sidi Naji, where a famous marabout lived more than a century ago. The landscape takes place, from scattered dunes to groves of tamarisks,
Discover the tradition of Bedouin life, the wood collected for the fire, the establishment of the camp and the gentleness of the sunset and an unforgettable night under stars
Day 3: Continuation of the trek will walk with camel to Erg Zahar 3h30 walk
The camp rises to the rhythm of the sun for a departure towards Erg Zahar, the howling dune. Little by little, the trees become rarer and the kingdom of sands takes place.
The landscape is lunar and the great dune stands out on the horizon. At its summit is a breathtaking 360° view of the Sahara, framed by the Algerian mountains.
DAY 4 - Walk to Erg Smar and nomadic bivouac under the stars 4h walk
After breakfast, camp is struck. This morning, for the first time since leaving M’hamid, you will cross the bed of the Draa River, to its northern banks, to trek to the abandoned desert settlement of Erg Smar (where, once, up to was families lived and farmed the land). The size of the Draa river bed is astonishing, given it now runs dry following the construction of the Ouarzazate dam., but once flowed in abundance through the desert. Water does still run deep underground here and there is a well on the banks of the dried river where you will replenish the water supply (and freshen up with a quick shower). Evidence of human existence is everywhere, the outline of agricultural plots & gardens, abandoned pise-mud buildings which were homes. Your day’s trek finishes under the welcome shade of large tamarisk trees, where camp is established – hard to believe you’re still in the heart of desert terrain, given the size of the the trees at this village. After lunch, you may explore the settlement, the banks of the Draa and the sand dunes that have since started to encroach on the buildings.
DAY 5 - Walk to Erg Chegaga and nomadic bivouac under the stars3h30 walk *fixed bivouac optional
Last day of trek towards the second nugget of Moroccan Saharan heritage. The caravan is heading towards Erg Chegaga. This majestic dune of approximately 300m is the largest in the region.
The surroundings of Erg Chegaga are greener than elsewhere. Depending on the season, many plants and fine grass grow even at the foot of this dune. It is a place favored by herds of wild goats and camels.
DAY 6 - Return by 4x4 to the fixed bivouac and transfer to the departure city
At breakfast, it's time to say goodbye to the camels who were the faithful companions of this trek. The latter will return on foot with their camel driver while a 4x4 joins the crew for a return to the fixed bivouac. The return road passes through the sacred oasis, an island of greenery in the middle of the desert, and through the valley of thirst.
Then the return transfer joins the city of origin for a late arrival in the evening
Included in the price
✅ The camel caravan, the accompaniment and the organization of the bivouac by the Bedouin caravan during the entire duration of the trek
✅ Meals/restaurants during the trip.
Drinks are not included.
✅ Full board for the entire duration of the trek.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
✅ A caravan of dromedaries for the duration of the trek
carries the bags and all the logistics of the camp
✅ A team of nomadic guides throughout the trek
✅ Round trip transportation from the chosen departure city.
✅ Bivouac equipment
Excluded in the price
❌ Insurance, theft and repatriation
❌ Tips and personal expenses
It is customary to tip the accompanying nomadic team, at everyone's discretion.
❌ Drinks and personal expenses on transport
❌ "Saddle camel" option
In addition (20€/day), additional dromedary to carry a person during the trek (ideal for children and difficulty walking).
❌ Sleeping bag
Essential for nights under a large nomadic tent.
December, January: 0 to 5°
November, February: 5 to 10°
September, October and March, April, May: 10 to 15°
❌ Last night in fixed bivouac
Possibility of spending the last night in a bivouac with showers, toilets and a hard bed at an additional cost
❌ Additional night in a riad in the city departure
Reservation possible at extra cost on quote
Price: group of 4 person / per person
Price for a private trek on quote
Child: under 6 years old
Departure City :
Marrakech : Adult 540 euro / child 475 euro
Agadir : Adult 560 euro / child 495 euro
Ouarzazate : Adult 490 euro / child 400 euro
M'Hamid : Adult 475 euro / child 400 euro
