DISCOVER THE DESRET
M'Hamid el Ghizlane is the last village before the desert. It is the starting point for all our treks in camel caravans or 4x4s.
This city in southern Morocco is nestled in the heart of the Draa Valley. The Draa, a river over 1010 km long, has its source in Ouarzazate and flows through mountains and desert valleys before finally flowing into the Atlantic Ocean next tantan city. It is the link between the Berber tribes populating the mountains and the nomads who roam the desert.
This region of the Sahara is full of wonders to explore. You can discover the majestic Erg Chegaga , the impetuous Erg Zahar , the gentle dunes of Sidi Naji .
Glossary
Erg Sand dunes
Reg Rocks dunes
Oued/Wadi Valley/River bed
Djebel Mountain
Sidi Naji
All our treks start from Sidi Naji. The landscape is dotted with dunes decorated with tamarisks offering their protection for a break in the shade.
Sidi Naji was a former marabout very well known in the region. His tomb is located in this area.
There are traces of an ancient souk where one can guess the intense commercial exchanges that took place in the past.
Erg Zahar (the howling dune)
It is called the great dune: it is a must-see in the region. The atmosphere there is striking and the fantasy of the desert takes on its full scope.
Erg Zahar means the howling dune. When the wind blows hard, it makes the grains of sand sing.
Its other name is the great dune, culminating at 150 m in height.
The landscape around is lunar, there is no more vegetation and the sand takes over.
Erg Chegaga
Straight out of a postcard, this is one of the most beautiful dunes in the region. Nestled in the Sahara, it is worth it! Allow three good days of walking or a good 4x4 ride to reach it.
Erg Chegaga means the summit surrounded by waves of dunes
Among the highest dunes: culminating at 300m in height, the view from above is 360° over the surrounding Sahara.
Fixed bivouacs present which can offer the desired comfort.
The well
True meeting places, wells are key points in the desert. The water there is not drinkable, only nomads manage to drink it without risk.
It is quite a sight to see the nomads bringing up water for a quick shower and to water the dromedaries.
A dromedary can go up to 10 days without drinking!