Trekking in M’hamid El ghizlane and chegaga desert 8 days

Welcome to Morocco

Upon your arrival at either Marrakech Menara Airport or Ouarzazate Airport. You'll be welcomed by your local guide or driver. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time to relax or explore the immediate surroundings. Marrakech, a vibrant imperial city, offers a first taste of Moroccan culture with its bustling souks and gardens. While Ouarzazate presents a quieter charm, often referred to as the “gateway to the Sahara.” You'll be transferred to a comfortable local hotel where you can rest and prepare for the adventure ahead.

Travel from Marrakech to Zagora desert

After an early breakfast, you begin a scenic journey across the High Atlas Mountains, ascending the winding roads of the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 m). One of Morocco’s highest paved roads. Along the way, visit the impressive Kasbah Telouet, a historical fortified residence of the Glaoui tribe. Continue through the cinematic city of Ouarzazate, then pass through Agdz and follow the Draa Valley. Known for its lush palm groves and ksar (fortified villages). The drive continues south to Zagora and finally to Faija, at the edge of the desert, where you’ll settle into your first night of camping under the stars.

Trek in Morocco desert

Your trek begins in earnest today with a 17-kilometer walk (approximately 5–6 hours). Starting from the Faija plateau, you'll walk across arid desert plains and small agricultural plots nestled at the foot of Djebel Bani, a range marking the start of the true desert. The path ascends gently to the Col Oum Laachar, a scenic mountain pass offering panoramic views over the surrounding wilderness. Descend into Oued Lemhasser, a dry riverbed lined with acacias and tamarisk, where the next desert camp is set up for the evening.

Trekking in Chegaga dunes

Today’s journey takes you deeper into the Sahara. You'll walk around 20 kilometers (5–6 hours) through stark desert landscapes, rocky plateaus, and eventually reach the magnificent Chegaga Dunes. These are among the largest and most beautiful in Morocco, with golden waves of sand stretching as far as the eye can see. Arriving at the base of the dunes, your camp will be ready. As night falls, you can climb a dune to watch the sun set over the horizon before enjoying a traditional Berber meal around the campfire.

Trek and Explore Morocco Sahara desert

Leaving Chegaga behind, your trek continues through the Saharan landscape toward the Bougarn Dunes. Covering about 16 kilometers (roughly 5 hours), this day is filled with peaceful silence, occasional desert wildlife sightings, and the shifting colors of sand and stone. The Bougarn Dunes are more remote and lesser visited, offering a quiet and pristine desert experience. You'll camp again in the open desert, surrounded by wind-sculpted dunes and the vast starlit sky.

Trek in the hamada desert in Morocco

After breakfast, you'll depart the dunes of Bougarn and traverse a variety of desert terrain, including sandy stretches and gravel plains known as hammada. The route leads you to Oued Naam, another dry river valley that once carried water during seasonal rains. The walk today covers 16 kilometers and takes about 5–6 hours. Here, you'll camp once again in complete serenity, far from any roads or villages, immersed in the rhythms of the desert.

Back to Ouarzazate or Marrakech

Your final trekking day includes a shorter 3-hour walk (8 kilometers) through more compact dunes and stony ground, ending near M’Hamid, the last palm grove before the open desert. From here, you’ll rejoin your vehicle for a long but scenic drive back to Marrakech (approximately 8 hours with breaks). You'll pass once again through the Draa Valley and possibly make a few short stops for photos or snacks before arriving back in the city. Tonight, relax in a comfortable hotel and reflect on your journey.

Depending on your flight time, enjoy a final Moroccan breakfast and possibly a short stroll through Marrakech’s medina or gardens if time allows. Then, you'll be transferred to the airport for your departure. Whether you're leaving from Marrakech or Ouarzazate, you'll take with you unforgettable memories of mountains, kasbahs, camel tracks, and the endless, soul-stirring desert.