Experience the ultimate Saharan adventure with this 7-day trek departing from M’Hamid. Your journey begins with the discovery of the spiritual sites of Sidi Naji before reaching the legendary dunes of Erg Zahar and the nomadic remains of Erg Essmar. The highlight of your trek will be the ascent of the majestic Chegaga dunes, the largest in Morocco, offering unforgettable sunsets.
Your route will continue towards Oued Laatach and Erg Ait Ounir, through diverse landscapes alternating between regs (stony desert plains), oases, and dried-up lakes. Each evening, setting up traditional bivouacs and spending time under the stars will immerse you in the heart of nomadic culture. This comprehensive trek combines physical exertion, the discovery of pristine sites, and an authentic immersion in the deep Sahara.
Day 1: M’Hamid — Erg Sidi Naji
The trek begins in the morning in M’Hamid, gateway to the Moroccan desert. You will cross the palm grove and its ancient kasbahs before reaching the first desert expanses. Lunch break in the shade of tamarisk trees, then walk to Erg Sidi Naji, where the tomb of a marabout revered by the nomads is located. In the evening, set up camp in a traditional bivouac with a campfire and sand bread. First night in a tent in the Sahara.
Day 2: Erg Sidi Naji — Erg Zahar
You will cross the Bousnina reg, a stony plateau offering ever-changing landscapes. After lunch in the desert, head towards the great dunes of Erg Zahar, nicknamed the “screaming dunes.” Panoramic sunset over the dunes and overnight in a bivouac in the heart of the Sahara.
Day 3: Erg Zahar — Erg Essmar
The trek continues towards the Draa Valley. Lunch and rest near a natural well before setting off again towards Erg Essmar, a mix of oasis and dunes. Overnight in a traditional bivouac.
Day 4: Erg Essmar — Erg Chegaga
You cross the Erg de Sedra to reach the majestic Chegaga dunes, the largest in Morocco. Sunset over this sea of sand is a truly unique experience. Dinner and overnight in a bivouac at the foot of the dunes.
Day 5: Erg Chegaga — Oued Laatach
Enjoy the breathtaking panorama and the option to climb the great Abidlia dune, the highest point of Erg Chegaga. After breakfast, hike towards Oued Laatach, have lunch along the way, and continue to your overnight bivouac.
Day 6: Oued Laatach — Erg Ait Ounir
You cross the small, dried-up Lake Iriqui before lunch among the Bougarne dunes. The day ends at Erg Ait Ounir, an isolated dune surrounded by tamarisk trees. Set up camp for your last night in the Sahara.
Day 7: Erg Ait Ounir — M’Hamid
The trek concludes with a crossing of the Hamada du Drâa, a vast rocky plateau, with lunch along the way, before returning to M’Hamid. An optional extension is available with an overnight bivouac in the palm grove to conclude this 7-day Moroccan desert trek.