Sahara TrekkingPrivate or shared
10-Day Sahara Trek from Marrakech
A relaxed ten-day trek with six days on foot through the dunes of Erg Zahar
- Duration
- 10 days / 9 nights
- Group
- Private or shared
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Starts in
- Marrakech
Why you'll love it
- A relaxed pace: about two hours of walking in the morning and two in the afternoon
- Erg Zmaila, Erg Zahar and Erg Ait Ounir on foot
- Cross the High Atlas by the Tizi n'Tichka pass (2,260 m)
Your route
MarrakechAit Ben HaddouOuarzazateDraa ValleyM'HamidErg ZaharM'HamidMarrakech
Day by day
10 days
A riad night in Marrakech, a drive over the Atlas to M'Hamid, then six days on foot with a camel caravan through Lahnanich, Erg Zmaila, Erg Zahar, Erg Ait Ounir and Lbour. The pace is gentle, about two hours of walking in the morning and two in the afternoon, and you return to Marrakech by CTM bus.
Day 1Arrival in Marrakech
Marrakech
You are met at the airport and taken to a riad in the medina. The rest of the day is free to explore.
- Overnight
- Riad
Day 2Over the Atlas to M'Hamid
Marrakech → Tizi n'Tichka pass → Ait Ben Haddou → Ouarzazate → Draa Valley → M'Hamid
A long drive in a 4x4 over the Tizi n'Tichka pass, with a stop at Ait Ben Haddou, through Ouarzazate and the Draa Valley to M'Hamid. The first night is in a camp at the edge of the desert.
- Overnight
- Camp
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
+8 more daysShow fewer days
Day 3M'Hamid to the Lahnanich dunes
Lahnanich dunes
The caravan sets off with the dromedaries. Lunch is under a palm tree, and in the afternoon you walk on to the Lahnanich dunes.
- Overnight
- Camp
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4Lahnanich to Erg Zmaila
Erg Zmaila
Two walks with a lunch break lead to Erg Zmaila, where you can climb the highest dune for sunset.
- Overnight
- Camp
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5Erg Zmaila to Erg Zahar
Erg Zahar
About four hours of trekking bring you to the foot of Erg Zahar, with a climb to the summit for sunset.
- Overnight
- Camp
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6Erg Zahar to Erg Ait Ounir
Erg Ait Ounir
You continue to Erg Ait Ounir, with its old tamarisk trees, and spend the evening around a fire with music.
- Overnight
- Camp
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7Erg Ait Ounir to Lbour
Lebour
A morning trek and an afternoon walk follow a section of the Draa Valley to the camp at Lbour.
- Overnight
- Camp
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8Lbour to the fixed camp in M'Hamid
M'Hamid
After sunrise you cross small dunes to M'Hamid. At the fixed camp you can take a hot shower.
- Overnight
- Camp
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9By bus to Marrakech
Marrakech
The CTM bus leaves M'Hamid at 6:00 and reaches Marrakech around 15:00. Night in a riad in the medina.
- Overnight
- Riad
Day 10Departure or extra nights
Marrakech
Your trek ends here. Fly home, or add riad nights in Marrakech.
- Overnight
- No overnight
What's included
Included
- 4x4 with an English-speaking driver from Marrakech to M'Hamid
- Riad nights in Marrakech on the first and last night
- Full board on every trekking day
- Camels and a cameleer to carry luggage and camp equipment
- Camping equipment: tents, mattresses, dishes and cooking supplies
- Drinking water during the trek
- English-speaking Berber guide for the whole trek
- CTM bus ticket from M'Hamid to Marrakech
Not included
- Camel riding: optional, 35 EUR per day
- Sleeping bag (can be hired in M'Hamid)
- Meals not listed in the programme and drinks outside the trekking days
- Entrance fees, for example Ait Ben Haddou and Telouet
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Tips and personal expenses
Good to know
- Difficulty
- Moderate: several hours of walking a day on sand and stony ground
- Best season
- October to April (Best in spring and autumn; a supplement applies from 20 December to 10 January and summer is not recommended)
- Crew and guide languages
- English
Meeting point
Airport pick-up in Marrakech on day 1, or pick-up at your riad on day 2. The exact place and time are confirmed with the team.
Preparation
Bring warm and light layers, boots or sturdy shoes, a sun hat, sun cream and a headlamp. Participants should be at least 12 years old and in good health. Bring a sleeping bag or hire one in M'Hamid.
What to bring
- Closed, comfortable shoes (trainers or light boots)
- Warm layers: desert nights are cold from October to March
- Sun hat, sunglasses and sun cream
- Headlamp and a scarf for wind and sand
Read before you go: How Much Does a Sahara Desert Tour in Morocco Cost?
Questions
How is the 10-day trek different from the 11-day one?
The 10-day trek is the relaxed one: about four hours of walking a day through the western ergs of Zmaila, Zahar and Ait Ounir. The 11-day trek walks on to Erg Chigaga and covers longer distances each day.
How demanding is it and who can join?
About four hours of walking a day on varied terrain; basic fitness is enough and the dromedaries carry the equipment. Participants should be at least 12 years old and in good health.
How do we get back to Marrakech?
By CTM bus from M'Hamid on day 9: it leaves at 6:00 and arrives around 15:00. A private return by car can be arranged on request.
When is the best time to go?
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the most comfortable, with warm days and fresh nights. Winter nights are cold, so bring warm layers. Summer is very hot and not recommended for walking.
What should I pack for the trek?
A small daypack for water and camera, a soft bag for the camels to carry, light breathable clothes, a warm layer, a sun hat and sun cream, closed shoes and a headlamp. Bring a sleeping bag or hire one in M'Hamid.
How do I book this trip?
Send an enquiry from this page with your dates, group size and any wishes. We reply by email, confirm availability and agree the details with you. There is no online payment on the website.
Ask about this trip
10-Day Sahara Trek from Marrakech
10 days
From €900 per person
- When
- Not chosen yet
- Travellers
- 2 adults
Step 1 of 2
When and who
- No payment online
- Private trip for your group
- Reply by email or WhatsApp
Similar trips
11 days / 10 nights
11-Day Sahara Trek: Erg Zahar and Erg Chigaga
Marrakech → Ait Ben Haddou → Ouarzazate …
From €980 per person
13 days / 12 nights
13-Day Sahara Trek with a Rest Day
Marrakech → Ait Ben Haddou → Ouarzazate …
From €1,150 per person
3 days / 2 nights
3-Day 4x4 Erg Chigaga Tour from Marrakech
Marrakech → Ait Ben Haddou → Ouarzazate …
From €250 per person
From €900 per personno payment online
Check dates