Contact

Sahara TrekkingPrivate or shared

11-Day Sahara Trek: Erg Zahar and Erg Chigaga

Seven days on foot through Erg Zahar, Erg Essadra and Erg Chigaga with a camel caravan

Duration
11 days / 10 nights
Group
Private or shared
Difficulty
Challenging
Starts in
Marrakech

Why you'll love it

  • Erg Zahar, Erg Essadra, Erg Chigaga and Erg Bougarn on foot
  • Seven days of trekking with a camel caravan
  • Cross the High Atlas by the Tizi n'Tichka pass (2,260 m)

Your route

MarrakechAit Ben HaddouOuarzazateDraa ValleyM'HamidErg ZaharErg ChigagaM'HamidMarrakech

Day by day

11 days

From Marrakech you drive to M'Hamid over the Atlas, then walk for seven days with a camel caravan through Sidi Naji, Erg Zahar, Erg Essadra, Erg Chigaga, Erg Bougarn and the Mezouaria dunes. Days are longer than on the 10-day trek, about 15 to 25 km on sand and rock, and a CTM bus takes you back to Marrakech.

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 4x4 drive 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
+9 more daysShow fewer days
Day 3M'Hamid to Sidi Naji

Sidi Naji

The trek begins with the dromedaries. Lunch is under a palm tree, and you camp at Sidi Naji, a holy place for nomads.

Overnight
Camp
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4Sidi Naji to Erg Zahar

Erg Zahar

You walk on to Erg Zahar and climb the highest dune for sunset.

Overnight
Camp
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5Erg Zahar to Erg Essadra

Erg Essadra

The route crosses ancient tamarisk trees, where lunch is served in the shade, before the camp at Erg Essadra.

Overnight
Camp
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6Erg Essadra to Erg Chigaga

Erg Chigaga

A long walk brings you to the high dunes of Erg Chigaga, a good place for sunset.

Overnight
Camp
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7Erg Chigaga to Erg Bougarn

Erg Bougarn

A three-hour morning trek, lunch and an afternoon hike lead to the Erg Bougarn camp.

Overnight
Camp
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8Erg Bougarn to the Mezouaria dunes

Mezouaria dunes

You cross rocky desert to the Mezouaria dunes for the last night around the campfire.

Overnight
Camp
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9Mezouaria back to M'Hamid

M'Hamid

After sunrise you walk back to M'Hamid, arriving in the late afternoon at the camp.

Overnight
Camp
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10By 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 11Departure 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
Challenging: long walking days over dunes, several days in a row
Best season
October to April (Best in spring and autumn; winter nights can fall below freezing and a supplement applies from 20 December to 10 January)
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, a sun hat, sun cream and a headlamp. We recommend this trek from 14 years old, for people who are used to walking all day. 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: Zagora or Merzouga: Which Desert Trip Should You Choose?

Questions

How demanding is the 11-day trek?

It is moderate to challenging: about 15 to 25 km a day on sand and rock for seven days in a row. The camels carry all equipment, but you should be used to walking all day.

What is the minimum age?

We recommend this trek from 14 years old, for people in good health who are used to long walking days.

Where do we meet and how do we return?

We collect you in Marrakech on day 2, or at the airport on day 1. On day 10 a CTM bus leaves M'Hamid at 6:00 and arrives around 15:00. A private return 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

11-Day Sahara Trek: Erg Zahar and Erg Chigaga

11 days

From €980 per person

When
Not chosen yet
Travellers
2 adults

Step 1 of 2

When and who

When would you like to go?

Pick a month. You can also give exact dates.

Who is travelling?
Adults2
Children0
  • No payment online
  • Private trip for your group
  • Reply by email or WhatsApp

From €980 per personno payment online

Check dates