Sahara TrekkingPrivate or shared
13-Day Sahara Trek with a Rest Day
The most complete trek: eight days on foot through five dune fields, plus a full rest day
- Duration
- 13 days / 12 nights
- Group
- Private or shared
- Difficulty
- Challenging
- Starts in
- Marrakech
Why you'll love it
- Five dune fields on foot: Zmaila, Zahar, Smar, Chigaga and Bougarn
- A full rest day at Erg Smar
- The most complete trek, with a camel caravan all the way
Your route
MarrakechAit Ben HaddouOuarzazateDraa ValleyZagoraM'HamidErg ZaharErg ChigagaM'HamidMarrakech
Day by day
13 days
The longest of our treks. After the drive from Marrakech to M'Hamid, you walk for eight days with a camel caravan through Sidi Naji, Erg Zmaila, Erg Zahar, Erg Smar, Erg Chigaga and Erg Bougarn, with a full rest day at Erg Smar. You cover about 15 to 25 km a day and 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 2Crossing the Atlas to M'Hamid
Marrakech → Tizi n'Tichka pass → Ait Ben Haddou → Ouarzazate → Draa Valley → Zagora → 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, with a tea break in Zagora, to M'Hamid. The first night is in a camp at the edge of the desert.
- Overnight
- Camp
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
+11 more daysShow fewer days
Day 3M'Hamid to Sidi Naji
Sidi Naji
The caravan sets off. Lunch is under a tree, and you camp near Sidi Naji, a holy place for nomads.
- Overnight
- Camp
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4Sidi Naji to Erg Zmaila
Erg Zmaila
Breakfast is on the dunes. You walk to Erg Zmaila, where tea is served at sunset and you sleep in a tent or under the open sky.
- Overnight
- Camp
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5Erg Zmaila to Erg Zahar
Erg Zahar
About four hours of walking to Erg Zahar, with sunset from the crest and a campfire with music.
- Overnight
- Camp
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6Erg Zahar to Erg Smar
Erg Smar
You cross the dry bed of the Draa and walk in silence to Erg Smar, where the evening brings nomad music at the fire.
- Overnight
- Camp
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7A full rest day at Erg SmarRest day
Erg Smar
No walking today. Rest, read, climb a dune if you like, and enjoy a second night in the same camp.
- Overnight
- Camp
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8Erg Smar to Erg Chigaga
Erg Chigaga
A day's walk brings you to the high dunes of Erg Chigaga, for sunset and a nomad entertainment evening.
- Overnight
- Camp
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9Erg Chigaga to Erg Bougarn
Erg Bougarn
A shorter day of about three hours of walking, with a long lunch and a rest before camp at Erg Bougarn.
- Overnight
- Camp
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10Erg Bougarn to Krayat Jmal
Krayat Jmal
You walk to the edge of a river valley at Krayat Jmal for the last campfire dinner.
- Overnight
- Camp
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11Krayat Jmal to M'Hamid
M'Hamid
The last walk takes you to the camp in M'Hamid, where you say goodbye to the caravan.
- Overnight
- Camp
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12By 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 13Departure 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 16 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
What does the 13-day trek add to the 11-day one?
Two extra days: a full rest day at Erg Smar and the extra stage to Erg Zmaila. It also adds a tea break in Zagora on the drive. It is the most complete of our treks.
How many days do I actually walk?
Eight walking days between day 3 and day 11, with one full rest day at Erg Smar on day 7. The first two days are travel and the last two are the bus and departure.
What is the minimum age and how hard is it?
We recommend this trek from 16 years old. It is moderate to challenging, about 15 to 25 km a day on sand and rock, with the rest day in the middle to recover.
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
13-Day Sahara Trek with a Rest Day
13 days
From €1,150 per person
- When
- Not chosen yet
- Travellers
- 2 adults
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When and who
- No payment online
- Private trip for your group
- Reply by email or WhatsApp
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