Sahara TrekkingPrivate or shared

4-Day Erg Zahar Trek from M'Hamid

Four days on foot with a camel caravan to the Howling Dune of Erg Zahar

Duration: 4 days / 5 nights
Group: Private or shared
Difficulty: Easy
Starts in: M'Hamid

Why you'll love it

Erg Zahar, the Howling Dune, reached only on foot or by camel
A full camel caravan carries your luggage and the camp
Tea ceremony on the dunes at sunset

Your route

M'Hamid Erg Zahar M'Hamid

Day by day

4 days

A walking trek from M'Hamid through Sidi Naji and the Bousnina dunes to the remote Erg Zahar, then on to Erg Ait Ounir and back by Rass Nkhill. A camel caravan carries luggage and camp, a nomad guide leads, and you sleep three nights in the dunes. The trek begins with a meeting night at the Oasis Camp and ends there with a hot shower.

Day 1From the Oasis Camp to the Bousnina dunes

M'Hamid → Oasis Camp → Sidi Naji → Bousnina dunes

After the meeting night at the Oasis Camp, with a welcome dinner and the team, you set off on foot past Sidi Naji. A picnic lunch is followed by a full day's walk to your first camp in the Bousnina dunes.

Overnight: Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 2The Howling Dune: Bousnina to Erg Zahar

Erg Zahar

An early start and a full day on foot take you to Erg Zahar. At sunset the guide serves tea on the dunes, followed by a tajine dinner. Sleep in a tent or under the open sky.

Overnight: Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

+2 more daysShow fewer days

Day 3Deeper into the Sahara: Erg Zahar to Erg Ait Ounir

Erg Ait Ounir

You walk between dune fields with a picnic lunch on the way. Dinner is cooked by the team at the Erg Ait Ounir camp.

Overnight: Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4The return: Rass Nkhill to the Oasis Camp

Rass Nkhill → Oasis Camp → M'Hamid

The last walking day leads past Rass Nkhill back to the Oasis Camp, with a hot shower and a proper dinner. The next morning, after breakfast, you are driven to the centre of M'Hamid.

Overnight: Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

What's included

Included

Five nights: Oasis Camp on arrival and at the end, three nights camping in the dunes
Full board on every trekking day
Camels and a cameleer to carry luggage and camp equipment
Nomad guide and camel driver team
Tea ceremony at Erg Zahar and tajine dinners under the stars
Hot shower at the Oasis Camp on your return
Transfers between the centre of M'Hamid and the Oasis Camp
Drinking water during the trek

Not included

Transport to and from M'Hamid
Travel insurance
Tips and personal expenses
Alcoholic drinks
Sleeping bag (can be hired in M'Hamid)

Good to know

Difficulty: Easy: no fitness needed beyond short walks on sand
Best season: October to April (Walk from October to April; summer above 45 degrees is not recommended and winter nights are very cold)
Crew and guide languages: English

Meeting point

You meet the team in the centre of M'Hamid the evening before day 1 and are taken to the Oasis Camp. Getting to M'Hamid is not included. The exact time is confirmed with the team.

Preparation

Bring a small daypack, water bottle, sun protection and warm clothes. The camels carry your soft bag. You can bring a sleeping bag or ask us to arrange one.

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: Things to Do in the Sahara Desert in Morocco (and What to Skip)

Questions

Why is it a 4-day trek with five nights?

Four days are spent walking. The five nights count the meeting night at the Oasis Camp before day 1 and the last night there after day 4, so you start and finish with a shower and a bed. (check)

How demanding is the walking?

You walk for several hours a day on sand, so moderate fitness is needed. The camels carry the luggage and the guide sets a steady pace with plenty of breaks.

Is it suitable for children?

We recommend it from about 10 years old. Camels can carry younger children over some stretches.

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.