Sahara Desert Trekking
Walking through the Sahara is a unique experience. From the top of the great dunes you feel the vastness and silence of the desert, and the only people you are likely to meet are nomad families or the occasional shepherd.
Our desert treks
Our treks last three days or more and include wild camping along remote trails, including routes in Iriqui National Park. Camels carry the luggage while you walk with your nomad guide.
Life on the trail
Evenings are spent around the campfire with music, glasses of strong Moroccan tea and bread baked in the hot sand beside the fire. You sleep under an open sky full of stars. Nothing moves fast in the desert.
Landscapes you will see
- Sand seas (ergs) – including Erg Chebbi and Erg Znaigui, with dunes that follow the old course of the Ziz Valley.
- Hamada – flat, stony desert plains.
- Dry valleys, salt flats and seasonal lakes.
- Desert vegetation – palm groves, tamarisk and acacia trees.
Winter, after the seasonal rains, is a surprisingly green time of year, and in January and February baby camels are born.
Walking in the Moroccan desert
A desert trek is the slowest and most rewarding way to experience the Sahara. You walk at your own pace across dunes, stony plains and dry riverbeds, while camels carry the luggage, water and food. Each evening you camp under the stars, often near a well or a nomad encampment.
Where to trek
- Erg Chebbi (Merzouga) – high golden dunes, ideal for 2–5 days.
- Erg Chigaga (M'Hamid) – remote and wild, reached by 4x4.
- Jebel Saghro – volcanic mountains between the desert and the High Atlas, best in winter.
When to go
October to April. Days are warm and nights cool to cold. Summer treks are not recommended because of the heat.
What to bring
- Broken-in walking shoes and gaiters or high socks to keep out sand.
- A sun hat, sunglasses and high-factor sun cream.
- A warm sleeping layer and a headtorch.
- A refillable water bottle.
For more tips, read 15 things to know about trekking in Morocco, or combine a short walk with a camel trek.
Frequently asked questions
How far do you walk each day?
Usually 10–15 km, in the morning and late afternoon, with a long lunch break in the shade.
Do I need trekking experience?
No, but you should be comfortable walking several hours a day on sand.