The Soul of the Desert: 10-Day Sahara Hiking
Overview
South of Ouarzazate, the vast hamada of the Draa begins, along with its eponymous river. In ancient times, this river was a permanent watercourse that crossed southern Morocco. Today, its waters still feed a magnificent ribbon of palm groves that stretches to M’Hamid before disappearing into the sands, giving birth to the most beautiful Saharan landscapes in the country. This superb hike through dune landscapes, towards the dried-up lake of Iriki, a region frequented by nomadic camel herders, offers a profound Saharan experience.
Highlights:
- Exclusive east-to-west crossing of the Draa ergs
- The Saharan ambiance of the itinerary
- The dried-up lake of Iriki
Included / Not Included
- English speaking guide/driver
- Transfers from and to your hotel
- Accommodation for trekking duration
- Camels for luggage carrying during the trek
- Kitchen equipment
- All meals during your trek
- Ticket flight
- Travel Insurance
- Personal expenses (such as souvenirs)
- Tips for guides and staff.
Tour Plan
Arrival in Marrakech. Greeting at the airport by your guide, immediate transfer to Ouarzazate. Overnight at the hotel.
Departure for the Draa Valley and its long ribbon of palm groves that stretches for 200 km. Passing through Agdz, Zagora, and Taggounit, we arrive between Ouled Driss and the palm grove of M'Hamid. Meeting with the camel team. Loading logistics onto our pack camels and beginning the trek amidst fields, palm trees, and ancient ksour (fortified villages). Setting up the bivouac at the edge of the M'Hamid El Rhizlane palm grove.
2 hours of walking
Accommodation: Camping in tents
Transfer: Minibus, 4 hours
Hiking westward, with a distant view of the cliffs of the southern Draa hamada, we progress at our own pace on this long stage towards the first Aït Oumir sand dune. A few tamarisk trees provide some shade before the bivouac...
6 hours of walking
Accommodation: Camping in tents
Continuing along the left bank of the dry Draa River, we take the towering dunes of Erg Zaher as our reference point (known as the "Dunes of Luck"). We will sleep at the foot of the highest dune.
5 hours of walking
Accommodation: Camping in tents
Walking north, we cross the bed of the Draa River and have lunch in the shade of giant tamarisk trees near the abandoned old village of Erg Smar (also called Bloc). In the afternoon, we continue by crossing the Erg Smar, characterized by its gray dunes, and set up the bivouac at the entrance of Erg Sadrat.
5 hours of walking
Accommodation: Camping in tents
A combination stage between the two dune massifs, with a distant view of the depression and the camel grazing area of Dayat Chegaga, where some nomadic families take advantage of the tall grass in spring. The sea of dunes lies ahead as we head towards the tallest dune for a panoramic view. We set up camp in the sandy hollow for the night.
6 hours and 30 minutes of walking
Accommodation: Camping in tents
A full stage to explore the ochre dunes of Erg El Ghoul, parallel to the natural barrier of the Bani massif. Setting up the bivouac at Erg El Ghoul.
5 hours of walking
Accommodation: Camping in tents
The final peaceful Saharan stage, parallel to the depression and the dried-up lake of Iriki. Setting up the last bivouac on the edge of Erg Mhazil.
4 hours and 30 minutes of walking Accommodation: Camping in tents
Breakfast at the bivouac, followed by a short walk across the dried-up lake. Transfer by 4x4 vehicle and a visit to the village of Sidi Abdenbi. Return to Ouarzazate via the Mdaouer Sghir track, passing through the characteristic Tabulation area, and continuing towards the road to Foum Zguid and Taznakht. Picnic lunch along the way. Arrival in Ouarzazate in the late afternoon. Check-in at the hotel, free dinner.
30 minutes of walking
Accommodation: Hotel
Transfer: 4x4 vehicle, 5 hours
Transfer to the airport.
