Total Distance

Approx. 60–70 km

Guides

Certified guide

Location

Sahara Desert

Tour Type

Hikng

Overview

Desert trekking offers a unique chance to escape the hustle of modern life and immerse yourself in the vast, breathtaking landscapes of the Sahara. This 5-day trekking experience is perfect for adventurers looking to disconnect and reconnect with nature and the timeless nomadic traditions of the region. Accompanied by a local guide, a camel caravan, and a skilled desert cook, you’ll journey across ever-changing terrain—from golden dunes that stretch to the horizon, to arid plateaus and hidden desert oases.

Each day on this trek reveals a new side of the Sahara’s beauty and mystery. You’ll traverse sandy hills that shimmer under the sun and rugged expanses where resilient plants and wildlife thrive against the odds. The pace of travel allows you to truly absorb the silence and vastness of the desert, offering moments of deep reflection and awe.

At night, under an incredible canopy of stars far from city lights, you’ll camp in traditional Berber tents. Here, your desert cook will prepare delicious, authentic meals using local ingredients, adding a comforting taste of Moroccan culture to your wilderness adventure.

Your knowledgeable guide will enrich your experience with stories about the Sahara’s natural environment, its people, and the nomadic lifestyle that has persisted for centuries. Along the way, you’ll visit secret oases—vibrant green pockets in the desert that provide life-giving water and shelter to both people and wildlife.

This desert trekking tour is ideal for travelers seeking an authentic, off-the-beaten-path adventure. Whether you’re an experienced trekker or simply someone eager to explore the magic of the Sahara, this journey offers a rare blend of physical challenge, cultural discovery, and unforgettable natural beauty.

Itinerary

Day 1: Merzouga ➝ Erg Chebbi Dunes ➝ Camp in the Heart of the Desert
  • Meet your guide and camel team in Merzouga.

  • Begin your trek across the dunes of Erg Chebbi.

  • Stop for a picnic lunch under an acacia tree.

  • Reach your first wild camp by sunset.

  • Dinner and night under canvas or stars.

  • Overnight in desert bivouac.

  • Trek deeper into the Sahara across tamarisk-dotted plateaus.

  • Visit a small seasonal oasis with a freshwater well.

  • Tea with a nomadic family (if encountered on the route).

  • Camp near a dune field with stunning sunset views.

  • Overnight in desert bivouac.

  • Morning hike through changing terrain – dunes turn to hamada (rocky desert).

  • Learn to bake traditional sand bread with your desert cook.

  • Afternoon rest and mint tea break.

  • Hike to a hidden dry riverbed.

  • Overnight in wild camp near Erg Smar.

  • Gradual return westward through stone plateaus and sandy valleys.

  • Spot desert wildlife: fennec tracks, beetles, or desert foxes.

  • Reach your final camp near Merzouga.

  • Overnight in camp or lodge.

  • Sunrise over the dunes with time for quiet reflection.

  • Short morning walk back to Merzouga village.

  • Shower and breakfast at the guesthouse.

  • End of trek – onward transfer available.

What's Included

  • ✅ Local Sahrawi guide & camel caravan

  • ✅ Camels to carry bags & gear

  • ✅ 4 nights wild camping (mattress, tent, blankets provided)

  • ✅ All meals during the trek

  • ✅ Bottled water throughout

  • ✅ Transfer from/to Merzouga (on request)

  • ✅ Desert cook & traditional tea ceremony

What's Not Included

  • ❌ Flights & long-distance transport to Merzouga

  • ❌ Sleeping bag (can be rented)

  • ❌ Tips for guides & camel drivers

  • ❌ Travel insurance

  • ❌ Hotel stay before/after trek (available on request)

Road Bike

Marrakech Outdoor Hikes

Wonderful journey full of beauty and nuance. An unparalleled experience. Yossef and his team have been extraordinary. Thank you.

Jorge bm