Erg Chegaga desert trek from Ouarzazate starts driving through Jebel Saghro mountain we join the green ribbon of palm groves of Draa valley dotted with towering ksours, we arrive at a powerful rock barrier of jebel bani. Once crossed, it will open the door of the desert, where we find the oases of Oulad Driss and M’Hamid, which will disappear quickly, giving way to a trickle of sand that soon swells and swells to form high golden dunes.
Erg Chegaga desert occupies the fossil bed of the Draa valley, once the largest river in the Sahara: 1200 km from the Atlas to the Atlantic! Thus, in five and a half days, During Erg Chegaga desert trek from Ouarzazate we cross the mountain of Bani, which gives access to the desert dunes of chegaga. From one dune to another, while crossing here and there a herd of camels, we reach the beautiful dunes of Chegaga desert.
| GROUP SIZE | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
| PRICE/PERSON | €740 | €710 | €680 | €650 | €620 | €590 | €560 |
This Morocco desert trek from Ouarzazate in south of morocco promises a captivating adventure filled with unique experiences, explore the mesmerizing landscapes of the Sahara Desert trek from Ouarzazate, with its desert sand dunes stretching as far as the eye can see, Palms groves, Oases, Ksar (fortified village) and Kasbah (fortified house).
This ample experience that we will share with you will undoubtedly guide you to an unforgettable tour in Morocco.
Upon your arrival at Ouarzazate airport, you will be welcomed by your tour guide and transferred to your riad or hotel for an overnight stay. If you arrive early enough, you can visit some of the highlights around Ouarzazate, such as the Fint Oasis, the fortified village of Ksar Ait Benhaddou and Draa valley. Please keep us informed if you are interested in organizing an excursion from Ouarzazate.
Transfer from Ouarzazate. We traverse a rocky desert landscape, and then cross the Jabel Saghro mountain range through the Tinififte pass (1660 m). Upon reaching the village of Aguedz, the gateway to the Draa Valley, you’ll be greeted by beautiful palm groves and villages adorned with traditional architecture. Our journey continues to Zagora, involving a 3-hour drive covering 176 km.
Upon reaching Zagora, we enjoy a short break, we then continue our last drive of 29 km to our designated meeting point with the camel team, marking the beginning of our hike. Following an hour of trekking, we ascend to the Faija Pass (800 m). Subsequently, we traverse the gorge, eventually arriving at our camp nestled near a cluster of palm trees after a 3-hour walk. The night will be spent camping under the captivating, starry desert sky.
We depart from our camp, setting our sights on the enchanting southwest horizon. Our desert trek unfolds across a vast plateau—a windswept expanse that serves as the stage for the unfolding drama of the desert landscape. The sun casts its golden hues upon the terrain, creating a canvas of ever-shifting shadows and highlights.
Our path guides us to the diminutive oasis of Diabi, a precious gem hidden amidst the arid vastness. As we traverse this oasis, the air is filled with the delicate whispers of palm fronds, and the oasis springs forth like a mirage—a fleeting respite in the heart of the desert. The next chapter of our exploration begins as we enter the Amhacer Valley, a realm that unveils truly spectacular canyoning.
Come midday, we find refuge in the shade of ancient acacia trees, their gnarled branches offering a haven from the sun’s fervent rays. Here, amidst the soothing rustle of leaves, we partake in a leisurely lunch. The afternoon beckons us further into the heart of adventure as we continue our trek through the gorge of the Amhacer Valley. Towering rock formations stand as sentinels, and narrow passageways reveal a cinematic display of light and shadow. Each step is a revelation—an exploration of the raw beauty that nature has carved into this desert wilderness. Our day concludes as we arrive at our camp.
Today, our caravan gracefully navigates the expansive rocky plateau, creating an undulating path that unveils the rugged beauty of the ground. As the sun ascends, painting the sky with hues of warmth, we find ourselves embraced by the enchanting ambiance of the Oum Laalg Oases. These small, picturesque havens emerge like mirages, providing a serene contrast to the rocky expanse we traverse.
Following a brief respite amidst this oasis serenity, our desert trek unfolds with renewed vigor as we venture towards our lunch site. Here, the surroundings transform into a captivating panorama of acacia-shaded elegance.
As the afternoon sun begins its descent, our caravan ventures forth into a new realm—the ever-shifting landscape of majestic dunes. Each rise and fall of these golden giants tells a tale of time immemorial, and we traverse their sandy crests, chasing the horizon until we reach our next camp.
Today marks the inception of a new chapter—an exploration of the ethereal dunes of Chgaga, a landscape that starkly contrasts with the rugged terrain we’ve traversed thus far.
As we tread upon the undulating sea of golden sands, the grandeur of the Chgaga desert sand dunes unfolds, extending to the horizon in an uninterrupted panorama. Every step forward delves us deeper into this otherworldly realm, where the silent whispers of the dunes recount tales of time immemorial. Sunlight gracefully dances upon the textured grains of sand, orchestrating a mesmerizing interplay of light and shadow that bathes the desert in hues of gold and amber. The tranquility of the Chgaga dunes extends a profound invitation to serenity—a realm where the perpetual rhythm of the wind has sculpted the dunes into elegant forms, and time unfolds at its own leisurely pace. Our senses become one with the vastness, as the soft crunch of sand beneath our feet and the gentle rustle of the breeze through the dunes compose a captivating soundtrack to this extraordinary desert trek.
Our pilgrimage through the Chgaga dunes will reach its zenith at the oasis of Smar, where our camp awaits after 5 hours and 30 minutes of uninterrupted walking.
After a hearty breakfast, our expedition begins with a leisurely stroll through the remnants of an ancient, weathered village—a testament to the passage of time and the stories etched into its stones. Our path unfolds along the dry riverbed of the Draa, bearing witness to the ever-changing course of nature. The sun-drenched riverbed, now a mosaic of cracked earth, sets the stage for our adventure.
Our trek takes an exhilarating turn as we navigate between towering dunes that rise like intricately crafted sand sculptures. Each crest reveals a breathtaking panorama that stretches beyond the horizon. The pinnacle of our trek awaits at the highest and most majestic dune, Zhar, where the panoramic view is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Here, we pause to absorb the sheer magnitude of the surrounding dunes and savor a well-deserved lunch at our carefully chosen campsite.
As the afternoon unfolds, we immerse ourselves in the extraordinary beauty of this desert realm. The shifting hues of the dunes, ranging from golden ochre to burnt sienna, paint a mesmerizing tapestry that captivates the senses. It’s a journey into the heart of the desert’s ever-changing landscape, where each step tells a story written in the sands of time.
After breakfast, we embark on a new day of desert trekking. Today’s journey serves as a testament to the essence of time, revealing echoes of history as we meander near ancient cemeteries. Each weathered tombstone tells a centuries-old tale of nomadic existence in this expansive Sahara landscape. The very ground beneath our feet resonates with the rich tapestry of a bygone era, where nomads once flourished amidst the abundant flora and fauna that adorned this vast wilderness.
Our midday respite becomes a moment of serenity beneath the protective canopy of a tree’s shade—a welcome break in the heart of this arid landscape.
As the afternoon unfolds, we resume our desert odyssey. The dunes rise and fall like the pages of an ancient manuscript, recounting tales of time etched in their golden grains. Crossing plateaux that offer panoramic views of the surrounding vistas, we tread lightly on the earth, each step paying homage to the nomads who once traversed these very sands.
Our day’s pilgrimage reaches its pinnacle at Sidi Naji, the site of our final camp, adorned with the graceful silhouettes of Tamaris trees and surrounded by the undulating dunes.
After breakfast, we embark on the final leg of our desert trek, bidding farewell to our last camp. Our journey unfolds through the pristine expanse of the desert, each step a communion with the solitude of the Sahara. The small dunes gently guide our path until we reveal the oasis and last palm groves of M’hamid, nestled in the heart of the arid wilderness—the last palm valley.
As we traverse the final stretch, the village of M’hamid emerges like a mirage, its adobe structures mirroring the earthy tones of the desert. A welcoming haven, it beckons us with the promise of a sumptuous lunch.
Post-lunch, our hike takes a poignant turn as we bid farewell to our team and transition to the modernity of transportation. An expedition on wheels awaits, propelling us through shifting landscapes towards Zagora city. The vehicle becomes our vessel, gliding through the tapestry of desert stones and valleys, each curve of the road revealing a new facet of the desert’s allure.
Upon our arrival in Zagora city, we find repose in the comfort of a hotel.
After breakfast, we leave Zagora and drive north through the Draa Valley, renowned for its lush palm groves and traditional Berber villages. The landscape is adorned with kasbahs and mud-brick houses. The road takes us across the Anti Atlas Mountains to Ouarzazate,. Upon arrival at the hotel, you can enjoy the remainder of your time exploring Ouarzazate city or the Cinema studio. Alternatively, You may want to organize an excursion to Ait Benhaddou village. Please click here to get more information if you are interested.
Following our morning meal, our vacation officially concludes, leaving the entire day open for leisurely exploration through Ouarzazate city if your departure time is late. An enticing choice is to spend the rest of the day at your own pace, perhaps finding a cozy spot at one of the city restaurants. Meeting you and transfer to the airport 2 hours 30 minutes before your fly time.
We’ve gathered a selection of commonly asked questions to provide you with further insight into this extraordinary trek.
