SAHARA ULTRA-TREK: 9-Day Desert Expedition
This 9-day tour is a true expedition designed for active and sporty travelers who want to cross the deep Sahara on foot. Leave the roads and the crowds behind to walk into the heart of Erg Chegaga, following the ancient rhythm of nomadic life. You will spend 7 full days trekking across vast dunes and desert plains, experiencing the true silence and raw beauty of the wilderness. This is more than a tour; it is a physical and mental journey that connects you deeply with the spirit of the desert.
Why Choose the Ultra-Trek?
A Real Challenge : This trip is for active people. You will walk for 7 days across sand dunes, rocky paths, and harsh desert lands. It is a great way to test your strength in the wild.
Pure Silence : We travel far away from the crowds. You will experience the deep peace of the Sahara and see the desert in its natural, quiet form.
Local Nomad Guides : You will walk with local nomads who know the land perfectly. They share their stories and keep you safe with traditional knowledge and fresh food.
Respect Nature : This is an eco-friendly tour. We protect the environment, and your visit directly helps local nomad families stay in their homeland.
Erg Chegaga trekking, Sahara desert trek from Marrakech, and nomadic camel trekking Morocco.
Guided desert trekking with local nomads and camel support – Scenic drive through the High Atlas Mountains and Draa Valley.
Day 1: Marrakech – Foum Mla’char (Zagora Area)
Your Erg Chegaga trekking adventure starts with a morning pickup from Marrakech. Drive south across changing landscapes toward Foum Mla’char, near the Zagora region (about 355 km). This area marks the true beginning of your Sahara trekking journey. Upon arrival, meet your nomad team, camels, and support crew who will accompany you during the trek. Enjoy your first taste of desert silence and wide-open spaces. Dinner and overnight near Foum Mla’char under the stars, preparing for the days of trekking ahead.
Day 2: Foum Mla’char – Palm Oasis
After breakfast, the camel caravan begins its slow journey into the desert. You will walk on foot or ride a camel across sandy paths and desert plains. By midday, reach a beautiful palm oasis fed by natural water sources. This green contrast in the middle of the Sahara offers a peaceful place to rest. Lunch is served in the shade of palm trees. In the evening, enjoy dinner and overnight near the oasis, surrounded by calm desert landscapes.
Day 3: Trekking to Meet Local Nomads
Continue your Sahara trekking after breakfast, walking deeper into remote desert areas. Along the way, you may meet local nomads who still depend on their livestock—goats, camels, and sheep—for daily survival. Your guide will explain how nomads adapt to the harsh desert environment and manage water, food, and shelter. Dinner and overnight in a desert bivouac, experiencing a true nomadic night under the stars.
Day 4: Trekking to the Dunes of Erg Chegaga
Today’s walk brings you closer to the legendary Erg Chegaga, one of the largest and wildest dune areas in Morocco. The landscape slowly changes from flat desert to rolling dunes. In the late afternoon, arrive at the edge of the great dunes. Watch an unforgettable sunset over the golden sand, a highlight of the Erg Chegaga trekking experience. Dinner and overnight near the dunes, enjoying total desert silence.
Day 5: Erg Chegaga Region – Desert Well
After sunrise and breakfast, trek through sandy paths between dunes toward a rare water source hidden in the desert. This deep well, known locally as the “fox well,” is vital for nomads and wildlife in the Erg Chegaga region. Learn about desert survival techniques and water management in the Sahara. Relax in the afternoon before enjoying dinner and overnight in a remote camp among the dunes.
Day 6: Erg Chegaga – Rocky Plateau – Erg Lghrair
Today’s trekking route crosses a mix of dunes and rocky desert plateaus. After leaving the soft sand, walk across a vast stony landscape offering wide panoramic views. By late afternoon, reach the edges of Erg Lghrair, a quieter and less-visited dune area. Dinner and overnight in a simple desert bivouac, far from any roads or villages.
Day 7: Erg Lghrair – Draa Valley – Erg Az-Zahar
Ride camels and walk through sections of the Draa Valley, following ancient caravan routes once used by traders. Continue trekking toward Erg Az-Zahar, one of the biggest dunes in southern Morocco. From the top of the dune, enjoy breathtaking views stretching toward the Moroccan–Algerian border. Dinner and overnight near Erg Az-Zahar, surrounded by dramatic desert scenery.
Day 8: Erg Az-Zahar – M’Hamid El Ghizlane – Sidi Naji
After breakfast, walk the final trekking kilometers toward M’Hamid El Ghizlane, the last village before the deep Sahara. Visit the sacred Sidi Naji area, an important cultural and spiritual site for local nomads. Spend the final night of your trekking tour near M’Hamid, celebrating the end of an incredible Sahara adventure.
Day 9: M’Hamid El Ghizlane – Marrakech (or Agadir)
After breakfast, transfer by vehicle to your next destination. You can return to Marrakech or continue toward Agadir on the Atlantic coast. As the journey ends, leave the Sahara with unforgettable memories, a deeper understanding of nomadic life, and a true connection to Morocco’s desert culture.
Includes & Excludes
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this 9-day Sahara trekking tour suitable for?
This trek is designed for travelers who are seeking a deep, authentic desert experience rather than a classic sightseeing tour. It is ideal for adventurous travelers, nature lovers, and those interested in nomadic culture who have a good level of fitness and enjoy walking several days in a row. The pace is steady and adapted to the group, allowing time for rest, cultural encounters, and appreciation of the desert environment.
How physically demanding is this trekking tour?
The trekking level is moderate. You will walk or ride camels for several hours each day, typically between 3 and 6 hours, depending on terrain and weather conditions. The route includes sandy paths, dunes, rocky plateaus, and palm oases. Regular breaks are taken, and camels are always available for rest if needed.
Do camels carry the luggage and supplies?
Yes, a full camel caravan accompanies the trek and carries all main luggage, food, water, and camping equipment. Participants only need to carry a small daypack with personal essentials such as water, sun protection, and a camera, ensuring a comfortable trekking experience.
Where do we sleep during the trek?
Accommodation is in traditional desert bivouacs, set up each evening in remote locations. Mattresses, blankets, and tents are provided. Many nights can also be spent sleeping under the open sky, allowing you to experience the Sahara’s silence and stars in their purest form.
What kind of food is served during the trek?
Meals are freshly prepared daily by the nomad support team using local products. You will enjoy simple but nourishing Moroccan dishes such as tagines, soups, salads, bread, dates, and seasonal vegetables, along with traditional mint tea. Meals are adapted to the rhythm and energy needs of desert trekking.
What should I pack for a long Sahara trek?
You should bring comfortable walking shoes, light breathable clothing, warm layers for evenings, sun protection, a sleeping bag (recommended), personal toiletries, and a small backpack. A detailed packing list can be provided before departure to help you prepare properly.
Is this trekking tour safe?
Yes, safety is a priority. The trek is led by experienced nomad guides who know the region intimately, including desert routes, weather conditions, and water sources. Vehicles are available for transfers at the beginning and end of the trek, and communication support is in place if needed.