Hiking Remote Sand Dunes of Morocco - 6 Days
Hike amongst remote & majestic sand dunes of Morocco
Trek amongst the iconic and majestic sand dunes of Morocco, starting in Marrakech, and on to the remote Erg Zahar dune field. This seldom visited dune field offers remote desert views from its highest point, and astonishing, pristine landscapes while you trek. We will hike a circuit from M'hamid, a small village in Zagora region of Morocco, through what is traditionally referred to as an 'Erg', or 'sea of sand'. Come join us in this incredible country to enjoy the hiking experience of a lifetime!
Trip Itinerary
Welcome to Morocco!
Today you will be met by our representative, and transferred to your accommodation in Marrakech.
Day 2: Draa River & Sidi Naji marabout
After breakfast, you will be met at your hotel, and transferred to meet your desert guides & camel caravan when the camels are loaded with your luggage / equipment. Your guides will also help you to wrap your turban, ideal protection in the desert! Our first morning trek will guide us along the banks of the Draa River, through palm groves and on to the 300 year old original settlement of M'hamid. Find some shade under a palm, and take this opportunity to visit some of the now-abandoned pise-mud buildings nearby. We will enjoy a lunch near a point known as Ras Nkhal. Nearing the end of our palm grove, the landscape quickly turns to stone and desert brush. We will hike about another 2.5 hours after lunch, headed south-west towards the marabout Sidi Naji, or "shrine of the holy man". It is nearby, where we find our secluded overnight camp, protected by surrounding dunes.
After breakfast at camp, we head off toward our days goal, the large & remote sand dune region of Zahar. We aim to arrive in Zahar by lunch, which should be about 4 hours walking on largely flat, or plateaued land, transforming into towering sand dunes.Upon arrival, our camp will be set up at the foot of the tall dunes, resting between smaller protective dunes to each side, and lunch will be served! The afternoon is yours to explore Zahar, perhaps reaching the tallest point to take in the sweeping views of the sea of sand that surrounds us.
Tonight we will take in a world class sunset in the desert, and enjoy another night under the stars of Morocco.
After breakfast, our camp will be broken down, and we will once again be on our way into this incredible landscape. Today we will be crossing the bed of the Draa River for the first time since we left M'hamid. The actual size of the river bed is astounding, and one can imagine how it must have looked while actually running through the contrasting landscape of the surrounding desert. Water still runs deep below the surface here, however, and the vegetation along today's hike is a small indication of the resilience and unique geography of the area. We will enjoy our lunch under the shade of the tamarisk trees, hopefully catching a cool breeze as we do.
After lunch, trek across flat land which was once fertile (when water was present) and you will come across remnants of agricultural land which is now used as pasture for grazing camels. Overnight camp will be established, in the seclusion of small sand dunes.
Today’s trek time: 5-6 hours
Once again, today we will break down camp after our breakfast in the Moroccan dunes. Our goal today is to make it back to our starting point of M'hamid, completing our 4 day circuit. As we get closer to M'hamid, the familiar palm groves and desert shrubbery lead the way. Before reaching our hotel, we will stop for one last lunch in the shade, reflecting on our astounding few days, and taking in the remote beauty of the dunes. We will arrive in M'hamid, and check into our last night at our hotel. The evening is yours to relax, and enjoy your last night in M'hamid.
Today’s trek time: 4 hours
Today, you will be transferred back to Marrakech, and dropped off either at your accommodations, or the airport.
Additional Trip Info
- 1 Night accommodation is Marrakech
- 2 Night accommodation in M'hamid
- Meals as signified
- Arrival airport transfer at Marrakech day 1
- Return Marrakech transportation
- 4 days/3 nights guided hiking (all meals, drinking water/hot drinks, camping equipment, baggage camels)
- Personal Expenses
- Drinks at hotels, meals not included on itinerary
- Departure transfer to airport
- Additional activities not specified on itinerary
- Gratuities for guides.
- Travel Insurance - We recommend World Nomads, or Global Rescue
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