Wild Desert Traverse From Oum Aachar To M'hamid
Camel trekking is much more than a fun desert activity; it is deeply connected to Morocco’s nomadic heritage. For centuries, camels have been used as an essential means of transport across the country’s desert regions. Following these traditional routes on camelback offers a unique way to experience the landscapes and discover the timeless beauty of the Sahara.
The most popular camel trekking adventure takes you deep into the Sahara Desert, where you can ride along the crest of the dunes in the late afternoon, surrounded by golden sand, open skies and an extraordinary sense of peace and solitude. As the sun begins to set, we find a suitable place to camp and watch the colours of the desert change beneath the evening light.
After sunset, the experience continues beneath a spectacular canopy of stars. With clear skies, almost complete silence and the vast desert stretching into the distance, a night on a Sahara camel trek is an experience that stays with you long after you leave Morocco.
Our Morocco camel trekking holidays can be tailored to suit your interests and available time, with adventures ranging from one-day excursions to longer journeys of up to eight days. Whether you are looking for a short Sahara experience or a more immersive desert adventure, we can create an itinerary to suit you.
This camel trek runs all year round and can depart on any date of your choice.
We usually have several treks departing each week, which you are welcome to join. Please get in touch to discuss your preferred dates.
Your camel trek can be booked independently, including transfers from Marrakech, or incorporated into a tailor-made Morocco holiday combining the Sahara with Marrakech, Essaouira, the Atlantic Coast or the Imperial Cities.
Our mountain and desert adventures can also be combined with other Moroccan tours, allowing us to create a memorable itinerary tailored around your interests and available time.
Pick Up & Drop Off
You will be picked up from your accommodation in Marrakech city, many riads don't have access via car so the driver will park nearby and come to get you.
You will be dropped off at the nearest point to your riad/hotel. Our driver can call your riad to meet you if needed.
Route Details
Day 01
Marrakech or Ouarzazate - Hotel
Arrive at Marrakech or Ouarzazate Airport, where you will be met and transferred to your local hotel. Settle in and relax after your journey before enjoying your first evening in Morocco.
Day 02
Marrakech - Col Tichka (2260 m) - Ouarzazate - Agdz - Draa Valley - Zagora - Faija
After breakfast, we travel south towards Ouarzazate, the gateway to the Sahara, crossing the spectacular High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m). Along the way, we visit the impressive Glaoui Kasbah of Telouet, an atmospheric historic kasbah and former stopping point on the ancient caravan routes.
We then continue towards Ouarzazate before travelling through the beautiful landscapes of the Draa Valley to Agdz and Zagora. The scenery changes dramatically as we leave the mountains behind and enter the arid desert landscapes of southern Morocco.
Finally, we arrive at Faija, where our desert camp will already be set up and waiting for us. Relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings after a fascinating day travelling through some of Morocco’s most spectacular landscapes.
Distance: Approx. 400km, including stops and breaks.
Day 03
Plateau Faija - Jebel Bani - Col Oum Laachar - Oued Lemhasser - Oasis – Camp
After breakfast, we set off on foot across the open desert plateau, passing small farms and cultivated areas at the foot of Djebel Bani. The route gradually climbs towards the famous Oum Laachar Pass, where we cross into the dramatic landscape beyond.
From the pass, we descend towards Oued Lemhasser, enjoying the rugged scenery and vast desert landscapes along the way. This is a rewarding day of walking through one of southern Morocco’s most remote and atmospheric regions.
Approx. 5–6 hours’ walking / 17km.
Day 04
Oued Lemhasser - Chegaga Dunes - Camp in the base of the dunes
We leave Oued Lemhasser behind and continue on foot towards the magnificent dunes of Erg Chigaga, following the trail through the vast and remote Sahara landscape. As the golden dunes come into view, the scenery becomes increasingly dramatic, with sweeping sands stretching towards the horizon.
We spend the night among the dunes, enjoying the peace and solitude of this spectacular desert setting beneath the vast Moroccan sky.
Day 05
Chegaga Dunes - Bougarn Dunes - Camp
Today we continue our trek through the heart of the Sahara, leaving the magnificent Erg Chigaga dunes behind and following the trail towards the beautiful dunes of Bougern. The route takes us through a vast and peaceful desert landscape, with endless sands and dramatic dunes stretching towards the horizon.
We arrive at Bougern and spend the night at our desert camp, surrounded by the tranquillity and spectacular scenery of the Sahara.
Day 06
Bougarn Dunes - Oued Naam – Camp
After breakfast, we leave the beautiful Bougern Dunes behind and continue our trek across the remote Sahara landscape. We cross the Oued Naam, following the route through the peaceful desert surroundings before reaching our overnight camp.
The camp will be set up ready for our arrival, providing a welcome place to rest and enjoy the tranquillity of the desert after another rewarding day on foot.
Approx. 5–6 hours’ walking / 16km.
Day 07
Oued Naam - Mhamid Dunes - Zagora - Marrakech – Hotel
oday is our final day in this beautiful desert landscape. We set off on foot through the Mhamid Dunes, enjoying a final taste of the vast Sahara scenery before continuing towards Zagora.
On arrival in Zagora, we transfer by vehicle for the long journey back to Marrakech. The route offers a final opportunity to enjoy the changing landscapes of southern Morocco, with breaks along the way to rest and take photographs.
Day 08
Hotel
Transfer to airport.
Note: this itinerary is just a guideline and subject to change to suit local conditions.
Equipment
Please ensure you have packed all safety essentials. See the Equipment List here if you're unsure of what to bring. Our guides will conduct a final gear check in Imlil before we commence the ascent to the higher altitudes of the Toubkal massif.
Tour Rates
Flexible Pricing
1 person : 1200€
2 - 3 people : 780€/person
4 - 7 people : 690€/person
8 - 12 people : 610€/person
What Is Included?
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All transport
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Guide, Cook .
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camping Materiel
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All meals during the trek
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Camel for luggage during the trek
What Is Not Included
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Travel insurance.
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Soft/alcoholic drinks
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Tips and personal expanses
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Lunches & dinners in Marrakech.
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Entrance fee (Monuments visits)
Accommodation & Shelters
Two nights in a riad in Marrakech or Ourzazate
The rest will be spent in wild camps.
Clothing & Essential Equipment
Essential Equipment
Can Be Hired From Us
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Good trainers for valley treks or normal walking boots.
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Sandals may be good for sand dunes.
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Sleeping bags.
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Day sack
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Duffel bags for the camels
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Personnel First aid Kit
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Lightweight waterproof over-trousers / rain-pants
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Lightweight daypack
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Sunglasses
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Sunscreen
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Torch and batteries
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Towel & all personal toiletries
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Ask us to see what we have
What Is Appropriate Attire In Morocco?
Morocco is a conservative and religious country, which means you always need to be mindful of your clothing choices. This is especially true in the country’s more rural areas, which include the Sahara Desert and its surrounding villages. As a general rule of thumb, you should always attempt to cover body parts considered “private”. For women, this means covering the arms (or at least the shoulders) and the knees up. For men, it requires covering up the shoulders and above the knee.
High Energy Meals
Meals on the trek are cooked by the Berber muleteers. The food is fresh and healthy. Example meals:
Breakfast: Jam, bread, cookies, fruit, juice, butter, coffee, milkLunch: salad, tomatoes, carrots, lentils, beans, rice or pasta, fish (sardines, tuna), seasonal fruit
Dinner: Soup, classic Morooccan tajine, couscous, olives, nuts, fruit
Can my dietary requirements be catered to?
Absolutely. Just let us know about your catering preferences when you confirm your booking to ensure any dietary requirements are met. Please remind as well your guide and cook on first day of the trek.
Start Your Journey
Ready to explore the Atlas Mountains? Reach out to us for detailed trek inquiries, tailor-made itineraries, or any questions about our Berber-led adventure tours.
Email: aztat.trek@gmail.com
Phone: +212 668-760165
Location: Imlil, Morocco
Personal baggage, cooking equipment and food are carried by the mules, leaving you to carry only a rucksack with whatever you need close at hand for the day. NB: Left luggage or unnecessary luggage can be left safely in our storage in Imlil till you come back from the trek.