Sahara Trek Morocco

Fantastic Sahara trip an old favourite of Morocco trekking.. Desert tours using ancient modes of transport. Supported by Berber the Saharah desert travel masters. Unique desert tour.

The Sahara Desert conjures up images of vast unending sands, desert oasis and star-encrusted skies. It offers the challenge of trekking and camping in an extreme location surrounded by breathtaking scenery and a fascinating culture.

We access the Sahara Desert via Morocco which stands at the western extremity of the Arab and Muslim world, Separated from Europe by the 15km Strait of Gibraltar. After the trek there is time to explore the imperial city of Marrakech with its bustling central square and exotic traditions. This expedition although not as arduous as others, offers a rich blend of Saharan flavours and is a great introduction to this unique environment.

Day 1: London - Ouarzazate

Fly from London to Ouarzazate via Casablanca and take a short transfer (15-20mins) to our hotel for the evening. This former French administrative centre is now the centre of Morocco's film industry. The spectacular rugged mountains surrounding Ouarzazate have formed the backdrop to many well known movies including Star Wars, Gladiator, The Mummy and Lawrence of Arabia. We overnight at a hotel in Ouarzazate before heading off into the wilderness.

Day 2: Ouarzazate - Erg El Ghoul

We set off by Land Rover in a southerly direction via the carpet towns of Taznakht and Foum Zguid. At Foum Zguid we leave the road and head through the desert towards the magnificent rock formations of Mdouar El Kbir. After travelling for around 5 hours by vehicle we arrive at Erg El M'hazil from where we set off on foot. Trekking in this remote area is a fascinating experience, allowing a privileged insight into a world that has scarcely changed for centuries. Around 3 hours later we arrive at our overnight camp at Erg El Ghoul.

Terrain: sandy terrain, no hills, very gentle uphill

3 hours / 11kms approx.

Day 3: Erg El Ghoul - Cheggaga Dunes

There is bound to be excitement this morning as we embark on our first full day in the Sahara Desert. Undulating dunes stretch ahead of us for hundreds of miles while mirages shimmer in the distance. For much of the day we follow a stony valley which later opens onto a vast plateau. It is hard to see how anything can live in this environment but we may encounter desert wildlife such as gazelles, rabbits, squirrels and lizards. Lunch is a picnic under the shade of tamarind trees, a welcome respite from the heat. Towards the end of the day we approach the great golden dunes of Cheggaga which regularly host film crews shooting on location. Towering up to 300 metres, these are the highest dunes in Morocco. They offer incredible views from the top and before dinner we ascend the dunes to watch the desert sun set in a riot of colour. We camp near a well which is normally populated with nomads and their cattle.

Terrain: low dunes, walking in sand, dry river beds, across high dunes down to camp.

6 hours / 21kms approx.

Day 4: Cheggaga Dunes - Bougarn

We leave civilisation behind at the Cheggaga Dunes and head deep into the desert. It is another day of breathtaking landscape under the constant glare of the sun. We occasionally encounter nomads and their cattle but the general feeling of space and solitude is amazing. Our destination is the magnificent dunes at Bougarn where we stop to camp. Optional camel ride this evening!

Terrain: low dunes, hard terrain (not sand), stony plateau

6 hours / 22kms approx.

Day 5: Bougarn - Oued Nâam

We set off through more sand dunes beautifully sculpted by the wind. After three days in the desert we will feel far removed from the pressures of everyday life. We may see the occasional “caravan” of camels trading perhaps in rock salt or dates. The Arabian camel is one of the best-adapted desert mammals and can live for 40 years. Valued greatly by nomadic Tuareg people as a means of transport, almost all parts of their body can be used. Tents are made from camel hair cloth, dung is used as fuel on cold desert nights and skin makes excellent leather. Throughout the day there are superb views of the Jebel Bani mountain range as we head towards Oued Nâam for our last night under the stars.

Terrain: low dunes, sandy underfoot

7 hours / 20kms approx.

Day 6: Oued Naâm - Erg Lihoudi – Zagora

After breakfast we trek further south towards Erg Lihoudi passing the Oued (River) Draâ en-route. This river flows from the Atlas Mountains into the Sahara Desert and marks the border between Morocco and Algeria. Until a century ago the Draa River Valley was part of a lucrative trade route across the Sahara. Thousands of camels made the journey laden with salt, dates, barley and goatskins to the great market towns of the Niger River – Timbuktu and Gao. On their return they bought gold, slaves, ivory and ostrich feathers. With the arrival of coastal shipping in the 19th Century these routes fell into decline. We finish our trek in the village of Zagora which is well known for the mock-serious road sign which proclaims that it's 52 days by camel to Timbuktu. Overnight in hotel accommodation.

Terrain: dry river bed, stony at times

6 hours / 22kms approx.

Day 7: Zagora - Marrakech

Today is spent driving through ever-changing desert scenery. Our route is lined with palm plantations, ancient kasbahs and impressive village strongholds known as ksours. We stop several times during our journey to sample the finer aspects of desert life. The total transfer time is 6 – 7 hours approx. Overnight at an hotel in Marrakech.

Day 8: Marrakech

Today is free to discover the sights and sounds of Marrakesh. The starting point is bound to be Djemaa el Fna, the city's central square. It is a bustling place full of traders, snake charmers, musicians, acrobats and storytellers. Marrakech has lots more to offer - souqs crammed with Moroccan crafts, the enormous Koutoubia Mosque and a vast array of museums, palaces, gardens and cultural sites. This evening we enjoy a celebratory meal. Overnight in Marrakech.

Day 9: Marrakech - London