North Africa The desert is where senses are overwhelmed with the timeless beauty of the sun and the sand dunes. The expansive canvas of sand offers an artistic beauty of nature that captivates the soul. Mhamid desert in Morocco is an example of where time pauses, and the sand speaks tales of ancient empires. At night, the sky is illuminated with dancing stars, offering an unforgettable serene atmosphere. This journey, Akaltours, goes beyond the normal trekking tours into a profoundly moving experience.
If you look deeply at Marrakech's architecture and surrounding palm trees, you would think immediately that you are in an oasis surrounded by sand and desert plants. Well, it’s the truth, Marrakech is the gateway to the vast Sahara Desert. It served as a meeting point for caravans of gold, salt, silver, and gold coming from the old trade routes of Africa and sub-Saharan Africa. It is no wonder that some aspects of Marrakech and the south resemble regions in Mali or Senegal, and vice versa.
On arrival at Marrakech airport, the Akaltours team will warmly welcome you with Moroccan pastries and escort you to your comfortable minivan. Settle into your charming guesthouse on the outskirts of Marrakech with some Moroccan mint tea and surrender to the marvelous architecture of the guesthouse. Afterwards, you are free to go to the heart of Marrakech and explore the medina and enjoy the magical scents. Soak in the atmosphere by visiting Jamaa El-Fna square, then head to Bahia Palace to delve into the glorious Moroccan royal elegance. Savor one of the Moroccan dishes in one of the traditional restaurants with views of the square.
If you arrive later in the evening, then it’s advisable to relax in your guesthouse until the last day of your trekking caravan journey to the Moroccan Sahara.
Wake up to the birds chirping in the courtyard of your riad and get prepared to have your breakfast on the rooftop with the early morning sun. After that, you will say goodbye to your riad and start your adventure towards the road of the caravans of the Sahara. Enjoy the scenic landscapes of the Atlas mountains and chill out with the music and historic explanations from your tour leader.
Stop at an altitude of 7415 ft at Tizi N’Tichka where you can stretch your legs and take photos of the stunning nature and Berber houses clinging to the hills. Take an off-the-beaten track to Telouet Kasbah to venture through the mysterious El Glaoui family and the law establishment in the south of Morocco. After that, you can explore the UNESCO World Heritage site Ait Benhaddou Kasbah and venture through its historic village.
Take lunch at a local association run by local women and savor their tasty homemade tagine or a dish of your choice. Interact with these Berber women and get to know more about their everyday life.
Post-lunch, get back on the road and head off to what is known as the gateway of the desert, Zagora. A visit to Zagora is not complete without tackling the Majestic Draa Valley and its palm-lined oases. Here, you feel as if you are travelling back in time to the 16th century. People are incredibly kind and consider the Draa River sacred, a lifeblood of the region, as water is a precious resource in an arid land.
You will get insights into the old irrigation systems known as ‘Khetarat,’ which run along the region, bringing water from remote lands to water their palm trees. It offers an interesting glimpse into life at the edge of the Sahara and how the Berber people successfully live in harmony with nature.
Sleep at a kasbah surrounded by palm trees and the serenity of the region.
After breakfast, you will explore Zagora and its historic importance. You will stop to visit Kasbah Sirocco to marvel at its intricate architecture and walls made of earth and mud mixed with hay and water, just as most of the houses in the south of Morocco.
Afterward, visit Tamegroute and learn about the oldest library in the south of Morocco, as well as gain insights into pottery sculpture in the area.
Lunch will be at a family house in Zagora where you will enjoy a meal and have conversations with the local family.
The allure of the Mhamid desert fills the sky as you get closer and closer. The moment you approach Mhamid, the landscape begins to change. The roads, lined with tamarisk trees and small adobe villages, slowly fade into the sandy expanse. You pass through a landscape of undulating dunes, their curves so perfect they seem like the brushstrokes of a master painter. The wind carries the scent of the desert—earthy, ancient, and liberating.
You will see golden dunes rise like monumental waves, and the sky streaked with hues of both purple and orange. Welcome to one of the most mesmerizing places on Earth.
At the desert camp, set amidst the towering dunes, you can relax and enjoy the spectacle of the stars of the desert with a traditional meal in the Berber tent.
Today, you will go trekking in the Mhamid desert. After breakfast, you and your local guide will start loading your camels with luggage and equipment before wrapping your turban for protection from the sand. At this point, your caravan is on the go for trekking the sands and dunes of the Sahara Desert.
The trek starts from the southern banks of the Draa Valley and follows through until the first settlements of Mhamid, believed to be 300 hundred years old. Continue your safari through the palm groves and visit some of the abandoned ancient pisé mud buildings.
Here, our local guide will offer some insights into the Hamada, a type of landscape that consists of largely barren, hard, rocky basalt plateaus.
After lunch, continue walking toward the shrine of Sidi Naji, a holy man in the desert. His Marabout is visited by people from the area and sometimes from other regions. Later in the evening, the caravan will settle near the shrine, and the camp will be established for the night.
Enjoy your dinner prepared by our local guide with your help. Experience the peaceful solitude of the desert.
Today, you will reach the Erg Zahara dunes. It is a remote sand dune, but interestingly beautiful, as it is a hidden gem to be explored.
After breakfast and striking your campsite, move on through the largely flat terrain and plateau-like earth, which is a dry lake. Continue trekking until you reach the Erg Zahara around lunchtime. Again, assemble your camp and feed your camels around the foot of the dunes.
In the afternoon, you can climb the tallest dunes to enjoy the wide-reaching views of the desert, followed by a mesmerizing sunset.
Continue your desert adventure with another day of trekking in the Mhamid Desert. Explore the Hadibad region through the northern banks of the Draa River. You will start by seeing Tamarisk trees and shrubs along the way.
Our route today is marked with shrubs and Tamarisk, with walks in the wadis until reaching the Hadibad region after three hours. Enjoy lunch before driving in a 4x4 to the Er Chigaga dunes to watch the sunset. The dunes are 40 km long and will offer stunning views of the desert.
Spend the night at the Er Chigaga camp.
Wake early in the middle of the Er Chigaga dunes to have a tasty breakfast before going back to Mhamid, then to Ouarzazate. On the way back to Ouarzazate, you can stop at a nomad family to eat Madfouna and learn about the nomadic life in the desert. Arrive at Ouarzazate Ecolodge to relax and allow its serenity to take your soul. Enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure.
Today, you will explore the Taourirte Kasbah in Ouarzazate, then drive back to Marrakech. In Marrakech, you can opt for a traditional Hammam or a Spa to rejuvenate your senses with an Argan oil scrub and other treatments. Also, if you are interested in celebrating your last day in Marrakech with a Berber party, let us know, and we can organize it in your guesthouse away from the hustle and bustle of Marrakech.
Enjoy the last moments of your serene trekking journey in the Sahara. Make sure to arrive at least 3 hours before your flight departure. Akaltours will assist in your transfer to the airport and wish you the safest flight back home.
Please contact us for current prices. Details of what will be included in the cost quoted are given below
A1: For the trekking portion, bring lightweight clothing suitable for hot days and cold nights in the desert. Don’t forget:
• Comfortable, closed-toe shoes or sandals for walking.
• A hat or scarf for sun protection.
• A headlamp or flashlight for night activities.
• A lightweight sleeping bag (if required by the camp).
• Sunblock, sunglasses, and a water bottle.
• Personal toiletries and any prescription medications.
A2: Yes, the camel trek is suitable for all fitness levels. The camels are trained for this purpose and the trekking days are manageable for most people. However, it is important to be prepared for walking and riding in the desert, which can be physically challenging at times.
Q3: Are the meals vegetarian-friendly?A3: Yes, Moroccan cuisine includes many vegetarian options, and we can accommodate vegetarian and vegan diets upon request. Please inform us about any dietary restrictions when booking.
Q4: Is it safe to travel in the desert?A4: Yes, the safety of our travelers is our top priority. The desert guides are experienced and familiar with the terrain. We take necessary precautions, including carrying adequate water, first aid supplies, and ensuring the safety of all participants during the trek.
Q5: What is the group size for this tour?A5: The group size varies but typically ranges from 6 to 15 people, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience. We also offer private tours upon request.
Q6: What is the weather like in the Sahara?A6: The Sahara can be very hot during the day (30°C to 40°C/86°F to 104°F), but temperatures drop significantly at night (sometimes to 0°C/32°F). It's important to be prepared for both extremes.
Q7: Can I extend my stay in Marrakech?A7: Yes, you can extend your stay in Marrakech. Let us know in advance so we can assist with accommodation and transport arrangements.
Q8: Is it possible to add extra activities to the itinerary?A8: Yes, additional activities such as a Hammam, spa treatments, or a Berber party can be arranged for an extra cost. Please contact us before the tour to discuss options.
Q9: Do I need to get a visa for Morocco?A9: Most tourists from Europe, the US, and other countries do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days in Morocco. However, it’s always best to check your country’s requirements before departure.
Q10: Are there any physical requirements for this tour?A10: This tour involves some walking and camel trekking. While no prior trekking experience is necessary, participants should be in good health and prepared for moderate physical activity, especially in the desert heat.
With Akal Tours, Morocco becomes a living story not just a destination on the map. Each village,landscape and person tells a narrative - and we’re here to guide you through it.
We offer tailor-made itineraries crafted just for you. To start designing your trip, we apply a small planning fee, which will be used as a deposit if you decide to book with us.
Let’s get to know you better! We offer a free 30-minute video call to understand your preferences, answer your questions, and help you imagine your ideal trip.
Within 48 hours of our consultation, you’ll receive a detailed itinerary — including accommodations, transportation, activities, and a clear price breakdown.
Once you’re happy with the plan, you’ll confirm with a 20% deposit, and your trip will officially be reserved. We accept bank transfers, debit cards, and PayPal.