Day 1 – Lotide
Meet in Mhamid El Ghizlane at 09:00 before beginning your trek. You head westwards towards the region known as Lotide, walking for approximately five to six hours with a shaded lunch break en route. The day introduces the scale and quietude of the Sahara desert, putting distance between us and the village. Camp overnight in a secluded location near trees.
Day 2 – Erg Sedrar
Today you continue westwards towards the isolated dune field of Erg Sedrar. The route crosses undulating dunes dotted with desert flora before gradually opening onto flatter earth-pan terrain. The changing landscapes provide an excellent introduction to the diversity of Iriqui National Park. Overnight wilderness camping within the dune field.
Day 3 – Shantof
The terrain becomes increasingly remote as you move deeper into Iriqui National Park, south of the Erg Chigaga dunes. This little-visited area offers a strong sense of wilderness and isolation. Your mobile camp is set at the base of low-level dunes scattered with Tamarisk trees, providing shelter and atmosphere for the evening. We may see traces of Dorcas gazelle today.
Day 4 – west of Erg Chigaga
You track north-west around the base of the Erg Chigaga region. Small dune ridges alternate with broad plateaux as the towering dune landscapes gradually give way to flatter ground. The scenery changes noticeably throughout the day, revealing another side of the Moroccan Sahara. Wilderness camp overnight.
Day 5 – Jebel Bani
Today’s walk heads north-west towards the Jebel Bani mountain relief. A major highlight is crossing the immense dried salt flats of Lake Iriqui, where the open landscape feels almost boundless. The terrain is expansive and exposed, creating a memorable sense of scale. Overnight wilderness camping near the mountain and scattered trees.
Day 6 – Madouar mesa
Continuing westwards, you skirt the foot of the Jebel Bani and reach the first Madouar mountain, a distinctive flat-topped mesa. Mountain views dominate much of the day while occasional Acacia trees provide reminders that this remains part of the Sahara Desert. Camp near the mountain landscapes overnight.
Day 7 – Madouar cliffs
Your final full walking day follows the foot of the Madouar mountains across stony uneven terrain. Heading north-west towards the direction of Foum Zguid, you encounter larger canyon-like mountain formations, buttes and pinnacles. These striking geological features create a dramatic finale before your last wilderness camp at the base of the cliffs.
Day 8 – to Zagora
After an early breakfast, you leave camp and transfer by private 4×4 vehicle towards Zagora. The journey includes approximately 40 minutes of off-road driving followed by around one hour and 20 minutes on tarmac roads. Arrival in Zagora marks the end of your Sahara trekking adventure.
