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4 Days/3 Nights to Erg Chigaga Dunes

Private Sahara hiking adventure with camel support and wild camping

This four-day desert hiking journey takes you from Mhamid El Ghizlane into the remote landscapes of Iriqui National Park before returning to Mhamid El Ghizlane. Designed for private departures, it suits individuals, couples, families and friends seeking a supported Sahara trek. You travel with Sahrawi guides, a cook and camel caravan, so you carry little beyond day essentials. Expect wilderness camping, wide desert horizons and clear night skies. Best enjoyed between October and April each year for comfortable walking conditions.

3 nights from
€540 pp
Wild Morocco Camping Gallery Images
Marrakech Medina
Marrakech Medina
Marrakech Medina
Marrakech Medina

Highlights

Over four days, you cross varied Sahara terrain on foot, following a camel-supported route through remote camps and dune systems. Highlights include the dramatic rise of Erg Zahar, the solitude around Erg Sedrar and the vast Erg Chigaga dunes. Along the way, your Sahrawi team shares knowledge of desert life, prepares camp meals and bakes sand bread beneath the stars. Sunset climbs, desert biodiversity and wilderness camping create a rewarding trekking experience with minimal carrying required.

  • Walk deep into Iriqui National Park with camel support
  • Camp wild beneath starry skies across remote Sahara
  • Climb Erg Zahar for memorable sunset photography opportunities
  • Experience Sahara desert solitude around the isolated Erg Sedrar dunes
  • Share campfire evenings with knowledgeable Sahrawi desert guides
  • Enjoy freshly prepared meals cooked daily in camp
  • Explore desert biodiversity across varied dunes and plains
  • Climb the Erg Chigaga summit for sweeping sunset views and changing colours

Reviews

Tour Details

SummaryShim

This private desert hiking adventure is a linear route from Mhamid El Ghizlane into the heart of Iriqui National Park. Accompanied by an English or French speaking guide, cook and camel handler, you trek through remote desert landscapes while a camel caravan carries camping equipment and supplies.

Three nights are spent wilderness camping in mobile tents, with an optional fourth night at the fixed camp at the Erg Chigaga dunes. The route links Sidi Naji, Erg Zahar, Erg Sedrar and Erg Chigaga, combining long walking days with rewarding dune ascents. Expect daily distances of approximately 16–20 kilometres and sections of deep sand when climbing dune summits.

Standout moments include sunset from Erg Zahar, campfire sand-bread baking, wildlife spotting opportunities and a final climb on Erg Chigaga. Best suited to walkers with a reasonable level of fitness, this trek is most comfortable between October and April.

ItineraryShim

Day 1 – Sidi Naji
Meet in Mhamid El Ghizlane at 09:00 and begin your trek into the desert. You walk for approximately five to six hours towards Sidi Naji, crossing open terrain at a steady pace. Lunch is taken in the shade of Tamarisk trees before continuing to camp. Your first wilderness campsite introduces the rhythm of desert trekking and overnight camping.

Day 2 – Erg Zahar
Continue deeper into the Sahara towards the large dune region of Erg Zahar. The landscape becomes increasingly dramatic as dunes rise from the surrounding plains. We plan to walk straight through to a late lunch today (approx. 4 hours), where we make camp at low-lying dunes at the base of the tall dune. Later in the day, climb to the summit of Erg Zahar for sunset views and photography opportunities. Spend the evening around camp before another night in mobile tents.

Day 3 – Erg Sedrar
Today’s route leads beyond the Draa River area towards the isolated dunes of Erg Sedrar. We cross the Draa this morning near the former settlement of Erg Smar. This section offers a strong sense of remoteness and the opportunity to appreciate the quieter side of the Sahara. Watch for signs of desert biodiversity along the way. Camp in a wilderness location and enjoy dinner beneath the night sky.

Day 4 – Erg Chigaga
Walk for around two hours before meeting the 4×4 vehicle transfer. Travel across the desert to the Erg Chigaga dunes, at the heart of the Iriqui National Park, and climb to the summit for sunset. After sunset, either return by 4×4 vehicle to Mhamid El Ghizlane, arriving after approximately 21:00, or choose an optional overnight stay at the fixed camp at the dunes. If staying, return to Mhamid after breakfast on Day 5.

What’s Included?Shim

Your trek is supported by an experienced desert team, allowing you to focus on walking and enjoying the landscape. A camel caravan carries equipment and supplies, while meals, camping arrangements and key desert transfers are organised for you. The private format provides flexibility and personal attention throughout.

  • Vehicle transfer within the desert to Erg Chigaga dunes (day 4)
  • Vehicle transfer from Erg Chigaga dunes to Mhamid El Ghizlane (late day 4 or early day 5)
  • Accommodation on three or four nights
  • All meals while in the desert
  • Drinking water during the trek
  • English or French speaking guide
  • Cook preparing daily meals in camp
  • Camel caravan support
  • Mobile tent accommodation (incl. blankets and sleeping mat)

Not included:

  • Transport to Mhamid El Ghizlane
  • Tips for the guiding and support team
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Sleeping bag

Optional extras:

  • Bring binoculars for wildlife and birdlife viewing
  • Bring walking poles for additional support
  • Pack a sleeping bag for extra comfort
  • Pack down or fleece layers during winter months

Dates & PricesShim

This trek operates on a private departure basis and can be arranged on dates that suit your plans, subject to availability. October to April generally offers the most comfortable walking conditions. An optional fifth day can be added through an overnight stay at Erg Chigaga on night 4 to get the most out of your time at Erg Chigaga.

From €480 per person (4 days/3 nights) or from Eur €540 per person (5 days/4 nights).

GalleryShim

EnquireShim

Complete the form to enquire. All fields required please*. Alternatively call  +212 679 006 221 or via WhatsApp

FAQsShim

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How is luggage carried during the trek?
You do not need to carry camping equipment or your main kit while walking. A camel caravan transports the majority of supplies and camp equipment between overnight stops. You should carry only personal day essentials such as water, sun protection, layers and items needed during the day.
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What level of fitness is required?
A reasonable level of fitness is recommended. You can expect to walk approximately 16–20 kilometres each day across varied desert terrain. Climbing dune summits, including Erg Zahar and Erg Chigaga, involves walking on deep sand, which requires additional effort compared with firm ground.
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What meals are provided during the trek?
All meals in the desert are included. Meals are prepared by the camp cook, and typically include fresh salads, soup and tagine. Drinking water is also provided. Please advise any dietary restrictions or allergies before departure so arrangements can be discussed in advance.
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What are the camping arrangements?
Accommodation consists of three nights of wilderness camping in mobile tents. Blankets, sleeping mats and tents are provided, but you should bring your own sleeping bag. There is also an option to spend a fourth night at a fixed camp at the base of the Erg Chigaga dunes before returning the following morning to Mhamid.
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When is the best time to do this trek?
The recommended season is from October to April, when daytime temperatures are generally more comfortable for walking. Evenings and early mornings can be cool, particularly during winter months, so warm outer layers such as fleece or down jackets are useful additions to your packing list.
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Is this trek suitable for families or less mobile travellers?
The trek can suit families, couples, friends and individual travellers, provided participants are comfortable with consecutive walking days and desert conditions (hot days, cool nights). Accessibility is limited because of uneven terrain, deep sand and wilderness camping. Please contact us with specific requirements so suitability can be discussed.

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