Day 1 – to the Sahara frontier
Meet in Marrakech at 8:30am and travel by group minibus towards the desert frontier at Mhamid El Ghizlane. This is one of the longer travel days, allowing the landscape to gradually change from city surroundings to the Atlas Mountains to open desert scenery. Settle into your desert lodge accommodation at the desert frontier (Mhamid El Ghizlane), meet the trekking team and prepare for the days ahead.
Day 2 – Sidi Naji
After breakfast, leave Mhamid El Ghizlane and begin your trek towards Sidi Naji, crossing the Draa River course south-west. Walking for approximately five to six hours, you cross open desert terrain supported by the camel caravan carrying the main equipment. Enjoy your first full day on foot and relax into your first remote wild camp for the evening beneath clear desert skies, and in the seclusion of small dunes.
Day 3 – Erg Zahar
Continue deeper into the Sahara, heading towards the impressive dune region of Erg Zahar. The day combines steady trekking with opportunities to observe changing desert landscapes (from rolling dunes, to a broad plateau) and biodiversity. We plan to walk straight through to a late lunch today (approx. 4 hours), where we make camp at low-lying dunes. Later, climb to the summit of Erg Zahar for sunset views and photography before returning to camp for dinner and another night of secluded wild camping.
Day 4 – Erg Sedrar
Today’s route leads beyond the Draa River (we’ll cross the river course northwards near the former desert settlement of Erg Smar) towards the isolated Erg Sedrar dunes. Expect a rewarding day of walking through remote desert scenery with few signs of modern life. Your support team prepares meals along the way while the camel caravan transports camp equipment. Spend a third night wild camping under open skies.
Day 5 – Erg Chigaga
Walk for around two hours before meeting a 4×4 transfer for the journey to Erg Chigaga. On arrival at the fixed camp, enjoy access to facilities including a hot shower and comfortable beds. Later, hike up the dunes of Erg Chigaga, reaching the summit for sunset views across one of Morocco’s most impressive, and isolated, dune systems.
Day 6 – to Marrakech
Start early and leave Erg Chigaga by 4×4, returning to the village to reconnect with the group minibus. The return journey to Marrakech is another long travel day, offering time to reflect on the trek to the heart of Morocco’s Iriqui National Park. Arrival is expected in Marrakech during the late afternoon/early evening.
