Day 1 – to the Sahara desert frontier
Meet in Marrakech at 8:30am and travel by minibus towards Morocco’s desert frontier. The journey is one of the two longer driving days on the itinerary, gradually leaving the Atlas Mountains region behind to enter the Sahara. Arrive in Mhamid El Ghizlane and settle into your desert lodge accommodation before the trek begins.
Day 2 – Lotide
Leave Mhamid El Ghizlane and start trekking west into the Moroccan Sahara. Walk for approximately five to six hours with a shaded lunch break en route, accompanied by the camel caravan and support team. Reach the Lotide area and camp in a secluded location among trees or sheltering dunes for your first wilderness night.
Day 3 – Erg Sedrar
Continue westwards towards the isolated Erg Sedrar dune field. The day combines undulating dunes, desert vegetation and changing terrain before opening onto flatter earth-pan landscapes. Take time to observe the subtle details of the environment and any wildlife encountered. Camp in a remote wilderness setting within the dune field under the stars.
Day 4 – Shantof
Trek deeper into the Iriqui National Park through terrain that receives very few visitors. South of the Erg Chigaga dunes region, the landscape feels increasingly remote and expansive. We make camp on an earth pan amidst low-level dunes and scattered Tamarisk trees. We may encounter evidence of Dorcas gazelle through this area. Enjoy another evening in the desert with freshly prepared food from the camp cook.
Day 5 – west of Erg Chigaga
Today marks a transition as you track north-west around the base of the Erg Chigaga dune field. Cross smaller dune ridges and broad plateaux while the towering dune scenery gradually gives way to flatter ground. The changing geography highlights the diversity of the Sahara as we approach the dried salt flats of Lake Iriqui. Camp in a peaceful wilderness location.
Day 6 – Jebel Bani
Head north-west towards the Jebel Bani mountain relief and begin crossing the dried salt flats of Lake Iriqui. This vast open landscape creates a strong sense of space and isolation. Walking conditions differ from previous days, adding variety to the trek. Camp beneath clear desert skies after a rewarding stage with little shade during the day.
Day 7 – Madouar mesa
Continue westwards parallel to the foot of the Jebel Bani towards the first Madouar mountain, a distinctive flat-topped mesa. Mountain views become increasingly prominent while occasional Acacia trees punctuate the landscape. The contrast between rocky formations and desert plains creates memorable scenery. Spend the night camping near the mountains.
Day 8 – Madouar cliffs
Follow routes beneath the Madouar mountains across stony terrain, and alongside the Acacia, while heading north-west towards the Foum Zguid region. The larger canyon mountains feature dramatic cliffs, pinnacles and butte-like formations that stand out against the desert backdrop. Enjoy your final trekking day before the final wilderness camp with the support team.
Day 9 – return to Marrakech
Start early after breakfast and leave camp for the journey out of the desert. Travel by 4×4 to Foum Zguid before transferring to the minibus for the return to Marrakech. This is the second long driving day of the trip with lots of dramatic mountain scenery en-route. Arrive back in Marrakech during the late afternoon/early evening.
