Approx. 40km south-west from the desert frontier village of M’hamid El Ghezlane lies the remote dune field (‘erg’) of Zahar. Zahar dunes may be reached in 2 days trek out from M’hamid El Ghezlane or in a direct 9 hour trek. We would only recommend to clients to make the trek across 2 days.
Reaching the dunes of Zahar is the highlight of a 4 day trek circuit that starts and ends in M’hamid El Ghezlane. From the highest point you will catch sight of the great dunes of Erg Chigaga, to the north-west, and the desert settlement of Erg Smar, along the banks of the dry Draa River.
Zahar dunes also form the half-way point on a 4 day trek that finishes at the great dunes of Erg Chigaga. The route by foot to reach Zahar dunes also offers some fascinating insights into human settlement in the Moroccan Sahara, centuries ago. Pass an ancient village, ‘Bousnina’, now barely discernible on the earth plateau; the remnants of buildings resemble the typical earth mounds you walk past each day but it is easy to appreciate the great scale of the site. A further 30mins beyond the village, come across part of the crumbling walls of a souk; again, it seems it would have been a huge space, where semi-nomadic and local traders would have met to buy & sell (livestock, salt, camels, crops, crafts, etc).
Zahar dunes are well off-the-beaten-path and it is usually rare to meet any other trekkers there, allowing you to enjoy sunset from the most glorious vantage point. Be warned – it is a steep climb to the highest point!
Please contact us for further information on trekking and camel-trekking holidays that include Zahar dunes.