Erg Chigaga Sahara Camel Trek
Camp under the stars and explore the Sahara Desert by camel on this 8-day guided tour
Guided
Erg Chigaga Sahara Camel Trek Overview
An “erg” is a sand sea or a field of dunes, and the Erg Chigaga is one of the most stunning examples in the world. The Erg Chigaga Camel Trek lets you spend a week exploring this amazing region of the Sahara Desert in Morocco by camel.
You’ll see the beauty of the Atlas Mountains as you cross over the Tizi n’Tichka Pass along the way from Marrakesh to the Sahara. Then your trek begins as you make your way through the incredible region around the Erg Chigaga. Sleep in traditional camps surrounded by sand dunes and experience the heart of the desert. Don’t miss this unforgettable desert adventure in Morocco.
Browse all guided Sahara Desert tours on 10Adventures to explore more camel treks, Atlas crossings and desert rides, a week by camel across the Erg Chigaga dunes. For all Africa tours, visit Africa tours.
Trip highlights
Spend each night camping in the desert wilderness in traditional native style.
Explore the beautiful landscapes of the Chigaga and Bougarn dunes.
Witness stunning mountain scenery as you drive through the Atlas Mountains and over the Tizi n’Tichka Pass.
Trek through the heart of the Sahara Desert for an authentic Moroccan experience.
Day By Day Itinerary
Welcome to Morocco! Salam Alaikum! Arrive at the Marrakesh Menara International Airport, or Ouarzazate Airport, where a transfer is waiting to take you to your hotel. Get a good night’s rest to prepare you for your trekking adventure!
- Overnight Location:
- Riad Viewpoint, Marrakesh
- Distance:
- N/A
- Meals:
- None
Leave Marrakesh after breakfast and travel to the town of Ouarzazate, otherwise known as the “Gateway to the Desert.” Along the way, you’ll cross the scenic Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 m/7,415’). Stop to visit Telouet, the well-known Glaoui Kasbah, then continue through the towns of Agdz and Zagora. When you arrive in Faija, your camp will be ready and waiting.
- Overnight Location:
- Camping in Faija
- Distance:
- 400 km of driving
- Meals:
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, begin walking along the desert plateau. You’ll pass some farms that are near the base of the Djebel Bani mountains. Climb to the famous Oum Laachar Pass, then continue walking to reach your camp at Oued Lemhasser.
- Overnight Location:
- Camping in Oued Lemhasser
- Distance:
- 5-6 hrs, 17 km
- Meals:
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Leave from Oued Lemhasser in the morning and walk to the beautiful Chigaga Dunes. Your camp for the night will be tucked away between the dunes in this amazing area.
- Overnight Location:
- Camping in Chigaga Dunes
- Distance:
- 5-6 hrs, 20 km
- Meals:
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Experience the heart of the Sahara Desert today as you walk from your camp at Chigaga Dunes to the lovely Bougarn Dunes, where you’ll camp for the night.
- Overnight Location:
- Camping in Bougarn Dunes
- Distance:
- 5 hrs, 16 km
- Meals:
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Walk today from your camp at Bougarn Dunes and cross the desert to reach the rural community of Oued Naam to camp for the night.
- Overnight Location:
- Camping in Oued Naam
- Distance:
- 5-6 hrs, 16 km
- Meals:
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Complete your tour today with a lovely walk to the Mhamid Dunes, then continue on to the town of Zagora. From here, you’ll begin the 8-hour drive back to Marrakesh.
- Overnight Location:
- Riad Viewpoint, Marrakesh
- Distance:
- 3 hrs walking / 8 hrs driving
- Meals:
- Breakfast, Lunch
Sadly, your Erg Chigaga Camel Trek tour has come to an end. Transfer back to the airport is included. Have a wonderful journey!
- Overnight Location:
- N/A
- Distance:
- None
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Tour Map
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Inclusions
Included
- 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 5 dinners are included. Water is also included.
- Accommodations for 7 nights are included as described. The first and last nights are in a Riad in Marrakesh and the remaining nights are spent wilderness camping along the trail.
- Transportation from Marrakesh to the trailhead and then back to Marrakesh after the trek is included. Transfers to and from the airport are also included.
- Mountain guide and cook on the trek
- Camel for luggage transport
- Camping equipment: tents and mattresses
- Airport Transfers to and from the Marrakesh airport
Not included
- Flights to and from Marrakesh
- Lunches and dinners in Marrakesh / Meals other than those listed in the itinerary
- Soft drinks or alcoholic beverages
- Entrance fee for monument visits
- Personal gear
- Tips and other personal expenses
- Travel insurance
Optional Extras
- Gear rentals (€2-5 EUR/day per item)
Reviews
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These reviews reflect all trips offered by this local tour partner on 10Adventures, not just the tour you’re viewing.
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FAQ
We rate this tour as a 4 / 5. This trip involves early mornings and some strenuous trekking days. Camels will be carrying your baggage to make the trek easier for you, but some distances are quite long.
Your camel will take your belongings and the tents, and you’ll follow (or lead) your camel on this trip. There may be opportunities to ride a camel on this trip.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 5 dinners are included. Meals on your arrival day in Marrakesh are not included.
Yes, it is mandatory to have Health and Medical insurance to join this trip. Get your Travel Insurance.
Fly to Marrakesh Menara International Airport or Ouarzazate Airport.
Yes, the tour guide is English speaking.
The tour ends where it began, in Marrakesh. Airport transfer is included.
All personal luggage, as well as food and cooking equipment for the group, are carried by camels. Pack a daypack with water and any essentials needed along the trail.
- sturdy hiking boots and socks
- sandals for dune walking
- personal first aid kit
- sleeping bag
- rain gear (jacket and pants)
- soft-sided bag (duffel bag)
- lightweight daypack
- sunglasses and sunscreen
- flashlight and batteries
- towel and personal toiletry items
Please respect the conservative religious culture of Morocco when choosing your clothing. Knees and shoulders should be covered, as well as the “private“ areas in between.
This tour can easily be combined with other adventure tours in Morocco!
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
This tour is available year-round, but the best time to travel to Morocco for this trek is during the warmer months from June – October.
Why book Erg Chigaga Sahara Camel Trek with 10 Adventures?
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Packed with Inclusions
Accommodations, luggage transfers, gear rentals, and more - all taken care of so you can focus on making memories.
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