Camp under the stars and explore the Sahara Desert by camel on this 8-day guided tour
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.
Highlights of the Erg Chigaga Sahara Camel Trek
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Erg Chigaga Camel Trekking Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Marrakesh
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
Day 2 Transfer to Ouarzazate and Trek to Faija
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
Day 3 Trek over Oum Laachar Pass to Oued Lemhasser
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
Day 4 Trek through the Chigaga Dunes
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
Day 5 Trek to the Bougarn Dunes
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
Day 6 Trek to Oued Naam
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
Day 7 Trek to Mhamid Dunes, then Transfer to Marrakesh
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
Day 8 Departure Day
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
Erg Chigaga Camel Trekking Tour Dates and Prices
This guided camel trekking tour of the Sahara Desert is always run as a private tour for your group only and the pricing always depend on the size of your group.
Prices below are per person sharing a double or a triple room:
- Guided group of 4: from $850 USD per person
Please note that the pricing might change depending on the size of your group
Book NowAccommodation on the Erg Chigaga Camel Trekking tour
Accommodation along your trek will be in wilderness camps. Before and after your trek, stay in a 3-star Riad (bed and breakfast) in Marrakesh. Rooms are double occupancy, and single travelers will pay a supplement.
In some cases, accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other, comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
You can pay a supplement to have a private room as a solo traveler. In some cases, there may be other solo travelers, and we can match you with participants of the same sex.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Riad Viewpoint, Marrakesh ★★★★
Lovely Moroccan-style rooms await you, as well as a beautiful rooftop terrace with a great view. For an extra treat, request a room near the terrace!
Camping in the Sahara Desert
Make the memory of a lifetime camping under the stars in the Sahara. Get the best experience of Erg Chigaga!
Riad Viewpoint, Marrakesh ★★★★
Lovely Moroccan-style rooms await you, as well as a beautiful rooftop terrace with a great view. For an extra treat, request a room near the terrace!
What’s included in the Erg Chigaga Camel Trekking tour?
Meals
7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 5 dinners are included. Water is also included.
Accommodations
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 during the Tour
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.
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)
Frequently Asked Questions about Erg Chigaga Sahara Camel Trek
Aztat Treks (also known at Atlas Trek Shop) is a trekking holiday specialist based in Morocco. Learn about the incredible history, culture and food of Morocco with brothers Mohamed and Ibrahim and their handpicked team of guides, drivers, cooks and muleteers. Aztat has been featured in The Guardian, BBC Radio, Lonely Planet and the Sunday Times.
Learn MoreErg Chigaga Sahara Camel Trek Map
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