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Drâa Valley
Palm groves and Kasbahs
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Sahara Camel Trek
Camel trekking in the Moroccan desert
Discover the Moroccan South during camel rides in the desert
Morocco is an impressive natural mosaic where the desert colors start at the foot of the High Atlas to spread out to the depths of the Sahara. Bathed in intense lights, all the tones are mixed in landscapes as varied as breathtaking beauty that you will discover during an unforgettable meharée in the Moroccan Sahara where, as if by magic, a strange and close intimacy between nature and man is established.
Alone, as a couple, family or group, we invite you to live this unique experience during a camel trek in the Moroccan desert. Our travel experts offer personalized, tailor-made and authentic stays, changeable in duration, according to your interests and budget. Our treks are also suitable for families with children in order to offer them all the necessary comfort and meet their specific needs.
Immerse yourself in nature and culture during the camel trek in the Moroccan Sahara.
Picked up in Marrakech or Ouarzazate, as a prelude, the trek in the south of Morocco begins with your transfer to Zagora, M'Hamid El Ghizlane or Ouled Driss, during which, facing the mountains, you will cross lush valleys where one after the other, are spreading palm groves irrigated by the Drâa river. You will encounter ancient Kasbahs and villages of typical architecture, hamadas which are vast rocky plateaus called regs dotted with canyons and hills throughout this same valley of the Draa.
From Zagora or M’Hamid El Ghizlane, accompanied by guides and cooks, begin your camel treks on the former caravan trails towards the sand dunes to live the unique experience of camel treks in the Moroccan desert, traveling on foot and on the back of a dromedary.
It will seem to you to have gone back in time to live another History in the authentic and picturesque settings of yesteryear in the middle of the dunes extending as far as the eye can see from where, in places, green oases of palm trees and orchards arise. In this «nowhere», disconnected from the world, you will also celebrate authentic nomadic evenings in the typical atmosphere of the Bedouins around tasty dinners under the stars, near a fire before the serene night in bivouac or tent.
Explore 4 Legendary Gateways to the Moroccan Sahara
Morocco's desert is not just one place — it's a vast, varied expanse filled with iconic sites and ancient caravan routes. Here are four key regions that form the heart of an unforgettable Sahara camel trekking journey:
Zagora – Gateway to the Sahara Desert with Rich Culture and Scenic Landscapes
Known as the “Gateway to the Sahara,” Zagora is where many desert adventures begin. Surrounded by palm groves and ancient ksour, it offers easy access to traditional villages and nearby dunes like Erg Lihoudi.
M’Hamid El Ghizlane – The Last Village Before the Vast Erg Chegaga Dunes
This legendary desert outpost is the last town before the vast dunes of the deep Sahara. It’s a favorite starting point for multi-day treks into more remote areas like Erg Chegaga, offering full immersion into nomadic culture and untouched landscapes.
Ouled Driss – A Traditional Saharan Village Preserving Nomadic Heritage
A historic Saharan village just beyond M’Hamid, Ouled Driss charms visitors with its mudbrick architecture and tranquil atmosphere. It’s an ideal launch point for treks that combine cultural depth with raw desert beauty.
Erg Chegaga – Morocco’s Grandest Sand Dunes for an Authentic Desert Experience
The largest dune system in Morocco, Erg Chegaga delivers a dramatic desert experience with rolling golden sands stretching over 40 km. Isolated and wild, it’s perfect for travelers seeking the true silence and majesty of the Sahara.
Attractions during Camel Rides in the South of Morocco
Unforgettable Experiences in the Moroccan Sahara
- Exploring the desert and millennial civilization
- Magnificent views of the Drâa valley
- Approach to culture, local people and their traditions
- Immersion in the regs and ergs of the Moroccan desert
- Live a real experience in the Sahara
Ideas for Camel Trekking Itineraries in the Desert of Morocco
The camel treks can start from airport cities at the gates of the desert such as Marrakech, Ouarzazate. Clients are directly picked up from these cities and are transferred to the starting destinations of the camel treks.
- Marrakech – Ouarzazate – Zagora – Departure of the camel trek
- Marrakech – Ouarzazate – Zagora - M'Hamid El Ghizlane – Departure of the camel trek
- Marrakech – Ouarzazate – Zagora - Ouled Driss – Departure of the camel trek
- Ouarzazate – Zagora – Departure of the camel trek
- Ouarzazate – Zagora – M'Hamid El Ghizlane – Departure of the camel trek
- Ouarzazate – Zagora – Ouled Driss – Departure of the camel trek
Begin your journey in Marrakech, pass through Ouarzazate and reach Zagora, where your camel trek begins.
Travel through Ouarzazate and Zagora before arriving in M’Hamid El Ghizlane, a legendary starting point for deeper desert treks.
Follow the southern route to Ouled Driss, a traditional Saharan village perfect for launching a camel expedition.
If you're starting in Ouarzazate, head directly to Zagora to begin your trek with less travel time.
From Ouarzazate, go through Zagora and continue to M’Hamid El Ghizlane for a more immersive desert journey.
Reach Ouled Driss via Zagora and start your camel adventure from a village rich in nomadic heritage.
Famous Places Not to Be Missed During Camel Rides in the Moroccan Sahara
Explore breathtaking landscapes, historical sites, and iconic desert landmarks during your journey:
Drâa River
1200 km long
Agdz
A historic desert town
Zagora
Gateway to the Sahara
Tamegroute
Old library and pottery tradition
Erg Lihoudi Dunes
Golden sand dunes
Sacred Oasis
A serene desert retreat
Oum Laachar
Scenic desert landscapes
Loued El Maleh
A unique desert site
Iriqui Lake
A seasonal desert lake
M'Hamid El Ghizlane
Paris-Dakar rally track
Erg Chegaga
Majestic dunes
Oulad Driss
Traditional Saharan village
Customization and Itineraries of Camel Treks in the Moroccan Desert
Customization of Private Camel Treks in the Moroccan Desert
We offer a selection of camel treks in the Moroccan desert that you can customize according to your availability, budget, and preferences. With the help of our team, you can actively participate in designing the trek to match your wishes.Camel Treks in the Desert with Families and Children
Children aged 4 and over can accompany their parents on treks in the Moroccan Sahara. However, when stopping and walking, the treks must be adapted to their pace and needs to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.Cities and Starting Points of Camel Rides in the Moroccan Sahara
The starting points for camel rides are Zagora, M'Hamid El Ghizlane, and Ouled Driss. Customers are typically transferred from Marrakech or Ouarzazate, depending on their arrival city, before beginning their desert adventure.Ideas for Camel Trekking Itineraries in the Moroccan Desert
Camel treks can begin from major gateway cities to the desert, such as Marrakech and Ouarzazate. Clients are directly picked up from these cities and transferred to the starting destinations of their chosen trek, ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience.Do You Need to Bring Equipment for the Camel Trek in the Sahara?
During these multi-day treks with overnight stays in tents or bivouacs provided by the organizers, travelers are encouraged to bring a hiking bag, suitable clothing and footwear, a toiletry bag, sunglasses, a lamp, a knife, a walking stick, and a small first aid kit including sunscreen and adhesive bandages for additional personal comfort.
The Cultural Contributions During the Stay During the Meharée in the Desert of Morocco
- Return to authenticity in a picturesque setting
- Meeting the history of the South, caravan routes and exchanges in past centuries
- Discover the desert, wildlife, flora, and ancient architecture
- Discover the nomadic way of life in the Moroccan desert
- Explore oases, palm groves, kasbahs, and ancient villages
- Physical activity and endurance in the regs and ergs
- Total change of scenery, disconnection from the world business, and resourcing
- Close contact with Mother Nature, meditation, and rapprochement with other cultures.
Organization of camel treks in the desert of Morocco
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Pick-up from arrival to departure
From your disembarkation at the airport of Marrakech or Ouarzazate you are welcomed and transferred to your starting point for the trek either Zagora, M'Hamid El Ghizlane, or Ouled Driss. You are transferred through the Draa Valley, it is ensured in our all-terrain vehicles, very comfortable and air-conditioned. For persons domiciled in Morocco or already in the country, starting points will be designated by common agreement.
Local drivers and guides
The drivers, guides, camel drivers and other cooks are highly experienced professionals who know the Southern regions perfectly. They will show you the must-see sites and places that offer sublime desert panoramas, and those where animals such as ostriches and gazelles meet, and many other places outside of the classic circuits. They will teach you about the culture, lifestyle of local people, fauna and flora in arid climates, while being available to satisfy your other curiosities and answer your questions.
The routes may be modified due to climatic or other circumstances; guides are able to decide on the necessary measures for the smooth running of the trip, as well as the comfort and safety of the travelers.
Accommodation
The nights in the desert are spent under the stars in tents or bivouacs with the necessary amenities or mobile bivouacs that your guides set up before nightfall; at your leisure, you and your children can participate in this activity of setting up the bivouacs.
Catering
Meals are provided by an experienced cook. In Morocco, in all regions including the desert, with some exceptions, priority is given to tasting traditional local dishes based on fresh local products in a local atmosphere.