6 Days / 5 Nights
Marrakech – Draa Valley – Faija Plateau -Oued Mhasser – Chegaga Dunes – Bougarn Dunes – M’Hamid – Ourzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Marrakech
Begin with an extraordinary 6-day journey from the bustling city of Marrakech to the serene and majestic Sahara Desert. Indeed, explore the captivating Draa Valley, encounter Berber nomads, and experience the enchanting magic of the desert landscape. To summarize, this tour promises a unique adventure filled with cultural encounters, stunning scenery, and unforgettable moments under the vast Saharan sky.
Day 1: Marrakech to Faïja – From the Atlas Peaks to Desert Plateaus
Start your adventure with an early morning departure from Marrakech, driving south through the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2260m). Pass through Ouarzazate and follow the scenic Draa River Valley until you reach Zagora, the capital of fortified villages. Continue your journey into the desert, arriving at the Faija Plateau and oasis where you’ll set up camp for the night. Enjoy a traditional bivouac experience under the stars.
Day 2: Faïja Plateau to Well of Diabe – Trekking into the Heart of the Desert
Meet your caravan team and begin trekking south, ascending to the Oum Laachar Pass. Camels will carry your luggage, equipment, kitchen supplies, and water reserves. Enjoy a picnic lunch under a large Acacia tree before continuing your trek. After a 1.5-hour walk, reach a tranquil area near a fresh water well, where you’ll camp for the night.
Day 3: – Well of Diabe to Plateau of Nomads – Oases and Nomadic Encounters
Continue your trek along the Oued Mhasser, encountering small dunes and picturesque oases. After about 5.5 hours of hiking, arrive at a vast plateau where you’ll set up camp. Enjoy tea time in a nomad house, experiencing the warm hospitality and unique culture of the Saharan tribes.
Day 4: Plateau of Nomads to Chegaga Dunes – Mirages and Majestic Dunes
Follow a stony valley that opens into a vast plateau, where you may encounter mirages and desert wildlife such as gazelles, rabbits, squirrels, and lizards. By mid-afternoon, reach the towering Chegaga Dunes. Explore the high dunes, leaving your footprints along their ridges, and witness a spectacular sunset on the distant horizon. Camp near a well, often populated with nomads and their cattle.
Day 5: Chegaga Dunes to Bougarn Dunes – Silence and Solitude
Depart from the populated area, embarking on a silent trek through the desert. Pause at midday to avoid the sun’s intensity, seeking shade under any available vegetation. By mid-afternoon, reach the magnificent Bougarn Dunes, where you’ll set up camp. End the day with a camel ride on the dunes, embracing the tranquility and beauty of the desert.
Day 6: Bougarn Dunes to Mhamid, Ouarzazate, and Marrakech – Journey End
Wake up early for a special breakfast at 4am. Your 4×4 transfer will take you to Mhamid Village, the last major settlement before the Algerian border. Experience the thrill of driving on the dunes. After about 1.5 hours, board a bus for the journey back to Marrakech, passing through Zagora and Ouarzazate. Arrive in Marrakech in the evening, concluding your unforgettable Sahara Desert expedition.
