Morocco desert trek 5 days, 3 days of walking between oases and dunes
Morocco desert trek 5 days: experience an unforgettable camel trek in the heart of the Moroccan desert with this 5-day trek, including 3 days of walking in the Draa Valley. Between verdant oases and golden sand dunes, discover breathtaking landscapes and share authentic moments with the locals and Sahara nomads.
Enjoy a bivouac under the stars, sand-baked bread cooked over the fire, and camel rides for a unique Saharan experience. To extend your adventure, also discover our 8-day Morocco desert trek.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5.0/5 — 13 customer reviews – read the testimonials
Comfort :
Duration : 5 Days
Price from : $510 per person
Detailed itinerary of the 5-day Morocco desert trek
Day 1: Marrakech >> Ouarzazate >> Draa Valley >> Bouygaywaren Dunes
Transfer to the starting point of the hike, with a break at the beginning of the Draa Valley for lunch. Crossing villages and palm groves. Meeting with the team of camel drivers. Night at the bivouac in the Bouygaywaren dunes. 7h drive – 424 km.
Day 2: Bouygaywaren Dunes >>> Sidi Salah Village >>> Tidri Dunes
First day of walking through the Draa Valley, the palm grove, and several Berber villages. Lunch in the shade of the palm trees of Zawyat Sidi Salah. Crossing the Oued Draa to reach the bivouac at the foot of the Tidri dunes. 5h walk.
Day 3: Tidri Dunes >> Erg Essahel Dunes
Departure from Tidri towards Erg Essahel, crossing a desert plateau. Camping in the middle of the highest dunes. Free afternoon, camel ride. Entertainment and sand-baked bread around the fire. 4h walk.
Day 4: Erg Essahel Dunes >> Lunar plateau >> Oulad Driss Palm Grove >> Ouarzazate
Camel ride across a mineral plateau dotted with tamarisks and acacias. Lunch in the shade of the tamarisks. Transfer to Ouarzazate, dinner and night at a hotel with a pool. 4h walk – 4h drive.
Day 5: Ouarzazate >> Aït Ben Haddou >> Ounila Red Valley >> Marrakech
Transfer to Marrakech via the Tichka pass. Visit to the studios or cinema museum in Ouarzazate. Discovery of the village of Aït Ben Haddou. Route through the Ounila red valley, lunch at the foot of the Atlas. Arrival in Marrakech in the early afternoon. 5h drive – 200 km.
Highlights of the Morocco Desert Trek – 5 days
- Unique desert hike: 3 days of walking in the Draa Valley, between verdant oases and golden sand dunes.
- Bivouac under the stars: sleep in the heart of the desert and live the authentic experience of Saharan nights.
- Campfire and sand bread: taste bread cooked over a wood fire and enjoy lively evenings around the camp.
- Camel rides: cross the dunes and desert landscapes in the manner of nomads.
- Cultural discovery: visit Berber villages and exchange with locals for complete immersion.
- Breathtaking landscapes: dunes, wadis, palm groves, and mineral plateaus for exceptional panoramas.
- Complete Saharan experience: trekking, bivouacking, camel rides, and local encounters for a memorable adventure.
- Extension possible: option to choose the 8-day Morocco desert trek to explore even more dunes and oases.
Technical specifications for the 5-day desert trek
Recommended Period
Hike available from late October until late April.
Difficulty level
Accessible to anyone in good physical condition, capable of walking 4 to 6 hours per day. Minimal elevation changes, primarily for climbing the dunes of the Moroccan Sahara. No carrying required; bags are transported by camels.
Carrying your luggage
You only carry your belongings for the day. Luggage is transported by camel during the hike.
Transportation
Minibus for transfer at the start and end of the hike.
Accommodation Type
In Marrakech, accommodation in a hotel or traditional riad near Jemaa el Fna square. During the hike, bivouacs in tents, with two-person tents and foam mattresses at your disposal.
Meals
Meals are prepared and served by a Berber cook. Picnic at lunch or a hot meal in the evening, with a variety of alternating tagines and couscous.
Guiding and supervision
Led by Ali, a French-speaking Berber mountain and desert guide, trained and certified by the Tabant mountain professions training center, assisted by camel drivers and a cook. Our Berber team will share their passion for travel with you, ensuring a serene experience. The local guide encourages encounters with the population and often acts as an interpreter.
A Typical Day of Hiking
Wake-up is at dawn. After breakfast, luggage and tents are folded, packed, and entrusted to the camel drivers. The hike begins approximately 1h to 1h30 after sunrise. Rest or photo stops are planned during the walk. Trail snacks are distributed by the guide: dried fruits, oranges. The midday stop is a full meal in a shaded spot chosen according to the sun’s heat. The evening stop is early enough to allow for settling in and preparing the meal. Participants set up the tents with the help of the guide and camel drivers.
Rates and inclusions – 5-day desert trek
Rates based on the number of participants
| Number of people | 0 to 4 pax | 4 to 6 pax | 6 to 8 pax | 8 to 10 pax | 10 to 15 pax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price per person | $880 | $820 | $750 | $690 | $510 |
Price includes:
- Transfers by tourist minibus at the start and end of the trek.
- An English-speaking Berber guide.
- Full board during the trek.
- Igloo tents, 2 people per tent.
- Comfortable foam mattress per person.
- Camels to carry your luggage.
- Services of a Berber cook.
- Entertainment and folklore by our team.
- 1 night in a hotel with a swimming pool in Ouarzazate.
- Moroccan wine.
Price does not include:
- Airfare.
- Repatriation assistance insurance.
- Personal expenses.
- Entrance fees to historical monuments.
- Tips for the local team.
- Drinks.
- Meals and hotels in Marrakech.
FAQ – Morocco Desert Trekking
1. When is the best time for a trek in the Draa desert?
The ideal period is from October to April.
- October and April: warm days, mild nights.
- November and March: pleasant days and nights.
- December and February: mild days, cool nights.
- January: cooler days, cold nights.
2. What should I pack for a desert trek?
- A small daypack.
- A flask or reusable water bottle.
- A cheche or scarf for wind and sand.
- A headlamp.
- Sunglasses.
- Lightweight clothing for the day and warm layers for the night (fleece, jacket).
- A high-quality sleeping bag.
- Trash bags to manage your waste (no bins available on-site).
3. What is a typical day like in the desert?
Morning: breakfast (tea, coffee, bread, jams), then departure with the camel caravan.
Midday: cold lunch in the shade of a tamarisk tree.
Afternoon: resumption of the walk and discovery of Saharan landscapes.
Evening: setting up the bivouac, dinner around the fire (tagine, couscous), and night in a tent.
4. What is the role of the camels during the trek?
The camels carry the luggage, water, and food, allowing hikers to walk with a light load.
5. What kind of food is provided during the trek?
- Meals prepared on-site by the trek cooks.
- Nomadic tea served with every meal.
- Vegetarian or vegan options available upon request.
6. What can be discovered during a 5-day trek in the Draa desert?
- Varied landscapes: dunes (ergs), palm groves, rocky hills.
- Nights in tents near the fire, under a starry sky.
- The kasbahs and traditional architecture of the Draa Valley.
- The culture and life of nomads, with unforgettable encounters.
7. What are the cultural and natural riches of the Draa desert?
- Verdant oases and earthen villages: immersion in Berber tradition.
- Majestic dunes of Chegaga: spectacular landscapes, especially at sunset.
- Nomadic culture: meeting the camel drivers of the Nouaji tribe and discovering ancient caravan routes.
8. How long does a trek in the Draa desert last?
The duration varies from 3 days of walking (ideal for a first immersion) up to 8 days of walking for a more complete experience.
9. What is the price of a short 5-day trek in the desert?
The rate for a 5-day trek starts at €410 per person, based on a group of 10 to 15 participants.
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