shadow of camel in desert under blue sky

Sahara Plus

Trek with camels to historic ruins and towering dunes with this intermediate private trek, led by experienced local guides. Three nights wild camping in the desert, returning by 4x4. Suitable for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness and a sense of adventure.

Lone camel trekking across Morocco’s Sahara with packs during three‑night tour
Lone camel trekking across Morocco’s Sahara with packs during three‑night tour
  • Trek with camels into the Sahara desert, with an expert nomad guide to lead the way

  • Spend three nights wild camping, including by the stunning Erg Zahar dune field

  • Visit the holy site of Sidi Naji and see the remains of ancient civilisations

  • Refresh yourself by washing at and drinking from a natural desert spring

  • Breakfast, lunch and a delicious Moroccan dinner lovingly prepared by your own chef

  • Wash away the desert sand with a visit to a traditional hammam bathhouse to end your trip

Trek highlights

Three nights

€330

Trek prices

€330 per person

€220 per person

Adults

Children 4+

Trek add-ons

Return road trip to M'hamid

From Marrakech / Agadir

€380 / €480

Hotel stay in M'hamid before your trek

Single / double / triple

€50 / 70 / 85

Children under 4 go free

per person

in the desert

Day one - camel trek to Sidi Naji

After meeting the camels, we head west into the desert through Ras Nkhal, where traces of lost civilisations, including shards of ancient pottery, can be seen. After lunch under a tamarisk tree, we reach the shrine of Sidi Naji, a holy site for nomads, where we pitch our tents for our first night under the stars. Watch and wonder as your chef bakes bread in the sand before your eyes, the way it's been done here since time immemorial.

Day two - to Erg Zahar dunes

As we head deeper into the desert, you'll notice how the trees start to thin out, enhancing the stark beauty of the landscape. After visiting the site of an ancient Bedouin market, once a centre of trade between Bedouins and passing caravans, we lunch under a tree before heading for the towering orange dunes of Erg Zahar, their unique shape carved out by the wind. As you enjoy the stunning views from the top, your guides set up camp and prepare dinner.

Day three - trek to Bo Ghabra

At sunrise, we head through the dried-up River Draa Valley, observing the forest of dead tamarisk trees and the remains of animals that once lived in these parts. After stopping for lunch at Erg Tannour, we reach the dune field of Erg Bo Ghabra, where we set up camp for the final night. Here, you can enjoy a refreshing wash in the natural waters of a nearby well, where you may encounter camels having a drink.

Day four - return to M'hamid

After breakfast, the 4x4 vehicle will arrive to take you back to M'hamid, stopping en-route at a traditional Moroccan hammam, or bathhouse, where you can scrub away the desert sand, leaving you reinvigorated for your homeward journey.

Want to know more? Read our Camel Trek FAQ. If you’re unsure what to pack, our Sahara packing guide explains exactly what to wear during the day and night.

Trek itinerary

Map showing dunes and other locations visited on the Sahara Plus camel trek
Map showing dunes and other locations visited on the Sahara Plus camel trek

Departs from: Hamada du Draa,
M'hamid El Ghizlane

Duration: three nights in the desert

Difficulty level: moderate

Departure time: late morning

Key trek information

Tour type: private

This tour includes

Included in your trek

Exclusive use of the camels and the services of their expert handlers for all three days of the trek

Not included in this tour

Air conditioned 4x4 vehicle and driver for the return journey to M'hamid

Cosy tent, mattress and bedding for a great night's sleep under the stars

All meals, including a delicious home cooked Moroccan dinner, prepared by your own chef

Visit to a palm oasis, traditional Berber settlement and other places of interest

Visit to traditional Moroccan hammam bathhouse to scrub away the desert sand

Transport to M'hamid. This can be booked as an add-on - see road trips.

Optional tips for your guides, chef and 4x4 driver

Insurance - please ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance including medical cover

Hotel stay in M'hamid the night before your trek. This can be booked as an add-on.

FAQ

How fit do I need to be for this trek?

This is a moderate trek with longer walking days and some dune climbing. A reasonable level of fitness is needed, but the pace is steady and your guides build in plenty of breaks.

Are there any washing facilities?

There are no showers in the desert, but you can wash at a natural desert well on day three, and your trek ends with a visit to a traditional Moroccan hammam to scrub away the sand.

Is this a private trek or will I be with other people?
All our treks are private to your booking. Very occasionally we may ask two small groups to join together, but only if both sides agree.

For more questions, see our main FAQ.

View from behind as three people sit atop a sand dune at sunset on a Moroccan Sahara trek
View from behind as three people sit atop a sand dune at sunset on a Moroccan Sahara trek

Related treks

Sahara for Beginners – a shorter, easier introduction, two nights in the desert

Sahara Pro – our most comprehensive expedition, five nights in the desert

Find details of all our treks and more about Ultimate Sahara on the homepage.

Getting to M'hamid

What to pack

For clothing, footwear and packing advice, see our full Sahara packing guide. covering what to wear and what to bring with you on your trek.

All treks start and finish in M’hamid El Ghizlane, the last settlement before the vast Sahara. Most travellers reach M’hamid from Marrakech, Agadir or Ouarzazate. We can arrange private transport for you as an add‑on to your trek, or you can travel independently by bus or hire car.

Man leading three camels on Sahara Plus trek through desert under midday sun
Man leading three camels on Sahara Plus trek through desert under midday sun
Three camels resting by a desert tree at sunset on Sahara Plus trek
Three camels resting by a desert tree at sunset on Sahara Plus trek
Silhouette of two camel heads with campfire and travellers on Sahara Plus trek
Silhouette of two camel heads with campfire and travellers on Sahara Plus trek