Sahara For Beginners
Dip your toe into the Sahara with a thrilling two-night excursion from M’hamid, led by our experienced local guides. Trek with camels and enjoy a 4x4 adventure before experiencing panoramic views at sunset from Morocco’s largest dune.
Trek with camels into the Sahara desert, accompanied by an expert local nomad guide
Spend two nights wild camping under the stars, or choose one night in a serviced campsite
Enjoy a thrilling 4x4 tour, visiting traditional Berber settlements and a remote desert oasis
Experience sunrise and sunset from the towering Erg Chigaga dune field
All meals included, among them a delicious Moroccan dinner prepared by your own chef
Scrub up with a visit to a traditional Hammam to wash away the desert sands
Trek highlights
in the desert
€280
Trek prices
Adults
Children 4+
€280 per person
€185 per person
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
One night desert campsite stay
Regular tent with shared bathroom
€50 per person
Children under 4 go free
per person
Two nights
Day one - trek into the desert
After meeting the camels for the first time, head off from our base, the hotel Hamada du Draa, into the desert, trekking for around three hours and taking in the scenery before stopping at a shady spot for a leisurely lunch served with refreshing Moroccan tea.
After a further walk of around 90 minutes, your guides will set up camp and prepare a mouth-watering dinner by the camp fire. This is also an opportunity to see Moroccan bread being baked in the sand using a traditional method. Then retire to your tent for a well-earned sleep under the stars.
Day two - four-wheel adventure
Say goodbye to the camels and give your feet a rest, letting the 4x4 take the strain as we visit some sights of the Sahara, including a traditional Berber settlement, before stopping at a small palm oasis for lunch.
Then, we head deeper into the desert, reaching Erg Chigaga, the largest erg (sea of sand dunes) in Morocco. As your guides set up camp and prepare dinner, climb to the summit and enjoy breathtaking views as the sun sets over the desert - for many, the highlight of the trip.
For an extra charge, you may choose to spend tonight in comfort at a nearby fully-equipped permanent campsite with beds, toilets and showers.
Day three - hammam and home
After a final breakfast, we return to M’hamid by 4x4, stopping en-route at a traditional hammam - a Moroccan bathhouse - where you can wash off the sand and grime of the desert, exfoliate and relax, emerging refreshed for the onward 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
Departs from: Hamada du Draa,
M'hamid El Ghizlane
Duration: two nights in the desert
Difficulty level: easy
Departure time: late morning
This tour includes
Included in your trek
Use of the camels and the services of their expert handlers for the first day of the trek
Not included in this tour
Air conditioned 4x4 vehicle and driver for the second day of the trek and return 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.
Serviced campsite stay with bed, toilets and shower on the second night. Can be booked as add-on.
Related treks
• Sahara Plus – a longer, more remote route with three 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.
Most travellers reach M’hamid El Ghizlane 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. All treks start and finish in M’hamid, the last settlement before the vast Sahara.
