Camel trek / 7 days
The most extensive trek, linking Sidi Naji, Erg Zmila, Erg Zahar, Lbour and the Iriqi region across five main desert days.
Quick facts
Journey overview
This seven-day route gives the caravan time to cross old Draa Valley landscapes, several plateaus, remote dune systems and open eastern terrain. It reaches Erg Zmila and Erg Zahar before continuing through Lbour toward local nomad encounters and the Iriqi region.
Journey highlights
01Follow the caravan from M’Hamid and Sidi Naji to the edge of Erg Zmila
02Cross a vast dried lake before camping among the Erg Zahar dunes
03Continue across the eastern Draa Valley toward the open Lbour horizon
04Share tea with local nomads where arranged and continue toward the Iriqi region
Route overview
Journey overview - route shown for illustration.
Route point
Marrakech or Ouarzazate
Route point
Draa Valley
Route point
M’Hamid El Ghizlane
Route point
Sidi Naji
Route point
Erg Zmila
Route point
Erg Zahar
Route point
Lbour
Route point
Iriqi region
Route point
Return route
Day by day
Routes remain flexible around the season, wind, group pace and desert conditions.
1
Depart from Ouarzazate or Marrakech toward M’Hamid El Ghizlane, stopping once or twice along the Draa Valley to take in the palm-grove landscapes. Before sunset, time may allow for exploring nearby villages or kasbahs and visiting the edge of the oasis where palm trees and dunes meet.
Overnight: Guesthouse with the Sahara Caravan team near M’Hamid.
2
After breakfast, the team prepares the luggage and camel caravan before departing on foot. Cross the Draa Valley and move through the M’Hamid palm grove, with tea and lunch served beneath a tamarisk tree when suitable. Continue toward Sidi Naji through older desert landscapes where traces of former settlement may sometimes be encountered, then establish camp near the dunes and open desert views.
Overnight: Desert camp near the Sidi Naji dunes.
3
Walk across several plateaus and old valley landscapes toward Erg Zmila. Lunch is prepared beneath a tamarisk tree beside the dunes before the route continues across the sand. Camp is set at the edge of Erg Zmila, an area of distinctive dune formations and wide open views.
Overnight: Desert camp at the edge of Erg Zmila.
4
Leave camp after watching the morning light change across the dunes. Travel through sand mixed with old tamarisk trees, then continue into more open terrain and across a vast dried lake before reaching Erg Zahar. Camp among the striking remote dunes and their changing colours.
Overnight: Desert camp among the Erg Zahar dunes.
5
Cross the Draa Valley again toward its eastern bank, observing the old trees and changing valley landscape. Continue toward Lbour, an area associated with former nomadic farming and camel grazing. Where appropriate, the camels may be given water before an afternoon rest. Walking resumes before sunset toward a campsite surrounded by pale dunes, mountain views and wide open horizons.
Overnight: Desert camp with pale dunes, mountain views and open horizons.
6
Spend part of the day visiting local nomads and sharing tea where arranged. Continue toward the animal park area, where desert wildlife such as ostriches may be seen, although sightings are never guaranteed. The route then continues toward the Iriqi National Park region for the final camp.
Overnight: Desert camp in the Iriqi region.
7
After breakfast, begin the return journey toward Ouarzazate or Marrakech.
Confirmed inclusions
Transport from Marrakech can be organized
Accommodation before or after the desert route when arranged
Meals, tea and drinking water during the trek
Camping equipment for desert nights
Camel caravan and local camel guides
Desert logistics handled by the Sahara Caravan team
Only confirmed arrangements are listed. Confirm anything not shown before booking.
Clear daily pricing
Solo traveler
€100
per person, per day
2 or 3 travelers
€90
per person, per day
Group / 4 or more travelers
€70
per person, per day
Final trip pricing may depend on the selected itinerary and requested arrangements. Contact us on WhatsApp for confirmation.
Traveler information
Routes remain responsive to the desert. Confirm personal arrangements and current conditions directly with the team.
View What to BringBring practical protection from sun, sand and cooler evenings, comfortable walking shoes, a small backpack, personal medication and the essentials listed on the What to Bring page.
The arrival night is spent at the stated guesthouse or camp. Trekking nights are spent in desert camps, with a tent available and the possibility of sleeping beneath the stars when conditions allow.
At the start of the walking route, the team prepares the camels and loads the luggage for the caravan. Keep the items you want during the day in a small backpack.
Yes. These treks travel with a prepared camel caravan and the Sahara Caravan team through the desert route.
The itinerary begins with the road journey from Marrakech or Ouarzazate to M’Hamid El Ghizlane. The camel trek then departs from the desert gateway.
Yes. The order and practical rhythm may be adapted to weather, wind, the route and local conditions. The confirmed destinations and arrangements are discussed before departure.
Share your dates, group size and preferred rhythm. The team will confirm the route and practical arrangements directly on WhatsApp.
