Sahara Desert Excursion to Highest Dunes in Morocco: Erg Chegaga (overnight)

 

Overview

Other-worldly landscapes, a breath-taking desert sunset, new camel friends, and a sacred oasis---this one-night Sahara desert tour to Erg Chegaga is a fantastic culmination for any trip to Morocco. Learn more about the nomadic lifestyle and culture. More than a trip in the Sahara, we offer your an authentic experience.

Highlights

  • Visit a Sacred Oasis
  • Experience the immense Erg Chegaga Dunes--highest in Morocco
  • Watch an amazing Sahara sunset in Erg Chegaga
  • Sleep in the desert in an Erg Chegaga Camp or under the Milky Way

Itinerary

Day 1: Mhamid– Erg Chegaga

See a sacred oasis and spend the night in an Erg Chegaga desert camp

Your Sahara desert adventure to Erg Chegaga begins at our Morocco desert camp just outside the village of M'Hamid El Ghizlane. You can either arrive in the morning or stay in our basecamp the night before (free delicious breakfast included). We will greet you with tea, as is our custom, and discuss the journey ahead to make sure you have everything you need for your Erg Chigaga excursion. 

We will pack our 4x4 Jeep with water, snacks, and luggage and embark on our Erg Chegaga excursion. Following the path of the Wad Latash river, it won't take long to find yourself immersed in a multitude of diverse desert landscapes. You will see tamarisk trees (mentioned in ancient texts, including the Bible), vast plains of stones, and herds of wild camels. Along the way, we will visit a sacred oasis where Sahara nomads met in times of celebration. After a delicious lunch and tea under the swaying palms, we will continue on our Morocco desert trip. As we approach the area surrounding Erg Chegaga, in the distance you will see the largest summits coming into view. All around Erg Chegaga is one of the oldest oases in the region--the vast and green flood plain at the end of the Daia' river. 

Arriving at the foothills of Erg Chegaga, you will find your camels ready for your Morocco camel trekking tour. After a break with tea, we will embark on our journey into the dunes with the setting sun. As we progress, the sky will unfold in a brilliant display of shifting colors. 

After the camel trek, we spend the evening with a five-star traditional Moroccan dinner, campfire, and music in our Erg Chegaga Morocco desert camp.

Day 2: Erg Chegaga – Mhamid

Journey back from Erg Chegaga to M'Hamid El Ghizlane 

The second day of your Erg Chegaga excursion is dedicated to returning to M'hamid. In the morning, you are free to get up early to watch an amazing desert sunrise. After enjoying a delicious breakfast in the Erg Chigaga desert camp, you will have some free time to walk in the dunes. We will load our 4x4 jeep, and journey back to the village of M'Hamid El Ghizlane, arriving at ~10 am. Here ends your Erg Chegaga Excursion.

Gear List 

Packed by you:

    • Sun Protection (Sunglasses, Sunscreen, and a Hat)
    • Ziplock Bags (to protect electronics from the sand)
    • Camera!
    • Warm Jacket and/or Vest (for cooler night temperatures)
    • A Sense of Adventure

*  You can leave large baggage at our basecamp free of charge.

Other Information

Weather

It's always sunny and warm during the day in the Sahara, but make sure to bring cozy layers for at night! Here are normal temperatures for specific seasons.

Season                                           __         Temperature (C)                     Temperature (F)

    Winter (Dec-Jan)                                        15-25  (day), 5-10 (night)         60-80 (day), 40-50 (night)

    Spring and Fall (Feb-Apr/Sept-Nov)         20-30 (day), 5-15 (night)          70-85 (day), 40-60 (night)

    Summer (May-August):                            Up to 50                                       Up to 120

Food

All meals are included on our trek, and we are happy to accommodate clients with food-sensitivities. Please let us know in advance if you would like us to prepare vegetarian, vegan, or gluten free meals. 

Transportation

For clients traveling by bus/taxi/rental car:

There are taxis and CTM buses (similar to Flixbus or Greyhound) to and from multiple destinations (Zagora, Ouarzazate, Marrakech, Casablanca...). For example, there are daily departures of the CTM bus from Marrakech at 11:15 am and daily return leaving from MHamid at 6:15 am at the same price. The destination on CTM website is called “Lamhamid Ghozlane”, and it's the last stop. We are happy to pick you up at the bus station.

If you would like to be picked up from the airport or your hotel/riad in one of the following cities, please consider one of our 4x4 tours: 

> Departing from Casablanca

> Departing from Marrakech

> Departing from Agadir

> Departing from Ouarzazet

> Departing from Zagora

Parking

If needed, you can park your rental car at our basecamp free of charge.

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