Ministry of Tourism Licensed · Sahara-Born Guides
Camel Trekking Morocco: The Erg Chigaga Sahara Expedition
Six days from Marrakech to Erg Chigaga, Morocco’s largest dune sea. You walk beside a camel caravan across Lake Iriki National Park, camping fresh under the stars each night.
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Quick Answer
Camel Trekking Morocco is a 6-day, 5-night guided camel caravan expedition from Marrakech to Erg Chigaga, Morocco’s largest Sahara dune sea, run by Morocco Meander, a family-run, Ministry of Tourism–licensed operator based in southern Morocco. The route crosses the High Atlas Mountains, Foum Zguid, and Lake Iriki National Park, walking beside camels rather than riding in a vehicle, with 5 nights in nomadic desert camps. No prior trekking experience is required, minimum group size is 2, and the trip can be tailor-made to depart from Ouarzazate or Agadir instead.
Trip Overview
A caravan crossing, not a desert day-trip
This expedition follows ancient trans-Saharan caravan paths from Marrakech to Erg Chigaga, the largest and most remote dune sea in Morocco. It isn’t a short desert overnight. Instead, it’s six days of walking beside a real camel caravan, guided by experienced local herders.
It sits alongside our other Sahara hiking and camel trekking tours, including our other Marrakech to Erg Chigaga itineraries. Like all of them, it can be tailor-made to fit your dates.
From the High Atlas to the dunes
The route crosses the High Atlas Mountains and the Tizi n’Tichka pass. From there, it reaches Foum Zguid, where the paved road ends. A 4x4 then carries the group across Lake Iriki National Park to meet the camel caravan. Over the following days, the trek passes through Erg El Mhazil and Erg Elghoul. Finally, it reaches the giant dunes of Erg Chigaga itself.
What a night in camp looks like
Camels carry all luggage and camp equipment, so evenings are simply spent by the fire. Dinner is cooked fresh at each camp, followed by traditional Saharan music under a sky with almost no light pollution. Have questions before booking? Get in touch and we’ll walk you through it.
- Walk beside a real camel caravan on ancient trans-Saharan routes
- Cross three dune systems: Erg El Mhazil, Erg Elghoul, and Erg Chigaga
- Discover Lake Iriki National Park’s fossil plains and acacia groves
- Sleep five nights in nomadic desert camps under the stars
- Two full days exploring different corners of Erg Chigaga
- Campfire dinners with traditional Saharan music each evening
Day By Day
Your 6-day route to Erg Chigaga
A real sequence, not a suggested one. This is the order the trek actually follows, from Marrakech to the deepest dunes and back.
Marrakech → Foum Zguid → first desert camp
An early departure from Marrakech crosses the High Atlas Mountains and the Tizi n’Tichka pass. Along the way, there are stops for tea, photos, and lunch. At Foum Zguid, the paved road ends. From here, a private 4x4 continues across fossil plains and off-road desert tracks. By late afternoon, the group reaches the first desert camp, where camel herders have dinner and mint tea waiting.
Camel trekking through Lake Iriki National Park to Erg El Mhazil
The real camel trekking begins after breakfast. From here, the route crosses Lake Iriki National Park, a protected region of dry lakebed, fossils, and acacia trees. A picnic lunch is served in the shade. Afterward, the soft dunes of Erg El Mhazil appear on the horizon, where camp is set for the night.
Erg El Mhazil → Erg Elghoul
The trek continues through rolling dunes, rocky plains, and hidden sandy valleys. Along the way, camel herders share their knowledge of desert navigation and medicinal plants. By late afternoon, the group reaches the isolated dunes of Erg Elghoul for the night.
Erg Elghoul → the giant dunes of Erg Chigaga
This is one of the most anticipated days of the trek. The dunes grow larger and more dramatic as the caravan approaches Erg Chigaga on foot, following paths used for centuries. By afternoon, camp is set among the giant dunes, with a sunset view considered one of the best in Morocco.
A second day in Erg Chigaga
Rather than retracing the same ground, the caravan moves to a different, more remote corner of Erg Chigaga. The route passes through high dune ridges and quiet valleys, with a picnic lunch under desert trees. This final night in the Sahara ends with a farewell campfire dinner and traditional music.
Erg Chigaga → Foum Zguid → return to Marrakech
After breakfast, the group says goodbye to the camel herders and leaves the desert by 4x4. The route crosses Lake Iriki once more toward Foum Zguid. From there, a comfortable minivan completes the drive back to Marrakech.
Good To Know
What’s included
Included
- Private airport or hotel pick-up and drop-off in Marrakech
- Air-conditioned minivan from Marrakech to Foum Zguid and back
- Private 4x4 transfers between Foum Zguid and the camel trek start/end points
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Full camel trekking expedition with experienced nomadic herders
- Camel support for luggage, camping gear, and supplies
- 5 nights in traditional nomadic desert camps
- All meals, mint tea, and mineral water during the trek
- Vegan and vegetarian options on request
Not Included
- Travel insurance
- Tipping
- Flights
- Extra services (spa, massage, etc.)
- Accommodation in Marrakech
- Personal expenses
In The Dunes
Erg Chigaga, in pictures
Frequently Asked Questions