The Great Ergs (sand seas) of Morocco are easily accessible and both the Erg Chebbi and Erg Chigaga dunes are suitable for Morocco camel treks with a desert guide. The Erg Chebbi dunes, close to Merzouga, can be reached on a paved road whilst the Erg Chigaga dunes, close to Mhamid, can only be reached in a 4x4 or on camels.

South of Marraekch, around Zagora, there are some dunes however this area does not offer the same, or even similar, desert experience. That said, it does offer a great introduction to Morocco in two days with a camel trek to sleep in a nomad-tented camp.

Morocco Camel Treks, to sleep under the stars at a nomad-tented camp in the desert dunes, are the highlight of our 4x4 Desert Tours although it should be noted that both sets of dunes lie in the South of Morocco and a minimum of 3 days is needed for a desert excursion; 4 or 5 days is recommended to travel at a more leisurely pace.

Authentic Morocco Desert Tours in private vehicles (Toyota Land Cruiser or similar) with aircon and local driver, run from Marrakech, Ouarzazate, Fes, Casablanca, Tangier and elsewhere on request. For desert excursions that run from Marrakech to Fes or Fes to Marrakech we recommend the Erg Chebbi dunes as they lie along the route.

Quick Links – Morocco Camel Treks and Desert Camel Tours

• Morocco Camel Treks – Zagora, Merzouga or M’hamid?
• Erg Chebbi Camel Treks
• Erg Chigaga Camel Treks
• Organised Marrakech Sahara Trips
• Organises Desert Tours from Marrakech to Fes & Fes to Marrakech
• Organised Ouarzazate Camel Treks and 4x4 Desert Safaris
• What to Wear and Take Camel Trekking in Morocco
• Bonded Morocco Tours – Prices, Confirmation and Payment Options
• Testimonials

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Morocco Camel Treks – Zagora, Merzouga or M’hamid?

We are often asked “where are the best dunes for camel trekking in Morocco?” and our answer is “each desert area of Morocco has its merit depending your timescales and what you want to experience”

The advantages of camel trekking in the Erg Chebbi dunes at Merzouga are the rolling golden dunes, the tarmac road that runs to the edge of the dune line and the 70+ hotels along the dune line. Hotels offer en-suite rooms and you can safely wander into the immediate desert without a guide. Within the deep desert dunes are nomad-tented camps where dinner is served under the stars. At the dune line, along with the hotels, are some ‘luxury’ desert camps with private facilities.

The advantage of camel trekking in the Erg Chigaga dunes from Mhamid is that this desert wilderness, where Ait Atta Berber nomads live, is protected and accommodation is only in desert camps with shared facilities. There are some luxury camps with private facilities. To reach the Erg Chagaga dunes from Mhamid requires a 4x4 or 3 days on a camel.

The advantage of visiting Zagora is if you have limited time however they do not offer the same desert experience as Erg Chebbi or Erg Chigaga.

Morocco Camel Treks. See 'Morocco Camel Treks' for my own story.

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Morocco Camel Treks – Erg Chebbi Camel Treks

Sunset Erg Chebbi Camel Treks are suitable if you want a short camel ride with a night in a hotel at the dune line. Hotels are presented in typical Moroccan style with the choice of en-suite rooms or nomad tents.

Overnight Erg Chebbi Camel Treks with a sunset and morning camel ride fulfil the dream of camel trekking in Morocco and sleeping in a nomad tent under the stars. Wake early to greet the sunrise and camel trek back over the Erg Chebbi dunes.

Extended Erg Chebbi Camel Treks with a desert guide allow you to safely wander like a nomad and live the simplicity of desert life. We offer camel treks for 2, 3, 4, or 5 days:

• Travel, as desert dwellers have traveled for untold generations, across the soft curves of sandy dunes and the flatness of the hammada as dust devils whirl and mirages shimmer
• Sip mint tea with desert nomads, draw water from a nomad well and embrace the timeless quality of desert life
• You will hear the words ‘Inch Allah’ (if God wills). A nomadic life is one of surrender and acceptance: surrender to the elements and daily events; acceptance of what is and what will be.

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Morocco Camel Treks – Erg Chigaga Camel Treks

The dunes of Erg Chigaga offer a unique experience. The desert adventure starts where the road ends in the dusty town of Mhamid ends and the dunes can only be reached in a 4x4 or by camel (two to three day camel trekking each way).

On an organized 4x4 desert tour it is possible to cross the hammada (black desert) to the dunes of the Erg Chigaga where accommodation is in desert camps and you can safely walk in the immediate dunes or camel trek with a desert guide at sunset.

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Marrakech to Marrakech Sahara Trips and 4x4 Desert Tours

We often get requests for Marrakech 1 day camel treks but it is a 10 hour drive each way to the Erg Chebbi dunes at Merzouga and we recommend a minimum of 4 days, breaking the journey each way, for a desert tour that includes the highlights on the route.

• 2 day and 3 day Marrakech Zagora Desert Tours include sunset and morning camel rides and an overnight to sleep in a traditional nomad tent. In 3 days you can break the journey one way at Ait Benhaddou or in the High Atlas Berber village of Telouet. The drive includes the Atlas, Ouarzazate, Draa River Valley, Ait Benhaddou and Telouet. Note: Zagora does not offer a real desert experience in comparison to Merzouga or M’hamid.
• 3 day Marrakech Erg Chebbi Desert Tours are available however, as a result of client feedback, we recommend at least a 4 day desert tour from Marrakech as a 3 day trip includes one very long day with a 10hrs drive excluding stops.
• 4 day & 5 day Marrakech Erg Chebbi Desert Excursions include sunset Erg Chebbi camel treks and one night at a desert camp. There is also the option to stay in a hotel at the dune line. The drive includes Skoura, Rose Valley, Todra Gorge, Ouarzazate, Ait Benhaddou and Telouet.
• 4 day, 5 day & 6 day Marrakech Mhamd Desert Safaris include sunset Erg Chigaga camel treks and one or two nights at a desert camp. This trip involves some off-road driving. The drive includes the Draa Valley, Zagora, Iriqui salt flats, Foum Zguid, Ait Benhaddou, Ouarzazate and Telouet.

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Marrakech to Fes & Fes to Marrakech Desert Tours

3 day tours are available although you may prefer to consider 4 days and travel at a more leisurely pace.

• 3 day, 4 day and 5 day Marrakech to Fes or Fes to Marrakech desert tours include Erg Chebbi camel treks with a night in the dunes. In addition, the drive includes Azrou, Ifrane, cedar forests where Macaque monkeys live, Ziz gorge, Todra gorge, Dades gorge, Rose Valley, Skoura Palmerie, Ouarzazate, the World Heritage Site of Ait Benhaddou, the traditional and Kasbah of el Glaoui at Telouet.

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Ouarzazate Camel Treks and 4x4 Desert Safaris

If your heart is set on camel trekking in Morocco, and you want to reduce your travel time to a minimum, consider a flight to Ouarzazate. We will meet you on arrival at the airport and, after a night in a hotel, drive you to Merzouga where your desert guide and camels will be waiting to carry you across the sands of the Sahara to your desert camp. Spend one night (two nights, three nights or more) camel trekking in the Erg Chebbi dunes before returning Ouarzazate via Todra Gorge and Skoura Palmerie.

From Ouarzazate it is also possible to reach the sand dunes of the Erg Chigaga, a unique desert wilderness that is home to the Ait Atta Berbers and their herds of camels.

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What to Wear and Take Camel Trekking in Morocco

• Comfy, baggy clothes are recommended for camel treks in Morocco and, in winter months, warm layers and wind-proof jacket
• Blankets are provided but, for your comfort, we recommend a sleeping-bag liner (summer) and sleeping bag (autumn through late-Spring)
• See 'Camel Treks Morocco' for recommended packing

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Bonded Morocco Tours – Prices, Confirmation and Payment

Please refer to: 'Private Morocco Tours - Pricing'

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Testimonials

To read our clients’ feedback please refer to: 'Testimonials'