The route of the camels | Treks in Morocco

General description

A 4X4 nature tour across the South of Morocco combined with a 3 day camel trek across the beautiful sand dunes of Ch’gaga. The perfect journey for those travelers wishing to explore the Saharan and sub Saharan Morocco, and get a first taste of the life in the desert. Starting from Marrakech, we’ll cross the central High Atlas at the Tizi n’ Tichka pass, traveling south along the Ounila valley to the beautiful ksar of Ait Ben Haddou. Our journey will continue across the Draa Valley to reach the oasis of Zagora and the Saharan village of M’hamid, starting point of the trek. The experience is accessible also for less experienced trekkers. Nonetheless, a basic level of fitness and a healthy physical condition are recommended to fully enjoy the three day desert hike.

Included services:

Private transport by 4x4/minibus with driver and air conditioning - Local guide – 3 nights in tent camp, with accommodation on full board basis - 4 nights in riad, with accommodation on half board basis - 3 liters of water per day and per person during the trek - Staff and equipment for the tent camp (including tents and mattresses) - Muleteers and mules for carrying luggage, equipment and supplies - Hammam at the end of the trekking - 24h assistance

Extra services not included:

Airplane tickets - Drinks - Tips and additional expenses – Optional activities – Travel health and cancellation insurance (upon request, Direction Sud will help you identify the most suitable for your needs). Direction Sud guarantees no hidden costs or other extra fees.

Stages of the trip

8 days / 7 nights

Ait Ben Haddou - M'hamid - Sidi Naji - Erg Zehar - Erg Smar - M'hamid – Ouarzazate

Leaving from Marrakech by 4x4/minibus early in the morning, we’ll cross the Central High Atlas at the Tizi n 'Tichka pass to reach the ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, ancient fortress of earth and straw named UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. We’ll visit the Ksar accompanied by expert local guides, plunging into the ancient traditions of this magic place visited every year by thousands of international tourists. Depending on your interests, the visit of the ksar will be followed by local food tastings and cooking demonstrations, short camel treks around the ksar and traditional music nights. On the second day we’ll travel along the immense Draa Valley, whose lush palm grove hides traditional Berber villages and beautiful ancient kasbahs, heading south towards the city of Zagora and the Saharan village of M’hamid, where we’ll prepare for the trekking. On the next day, we’ll start our hike with a first stop at the marabout’s tomb of Sidi Naji, crossing the Draa River, accompanied by camels and expert camel drivers. Over the next three days we’ll hike across the magnificent sand dunes of Erg Smar and Zehar, along the ancient nomadic trade routes leading into the hearth of the Sahara, camping at night around the warm light of a bonfire and enjoying al the calm and peacefulness of the desert life. Our trek we’ll end in M'hamid, where the 4x4/minibus will wait to bring us back to Ouarzazate, for a last relaxing day of hammams and massages before returning to Marrakech

Duration: 8 days