Tour Overview
Chegaga Desert · Sahara Expedition · Guided Trekking9 days of authentic Sahara exploration through remote landscapes, experiencing camel caravan life, desert bivouacs, and genuine nomadic encounters. This carefully curated expedition offers the ultimate Sahara adventure for those seeking to experience Morocco's most remote and spectacular desert regions.
Our 9-day Chegaga Desert trekking expedition is designed for travelers seeking an authentic and immersive Sahara experience away from tourist crowds. The Chegaga dunes are among the highest and most remote in Morocco, offering a truly wild desert experience. This trek follows ancient caravan routes through dramatic landscapes where you'll encounter nomadic families and experience traditional desert life.
The journey begins with a scenic drive through the High Atlas Mountains before descending into the Draa Valley, Morocco's longest palm grove. From there, we venture deep into the Sahara, where the real adventure begins. You'll spend several days trekking through spectacular dunes, sleeping under star-filled skies, and experiencing the timeless rhythm of desert life.
This expedition requires moderate fitness and a spirit of adventure. While we provide comfortable camping arrangements and support vehicles, participants should be prepared for some walking in sandy conditions and varying temperatures. The reward is an unparalleled experience of one of the world's most magnificent deserts.
Tour Highlights
What makes this Chegaga Desert expedition unique- Scenic drive through the High Atlas Mountains via Tizi n'Tichka Pass
- Explore the spectacular Draa Valley - Morocco's longest palm grove
- Visit traditional kasbahs and fortified villages along ancient trade routes
- Deep immersion in nomadic culture with authentic family visits
- Multi-day camel trek through remote Chegaga dunes (up to 300m high)
- Experience traditional desert navigation and survival techniques
- Sleep under spectacular star-filled Sahara skies
- Cross the dried Lake Iriki - ancient caravan resting place
- Visit fossil sites and learn about the Sahara's geological history
- Traditional Berber music and storytelling around campfires
Detailed Itinerary – 9 Days
Deep desert expedition programMarrakech – High Atlas – Ait Benhaddou – Ouarzazate
Depart Marrakech early, crossing the High Atlas Mountains via the spectacular Tizi n'Tichka Pass (2,260m). Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Benhaddou, an impressive fortified village that has featured in numerous films. Continue to Ouarzazate, known as the "Gateway to the Sahara." Overnight in a traditional riad with dinner. Briefing about the upcoming desert expedition.
Ouarzazate – Agdez – Draa Valley – Zagora
Enter the Draa Valley, Morocco's longest river valley with extensive palm groves and traditional kasbahs. Stop in Agdez for panoramic views before continuing through the valley. Visit traditional villages and learn about local agriculture. Arrive in Zagora, historically known as the "Door to the Desert." Overnight in a kasbah-style hotel. Preparation for desert trekking.
Zagora – Tamegroute – M'Hamid – Beginning of Desert Trek
Visit Tamegroute to see its famous pottery workshops and ancient Quranic library. Continue to M'Hamid, the last town before the vast Chegaga dunes. Meet your camel team and guides. Begin trekking into the desert, learning basic camel handling. First night under the stars at a simple desert bivouac. Traditional dinner around the campfire.
Full Day Desert Trekking – Nomad Encounter
Full day of trekking through increasingly remote dunes. Learn desert navigation techniques from experienced guides. Visit a nomadic family in their traditional tent, sharing mint tea and learning about their way of life. Continue trekking to a new campsite. Evening of traditional music and storytelling. Witness spectacular sunset over the dunes.
Deep Desert Exploration – Chegaga Dunes Approach
Trek toward the impressive Chegaga dunes, which become visible on the horizon. The landscape becomes more dramatic with higher dunes and wider vistas. Stop for lunch at a scenic spot. Afternoon trek brings you closer to the main dune field. Camp at the edge of the Chegaga dunes. Optional climbing of a high dune for panoramic sunset views.
Chegaga Dunes Exploration – Summit Ascent
Full day to explore the magnificent Chegaga dunes. Optional early morning ascent of a major dune for sunrise views (highly recommended). Day includes trekking through the heart of the dune field, with opportunities for photography and quiet contemplation. Learn about desert ecology and geology. Final night in the deep desert with special celebration dinner.
Chegaga – Lake Iriki – Foum Zguid
Morning trek out of the dune field toward the dried Lake Iriki, once an important resting place for trans-Saharan caravans. Meet 4x4 vehicles for transfer across rocky desert plains to Foum Zguid. Shower and relax at a desert auberge. Celebration dinner reflecting on the desert experience.
Foum Zguid – Taznakht – Ouarzazate
Travel through stark desert landscapes to Taznakht, famous for its Berber carpets and saffron. Visit a cooperative to learn about traditional weaving techniques. Return to Ouarzazate via scenic mountain roads. Overnight in a comfortable riad. Farewell dinner sharing expedition experiences.
Ouarzazate – High Atlas – Marrakech
Return journey to Marrakech via the High Atlas Mountains. Optional stops for photography and last-minute souvenir shopping. Arrive in Marrakech in the late afternoon. Transfer to your hotel or the airport for departure. End of expedition services.
What's Included / Not Included
To prepare your budget comfortably- All transportation as per itinerary
- 8 nights accommodation (riads, hotels, desert camps)
- Professional English/French-speaking desert guide
- Camel trek with experienced cameleers (Days 3-7)
- All meals during desert trekking days
- Desert camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, etc.)
- Support vehicle for luggage during trekking days
- All entrance fees to monuments and sites
- Cooking team and camp staff in the desert
- International flights to/from Morocco
- Travel insurance (mandatory for this expedition)
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tips for guides, cameleers, and camp staff
- Personal trekking equipment (sleeping bag recommended)
- Meals in cities (Marrakech, Ouarzazate)
- Optional activities not mentioned in itinerary
Practical Details
Duration, level, seasons & participantsTour Route Map
Explore the Marrakech to Chegaga expedition routeFrequently Asked Questions
Some answers before your expeditionThis expedition requires moderate to good fitness. Participants should be capable of walking 4-6 hours daily in sandy conditions. While camels carry most equipment, you'll need to walk alongside them through dunes. Previous desert or trekking experience is beneficial but not essential. A positive attitude and adaptability are more important than extreme fitness.
The Chegaga Desert experiences extreme temperatures outside these months. From October to April, daytime temperatures range from 20-30°C (68-86°F), while nights can be cool (5-15°C/41-59°F). Summer months (May-September) see temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F), making extended trekking unsafe and uncomfortable.
We provide quality camping equipment including spacious two-person tents, sleeping mats, mess tent for meals, and camping toilet facilities. You should bring your own sleeping bag (rated for 0°C/32°F comfort) or we can arrange rental. Camps are set up by our support team, and meals are prepared by our cooking team.
Bring broken-in hiking boots, lightweight trekking clothing, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, high SPF sunscreen), headlamp, personal medications, and a sleeping bag. We recommend walking regularly before departure to prepare your feet. A detailed equipment list will be provided upon booking. Most important is a flexible, adventurous spirit!
Chegaga offers a more remote and authentic experience than popular areas like Merzouga. The dunes are higher (up to 300m), the area is less visited, and you'll encounter fewer tourists. Chegaga requires more effort to reach but rewards with spectacular, untouched landscapes and genuine cultural encounters with nomadic families.
Our guides are trained in desert first aid and emergency procedures. We carry satellite communication for emergencies. A support vehicle accompanies the trek (though sometimes at a distance). Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is mandatory. Participants must disclose any medical conditions during booking. The desert environment demands respect but is manageable with proper preparation.