Experience Morocco Desert Trekking: Erg Chigaga, Merzouga, M’Hamid & Draa Valley Adventures
Morocco desert trekking is an unforgettable journey into some of the most awe-inspiring and remote landscapes in North Africa. From towering sand dunes to palm-filled valleys, trekking across Morocco’s Sahara Desert invites adventurers to discover the silence, beauty, and cultural richness of this mystical region. Whether on foot or by camel, desert hikes offer deep connection with nature and centuries-old nomadic traditions.
One of the top destinations for desert trekking is Erg Chigaga, the wildest and most remote dune field in Morocco. Located near the oasis town of M’Hamid El Ghizlane, Erg Chigaga is known for its high dunes, reaching up to 300 meters, and its untouched atmosphere. Hikers and camel caravans travel for days across this golden sea of sand, camping under the stars and sharing mint tea with local guides. Unlike its more accessible counterpart Merzouga, Erg Chigaga offers a raw and authentic desert experience.
M’Hamid, once the last outpost before the open Sahara, is the gateway to both Chigaga and longer desert expeditions. It’s a quiet village with a rich nomadic heritage, surrounded by dunes, palm groves, and ancient ksars. Trekking from M’Hamid into the desert allows for immersive multi-day adventures through silence, solitude, and breathtaking scenery.
Further northeast lies Merzouga, home to the famous Erg Chebbi dunes, some of the highest in the Moroccan Sahara. Known for their stunning red-gold tones at sunrise and sunset, Erg Chebbi is ideal for both short camel treks and multi-day hikes. Visitors can explore Berber camps, salt flats, and desert oases while enjoying traditional music and warm hospitality.
Between the Sahara and the mountains stretches the lush Draa Valley, an essential part of any desert journey. Lined with palm groves, fortified villages, and kasbahs, the Draa Valley follows the path of Morocco’s longest river. Trekking here combines desert beauty with vibrant life, offering contrasting scenery and insight into the oasis culture that has thrived here for centuries.
No desert trekking experience in Morocco is complete without a camel trek. Riding these “ships of the desert” allows travelers to journey as the nomads once did, moving at a natural pace across dunes, rocky plateaus, and dried riverbeds. Whether you choose a half-day ride or a weeklong camel caravan, the experience is both meditative and magical.
Morocco desert trekking is a journey through timeless landscapes, silence, stars, and ancient traditions. Whether exploring Merzouga, M’Hamid, Erg Chigaga, or the Draa Valley, the desert calls those seeking adventure, peace, and wonder.