7 Days Trekking in Chegaga Desert – From Iriki to M’hamid

Immersing yourself in the raw beauty and silence of Morocco’s Sahara. This journey begins with a scenic drive from Marrakech across the High Atlas Mountains, passing traditional Berber villages, winding mountain passes, and breathtaking valleys. From Iriki, you will trek into the heart of the Chegaga Desert, riding camels and walking through endless golden dunes, exploring hidden oases, dry riverbeds, and remote desert landscapes. Along the way, meet nomadic Berber families, learn about their traditional lifestyle, and experience the culture and resilience of desert life. Each night is spent under the star-studded desert sky in authentic bivouac camps, while mornings bring magical sunrises over towering dunes. This tour perfectly combines adventure, cultural immersion, and the serenity of Morocco’s untouched Sahara, creating a journey filled with unforgettable memories and breathtaking landscapes.

7 Days Trekking in Chegaga Desert – From Iriki to M’hamid itinerary

Day 1: Marrakech – Iriki Dry Lake – Desert Camp

Your adventure begins early with a pickup from your Marrakech hotel or riad. Travel across the stunning High Atlas Mountains, passing traditional Berber villages and valleys via the famous Tizi n’Tichka Pass. Stop along the way to take in panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and terraced landscapes. Continue south to the Iriki dry lake, a vast salt plain that marks the gateway to the Sahara. Set up your first bivouac camp here, enjoy refreshments, and witness your first sunset over the desert plains. Dinner is served under the stars with traditional Berber music, offering a magical introduction to desert life.

Overnight: Bivouac at Iriki

Day 2: Iriki – Start Trekking Towards Chegaga

After breakfast, begin your trekking journey into the Chegaga Desert, riding camels or trekking on foot across sand plains and small dunes. The route offers a gradual immersion into the vast Sahara landscape, with opportunities to see unique desert flora and fauna. Stop along the way to rest, photograph the changing scenery, and enjoy the silence and serenity of the desert. Arrive at your camp in Chegaga in the late afternoon, enjoy traditional tea, and witness a stunning sunset over the golden dunes.

Overnight: Desert camp in Chegaga

Day 3: Chegaga – Camel Trekking & Desert Exploration

Wake up early to watch a breathtaking sunrise over the Chegaga dunes. Spend the day trekking across the highest dunes, exploring hidden valleys and remote oases. Meet Berber nomads along the way and learn about their traditional life in the desert. The day is filled with adventure, photography opportunities, and moments of complete silence and connection with the Sahara. Return to your camp in the evening for dinner and a peaceful night under a sky full of stars.

Overnight: Desert camp in Chegaga

Day 4: Chegaga – Deep Desert Trekking

Continue your desert trekking deeper into the remote Chegaga dunes, exploring areas untouched by visitors. The landscape changes constantly, with towering dunes, dry riverbeds, and occasional oases. Learn from your guides about desert survival techniques, and experience the tranquility and immensity of the Sahara. Enjoy a traditional Moroccan lunch in the desert, rest during the hottest hours, and prepare for a late afternoon trek to reach your next bivouac. Evening brings another spectacular sunset over the dunes and dinner around the campfire.

Overnight: Desert camp in Chegaga

Day 5: Chegaga – Trekking Towards M’hamid

After breakfast, begin trekking towards M’hamid, following desert tracks and exploring more of the vast Sahara. Along the way, you will pass dry riverbeds, small desert villages, and more secluded dunes. The trekking route is an authentic Saharan experience, giving you insight into desert life, local culture, and the natural beauty of this remote region. Arrive at your bivouac near M’hamid in the late afternoon, enjoy tea, and witness another magnificent desert sunset. Dinner is served at the camp with traditional music under the starry sky.

Overnight: Desert camp near M’hamid

Day 6: M’hamid – Desert Exploration & Nomads

Wake up early for a final sunrise in the desert. Spend the day exploring the surrounding dunes and meeting nomadic Berber families, learning about their lifestyle, traditions, and survival techniques in this harsh yet beautiful environment. Ride camels or trek across smaller dunes, and visit desert oases that provide life in the Sahara. Take time to photograph the ever-changing desert landscapes and enjoy the serenity of the remote Sahara. Return to your camp for a farewell dinner, celebrating your desert adventure with music and stories around the fire.

Overnight: Desert camp near M’hamid

Day 7: M’hamid – Return to Marrakech

After a final desert sunrise and breakfast, begin the journey back to Marrakech via 4×4 transfer, crossing scenic desert plains, small villages, and the Draa Valley. Stop along the way for photographs and short breaks. Continue through the Anti-Atlas and High Atlas Mountains, enjoying panoramic views and reflecting on your unforgettable desert trekking experience. Arrive in Marrakech in the evening, where the tour concludes with a hotel or airport drop-off. This 7-day trek provides a perfect combination of adventure, cultural immersion, and the magical landscapes of Chegaga and M’hamid deserts.

Overnight: Hotel in Marrakech or airport drop-off

✔ Included

• Private 4×4 transfer from Marrakech to Iriki and back
• Experienced desert guides for trekking
• Camel trekking and desert trekking equipment
• Accommodation in desert bivouacs
• Breakfasts and dinners as per itinerary
• Fuel, road taxes, and guide expenses

✘ Excluded

• Lunches and drinks
• Personal expenses and tips
• Optional activities (quad biking, sandboarding, etc.)