M’Hamid: 3-Day Experience the Route of the Desert Caravans
Available options
A private three-day camel trek and 4×4 journey from M’hamid El Ghizlane along the old caravan routes: a night in a mobile camp at Sidi Naji, the Erg Zahar and Erg Chigaga dunes, and the Oum Laalag oasis on the way back.
Duration 3 days
Highlights
- A day and a half of camel trekking through the Sahara
- A night in a mobile desert camp under the stars
- A Berber camp at the Erg Chigaga dunes with a traditional dinner
- The golden dunes of Erg Zahar
- The Oum Laalag oasis and its palm trees
Full description
The tour starts in M’hamid El Ghizlane, the last village before the open Sahara, where you meet your camel team and leave the palm groves behind for the Draa valley. You follow routes once used by nomads and caravans, stopping at Ras N’Khel for lunch before continuing to Sidi Naji and a mobile camp for the night.
On the second day the caravan crosses dunes and open plains to the golden sands of Erg Zahar. There a 4×4 driver takes you on to a Berber camp at Erg Chigaga for sunset and dinner. The last morning is free at camp before the drive back to M’hamid by 4×4, with a stop at the Oum Laalag oasis.
Route map
Use “Show on map” on a day to centre the map on its stops.
Itinerary
Day 1M’hamid → Ras N’Khel → Sidi Naji
Meet your camel team in M’hamid El Ghizlane and ride out through the Draa valley along old nomad routes. About three hours to Ras N’Khel for lunch in the shade, then about two more hours to Sidi Naji, where you spend the night in a mobile camp with a traditional dinner.
Camel trek, about 5 h · Mobile camp, dinner
Day 2Sidi Naji → Erg Zahar → Erg Chigaga
Sunrise over the desert, breakfast, then three to four hours on camel across dunes and plains to lunch under a tamarisk tree. After a rest, on to the Erg Zahar dunes, where your 4×4 driver meets you for the drive to a Berber camp at Erg Chigaga. Sunset over the dunes and dinner at camp.
Camel trek, 3–4 h + 4×4 · Private tent, half board
Day 3Erg Chigaga → Oum Laalag oasis → M’hamid
Breakfast and free time at camp, then back by 4×4 on desert tracks towards the Draa valley, with a stop to walk around the Oum Laalag oasis. The tour ends in M’hamid El Ghizlane.
4×4 · Ends in M’hamid
What is included
- One and a half days of camel trekking
- 4×4 off-road journey
- Breakfasts, lunches and dinners during the tour
- Accommodation in desert camps
- Private tent for individuals, couples and families
- Pickup included
Not included
- Personal expenses
- Tips
Not suitable for
- People with back problems
- People with mobility impairments
Important information
What to bring
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Camera
- Sunscreen
- Water
- Comfortable clothes
Know before you go
- The tour involves long hours of camel trekking and off-road driving.
- Accommodation is in tents in desert camps.
- Weather can be extreme; prepare accordingly.
- Please do not leave litter in the desert.
Customer reviews
Our travellers post their reviews on Tripadvisor and on our site.
You might also like…
Meeting point