Hiking and camping in Morocco is a land of contrasts snow capped peaks giving way to endless, golden dunes. For the adventurous soul, nothing compares to the silence of the Sahara. At Moroccan Voyagers, we believe that to truly understand the desert, you must walk it by day and sleep beneath its celestial ceiling by night.
Whether you are a hardened trekker or a luxury glamping enthusiast, the Moroccan desert offers a journey back to nature. Here is everything you need to know about hiking and camping in the Erg Chebbi and Erg Chigaga dunes.
Why Hike the Moroccan Desert? & Hiking And Camping In Desert Morocco
Unlike a standard 4×4 tour, hiking allows you to feel the rhythm of the desert. You hear the whisper of the wind sculpting the dunes, spot the tracks of the fennec fox, and meet the nomadic Berber families who have called this home for centuries.
Top Desert Hiking Spots:
- Erg Chebbi (Merzouga): Iconic, towering dunes (up to 150m). Easier access and perfect for combining with camel trekking.
- Erg Chigaga: Remote, wild, and less touristy. Requires a serious hike or guided off-road approach. Ideal for multi-day treks.
- The Draa Valley: A pre-desert experience with ancient kasbahs and lush palm groves before the sand begins.
The Moroccan Voyagers Camping Experience
We offer two distinct ways to sleep in the desert, tailored to your travel style.
1. Traditional Berber Camping (The Nomad Way)
For those seeking authenticity, we set up a Khimah traditional goat-hair tent. You will:
- Fall asleep on comfortable mattresses with thick wool blankets.
- Enjoy a home-cooked Tagine buried in the sand (slow-cooked for hours).
- Listen to Gnawa music around the campfire.
- Best for: Budget travelers and cultural enthusiasts.
2. Luxury Desert Glamping (The Royal Sahara)
Think of a floating 5-star hotel on the sand. Our luxury camps feature:
- Private en-suite bathrooms flushing toilets & hot showers.
- King-sized beds with Egyptian cotton sheets.
- Dining tents serving multi-course French-Moroccan fusion.
- Sunset champagne on the highest dune.
- Best for: Honeymooners and comfort seekers.
What to Expect on a Trek (Sample Itinerary)
Day 1: Arrival & Sunset
- Meet your guide in Merzouga.
- Light hike to a fossil fields. Yes, the Sahara was once an ocean!
- Camel ride to camp. Dinner and stargazing.
Day 2: The Long Hike
- Sunrise breakfast.
- Hike 4-6 hours towards a remote oasis.
- Picnic lunch under a tamarisk tree.
- Arrive at a seasonal salt flat Sebkha.
- Night two at a mobile camp.
Day 3: Return & Sandboarding
- Wake up early to trace the dunes.
- Sandboard down the Dead Dune.
- Return to civilization for a shower and mint tea.
Packing List for Desert Survival (Don’t forget!)
- The Shemagh (Scarf): Buy one locally. It protects you from sun, sand, and cold.
- Layered clothing: Freezing at night (40°F/4°C), scorching during the day (100°F/38°C).
- Closed-toe hiking boots: Sand gets hot, and dunes have thorns.
- Headlamp: There are no streetlights in the Sahara.
- Reusable water bottle: We provide refills at camp.
Safety & Sustainability with Moroccan Voyagers & Hiking and Camping in Desert Morocco
Is it safe? Absolutely. Morocco is a stable, tourist-friendly nation. Our guides are licensed, first-aid trained, and speak English, French, and Berber.
The Leave No Trace Pledge:
We are committed to preserving the Sahara. We remove 100% of our waste, use solar-powered lights, and work exclusively with local Berber communities to ensure tourism benefits the indigenous people.
Ready to Answer the Desert’s Call?
At Moroccan Voyagers, we don’t just sell trips; we curate memories. Whether you want a rugged 7-day expedition or a romantic one-night glamping stay, we have the perfect route for you.