The Sahara Desert is the third largest desert in the world, and the world’s largest “hot desert”. It occupies a surface area of approximately 8.5 million square kilometers. The Moroccan Sahara is in the south and east of the country, mostly along the border with Algeria.
To say the Moroccan Sahara is beautiful simply does not give it justice. It is mysterious, sensuous and unbelievably beguiling – the infinite patterns and mesmerizing beauty of the ever-changing sand dunes go hand in hand with the harshness of this climate. It is this juxtaposition that makes the Moroccan Sahara unmissable and not to be missed when traveling to this country.
There are many ways to M’hamid. Rental cars are readily available in Marrakesh. The drive from Marrakesh to M’hamid is approximately 8 hours (via the Atlas Mountains – therefore a portion of the drive will be on mountainous highway/road). Our suggestion is to take your time to drive down south and consider breaking up your drive by staying overnight at one of the beautiful towns like Ait Ben Haddou. If you prefer not to drive, we are more than happy to arrange private 4×4 transfer from your accommodation or airport in Marrakesh.
M’hamid can also be reached via public bus (CTM). Please check CTM’s website for the most up-to-date schedules:
Marrakesh – M’hamid. Departure 11 AM Daily. 17EUROS / person (approximately 10 hour travel time)
Ouarzazate – M’hamid. Departure 15:45 PM Daily. 8EUROS / person (approximately 5 hour travel time)
Zagora – M’hamid. Departure 17 PM Daily. 5EUROS / person (approximately 2 hour travel time
The quickest way to travel to M’hamid is via flight. If you are departing from Casablanca there are weekly flights to Zagora direct or via Ouarzazate. If you are departing from Marrakesh you will have to transfer via Casablanca. Please keep in mind that seasonal route changes are not uncommon and a direct route from Marrakesh to Zagora could be reintroduced or current routes could be discontinued. Please check the below sites for the most up-to-date flights and schedules:
Don’t have much time but you want to have an authentic nomadic experience? Then we’ll take you with us to the Jewish dunes where you can stay overnight in a real nomadic bivouac. After a walk of approximately 2 hours, starting at the gate of the desert, you will arrive at the camp. The next morning after breakfast you will return to M’Hamid.
Trek to the great dunes of Erg Chigaga or to Erg Smar, the birthplace of Bobo and one of the larger nomadic settlements prior to the damming of the Draa River. Enjoy the vast range of desert topography and the tranquility of the desert! A comprehensive sample of this itinerary is listed in our Sahara Trekking Tours.
This is one of the most comprehensive treks among our Sahara itineraries – you may very well become a true nomad after this! You will trek to magnificent desert locales such as Sidi Naji (where the Marabout lived) and visit the howling dunes of Zahar. There are many stories told as to why the big dune cries at night – perfect story beside the campfire!
You will also pass through Erg Smar, the birthplace and childhood home of Bobo.
During this short 6 or 7 days you will have a taste nomadic life and perhaps forget about some of the stresses and worries – and return home with renewed enthusiasm!
A trek along the Draa valley on route to the great Erg Chigaga dunes. More time means more pleasure in the desert. You will start the trek from Zagora and follow the route along the Draa valley. Follow the path of the Tuaregs and their caravan when they used to travel to Timbuktu.
