Desert Legacy Tours

5-Day Sahara Camel Trek from M'Hamid: Erg Lbour, Erg Essmar & Erg Zahar

A great loop through five ergs and desert sites with a nomad guide and pack camels. Cross the Draa hamada to Erg Lbour, the Nebkit Sidi Taieb desert and the ruined nomad village of Erg Essmar, reach the 'sea of sand' of Erg Zahar, then return via the Bousnina reg, Sidi Naji and the kasbahs of the M'Hamid palm grove. A different bivouac every night.

Excursion désert Maroc - Circuit & Trek dans le Sahara
Duration5 days / 4 nights
DepartureM'Hamid
Group size1-8 people
Typecamel trek
Best seasonOctober to April

Highlights

  • Five different ergs and desert sites in one loop
  • Nomad ruins and well at Erg Essmar
  • Erg Zahar, the 'sea of sand'
  • A new bivouac site every night
  • Pack camels, nomad guide and all meals

Itinerary

  1. Day 1: M'Hamid – Draa hamada – Erg LbourLeave M'Hamid across the stony Hamada of the Draa to the first dunes of Erg Lbour. Bivouac set up in the dunes.
  2. Day 2: Erg Lbour – Nebkit Sidi Taieb – Erg EssmarWalk through the desert of Nebkit Sidi Taieb to Erg Essmar, where the remains of an old nomad village and a well stand among the dunes. Second night in the bivouac.
  3. Day 3: Erg Essmar – Erg ZaharReach the great dunes of Erg Zahar, the 'sea of sand'. Sunset from the top and night at the foot of the dunes.
  4. Day 4: Erg Zahar – Bousnina reg – Sidi NajiCross the Bousnina reg to Sidi Naji, a place of pilgrimage for the nomads. Last night under the stars.
  5. Day 5: Sidi Naji – kasbahs – M'HamidWalk back through the old kasbahs and palm grove of M'Hamid, where the trek ends.

What's included

Included

  • 5 days of guided trekking
  • 4 nights in wild bivouacs
  • All meals
  • Pack camels
  • Nomad guide

Not included

  • Sleeping bag
  • Personal expenses
  • Tips

Photos

Frequently asked questions

What fitness level is required?

Good basic fitness: five consecutive days of 4-6 hours walking on sand and stony ground, at nomad pace with breaks. No technical difficulty.

What is the bivouac like?

Tents for one to three people, mattresses and blankets, set up at a new site each evening. Meals are cooked on site and evenings are spent around the fire.

When is the best time?

October to April is ideal for walking; summer is very hot. Nights can be cold in winter, so bring a sleeping bag.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. All our departures are private, in small groups of 1 to 8 people, with your own vehicle, driver and local guide. Dates are flexible and the programme can be adapted to your group.

What should I pack?

Light, breathable clothes for the day and a few warm layers for the evening, comfortable closed shoes, a hat, sunglasses and sun cream. Blankets are provided, but bring a sleeping bag if you have one for extra comfort.

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