M'hamid el Ghizlane · Erg Chigaga · Morocco
Trekking with the Nomads
Moving through the desert. Living at its pace. Eight days.
Walk in. Go further.
From M'hamid el Ghizlane, the group enters the desert on foot. Three days of guided trek with Sahrawi nomad guides, following ancient caravan routes through dune corridors that few travellers reach by 4x4. Two bivouac nights in the open desert: a fire, a tent, the full sky.
On the fourth day, the group arrives at Erg Chigaga. A private camp of nomadic-inspired tents awaits at the base of the great dunes. Four nights here: morning movement sessions with the studio partner guide, cold plunge at dawn, astrophotography, silence, and Berber cuisine cooked under the stars.
The camel caravan walks alongside, carrying supplies and setting up camp ahead. The programme is demanding and restorative in equal measure. No roads. No other groups.
Send an enquiryWhat you'll experience
The programme
Arrival & Departure Point
Private transfer from Marrakech to M'hamid el Ghizlane, the historic gateway to the Sahara. Welcome dinner in a traditional kasbah. Meet your nomad guides. Prepare your kit for the trek. First night before the desert begins.
First Steps into the Desert
The group enters the desert on foot from M'hamid. First 15 to 18 kilometres through the early dune fields and dried riverbeds of the Draa mouth. Nomad guides lead at walking pace, reading the sand and wind. The camel caravan carries all supplies. Bivouac at sunset.
Into the Dune Corridors
A full day of trekking through the remote dune corridors leading toward Erg Chigaga. The landscape is without roads or settlements. Lunch in the shade of a dune. Evening movement session before dinner. Second bivouac night, clear sky, no light source to the horizon.
Arrival at Erg Chigaga
Final trek stage: arrival at the great dune system of Erg Chigaga in the early afternoon. The private camp awaits at the dune base. Showers, rest, the transition from trek to camp. First dinner at the camp table. Stargazing after dark.
Desert Camp: Movement & Sky
Two full days at camp. Sunrise movement sessions on the dune crests with the studio partner guide. Cold plunge at dawn. Silent walks with the nomad guide. Astrophotography sessions under a Bortle Class 1 to 2 sky. Berber percussion evenings, gastronomic Berber dinners, and as much silence as you need.
Last Morning in the Dunes
Final sunrise on the crests. Morning movement session. Hammam at camp. Farewell dinner. The last hours in the Sahara: no schedule, only what the light allows.
Return
Private 4x4 transfer from camp to Ouarzazate airport or back to Marrakech. Helicopter transfer available on request.
The retreat
Trek into the Sahara.
This retreat runs as a full private buyout for 8–14 guests. Dates and pace are built around your group.