Hiking & Trekking Tours & Trips in Sahara Desert
Ready to trek through the Sahara, moving across dunes on foot? Desert trekking means days walking between oases or camps, sleeping under the stars, experiencing silence and heat and sand. Morocco's Erg Chebbi or Erg Chigaga regions, possibly Algeria's Tassili n'Ajjer with its rock art, and Tunisia's southern desert. It's physically demanding but the emptiness and beauty hit different than any other landscape.
10 best hiking & trekking Sahara Desert tours
Compiled by
MelissaSahara Desert travel expert at TourRadar
- 8-Days Private Morocco Tour From Marrakech To Imlil Atlas Mountains & Trekking
- 6-Days Desert Tour From Marrakech To Desert Trek
- Hike Morocco's Atlas Mountains
- Berber villages & Mt Toubkal Ascent
- Morocco Desert Camel Trek: 4-Day Sahara Experience
- 6 Days Camel Trekking from Marrakech to M'hamid & Erg Zaher Desert
- Sahara-Trekking 6 Days (Walk with nomads and camels)
- Mgoun Trek Morocco
- From Marrakech: 3-Day Merzouga and Sahara Desert Tour
- Trek Jebel Saghro 8 Days
8-Days Private Morocco Tour From Marrakech To Imlil Atlas Mountains & Trekking
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The landscapes we saw, from snow-capped peaks to endless dunes, were beyond beautiful. The night in the luxury desert camp was pure magic.”
Mina, traveled in May
Varied terrain stretches from Erg Chebbi's towering dunes to remote mountain trails. Guided camel rides at Merzouga and ancient caravan routes near Rissani lead to luxury camping at Sahara Stars Camp.
Duration 8 days Destinations Marrakesh, Imlil, Telouet, Ait Benhaddou, Ouarzazate, Skoura, Kalaat M'Gouna, Boumalne Dades, Todra Gorge, ErfoudSee all destinations Age Range Ages 8+ Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish Physical Rating Relaxing Distance 575 mi Operator Morhara Morocco Tours From $2,095
10% Off- US$1,886You save $210
6-Days Desert Tour From Marrakech To Desert Trek
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The drives were long but beautiful, especially the road between Fes and the Sahara. The luxury camp was peaceful and elegant.”
Camella, traveled in May
Walk through Erg Chigaga's golden dunes, Morocco's largest sand sea that stretches 40 km, with a 2-hour camel ride taking you into the Sahara Desert. Drive 90 km off-road through part of the legendary Paris-Dakar Rally route, stopping at Lake Iriqui's dry salt flats. Sleep under the stars in traditional nomadic tents and learn sand bread baking techniques with your Berber camel team.
Duration 6 days Destinations Marrakesh, Telouet, Ait Benhaddou, Ouarzazate, Agdz, Zagora, Tamegroute, Erg Chigaga, Foum Zguid, Tazenakht Age Range Ages 7+ Operated in English, Italian, French, Spanish Physical Rating Relaxing Distance 380 mi Operator Morhara Morocco Tours From $1,280
10% Off- US$1,152You save $128
Hike Morocco's Atlas Mountains
113 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Blessed by fantastic weather the trip was a great (short) escape from the doom and gloom of the UK.”
Barbara, traveled in January
High Atlas trails mark the Sahara's edge. The route extends from Tijhza village through varied terrain including Tizi'n'Ourghsan pass and Mount n'Oughlagal (8,530ft). Dramatic desert-mountain landscapes complement traditional riad accommodation.
Duration 8 days Destinations Marrakesh, Telouet Age Range Ages 16+ Distance 101 mi Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From $1,198
20% Off- US$960You save $238
Berber villages & Mt Toubkal Ascent
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The trip was really well-planned, the company thought of every detail. Communication before the trip was fast and helpful.”
Margarita, traveled in June
The path from Sahara's edge rises through varied terrain to Mount Toubkal (4,167m). The route crosses the challenging Aguelzim pass (3,560m), passes the Ighouliden waterfalls, and offers spectacular desert views from North Africa's highest peak.
Duration 4 days Destinations Marrakesh Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, French, Spanish Operator View Morocco From
20% Off- US$337
Vast dunes stretch from Mhamid to the historic Sidi Naji sanctuary. Hidden oases and rocky plateaus dot this desert journey with camel support. Professional guides lead this 5-star rated adventure for authentic Saharan experiences.
Duration 4 days Destinations Marrakesh, Ouarzazate, Ait Benhaddou, Zagora, Mhamid Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish, Chinese, Dutch, Russian Physical Rating Moderate Distance 409 mi Operator Desertbrise Travel From $640
20% Off- US$512You save $128
6 Days Camel Trekking from Marrakech to M'hamid & Erg Zaher Desert
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We had a luxury and comfortable amazing experience, the food was good especially the first night.”
Gideon, traveled in July
Walk through Erg Bartam's remote dunes, which offer wide desert views and quiet spaces away from busy tourist areas. Camels carry supplies from Mhamid across rocky plateaus and through desert oases, with stops at traditional Berber villages where you'll see authentic nomadic life. Visit the UNESCO-listed Ait Benhaddou kasbah and travel over the High Atlas Mountains through Tizi n'Tichka Pass, where you'll get wide mountain views.
Duration 6 days Destinations Marrakesh, Mhamid, Ouarzazate, Zagora, Ait Benhaddou Age Range Operated in English, German, Italian, French, Spanish Physical Rating Moderate Distance 518 mi Operator Explore Adventures Morocco From $2,724
30% Off- US$1,907You save $817
Sahara-Trekking 6 Days (Walk with nomads and camels)
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“He had an incredible way of anticipating our needs and always went the extra mile to make sure we were comfortable, safe, and having the best time.”
David, traveled in March
Sahara's most stunning dunes stretch from M'hamid to Zahar. Daily 3-hour hikes across Erg Lagwasm and Sidi Naji come with camel support. Sunset climbs on the region's highest dunes are guided by local experts.
Duration 6 days Destinations Marrakesh, Ait Benhaddou, Ouarzazate, Agdz, Tamegroute, Mhamid, Tagounite, Zagora Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, French Physical Rating Easy Distance 396 mi Operator SAHARA EYES From
30% Off- US$1,052
Mgoun Trek Morocco
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The landscape was beautiful. The summit of M'Goun ist wonderful as well as the other day tours and campsites.”
Tobias, traveled in August
Mountains meet desert on this route from Tabant base (1850m). Dramatic elevation changes lead from desert plains to Aghouwri Pass (3400m), with nights spent camping at scenic locations like Tarkeddid refuge (2900m).
Duration 6 days Destinations Marrakesh, Ait Bouguemez Age Range All Ages Welcome Physical Rating Moderate Distance 176 mi Operator Trek in Morocco From
30% Off- US$675
Duration 3 days Destinations Marrakesh, Ouarzazate, Merzouga Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, French, Spanish Physical Rating Easy Distance 252 mi Operator AtlasMountainTrekking From
30% Off- US$163
Trek Jebel Saghro 8 Days
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Nice and easy 4 day trek in Anti Atlas Mountains. We did it as a standalone tour but it is a long drive from Marrakech.”
Sigitas, traveled in October
The volcanic landscapes of Jebel Saghro mark the Sahara's edge. Reach the summit of Mount Kouaouche (2500m), marvel at Afourar valley's rock formations, and rest at camps near the iconic Bab-n-Ali gates. The route passes through traditional Ait Atta territories and ancient desert trade routes.
Duration 8 days Destinations Marrakesh, Ouarzazate, Jbel Saghro Age Range Ages 10+ Operated in English, German, French, Spanish, Chinese, Dutch Physical Rating Moderate Distance 285 mi Operator Easygo Tours From $937
10% Off- US$847You save $90
What people love about Hiking & Trekking Tours in Sahara Desert
- 8-Days Private Morocco Tour From Marrakech To Imlil Atlas Mountains & Trekking
What an adventure! From the lively streets of Marrakech to the peaceful mountain trails, and then into the Sahara desert, every day felt different. The trek in the Atlas was breathtaking, with welcoming Berber families offering tea. The desert camp was beyond our expectations, luxurious yet still authentic. We’ll never forget this journey.
- 6-Days Desert Tour From Marrakech To Desert Trek
As a couple traveling for the first time in Morocco, this tour gave us confidence and comfort. The drives were long but beautiful, especially the road between Fes and the Sahara. The luxury camp was peaceful and elegant, and the team there treated us like family. Marrakech at the end was a great way to finish the trip
- Berber villages & Mt Toubkal Ascent
The trip was really well-planned, the company and the guide thought of every detail. Communication before the trip was fast and helpful. The guide Abdul was just amazing, nice and interesting to talk to. I recommend this tour and this guide ❤️ But on your way from Marrakech to Imlil there might be a stop at argan oil cooperative, which is a tourist trap. Other than that everything was just perfect.
What our customers ask about Hiking & Trekking Tours & Trips in Sahara Desert
What is the best time of year for hiking in the Sahara Desert?
Plan your Sahara Desert hiking adventure between September and May when the climate is ideal for trekking. The Erg Chigaga and Merzouga dunes see pleasant temperatures around 20-25°C (68-77°F) making it possible to hike comfortably for 4-6 hours each day. One TourRadar traveler noted "The weather was perfect for hiking in November not too hot during the day and pleasantly cool at night."
What should I pack for a multi-day hiking trip in the Sahara Desert?
For Sahara Desert hiking pack lightweight breathable clothing with long sleeves sturdy hiking boots and a wide-brimmed hat. Bring high SPF sunscreen and water carriers that hold at least 3 liters per day. When trekking through regions like Erg Chigaga pack a warm sleeping bag for nights that can drop to 0°C. A TourRadar traveler advised: "Good quality hiking boots are essential for the sandy terrain and don't forget a headlamp for evening navigation around camp at places like Erg Lawina and Sidi Naji."
What are the best hiking trails in the Sahara Desert for different skill levels?
The Sahara Desert provides options for every hiking ability. Beginners can start with 4-5 hour hikes near the Erg Chebbi dunes at Merzouga while experienced hikers might tackle the 8-day Erg Chigaga trek covering up to 16km daily through remote dunes and caravan routes. One TourRadar traveler shared "The hiking experience and tranquility of the desert were excellent allowing us to explore both easy and challenging terrains." For intermediate levels the Tamegroute to M'hamid trail offers a balanced 5-6 hour trek.
Where do I sleep during multi-day Sahara Desert hikes?
Desert camps and traditional lodgings create the backdrop for nights in the Sahara. Popular Erg Chebbi treks feature luxury desert camps with private bathrooms while remote trails like Erg Chigaga offer basic tent camping under desert skies. Some routes include stays at authentic kasbahs like Kasbah Amazigh or local guesthouses in villages like Agdz. A TourRadar traveler noted: "The mix of camping in the dunes and staying at the comfortable Dar Imlil guesthouse provided a perfect balance of authentic desert experience and comfort."
What wildlife and natural features might I encounter while hiking in the Sahara?
The hiking trails showcase the Sahara's diverse terrain from the 300m dunes of Erg Chebbi to the dramatic Todra Gorge canyons. Desert foxes gazelles and various birds frequent the Draa Valley region. The Erg Chigaga route features unique geological formations including the "howling dunes" that create sounds in the wind. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The variety of landscapes from the Dades Valley to the massive dunes of Erg Chebbi was incredible each day bringing new natural wonders to discover."
What kind of cultural experiences are included in Sahara Desert hikes?
Desert hikes blend outdoor adventure with local culture through visits to Berber villages interactions with nomadic families and stays in local homes. Tours often stop at historic sites such as the UNESCO-listed Ait Benhaddou Kasbah and women's cooperatives in M'hamid. A TourRadar traveler noted: "The care hospitality and authenticity was the best we experienced in our time in Morocco especially during our evenings around the campfire with our Berber guides."
What type of meals are provided during Sahara Desert hikes?
Local cooks prepare traditional Moroccan dishes at desert camps throughout the trek. Start your day with fresh bread jams eggs and mint tea. Midday brings picnic lunches with salads and sandwiches while evenings feature hot tagines couscous and grilled meats. Camps like those in Erg Chigaga prepare all meals fresh daily. One TourRadar reviewer shared "The food was incredible - fresh bread baked in the sand and delicious tagines every night."