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
- 6-Days Desert Tour From Marrakech To Desert Trek
- Premium 3-Day Fes to Marrakech Sahara Experience with Luxury Camp
- 8-Days Morocco Highlights, Tours From Casablanca To Marrakech via desert Adventure
- 9 Days Morocco Desert & Mountains Discovery Tour From Casablanca
- Morocco: Women's Expedition
- Trek Jebel Saghro 8 Days
- 4-Days from Marrakech to Erg Chigaga | Blue Turbans Adventures
- 4 Days Morocco Desert trekking and Hiking
- 2 Nights Luxury Sahara Desert Tour from Marrakech - Private Camel Trek & 5_ Berber Camp & Sandboarding
- Hike Morocco's Atlas Mountains
6-Days Desert Tour From Marrakech To Desert Trek
“The dunes are vast, peaceful, and far from the crowds, making the experience feel truly authentic.”
Olivia, traveled in July
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, Ait Benhaddou, Agdz, Draa Valley, Zagora, Tamegroute, Ouled Driss, Erg Chigaga, Foum Zguid, Tazenakht Age Range Ages 7+ Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish Physical Rating Relaxing Distance 952 mi Operator Morhara Morocco Tours From $1,282
10% Off- US$1,154
Duration 3 days Destinations Fes, Ifrane, Merzouga, Rissani, Todra Gorge, Boumalne Dades, Ouarzazate, Ait Benhaddou, Marrakesh Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish, Chinese, Dutch, Russian Physical Rating Relaxing Distance 489 mi Operator Morocco Travel Experts LLC From
10% Off- US$495
8-Days Morocco Highlights, Tours From Casablanca To Marrakech via desert Adventure
“The Sahara Desert is surreal, the golden dunes stretching as far as the eye can see.”
Brad, traveled in January
Duration 8 days Destinations Casablanca, Marrakesh, Telouet, Ait Benhaddou, Agdz, Zagora, Ouarzazate, Mhamid, Erg Chigaga, Foum Zguid Age Range Ages 6+ Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish Physical Rating Easy Distance 669 mi Operator Morhara Morocco Tours From $1,865
10% Off- US$1,678
9 Days Morocco Desert & Mountains Discovery Tour From Casablanca
“Excellent quality accommodation and guides, and a totally smooth, stress-free experience.”
Doneri, traveled in March
Duration 9 days Destinations Casablanca, Fes, Ifrane, Midelt, Merzouga, Erg Chebbi, Tinghir, Todra Gorge, Boumalne Dades, Ait BouguemezSee all destinations Age Range Ages 8+ Operated in English, French, Spanish Physical Rating Easy Distance 777 mi Operator Morocco Flawless Travels From $2,090
10% Off- US$1,881
Morocco: Women's Expedition
“Totally recommend this tour. Loved every minute of it.”
Janice, traveled in October
Rocky paths wind from Bou Tharar to Issoumar, linking traditional villages. Expert female guides lead 5-6 hour daily adventures across varied terrain. Family-run gites offer authentic Saharan hospitality and insights into nomadic culture.
Duration 8 days Destinations Marrakesh, Agouti, Issoumar, Ait Benhaddou Age Range Ages 15+ Physical Rating Moderate Distance 244 mi Operator Intrepid Travel From
10% Off- US$1,495
Trek Jebel Saghro 8 Days
“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, Skoura, Jbel Saghro, Igli, Draa Valley Age Range Ages 10+ Operated in English, German, French, Spanish, Chinese, Dutch Physical Rating Moderate Distance 875 mi Operator Easygo Tours From
10% Off- US$896
4-Days from Marrakech to Erg Chigaga | Blue Turbans Adventures
“An amazing journey in Morocco! This was much more than just a tour.”
sarah, traveled in August
Duration 4 days Destinations Marrakesh, Telouet, Ait Benhaddou, Agdz, Zagora, Tamegroute, Mhamid, Erg Chigaga, Foum Zguid, Tazenakht Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish, Chinese, Dutch, Russian Physical Rating Relaxing Distance 398 mi Operator Blue Turbans Adventures From $757
19% Off- US$614
Duration 4 days Destinations Mhamid, Marrakesh Age Range Ages 7+ Operated in English, French Physical Rating Moderate Distance 184 mi Operator Sahara mystery From
19% Off- US$609
2 Nights Luxury Sahara Desert Tour from Marrakech - Private Camel Trek & 5_ Berber Camp & Sandboarding
“every day had something special. The desert camp was a real highlight”
David, traveled in September
Duration 3 days Destinations Marrakesh, Ouarzazate, Agdz, Zagora, Mhamid, Erg Chigaga, Foum Zguid, Tazenakht Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish, Chinese, Dutch, Russian Physical Rating Relaxing Distance 389 mi Operator Blue Turbans Adventures From $932
19% Off- US$755
Hike Morocco's Atlas Mountains
“Lovely combination of time in Marrakesh and time in the mountains. This simple holiday was unlifting and rejuventing.”
Jane, 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, Anmitar Age Range Ages 16+ Distance 112 mi Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From
19% Off- US$1,080
What people love about Hiking & Trekking Tours in Sahara Desert
- 8-Days Morocco Highlights, Tours From Casablanca To Marrakech via desert Adventure
One of the most beautiful experiences of our lives. The Sahara Desert is surreal, the golden dunes stretching as far as the eye can see. Riding camels, tasting Moroccan tea at the camp, and seeing the stars at night was incredible. Everything was organized smoothly, and the guide made the experience very comfortable and memorable.
- 9 Days Morocco Desert & Mountains Discovery Tour From Casablanca
Travelling with Morocco Flawless, you can be assured of local expert specialist knowledge in planning your trip, excellent quality accommodation and guides, and a totally smooth, stress-free experience. Many thanks to Noureddine for ensuring such a fabulous itinerary for our travels across Morocco and I would definitely recommend to my friends and family
- Trek Jebel Saghro 8 Days
Nice and easy 4 day trek in Anti Atlas Mountains that me and my son did as part of our Morocco trip. We did it as a standalone tour but it is a long drive from Marrakech so may make sense to combine with other activities in the area. Guide Lahce and cook Idir took an excellent care of us the whole time.
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."