From sunrise to evenings by the fire, discover how a day of trekking in the Himalayas goes Moroccan desert. Accompanied by a nomadic team and a caravan of camels, you walk through the landscapes of the Sahara, share meals and discover another way of life, closer to nature and its rhythms.
01 — Morning
Waking up in the desert: the first lights of the day
In the desert, the day begins peacefully. In the early morning, the coolness is still present and the first rays of the sun gradually reveal the landscapes. The dunes change color, the shadows lengthen, and the silence invites you to take your time.
At the campsite, the team prepares breakfast: mint tea, coffee, bread and simple accompaniments. It is an opportunity to exchange ideas with the guides, discover the day’s itinerary and prepare their belongings.
Before departure, everyone fills their water bottle and plans to protect themselves from the sun. In the Sahara, good hydration and suitable clothing are essential.
02 — On the way
On the way with the caravan of camels
After breakfast, the nomads disassemble the camp and load the luggage, tents, and equipment onto the camels. The caravan sets off.
Travelers progress on foot at a pace adapted to the group, the season, and the weather conditions. The goal is not to cover the most possible kilometers, but to fully enjoy the journey.
A landscape that unfolds step by step
The Sahara is not just a succession of dunes. As you walk, the stretches of sand alternate with rocky plateaus, open spaces, and areas of Saharan vegetation.
The guides share their knowledge of the territory. They explain how to navigate these vast spaces, recognize certain plants, and spot the tracks of animals.
The march also allows one to notice the details: the wind patterns on the sand, the variations in light, the changing shapes of the dunes.
Walking without rushing
Far from the daily hustle and bustle, everyone gradually finds their own rhythm. We walk, we exchange ideas, we observe. Sometimes, we simply move forward in silence.
For travelers who participate in a yoga or meditation retreat, Practice periods can also be included in the day, according to the planned schedule.
In the desert, slowing down is part of the journey.
03 — Midi
The lunch break: nomadic cuisine and mint tea
When the sun rises, the caravan stops in a place conducive to rest, if possible in the shade of an acacia tree or a natural shelter.
The team prepares lunch while the travelers take advantage of this stop to relax and regain strength.
Discover the preparation of the sand bread
Depending on the program and the conditions, travelers can witness the preparation of mella, a traditional bread baked under hot ash and sand.
The dough is prepared, buried for cooking, then carefully removed before being shared. This skill demonstrates the ingenuity of the nomads, who learned to use the resources available in their environment.
Tea, a symbol of hospitality
After a meal, the moment of mint tea often comes. In Saharan culture, tea is much more than just a drink: it accompanies meetings, conversations, and moments of conviviality.
The break is extended during the hottest hours. Everyone can rest before resuming the walk, when conditions allow.
04 — Afternoon
Afternoon: Discovering the Saharan landscapes
The caravan continues its journey through landscapes that vary depending on the route.
The ergs, vast expanses of dunes, contrast with the marshes, plateaus of stones and gravel. Elsewhere, a few plants adapted to the arid conditions testify to the presence of life in this demanding environment.
Some trails follow old routes used by locals and caravans.
Around M’Hamid El Ghizlane, each route reveals a different face of the Sahara. Not all lead to the same dunes, but each offers a unique experience.
05 — End of the day
Arriving at the bivouac
Towards the end of the afternoon, the caravan arrives at the chosen location to spend the night. The camels are unloaded and the team sets up camp.
Travelers can rest, explore the surroundings, or enjoy the last hours of daylight.
When the terrain allows, a short walk provides a wonderful opportunity to admire the sunset. The colors warm up, the shadows stretch out, and the reliefs gradually disappear in the darkness.
06 — Evening
Evening at the campsite: meal, music and starry sky
As night falls, the air cools down. While the team prepares dinner, everyone enjoys the atmosphere of the campsite.
A dinner prepared on site
Soups, tajines, vegetables and Other Moroccan specialties meals are prepared according to the planned menus and the available supplies.
After a day of walking, dinner is a particularly enjoyable moment. We gather around the dishes, exchange our impressions, and share the discoveries of the day.
People with special dietary needs are asked to notify the team before departure so that the team can make arrangements.
Around the fire, in the midst of nomadic culture
After dinner, the evening can be continued around the fire, when conditions allow.
The chants, the drumming and the stories sometimes accompany these moments of sharing. It is also an opportunity to exchange with the nomads, to to discover their traditions and to learn more about their way of life.
At Chez L’Amour du Désert, these encounters hold a key place. Beyond the landscapes, travel is an immersion into a culture and a way of life.
A night under the stars
Far from the lights of cities, the Saharan sky offers a breathtaking spectacle when the conditions are favorable. On clear nights without strong moonlight, thousands of stars become visible and one can sometimes distinguish the Milky Way.
Some travelers prolong the evening around the fire. Others prefer to step away for a few moments to contemplate the sky in silence.
07 — Night
Sleeping in a nomadic bivouac
After a day spent outdoors, everyone finds their own space for the night.
Depending on the chosen formula, travelers sleep under a nomadic tent or, when conditions allow, under the stars.
The comfort is like a camping trip in the desert, different from a hotel accommodation. The mattresses, blankets and other equipment depend on the organized tour.
Good to know
It is advisable to bring warm clothing, a headlamp and, if necessary, a sleeping bag. Even after a sunny day, temperatures can drop significantly during the night, especially in winter.
Your questions about a trek in the Moroccan Sahara
How many hours do you work per day?
The duration varies depending on the route, the season, the weather conditions and the pace of the group. The stages include regular breaks and can be adapted as much as possible.
Do you have to be an experienced hiker?
Not necessarily. Some circuits are accessible to people who are discovering the hike, Provided that you can walk for several hours. It is important to specify your physical condition and expectations before departure.
Can we get on the donkeys?
During a trek with a caravan, travelers mainly walk on foot. The camels carry the luggage and equipment for the bivouac. The possibilities for walking on horseback depend on the chosen package.
Can the Erg Chegaga be discovered?
Yes, some circuits allow you to reach the dunes of Erg Chegaga. This discovery depends on the length of your stay, the itinerary, and the means of transport chosen.
What is the best time to go?
From October to April, the conditions are generally more favorable. hike. Temperatures vary, however, depending on the months, with nights sometimes very cold in winter.
What should I bring?
Appropriate hiking shoes, light clothing, a warm layer, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and a water bottle. A more precise list It can be communicated depending on the season and the route.
The desert, another way of experiencing time
Over the course of a day in the Sahara, the landmarks change. One learns to walk at the pace of the caravan, to appreciate a stop in the shade, to share a cup of tea without checking the time and to savour the silence.
But it is often the encounters that leave the deepest memories: a shared smile, a shared meal, a story told around the fire.
In the desert, it’s not just the landscape that one discovers. It’s also another way of being in the world.
Based in M’Hamid El Ghizlane, L’Amour du Désert it offers hiking treks with camel caravans, nomadic camping nights and 4×4 discovery circuits.
To prepare your stay, discover the possibilities of itineraries or organize a trip tailored to your preferences, Contact us L’Amour du Désert.
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