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Sahara Camel Trek - Overland Trip

2 weeks: Marrakech to Marrakech (IMT-MPSC)

Intro

Starting in the desert city of Marrakech we follow the ancient camel caravan routes through Morocco, across a part of the Sahara Desert to the south of Jebel Saghro. Trekking on foot, with the camels to carry baggage and equipment, we camp each night at small oases with palm trees or acacias and water wells, where the silence of the desert is unforgettable. The trek ends at the great dunes of Erg Chebbi, spending a night in Todra Gorge en route back to Marrakech.

Maximum Group Size

Trek Grade

Moderate

Arrival Transfer

Airport transfer to hotel Day 1

Fully Escorted

By qualified trekking guide, cook and team of camel drivers

Transport

Bus, 4WD Jeep, foot

Activities

9 day desert trek

Accommodation

4 nights tourist class hotels and 10 nights camping

Local Payment

Included as part of tour price

Note

The total trekking distance covered in the 9 day trek is approximately 175km.

Itineraries

Day 1,MARRAKECH

Arrival day.

Day 2,MARRAKECH

A free day to explore the souqs of Marrakech, visit some of the sites or simply relax and watch life go by in the famous Djemaa el Fnaa square. (B)

Day 3,MARRAKECH - OUM JRANE

First we cross the High Atlas by jeeps and then head across the plains south of Jebel Saghro to the small village of Oum Jrane nestled amongst the dunes of the Sahara, where we meet our camel team. Approx. 10 hours driving. (BD)

Day 4,TREK - OUM JRANE to MAADER BOUZIANE

Trekking east across the Sahara we leave the sand dunes behind as the terrain becomes firmer. 4 hours trekking. (BLD)

Day 5,TREK - MAADER BOUZIANE to MAIDER EL KEBIR

Continue trekking through the moonlike landscape of Maider el Kebir plain. 5 hours trekking. (BLD)

Day 6,TREK - MAIDER EL KEBIR to OASIS OF MHARESJ

We cross a plain that is strewn with fossils and camp tonight at a lovely oasis with palm trees and old ruins. 7 hours trekking. (BLD)

Day 7,REST DAY

A day of rest and recovery. There is a small auberge where we can buy soft drinks, take a shower and relax. (BLD)

Day 8,TREK - MHARESJ TO OASIS OF BOURIKA

Continue trekking across a sandy river bed and past the ruins of an ancient fort. Our camp tonight is at an oasis with palm and acacia trees. 5 hours trekking. (BLD)

Day 9,TREK - BOURIKA TO AFFERDOU

A short day of trekking as we head for a huge ‘table mountain’. There is time in the afternoon for the more adventurous to climb the mountain. 4 hours trekking. (BLD)

Day 10,AFFERDOU to RUINS OF EL ATROUS

We follow a path up a valley to a ridge dotted with ancient lead mines. Tonight we camp by a water well situated amongst ancient ruins. 6 hours trekking. (BLD)

Day 11,TREK - EL ATROUSS TO ZNAIGAE

Today we reach the great dunes of Erg Chebbi and see the Sahara in all its majesty. We climb the dunes for a stunning desert sunset. 5 hours trekking. (BLD)

Day 12,TREK - ZNAIGAE TO TANAMOUSTE

Our last day of trekking we follow a striking path through black rocks and yellow sand. 5 hours trekking. (BLD)

Day 13,TODRA GORGE

Transfer by minibus to the spectacular Todra Gorge, where we stay in a small hotel in the oasis valley. Approx. 4 hours driving. (B)

Day 14,TODRA TO MARRAKECH

We travel along the ‘Valley of 1000 Kasbahs’, passing Ait Ben Haddou, a famous and picturesque collection of kasbahs. Our route takes us over the spectacular Tizi ‘n Tichka pass in the High Atlas and ends in Marrakech. Approx. 8 hours driving. (B)

Day 15,MARRAKECH

Tour ends after breakfast. (B)

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Last updated: 16th September 2009