2-Day Tour M’hamid El Ghizlane – Camel Trek & Chegaga Dunes Escape

Overview 

Step off the tourist trail and into the heart of the Sahara with a 2-Day Tour M’hamid El Ghizlane — a raw, authentic desert adventure that takes you to “the last village before the desert”, where ancient caravan routes once led to Timbuktu. Located at the edge of the vast Moroccan Sahara, M’hamid El Ghizlane is a remote oasis town known for its deep Berber and Hassania heritage, towering dunes, and serene, crowd-free landscapes.

This immersive journey includes a scenic drive from Marrakech, a sunset camel trek into the dunes, an overnight stay in a traditional desert camp, and an optional 4×4 or extended camel expedition to the legendary Chegaga Dunes — some of the tallest and most untouched in Morocco. With private transport, cultural encounters, and meals included, this tour is perfect for adventure seekers, photographers, and travelers craving authenticity in one of Morocco’s most secluded desert regions.

Description 

Experience the soul of the Sahara with a 2-Day Tour M’hamid El Ghizlane, a journey designed for those who want more than just a photo op — you’ll feel the silence of the desert, ride with nomadic guides, and sleep under a sky ablaze with stars. Your adventure begins with an early pickup from your Marrakech hotel or riad, followed by a scenic 8-hour drive across the High Atlas Mountains, through the lush Drâa Valley, and into the arid landscapes of southern Morocco.

Along the way, pass ancient ksour (fortified villages), palm groves, and mud-brick hamlets before arriving in M’hamid, a historic caravan hub where trans-Saharan traders once rested before crossing the desert. Here, you’ll meet your Berber guide and prepare for a camel trek into the dunes as the sun sets in fiery hues.

Spend the night in a traditional desert bivouac, where you’ll enjoy a candlelit tagine dinner, listen to Gnawa or Hassania music, and sleep in a warm tent surrounded by silence. On Day 2, choose between a leisurely return with a visit to a local Amazigh family, or an adventure upgrade to the remote Chegaga Dunes (60 km away) via 4×4 or multi-day camel route. With growing demand for eco-tourism, cultural immersion, and off-grid travel, this 2-day tour offers a rare and unforgettable connection to Morocco’s deep south.

Highlights

✅ Visit M’hamid El Ghizlane — the last village before the Sahara
✅ Ride camels into the golden dunes at sunset
✅ Stay overnight in a traditional desert bivouac under the stars
✅ Explore the untouched Chegaga Dunes (optional 4×4 or camel trek)
✅ Experience authentic Amazigh culture and local hospitality
✅ Travel through the scenic Drâa Valley and High Atlas
✅ Escape the crowds — one of Morocco’s most remote and peaceful desert destinations
✅ Includes private transport, meals, and expert local guide

Includes & Excludes

Includes

• Private round-trip transportation in a 4×4 or air-conditioned minivan
• Professional, multilingual driver with transport and liability insurance
• 1-night accommodation in a desert bivouac or local guesthouse
• Dinner and breakfast (traditional tagine, bread, mint tea, fruit)
• Guided camel trek into the dunes
• Bottled water during the journey
• Local guide for cultural interactions
• Free cancellation up to 48 hours before departure

Excludes

• Lunches (not included — budget ~10–15€ per meal)
• Drinks (alcoholic or soft drinks)
• Tips for driver, guide, and camp staff (optional, appreciated)
• Personal travel insurance
• Optional excursions:
  • 4×4 trip to Chegaga Dunes (additional cost)
  • Extended multi-day camel trek
  • Visit to local music or pottery cooperatives
• Snacks, souvenirs, or personal expenses

Tour Plan (Itinerary)

Day 1: Marrakech → Drâa Valley → M’hamid El Ghizlane

6:00 AM – Hotel Pickup in Marrakech
Your driver will collect you early for the long but scenic journey. Bring a light breakfast or snacks.

7:00 AM – Cross the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m)
Drive through the High Atlas, stopping for photos of dramatic mountain views.

10:30 AM – Visit Aït Ben Haddou (Optional Stop)
Explore the UNESCO-listed kasbah (entrance fee ~10€, not included unless selected).

12:30 PM – Lunch in Ouarzazate or Agdz
Eat at a local restaurant (own expense) before continuing south.

2:00 PM – Journey Through the Drâa Valley
Pass endless palm groves, ancient ksour, and remote Berber villages.

5:30 PM – Arrive in M’hamid El Ghizlane
Check in at the desert camp or guesthouse. Rest and enjoy mint tea.

6:00 PM – Sunset Camel Trek
Ride into the dunes as the sun paints the sand in golden and pink tones. Perfect for photography and quiet reflection.

7:30 PM – Dinner & Cultural Evening
Enjoy a traditional tagine dinner under the stars. Listen to live Hassania or Gnawa music performed by local musicians.

9:00 PM – Overnight in Desert Bivouac
Sleep in a warm, traditional tent with thick blankets. Experience total silence and a sky full of stars.

Day 2: M’hamid → Chegaga Dunes (Optional) → Return to Marrakech

6:30 AM – Sunrise & Mint Tea
Wake to the desert sunrise and a hot glass of tea served by the camp team.

7:30 AM – Breakfast
Enjoy fresh bread, olives, jam, and fruit.

8:30 AM – Choose Your Adventure:

• Option A (Standard): Begin return journey via Drâa Valley with a visit to a local Amazigh family for tea and cultural exchange.
• Option B (Adventure Upgrade): Take a 4×4 excursion to the Chegaga Dunes (60 km south) — towering, remote dunes with no tourist infrastructure. Includes photo stops and desert exploration.

12:00 PM – Lunch Stop
Eat at a local auberge in M’hamid or Agdz.

1:30 PM – Return Journey to Marrakech
Drive back through the Drâa Valley and over the Atlas Mountains.

8:00 PM – Arrive in Marrakech
Drop-off at your hotel or riad. End of tour.

FAQs

Q: How is M’hamid different from Merzouga or Zagora?
A: M’hamid is more remote and less touristy, offering a rawer, more authentic desert experience. It’s ideal for travelers seeking peace, photography, and cultural depth.

Q: Is the desert camp comfortable?
A: Yes — tents are warm and wind-protected with rugs and blankets. Shared eco-toilets and washing facilities are available.

Q: Can I charge my phone in the desert?
A: Limited solar charging may be available. We strongly recommend bringing a power bank.

Q: Is the camel ride safe for beginners?
A: Yes — camels are calm and the ride is slow. Staff assist with mounting and dismounting.

Q: What should I pack?

• Warm layers (cold nights)
• Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Camera, power bank
• Personal toiletries and medications

Q: Is this tour suitable for solo travelers or couples?
A: Absolutely — it’s especially popular with photographers, adventure couples, and solo explorers seeking meaningful travel.

Q: Can I extend the tour to 3 days?
A: Yes — we offer 3-day/2-night versions with multi-day camel treks or deeper exploration of the Chegaga region.

Q: Why choose Green Palms Transport for this tour?
A: With 19 years of experience since 2005, we prioritize safety, authenticity, and sustainable tourism. Our local guides are from southern Morocco, ensuring genuine cultural connections and eco-conscious practices.

✅ Ready to explore the untouched Sahara?
Book your 2-Day Tour M’hamid El Ghizlane today and discover a desert of silence, stars, and tradition — where the Sahara still feels wild, ancient, and alive.