Hikers walking the ridgeline of towering Erg Chegaga dunes, tiny against the sand sea

10 days / 9 nights · from Foum Zguid

Grand Sahara Trek Across Erg Chegaga: 10 Days / 9 Nights

Ten days on foot from Lake Iriki to M'Hamid, camels carrying the camp.

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from $800 / person

The journey

Day by day

Route: Foum Zguid > Lake Iriki > rocky plateau > Erg Chegaga > nomadic country > oases > M'Hamid El Ghizlane (on foot, 15-20km/day, camel/4x4 support)

  1. Day 1

    Foum Zguid to Lake Iriki

    Trek across the dry bed of Lake Iriki; picnic lunch, first campsite, traditional dinner under the stars.

    The vast cracked earth of dry Lake Iriki with a single 4x4 track crossing it
  2. Day 2

    Lake Iriki to the rocky plateau

    Cross rocky plains and plateaus, discover ancient fossil fields.

    A hand brushing sand off ancient fossilized marine life embedded in desert rock
  3. Day 3

    Towards the first dunes

    Sandy plains transition into the first golden dunes of Erg Chegaga.

    First glimpse of the Erg Chegaga dunes through the dusty windshield of a 4x4
  4. Day 4

    Entering Erg Chegaga

    Towering dunes, hidden valleys; time to climb the highest dunes and camp deep within the dune sea.

    Hikers walking the ridgeline of towering Erg Chegaga dunes, tiny against the sand sea
  5. Day 5

    Crossing the great dunes

    Trek through the heart of Erg Chegaga; campfire evening under a star-filled sky.

    A campfire crackling at a desert camp at night, sparks rising into a starry sky
  6. Day 6

    Remote desert wilderness

    Follow ancient caravan routes through isolated, untouched desert scenery.

    A 4x4 kicking up sand on open desert tracks toward Erg Chegaga
  7. Day 7

    Nomadic country

    Possible encounters with local nomadic families depending on the season.

    Tea being poured at a nomadic family's tent in the desert
  8. Day 8

    Desert oases

    Acacia trees, desert vegetation and small oases appear as the highest dunes are left behind.

    Lunch on rugs in the dappled shade of acacia trees at a small desert oasis
  9. Day 9

    Towards M'Hamid

    Ancient desert trails lead toward M'Hamid; farewell campfire evening near a peaceful oasis.

    A traditional Berber desert camp glowing warmly at dusk with a campfire in front
  10. Day 10

    Arrival in M'Hamid El Ghizlane

    Final stretch into M'Hamid; celebratory mint tea marking the end of the expedition.

    M'Hamid El Ghizlane, where the last palm groves give way to open Sahara

What’s included

Included

  • Camel and 4x4 support carrying luggage, camping gear, food and water
  • All meals during the trek
  • Camping equipment (tents) and English-speaking trekking guide
  • Transfer at start and end (Foum Zguid / M'Hamid)

Not included

  • Flights to/from Morocco
  • Personal trekking gear (backpack, sleeping bag, hiking boots)
  • Travel/trek insurance
  • Tips and personal expenses

Good to know

Difficulty
Demanding. 15-20km of walking per day in desert terrain.
Group size
Private trek, minimum 2 travelers
Guide languages
English, French, Arabic, Tamazight
Meeting point
Foum Zguid village, morning of day 1
What to bring
Broken-in hiking boots · Sleeping bag (season-rated) · Backpack for water and layers · Headlamp · Sun protection

Questions about this tour

How fit do I need to be for the 10-day trek?

You should be comfortable walking 15 to 20km a day for several days in a row. The pace is steady with long breaks, and camels carry all camp gear: you walk with a light daypack.

Where do we sleep during the trek?

In a mobile camp that moves with you: tents pitched fresh at each stop by the support team, all meals cooked at camp.

10 days or 7 days?

The 10-day trek is the full crossing from Lake Iriki with two extra days in the deep dunes and nomadic country. The 7-day version starts closer to the dunes and is the right choice if you have a week.

Rated 5.0/5 on Google Maps · Free cancellation 7+ days before departure

Reviews

Travelers on the dunes

5.0 on Google Maps
“Had an incredible experience with DuneTour. Everything was well organized, the responses while booking were quick and all our questions were answered. We had a dust storm, although it didn't prevent us from going for a camel ride to the high dunes. The tents were comfortable and the food was good. What I have to point out were the people. Our guide was incredible, he was so lively and just happy to show us the desert. We were also lucky to see gazelles in the wild. Would definitely recommend.”

Alen Kospanov

Local Guide · 7 months ago

“Mustafa was an excellent driver through the desert!! The trip was magnificent. We had a great lunch, and had a lot of time to make a walk on the sand dunes. Mustafa: thank you for the great day!!”

Patricia Vonk

Google review · 5 months ago

“It was a very wonderful experience and very wonderful people. I advise you to try the trip with them. You will enjoy every moment. Thank you.”

Rafael Jamess

Google review · a year ago

“A magical trip with Mustafa! A huge thank you to our guide for this extraordinary trip to the desert! The desert can be an intimidating place, but he made us feel completely at ease and safe from beginning to end. In addition to being very organized and friendly, Mustafa is incredibly fun and entertaining. He made this adventure unforgettable. We highly recommend him!”

JP Roux

Google review · 3 months ago

Real reviews from our Google Maps listing, Foum Zguid desert tours 4x4 & Trekking.