Trek "All-Terrain Desert"
From the Faija plateau to the Chegaga dunes
Because the desert isn't just sand! Discover the diverse landscapes of our region, from rocky plateaus to dunes.
Difficulty level
Seasoned walkers
Level 3
Length of stay
7 days 6 nights
Departure point
Marrakech or Agadir
DETAILED ITINERARY
Departing from Marrakech or Agadir, you will leave from the arid plateau of Faija located between Foum Zguid and Zagora to gradually reach the dunes whose horizon gets closer day after day, until Erg Chegaga then our nomadic village.
Day
1
Day
2
Day
3
Departure from Marrakech or Agadir to the Faija plateau
Travel time: 6 hours
Departure at 8 a.m. from Marrakech or Agadir with our private drivers, heading for Zagora where we will stop before reaching the desert plateau of Faija, where nomadic families still live. The camp will already be set up for the night.
First day of trekking, Oum Laachar Guattara pass
Walking time: 6 hours
Once the camp is dismantled and the camels loaded, we will climb the trail that leads to the pass 300m higher. We will then cross the Djbel Bani, the natural border between the Atlas and the Sahara. Here, the landscapes change, and the walking is easier. We will reach an oasis for lunch, then our route will take us to a plateau where the camp will be set up for the night.
THE ADVANTAGES OF THIS STAY:
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a wild and preserved nature, far from the sites frequented by tourists
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a mix between nature and culture
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a team of experienced nomads
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you only carry your backpack
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small mixed groups of 4 to 15 people
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a confirmed departure from as early as 4 registered
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the bivouac material is provided by our agency
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our nearby guest house in case of need
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT:
a sleeping bag suitable for the temperatures of the period (more information on the weather here )
lightweight walking shoes or sneakers with sand-proof gaiters
a backpack with a water bottle
a 10kg travel bag
Here you will find the list of what is recommended to take: Preparing your suitcase for a stay in the desert
Second day of trekking, to the dunes of Chegaga
Walking time: 7 hours
After a varied breakfast, we begin the walk for a long day which will allow us to cross vast plateaus until we reach the first dunes of Erg Chegaga.
Day
4
Third day of trekking, the great wild ergs
Walking time: 4 hours
After two good days of walking, this day will be more leisurely but on sandy terrain. We will walk from erg to erg, deep in the dunes, with the fascinating and mysterious energy of the Sahara.
We'll set up camp in the dunes, on one of the wind-shaped plateaus. Enjoy the sunset from the top of the dunes—a magical moment.
Day
5
Day
6
Jour
7
Fourth day of trek, the first dunes of Iriki
Walking time: 5 hours
We will continue to enjoy a final day in the dunes to walk to the first dunes of the Iriki Desert, those which mark the beginning of the Sahara and offer a panoramic view of Djebl Bani, the entrance to the Iriki National Park and the Algerian mountains in the distance.
Fifth day of trekking, the dried-up lake and the nomad village
Walking time: 4 hours
In the morning, we'll finish our walk through the dunes and arrive at the flatlands of the former dried-up Iriki Lake, still marked by salt springs. We'll head back to Djbel Bani to reach our nomadic village. We'll welcome you to our guesthouse, the family home where we grew up. You'll have the pleasure of taking a well-deserved shower and relaxing!
In the late afternoon, we will visit our village on foot to show you agriculture in the oasis and water management, the life of the inhabitants here.
The evening will mark the end of the stay with a beautiful moment of music around the fire and the sound of the derboukas.
Return to Marrakech or Agadir
Driving time: 2 hours by 4x4 on the track and 5 to 6 hours by road
After a hearty breakfast, we will take the beautiful Paris-Dakar track in a 4x4, through the savannah landscapes, to Foum Zguid.
There your private drivers await you to take you to Agadir or Marrakech, arriving at the end of the afternoon.
The program is subject to adjustment depending on weather conditions.
Each participant must be in good health and not have any specific health conditions.
Rate:
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Departing from Marrakech or Agadir:
€745
From Ouarzazate:
715€
​
Included:
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transport round trip from Marrakech, Agadir or Ouarzazate
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full board in the desert
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nights in the desert
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the team
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Not included:
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lunches during the round-trip trips
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travel insurance
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plane tickets
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personal expenses
Photo gallery
