Sahara Camel Trek

Eight days from the Draa valley palm groves into the dunes, walking beside a camel caravan, sleeping under the stars and finishing in a comfortable desert camp.

8 Days
Easy
Sahara

Highlights

A walk with camels, an ideal first step into the desert
Varied scenery, from the Draa valley oases to the Sahara dunes
A night in a comfortable desert camp at the Ouled Driss oasis
Wild camps in the dunes, with tents set up and packed away by the local crew
Short transfers, with a flight into Ouarzazate

About the route: far from the usual itineraries, this trek crosses sand seas, palm groves, rocky plateaus and sacred places, with rock engravings and isolated villages along the way. You follow old caravan trails, meet warm-hearted locals and enjoy the quiet of the desert night sky.

Trip Information

Duration: 8 Days
Distance: About 70 km
Max altitude: About 1,000 m
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Group: 2–12
Best season: Oct–Apr

Day-by-day

Day 1 Arrival in Ouarzazate

Fly to Ouarzazate, where your guide meets you at the airport for the short transfer (about 10 min) to the hotel. The evening is free.
Day 2 Draa Valley and first desert steps

Drive (about 3 h) down the Draa valley past fortified villages and palm groves at Agdz, Timidarte and Zagora. Reach Aït Issfoul, walk through its palm grove and see the age-old irrigation system. Meet the camel team at lunch, then set off towards the Bougayir dunes and camp there. (Walk ~3 h)
Day 3 Bougayir dunes to Tidri

The caravan crosses the golden Bougayir dunes, then a stony plateau leading to a fortified desert village. Mud-brick architecture and saints' tombs line the way to the abandoned zaouia of Sidi el Madani. Camp between the dunes. (Walk 5–6 h)
Day 4 Draa riverbed to the Essahel dunes

Cross the dry Draa riverbed to the Tidri hills, scattered with pre-Islamic burial mounds, then south over a stony plain to the Essahel dunes. Lunch in the shade of a few surviving tamarisk trees, then walk along the dune crests to a camp deep in the dunes. (Walk 5–6 h)
Day 5 Rock and plants to the Lanithie dunes

Cross a stony plateau dotted with tamarisks and acacias. In the distance you see the villages of Bourrou and Ouled Driss. Follow a rocky ridge scattered with fossils, with big open views, and arrive at camp in the Lanithie dunes. Climb a dune at sunset for the silence and golden light. (Walk 5–6 h)
Day 6 Last dunes to Ouled Driss

The final day on foot crosses wind-shaped dune fields and stony desert, passing an old mud-brick village. Reach Ouled Driss, a palm grove known for its dates, and say goodbye to the camel crew. Spend the night in a comfortable desert camp with showers, toilets and traditional semi-permanent Berber tents. (Walk 5–5 h 30)
Day 7 Draa oases back to Ouarzazate

Ride the minibus (about 4 h) back up the Draa valley's ribbon of oases, with a short walk in a palm grove and a last picnic outdoors. Return to Ouarzazate and check in at the hotel; the late afternoon and evening are free. (Walk 1–2 h)
Day 8 Departure

Airport transfer (about 10 min) and flight home.

Your package at a glance

Exactly what is covered by this trek and what is not. Please review before booking.

Included

Local guide, camel handlers and camels
Hotel nights in Ouarzazate (Days 1 and 7)
Tent camping on Days 2-5 and a desert camp on Day 6
All meals on Days 2-6, plus breakfast and lunch on Day 7 and breakfast on Day 8
Vehicle transfers

Excluded

International flights
Meals in Ouarzazate not listed above
Sleeping bag and mat
Personal insurance
Tips for the crew

Photo gallery

Departure dates & availability

October 12, 2026 8 places left
November 2, 2026 10 places left
December 7, 2026 Places available
January 11, 2027 Places available
February 8, 2027 Places available
March 8, 2027 6 places left

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

The things travellers most often ask before booking this trek.

Can I cancel my booking?

Free cancellation up to 30 days before departure; after that the deposit is non-refundable.

How fit do I need to be?

Walking days are about 5 to 6 hours on flat or gently rolling ground, some of it on soft sand. No experience is needed, but regular walks help.

What is camping like?

The crew sets up and packs away the tents, and a cook prepares meals. Camels carry your luggage, so you only carry a day pack. On Day 6 you get a camp with showers and toilets.

What should I bring?

Sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, lightweight long layers for the day, warm layers for cold nights, a sleeping bag and a refillable water bottle.