Sarhro to the Dunes Trek

A loop of mountains, nomad country and desert: cross the wild Sarhro massif, reach its highest point, then walk with a camel caravan to the Foum Tizza dunes.

8 Days
Moderate
Sarhro

Hike in a loop through the wild Sarhro massif, the vast pre-Saharan volcanic range with unusual geology — twisted ridges, needle-like peaks and multicoloured rock layers cut by dry riverbeds. Climb to its high point at Kouaouch (2,600 m), then leave the mountains to walk with a camel caravan to the Foum Tizza dunes, and end in the palm groves and mud-brick villages of the Draa valley.

Highlights

Cross the Sarhro massif and climb to its high point, Kouaouch (2,600 m)
Spend a night among the Foum Tizza dunes, a gentle first taste of the desert
A loop route with varied scenery, including the Roses valley and a Draa valley oasis
Off the beaten track, through wild and well-preserved regions

Trip Information

Duration: 8 Days
Distance: About 80 km
Max altitude: 2,600 m
Difficulty: Moderate
Group: 4–12
Best season: Oct–Apr

Day-by-day

Day 1 Ouarzazate

Arrival in Ouarzazate. You are met at the airport for the short transfer (about 15 min) to the hotel.

Overnight: Hotel
Day 2 Dades Valley to the Sarhro

Drive towards Kelaat M'Gouna (about 3 h 30), passing small oases, barley fields and fig trees. Leave the Dades valley and enter the Sarhro, where isolated villages and nomad camps of the Aït Atta dot the landscape. Reach Tagdilt (1,650 m), settle into a rustic guesthouse and take an easy stroll nearby.

Distance: ~1 h 30 · Overnight: Guesthouse (1,650 m)
Day 3 Tizi n'Ouzarzam Pass

Meet the mule team and start the trek from Tagdilt. The scenery grows steadily more rocky, with gorges, basalt columns and red and ochre peaks. Cross a canyon and climb to Tizi n'Ouzarzam (2,300 m) for a wide view of the M'Goun summits and the Boumalne du Dades plain. First camp on a small plateau near a well used by nomads.

Distance: ~5 h · Altitude: Ascent 650 m · Descent 100 m · Overnight: Camp at Almoul n'Ouarg (2,200 m)
Day 4 Kouaouch Summit & the Igli Basin

Pass a few oleanders, then switchbacks lead to Imi n'Ouarg pass (2,200 m). A little higher, the Kouaouch summit (2,600 m) is the high point of the trek, with views of the central High Atlas and the desert to the south. Descend through flat-topped relief, passing stone shelters and nomad camps, to the big plateau of Igli, ringed with rock spires.

Distance: ~5 h 30 · Altitude: Ascent 400 m · Descent 750 m · Overnight: Camp at Igli (1,850 m)
Day 5 Bab n'Ali Rock Towers & Saredrar

Descend through the green Afourar valley, with its small earthen houses, barley and henna fields and oleander hedges. Cross a large field of red and ochre rock towers to Bab n'Ali. After a picnic lunch, take a short local-transport ride (about 1 h 30) via N'Kob and Tazzarine to the desert camp at Saredrar, with fixed tents.

Distance: ~5 h 30 · Altitude: Ascent 150 m · Descent 650 m · Overnight: Desert camp, fixed tents
Day 6 Camel Trek to the Foum Tizza Dunes

The camel handlers load the luggage and camp gear. Walk south-east along a dry riverbed lined with acacias, across stony desert, to the Foum Tizza sand dunes, where you camp. A short transfer (about 1 h 30) is part of the day.

Distance: ~5 h · Overnight: Dune camp
Day 7 Draa Valley Oasis & Return to Ouarzazate

Leave the desert with a last walk through a Draa oasis, seeing earthen tracks and the old irrigation system that waters each plot. Picnic lunch in the shade of palms, then drive back to Ouarzazate (about 4 h). Check in at the hotel and enjoy a free afternoon.

Distance: ~1 h 30 · Overnight: Hotel
Day 8 Departure

Transfer to the airport (about 15 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, mule team and camel handlers
Hotel nights in Ouarzazate (Days 1 and 7)
Guesthouse, camping and desert-camp nights (Days 2–6)
All meals on Days 2–6, plus breakfast and lunch on Day 7 and breakfast on Day 8
Vehicle and local transfers

Excluded

International flights
Meals in Ouarzazate not listed above
Personal insurance
Tips for the crew

Photo gallery

Your guide

Lahcen I.

Experienced local guide who knows the trails and takes care of every detail.

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 5 h 30 on rocky trails with moderate climbs. No technical skills are needed, but regular walking practice helps.

What is camping like?

Mules and camels carry the luggage, so you only carry a day pack. One night is in a desert camp with fixed tents, and the others are in a guesthouse or simple camps.

What should I bring?

Sturdy boots, a sun hat, sunscreen and sunglasses, layers for cold nights, a warm sleeping bag and a refillable water bottle.