Moderate · Desert
Eight days from Marrakech: the highest dunes in Morocco, walked around and then crossed on foot, with the Gnawa village of Khamlia.
8 days
From and back to Marrakech
4 to 6 hours' walking
per trekking day, Moderate level
The great dunes
SAC scale T1, sustained effort
Kasbahs and bivouac
characterful kasbahs at the foot of the erg
The dunes of Erg Chebbi change colour with every hour of the day.
At the foot of the highest dunes in Morocco, you first walk along the erg to the village of Khamlia and its Gnawa music, then along its eastern side towards Lake Dayet Srji, when there is water in it.
Then comes the crossing, over the great dunes, before a kasbah awaits once more at Hassi Labied. The dromedaries carry the luggage; three nights at the bivouac, the others in kasbahs.
The programme
Indicative programme, being finalised with our partners on the ground: each stage, the walking times and the accommodation will be confirmed.
Day 1 · Marrakech · Tichka Pass · Dadès Valley
Leave Marrakech over the Tichka Pass, then follow the road of the kasbahs to the Dadès Valley. Night in a kasbah.
Day 2 · Tinghir · Merzouga
Drive through the palm grove of Tinghir to Merzouga. Night in a kasbah at the foot of Erg Chebbi.
Day 3 · Erg Chebbi · Khamlia
Set off on foot with the dromedaries, along the erg to the village of Khamlia and its Gnawa music. Dinner and night at the bivouac.
Day 4 · Eastern side · Dayet Srji
Walk along the eastern flank of the dunes, towards Lake Dayet Srji when there is water in it. Night at the bivouac.
Day 5 · In the heart of the erg
Cross the erg over the great dunes. Night at the bivouac, in the heart of the erg.
Day 6 · Hassi Labied
A last walk through the dunes to Hassi Labied. Night in a kasbah.
Day 7 · Merzouga · Ouarzazate
Drive back to Ouarzazate. Night in a kasbah.
Day 8 · Ouarzazate · Marrakech
Return to Marrakech over the Tichka Pass.
At the bivouac
Three nights under canvas, among the highest dunes in Morocco.
What's planned
Our partners on the ground
Licensed travel agencies in Morocco
Rando Maroc works with licensed travel agencies in Morocco, chosen for their reliability and their knowledge of the terrain. On the ground, you are accompanied by qualified guides and experienced local teams: muleteers, camel handlers, cooks. Rando Maroc advises you, answers your questions and remains your point of contact, from your first enquiry until departure.
Request a quote
We'll get back to you quickly, with no obligation.