Start with the walking experience you want, then compare the route, daily effort and overnight arrangements. These answers explain how Trek Désert Maroc organizes supported walking journeys in the Sahara and Morocco’s mountains.
Finding the right trek
Which parts of the Sahara do you trek in?
Our desert walks start in M’Hamid El Ghizlane, reached by transfers from Marrakech, Ouarzazate or Agadir. Routes explore the desert between M’Hamid and Foum Zguid, including Erg Smar, Erg Zahar, Erg Chigaga and other areas. The scenery changes between dunes, tamarisk trees and stony plains; your chosen itinerary determines the ground you cover.
What shapes your approach to desert walking?
Our desert journeys draw on our own nomadic way of life. Moving with the seasons meant knowing where to find water and grazing for the animals. That knowledge informs the stages and overnight locations we plan today, with changing views along the route.
Where do you offer mountain trekking?
Our mountain areas include Toubkal, M’Goun, Ouanoukrim, Jbel Sirwa, Jbel Ayachi, Mount Tidirhine and Jbel Saghro. The right choice depends on your walking background, available days, altitude and current conditions.
Are there easier walking holidays for beginners?
Yes. The Azzaden Valley and lower High Atlas foothills offer gentler routes with roughly 3–4 hours of walking a day and comfortable village guesthouses. Before recommending a demanding trek, we ask about rough-ground experience, stamina for successive 5–8-hour days and the highest altitude you have reached and how you felt.
When do trips run, and how long are the walking days?
Desert treks operate from mid-September to mid-May. Easier routes involve around 2–4 hours of walking a day; demanding desert stages can take 6–7 hours. Mountain trips operate year-round where the route and conditions allow. Demanding mountain days can last 5–8 hours, so check the daily itinerary rather than judging by the overall trip length.
Does the advertised duration include transfers?
Yes. It covers the complete journey from pickup to return in the departure city. Transfer days and actual walking days are identified in the programme. Pricing takes account of the departure city and group size.
Support and overnight arrangements
Who travels with us, and who carries our bags?
Desert caravans have a guide, camel handlers and a cook. Dromedaries carry personal luggage, camp equipment and kitchen supplies. On mountain treks, mules provide the luggage support. An additional vehicle for large luggage costs extra.
Which languages do your guides speak?
Desert guides speak French, English and Spanish. Our mountain guides are qualified by Morocco’s Ministry of Tourism and speak French and English; some also speak Spanish. Tell us your preferred guiding language when enquiring.
What are the sleeping arrangements?
Your itinerary specifies each night: mobile bivouacs or a fixed camp in the desert, and tents, village guesthouses or refuges in the mountains. Sleeping equipment is provided. Desert travellers can have a solo tent at no extra charge, while couples can share. Sleeping under the stars is possible when the weather and temperature are suitable.
Are there toilets and washing facilities on a desert trek?
These are available at the fixed camp on the nights included in your programme. Mobile bivouacs during the walking stages have no toilets or washing facilities. Some routes use the fixed camp only at the end for a shower and rest.
Are food and drinks included?
Yes, meals and drinks are included in our trekking service. Dietary requirements can be accommodated when you tell us before departure. Your programme sets out the meals and overnight arrangements for the complete journey.
What should I pack, and is winter equipment included?
For the desert, bring walking shoes, sunscreen, a hat or turban, sunglasses and warm clothing for the nights. Mountain clothing must suit the route, altitude and season. Crampons and ice axes, when needed for winter routes, are available at an extra charge.
Travelling companions and support
Can I book alone, privately or on a shared departure?
A private trek can run for one person. Shared trips have fixed departure dates and need at least two participants to operate. The maximum group size is 15. We offer different routes according to your time and preferred difficulty.
What is the minimum age for children?
Desert trips accept children from age 2, with a dromedary provided for them. Some mountain routes accept children from age 6; Toubkal requires a minimum age of 12. Suitability and the applicable age limit depend on the specific route.
What happens if I become tired or need to leave?
In the desert, a tired walker can ride a dromedary and continue with the caravan. If collection is necessary, the team contacts the nearest available vehicle. In the mountains, reaching a vehicle-access point may require mule transport. Helicopter assistance can be requested for a serious emergency. Access, conditions and availability determine the response; there is no universal collection time.
Is the team first-aid trained, and do I need insurance?
All team members have first-aid training and assess the situation before calling for appropriate help. We recommend travel insurance suitable for trekking, your chosen route and potential rescue costs.
Booking your journey
How do the deposit and balance work?
We send a payment link offering full payment or a 30% deposit. If you choose the deposit, you can pay the remaining balance in cash on arrival.
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancel at least four days before departure for a full refund of the money paid. Payments are not refunded for cancellations less than four days before departure.
What should I include in my enquiry?
Send your dates, departure city, group size, children’s ages, walking and altitude experience, preferred guiding language and dietary requirements. Let us know whether you want a private trek or a shared departure.