7-Day Sahara Walking Holiday: The Desert Caravan

Day 1 — Reach M’Hamid — meet the caravan team

Travel south from the confirmed pickup city to the fixed camp near M’Hamid. Marrakech and Ouarzazate are the transfer origins named in the standard inclusions; other city arrangements need a confirmed quotation. The route and sightseeing depend on the origin, so Atlas crossings and Aït Ben Haddou are not automatic for every guest.

• Arrival transfer; night 1 at the fixed camp.

Day 2 — M’Hamid to Sidi Naji — the walking rhythm begins

Start through the village’s palm landscape and continue into sand and open desert plateaux. The guide sets the pace and breaks to suit the conditions. Near Sidi Naji, the first travelling camp introduces the routine of unpacking, sharing a meal and spending the evening where the route ends.

• Main walking stage; night 2 near Sidi Naji.

Day 3 — Sidi Naji to Aït Ounir — away from the busier tracks

Continue through the Aït Ounir dune area, called Ait Outnir in the original programme. Scattered vegetation gives the sand a different texture from an empty dune panorama. The caravan carries what the next camp needs; the camp position is chosen for terrain and wind, rather than a fixed photograph.

• Main walking stage; night 3 in the Aït Ounir area.

Day 4 — Aït Ounir to Erg Zahar — a broader sea of sand

A long open plateau precedes the larger dune landscape known as the dunes hurlantes, or Erg Zahar. Reaching it on foot gives context to the view: the scale comes from the ground you have crossed. Any optional dune climb depends on weather and the group; the famous singing effect is not guaranteed.

• Main walking stage; night 4 in the Erg Zahar dune area.

Day 5 — Erg Zahar to Zmila — sand and stony margins

The route leaves the higher dunes for Zmila, passing desert plains and the stony margins described in the programme. The contrast gives the stage its character. Herders may be present, but meetings are not scheduled performances or guaranteed activities. Camp returns to the dunes for the evening.

• Main walking stage; night 5 in the Zmila area.

Day 6 — Zmila to Lanhiche — the final travelling camp

Walk towards the dunes of Lanhiche for the fifth mobile-camp night. By now the familiar tasks of a travelling camp have become part of the trip: finding your bag, preparing for a cooler evening and sharing the last dinner of the walking section with the team.

• Main walking stage; night 6 near Lanhiche.

Day 7 — Lanhiche to M’Hamid — return, then road travel

Complete the agreed return leg to M’Hamid and reconnect with the road vehicle. The timing must account for both the return from camp and the drive to your destination. For Marrakech or Agadir, request an extra night in M’Hamid or along the route if you prefer less pressure; that extends the trip and quotation.

• Return leg and onward road transfer; no seventh night included.