DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY
Marrakech Arrival
Medina walk, evening brief in the riad. Mint tea, lantern light, the call to prayer from every direction.
Atlas Mountains Crossing
Over the Tizi n'Tichka pass. Berber villages clinging to cliffsides. The desert begins on the south side.
Draa Valley
300km of palm oasis following the river south. Fortified kasbahs every few kilometers.
Zagora — Edge of the Erg
The last town before the dunes. Camel market in the morning. Departure into the desert after lunch.
Into the Erg Chegaga
Five hours by camel. Silence falls once the last road disappears behind the first dune crest.
Deep Desert Camp
No tracks, no structures, no horizon features — just dune geometry in every direction. Starfield begins at dusk.
Sunrise Dune Summit
4am departure on foot. The dune summit at first light — cold wind, orange sky, shadow geometry.
Hammada — Stone Desert
The other Sahara. Flat black gravel plain, wind-carved rocks, fossilized sea creatures in the limestone.
Oasis Rest Day
Hidden freshwater spring. Date palms. Traditional Gnawa music in the evening. Full rest.
Todra Gorge
300m vertical walls pressing in from both sides. Rock climbers on the walls. Trout in the stream.
Dades Valley
The Road of a Thousand Kasbahs. Dramatic switchbacks above the valley floor.
Erg Chebbi — Merzouga
The most famous dunes. Sunset colors that no photograph has ever fully captured.
Northern Return — Fes
Cross-country to Fes. The world's oldest university. Tanneries seen from the leather merchants' terraces.
Marrakech Return
Final debrief. Souk farewell. Return flights or onward travel.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
OVERLAND guide + Tuareg desert specialist
All accommodation (riads in cities, desert camps under stars)
All meals
Private 4WD vehicle for overland sections
Camel trekking with handler
Park and site entry fees
RECOMMENDED GEAR
Lightweight sun protection (long sleeves, hat with neck flap)
Dust goggles or sunglasses (sand can be intense)
Merino layers — desert nights are cold
High-SPF sunscreen
Personal water bottles (2L minimum)
Headlamp
Sturdy sandals or light hiking shoes
Small daypack
EXPEDITION SUMMARY
Duration
14 days
From
$3,200 per person
Difficulty
challenging
Destination
Sahara