Sahara Experience

Duration

5 days

Max People

10

Pickup

Airport or Hotel

Start Location

Marrakesh

Overview

This 5-day journey leads you from the vibrant city of Marrakech, through the stunning Atlas Mountains, and into the heart of the Sahara Desert. Along the way, you will deeply connect with Morocco’s indigenous Amazigh culture, engaging with local families and experiencing their traditions firsthand.

Highlights of the trip include sharing meals with Amazigh families, exploring historic Kasbahs, and actively participating in an oasis preservation initiative in M’Hamid, Southeastern Morocco. With the oasis visibly affected by climate change, this locally-driven cooperative—supported by local and international organizations—focuses on building wells, planting palm trees, and restoring the ecosystem. You will work alongside the community, contributing directly to their efforts to revitalize and preserve the oasis.

In addition to participating in the environmental initiative, you will immerse yourself in the nomadic way of life, trekking by camel, learning traditional crafts, and spending evenings under the stars with music, storytelling, and dance. The journey concludes with a visit to a local dates cooperative, where you’ll engage in the cultivation process and gain a deeper understanding of its cultural significance.

At Coelle Travel, we are committed to fostering community-based tourism that not only honors indigenous cultures and supports women in tourism but also allows travelers to contribute meaningfully to environmental sustainability and local livelihoods.

Highlights

  • Atlas Mountains Scenic Drive: Journey through the rugged beauty of the Atlas Mountains and enjoy a traditional Amazigh lunch with a local nomadic family.
  • Historic Kasbahs of Ouarzazate: Explore the ancient and majestic Kasbahs of Ouarzazate, steeped in history and Moroccan culture.
  • Oasis Preservation Initiative: Learn about efforts to preserve and restore the M’Hamid Oasis, including well-building, palm tree planting, and combating climate change.
  • Tamegroute Ceramics & Pottery: Discover the ancient art of pottery-making in the village of Tamegroute, a craft closely tied to Amazigh heritage.
  • Nomadic Desert Experience: Immerse yourself in the nomadic lifestyle with camel trekking, traditional music, and storytelling under the stars in the Sahara Desert.

Included/Excluded

  • Ecological and historical stays, including Riads and Kasbahs
  • Camp at Erg Chegaga
  • Tent accommodation during the 2-day trek
  • All transportation provided from the beginning to the end of the experience
  • Dinner and breakfast at the Kasbahs
  • Dinner and breakfast at Erg Chegaga
  • All meals provided during the trek
  • 2-day trek with tent lodging, gear, and supplies included
  • Immersive folkloric experiences
  • Visits to local families
  • Camel ride
  • Entrance fees for workshops, museums, and studios
  • ⁠Flights
  • Beverages
  • Personal shopping expenses

Tour Plan

Day 01 Marrakech to Ouarzazate

Begin your experience with a scenic drive through the Atlas Mountains. Visit an Amazigh family for a traditional lunch and gain insights into their nomadic lifestyle before exploring the historic Kasbahs of Ouarzazate.

Day 02 Ouarzazate to Zagora

Continue your journey to Zagora, where you’ll share an authentic meal with a local family. Experience their nomadic way of life, learning about their traditions, storytelling, and daily routines.

Day 03 Zagora to Mhamid, First Night in the Desert

Travel toward Mhamid, stopping first to visit a local initiative dedicated to preserving and restoring the oasis of M'Hamid. Learn about their efforts to build wells, plant palm trees, and combat the effects of climate change. Next, stop in Tamegroute to experience traditional pottery-making, a craft deeply tied to Amazigh culture. Arrive at your desert camp in Mhamid, where you'll spend the first night under the stars, immersed in the nomadic lifestyle with traditional Amazigh music, tea, and stories around the campfire.

Day 04 Nomadic Life in the Sahara and Folklore Night

Fully immerse yourself in the nomadic desert experience with a day of camel trekking, exploring the dunes, and participating in traditional crafts. The day culminates with an authentic Amazigh folklore night, featuring music, dance, and storytelling that bring the nomadic traditions to life.

Day 05 Dates Cooperative and Return to Marrakech

On your way back to Marrakech, visit a local dates cooperative to learn about the cultivation and significance of dates in Amazigh culture. Participate in a tasting session before continuing your journey, enriched with the authentic experiences of Morocco’s nomadic heritage.

Tour Map

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