SIDI NAJI TREKKING
Guide and tourist resting on a sand dune during a desert trek near Sidi Naji, Morocco
  • Day 1 M'Hamid → Sidi Naji
    • Begin your trek from M’Hamid, the last village before the desert.
    • After a few hours of walking, enjoy lunch in the shade of the acacias.
    • Continue your journey toward the tomb of Marabout Sidi Naji.
    • Set up your first camp for the night, either under the stars or in nomadic tents.
  • Day 2 Sidi Naji → Erg Zahar
    • Trek through a tamaris hamada.
    • Reach the grand dunes of Erg Zahar and have a picnic lunch on the way.
    • Set up camp at the foot of Erg Zahar and witness the stunning sunset.
    • Prepare dinner and enjoy a night in tents or under the starlit sky.
  • Day 3 Erg Zahar → Erg Smar → Chegaga
    • Wake up early to experience a breathtaking sunrise over the dunes.
    • Continue your camel trek toward Erg Smar, stopping for lunch en route.
    • Proceed to the Chegaga dunes, the tallest in the region.
    • Set up camp at the base of the dunes and enjoy the desert’s tranquility at sunset.
    • Dinner with traditional nomadic music and overnight in tents or under the stars.
  • Day 4 Exploration of Chegaga Dunes
    • Wake up for an unforgettable desert sunrise.
    • Explore the dunes at your own pace, climb to the top for panoramic views.
    • Have lunch in the heart of the desert.
    • Free time for a walk in the golden sand or to rest at camp.
    • Dinner and overnight in tents or under the stars.
  • Day 5 Chegaga → M'Hamid
    • After breakfast, begin your return journey to M’Hamid.
    • Lunch break in the shade of a tamarisk or an isolated tree.
    • Arrive in M’Hamid, concluding your desert adventure.

Trip Overview

The Sidi Naji Trekking route is a 5-day, 4-night camel trek from M’Hamid El Ghizlane, passing the tomb of Marabout Sidi Naji, the dunes of Erg Zahar and Erg Smar, before finishing at the Chegaga dunes, the tallest in the region. It’s one of our longer routes, combining desert walking, camel trekking and several nights of wild camping for travelers who want a deeper trek than a 1 or 2-night excursion.

Duration

5 days / 4 nights — departure from M’Hamid, four nights camping across Sidi Naji, Erg Zahar, Erg Smar and Chegaga, return on day 5.

What’s Included

  • Local guide for the full trek
  • Pack camel(s) to carry equipment and supplies
  • All meals (lunch, dinner, breakfast) prepared in camp
  • Overnight accommodation in nomadic tents
  • Drinking water during the trek

A riding camel (for travelers who prefer to ride rather than walk) can be added for $33 per camel per day.

Price Range

From $80 per person per night, full board and camp accommodation included — around $320 per person for the 4-night trek. The exact rate depends on your group size, the season and your pickup point, so contact us directly for a tailored quote.