Trek and Yoga in the Moroccan Sahara Desert

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In a few words

Experience an unforgettable journey in the Sahara! Those who have lived it say there’s a “before” and an “after”… The silence, the magic of the place, and the beauty of the landscapes invite you to a deep introspection to reconnect with your heart and soul, with great kindness. This retreat seamlessly combines hikes through the desert and its magnificent sand dunes with yoga sessions led by our French teacher, adapted to all levels. With a caring Moroccan team by your side, you’ll be charmed by this experience…

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Highlights

Hatha yoga, pranayama, relaxation, meditation, and ayurveda sessions led by Anita
The breathtaking beauty of the Moroccan desert
Sharing moments with the group and the nomadic people
Hikes offering spectacular panoramic views

Level

This trek is designed for people who enjoy walking and have a fairly good physical condition. You should be able to walk 4 hours a day for a week, sometimes in the heat — especially in March and April.

The yoga taught is Hatha yoga at a beginner/intermediate level. This style is gentle, but you hold the postures, so it’s also slightly physical. The teaching is structured so that you’ll be able to maintain an autonomous practice once back home.

Group Travel

Want to travel, but not alone? Then join a group for your next active retreat! It’s the ideal trip for solo travelers or duos who want to share their experience with others and let themselves be guided.

Included/Excluded

Airport transfers from and to Marrakech
Meals, and accompaniment by nomads and dromedaries during the trek
Accommodation in a hotel (double room) and in bivouac
Full board (except dinner on Day 1)
Yoga lessons and guidance by Anita, French guide
Booking fee: €15 per person (mandatory)
Guarantee of funds deposited with our partner

International flights
Dinner at the hotel on Day 1
Tips for the nomads
Personal expenses

Tour Plan

1 Arrival in Marrakech (or Ouarzazate)

Transport: Minibus 00h10 - 5km
Accommodation: 3-star Hotel
Breakfast: not included
Lunch: not included
Dinner: not included

Transfer and overnight stay in a hotel in Marrakech (or in Ouarzazate, if you choose to arrive at that airport). Dinner on your own.

2 Road to Mhamid (Gateway to the Sahara Desert)

Transport: Minibus 07h - 425km
Activity: Hike - 0h30
Accommodation: Bivouac / Tent
Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner: included

Departure from Marrakech at 7:30 AM toward Mhamid El Ghizlane. Travel will be in a large vehicle or an air-conditioned minibus. The journey begins with the discovery of the High Atlas and Berber villages.

You'll cross the Tizi n'Tichka pass at an altitude of 2,260m! This pass leads you toward Ouarzazate and the entire southeastern region of Morocco. The journey continues after lunch at the Oulad Sliman kasbah.

Next, you'll cross the Draa Valley (Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs) and the beautiful palm grove landscapes, finally reaching the gateway to the desert: Mhamid. From there, you'll head out (30 min walk) to your wild bivouac in the desert, where you'll meet the nomad team that will accompany you throughout the journey.

If you chose to arrive in Ouarzazate: Breakfast at the hotel. The minibus from Marrakech (with part of the group) will pick you up from your accommodation between 11:30 AM and 12:30 PM. You'll then cross Morocco's southeastern region. Lunch together at a restaurant along the way in the Oulad Sliman kasbah. Discovery of the Draa Valley and palm grove landscapes, then on to Mhamid and the wild bivouac in the desert.

Dinner, nomadic songs, and relaxation in the evening. First night in the desert. Each guest is free to take their mattress and sleep under the stars in the dunes, or sleep inside the nomadic tent.

3 Sidi Naji

Activity 1: Yoga - 1h15
Activity 2: Hike - 4h
Accommodation: Bivouac / Tent
All meals included

Yoga class from 7:45 to 9:00 AM.

After breakfast, departure on a trek of about 4 hours with the dromedary caravan and your team: camel drivers, cook, and guide. The desert opens its arms: dry valleys, ergs and regs unfold — you'll discover new landscapes and varied vegetation. You'll see the Kraab mountain range. This spot is very special for the fossils found there and the nomads' history.

1:30 PM: Setting up the bivouac (you can help if you wish), tea ritual, lunch among the dunes. 4:30 PM: Workshop on ayurveda (about 2h) — advice and tips for better lifestyle hygiene. Restorative yoga class afterward, before climbing to the top of a dune to watch the sunset. 7:30 PM: Dinner around the fire to enjoy your cook's delicious dishes.

Night under the stars in the dunes (we recommend this experience) or in the tent. A mattress and blanket will be provided — bring your own sleeping bag suited to the season.

Walking time: 4h

4 Sidi Naji → Erg Zahar

Activity 1: Yoga - 1h15
Activity 2: Hike - 4h
Accommodation: Bivouac / Tent
All meals included

Yoga class from 7:45 to 9:00 AM.

After a hearty breakfast, you'll head toward Erg Zahar: the howling dunes. Count on 4 hours of walking. Little by little, tamarisk trees become rarer and the view increasingly spectacular. You'll reach impressive dunes with unique shapes. But it's when you arrive at the summit that you'll be struck by the beauty of the views sculpted by the wind. In the middle of the panorama, the sun will set. Your bivouac will be set up at the heart of the dunes for a second night under the stars or in the tent.

1:30 PM: Bivouac setup with tea ritual, lunch in the shade of a tamarisk tree. Free time after the meal to wander the dunes, nap, or write in your travel journal. 4:30 PM: Stretching and pranayama to relax after the walk. At the summit, meditation facing the sunset. 7:30 PM: Dinner around the fire. 8:45 PM: Evening of songs with the nomads.

Night under the stars (where you may spot beautiful shooting stars) or in the tent.

Walking time: 4h

5 Erg Zahar → Erg Aait Ounnire

Activity 1: Yoga - 1h15
Activity 2: Hike - 4h
Accommodation: Bivouac / Tent
All meals included

Yoga class from 7:45 to 9:00 AM.

After breakfast, the caravan sets off again, continuing toward the Draa Valley, which we'll cross. The nomads will share its history with you.

1:30 PM: Bivouac setup, tea ceremony, lunch in the dunes in the shade of a tamarisk tree. Free afternoon to wander the dunes or nap in the shade. 4:30 PM: Walk to the well. On return, stretching and pranayama to relax. Walk through the dunes to watch the sunset. 7:30 PM: Dinner and chanting of mantras around the fire. Find your sleeping bag for a night under the stars (or in the tent) beneath a pure and breathtakingly beautiful sky.

Walking time: 4h

6 Erg Ait Ounnire → Douibe Dunes

Activity 1: Yoga - 1h15
Activity 2: Hike - 4h
Accommodation: Bivouac / Tent
All meals included

7:45 – 9:00 AM: Yoga class.

After breakfast, you set off with the caravan for a mindful walk. You'll enjoy the morning landscape of dunes and tamarisks in the Draa Valley — to recharge, reflect (or simply soak in the beauty of nature).

1:30 PM: Arrival at the bivouac. Mint tea ceremony before enjoying a delicious tajine and Moroccan salad in the shade of a tamarisk. Free time — make the most of these special moments in this magical, vast space to write in your travel journal: your feelings, impressions, what the desert is teaching you. 4:30 PM: Stretching, pranayama, then a "surprise workshop". You'll then go admire the beauty of the Moroccan sunsets. 7:30 PM: Dinner around the fire for your last evening in the desert. A night of sharing and nomadic songs. Sleep under the stars or in the nomadic tent.

Walking time: 4h

7 Douibe Dunes → Mhamid

Activity 1: Yoga - 1h15
Activity 2: Hike - 4h
Accommodation: Bivouac / Tent
All meals included

7:45 – 9:00 AM: Yoga class.

After breakfast, the final stage through small dunes. In late afternoon, arrival at a very comfortable fixed bivouac in the desert, just a few steps from Mhamid. Rest and a well-deserved shower.

1:00 PM: Lunch under a tamarisk, then free time to relax in the shade. 3:00 PM: Departure for one last walk to reach the fixed bivouac. Arrival around 5:00 PM to enjoy a good shower. 7:30 PM: Final dinner together, sharing reflections on this wonderful experience! Night in a comfortable bivouac (2 to 4 people).

Walking time: 2h30 in the morning and 1h30 in the afternoon.

8 Departure

Transport: Minibus 07h - 425km
Accommodation: Bivouac / Tent
All meals included

On this final day, it's time to leave the desert.

Departure for Marrakech airport at 7:30 AM. For a return to Marrakech, plan a flight from 8:00 PM or an additional night (see additional info) for a Day 9 departure. For a return to Ouarzazate, you arrive between 12:00 and 1:00 PM, allowing you to take a flight from 3:00 PM.

If time allows, we'll stop at an argan cooperative on the way if you wish to bring back spices or argan cosmetics in your luggage…

Our program is given as an indication only. It may undergo modifications or adjustments depending on technical criteria, safety requirements, or weather conditions at the time. In such cases, only the supervising team is authorized to make the necessary decisions.