Dunes Discovery: 6 days Camel Trek and Walk

Camp is set up after breakfast, and the day's destination, Zahar's vast, inaccessible sand dune area, is the target for the morning. Vegetation is much less obvious now, and the trip today takes place on a mostly flat, plateau-like ground (a dry lake) that eventually evolves into undulating sand dunes. At the base of the larger dunes, in the valley between the smaller dunes, a camp is set up, and a meal is prepared and shared. In the afternoon, you'll get the chance to explore Zahar, a seldom frequented dune zone, and climb to the peak for breathtaking sunset and twilight views over the erg (sand sea). You'll be able to get a good glimpse of tomorrow's destination, the town of Erg Smar, from up here. Zahar is also known as the "screaming dunes" because of a myth about a lost settlement that lies under the sands. It will take around four hours to complete today's hike.

After eating breakfast, we break camp. This morning, you will make your first crossing of the Draa River since leaving M'hamid as you travel to the northern banks of the river on your way to the desert ruin of Erg Smar (where, once, up to 35 families lived and farmed the land). Because of its massive magnitude, it's hard to believe that the Draa River, which is currently dry, previously flooded the desert in such a dramatic fashion. However, there is a well on the riverbanks where you can refresh your water supply, so don't worry-water is still present under the surface here (and freshen up with a quick shower). The outlines of gardens and fields, as well as the ruins of piss-mud huts that formerly served as houses, attest to the fact that humans once inhabited these areas. Your journey ends in the comforting shade of towering tamarisk trees, where you'll set up camp for the night. It's hard to believe you're still in the middle of arid landscape, considering how massive these trees are. After eating, you're free to look about the town, the Draa's banks, and the encroaching sand dunes. The estimated time to complete today's hike is three hours.

After eating breakfast, we break camp. Today you'll be making your way to the Bougarn dunes, where you could run across some fellow hikers for the first time. After leaving Erg Smar, you'll be in a location where gazelle tracks could be visible over a vast earth plateau and into some tiny dunes (as the shrub that they feed on grows just here). It's possible to see undulating dunes to the north and south. The tree cover returns, and you have your lunch in the coolness. Upon continuing your hike through the greenery and sand after lunch, you will eventually come to a platform from where the undulating dunes of Bougarn may be seen. Leaving the camels behind, you make your way up the beach to the closest lookout point. If the weather is clear, you may be able to see out the dunes of Zahar and Erg Chigaga. Camp is set up under the protection of nearby dunes. You should expect to be out on the trail for anything from 5 to 6 hours today.

After eating breakfast, we break camp. On today's hike, you'll pass through more forested areas, some of which follow the paths of long-dormant rivers. A picnic is set up behind some shady tamarisk trees. After lunch, continue your journey over the flat country that was once fruitful (when water was available) and now serves as pasture for grazing camels. Camping for the night will take place in a secluded area of low dunes. Travel time for today is estimated at 5 hours max.

The settlement of M'hamid will serve as today's last destination on your tour. Closer to M'hamid, the landscape changes once again, being characterized by desert scrub and dirt banks, and palm plantations become more noticeable. Before you reach the settlement, you will stop for lunch in the shade. It will take around four hours to complete today's hike.