Magical Christmas Trek in the Sahara – (7 days)
Places Available
Event Details
- Date: 2024-12-23
- Duration: 7 days / 6 nights
- Depart: Marrakech, 8.30am
- Location: M’Hamid
- Group size: Max 20 people (adults only)
- Language/s: English / French / German / Arabic
- Prices from: Adult from £550
- Payment: €100 deposit on booking / balance payable by 1st November 2024
- Level: Moderate
- Ref: CCT-24
Event Highlights
- Drive across the magnificent Atlas Mountains
- Visit the unique Kasbah region and Ait Benhaddou (UNESCO site)
- Camel Trek across the stunning Sahara
- Enjoy campfires, music and stargazing in the Golden Dunes
- Christmas Eve celebration with nomads
- Christmas Day sunrise in the big dunes of Erg Chigaga
Overview
Celebrate Christmas in the beautiful Moroccan Sahara and write your own Christmas story on our winter Camel trek departing from Marrakech.
Our trek takes you south to M’Hamid and Morocco’s largest dunes Erg Chigaga, passing the breath-taking Atlas Mountains, Kashbah region and desert towns of Zagora and Tamagroute to arrive in M’Hamid. Enjoy a Saharan welcome with tea and pastries, before dinner, music and overnight in a traditional eco-lodge.
The leisurely desert trek takes you in the footsteps of nomads and magi through some of the most magical spots of the Sahara. Set up wild camp in golden dunes, admire the desert sunrise and sunset, eat delicious tagines around the campfire and marvel at the night sky. Enjoy listening to the gentle sounds of desert music as you meet and chat to new friends. They’ll also be plenty of quiet moments in between trekking for yoga, meditation, journalling and photos. Why not bring an instrument or your paints – it’s your Christmas story!
The trek is rounded off with a thrilling 4×4 off-road ride across the Sahara, to arrive back in M’hamid to rest or explore.
Let yourself feel fully restored by the desert at this very special time of year.
What you’ll do
Meet your guide to drive across the stunning Atlas Mountains with its breath-taking Berber villages. Visit the famous Kasbah Ait Benhaddou and Ouarzazate, Morocco’s Hollywood. Stop for photos in scenic Tichka and the desert towns of Agdez, Zagora and Tamagroute. Arrive mid-afternoon to a Saharan welcome, then dinner/overnight in the Palm Grove of M’Hamid.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast, before joining your Camel Caravan and guides mid-morning. Trek north past nomadic farmland, and wild donkeys, stopping for lunch under the shade of a Tamarisk tree. Trek on to arrive at Kraiaat Jmal, camel gathering place to set up wild camp in the dunes. Enjoy dinner and music round the campfire.
Enjoy the desert sunrise and breakfast, before decamping and trekking across stoney desert to Bougarn, agricultural and world-renowned star-gazing spot. Take in the ever-changing desert vistas, then set up camp in the glistening white dunes. Enjoy some relaxation time before sunset. A special dinner awaits under the stars.
After breakfast, decamp to trek onwards to Thirst Valley, passing the varied landscapes of the Sahara, salt lakes, mountains and flora and fauna. Visit desert nomads and enjoy a tea with the locals. Set up camp between the dunes. Relax and chat with new friends before dinner round the campfire.
Breakfast and decamp, to trek to our destination, the magnificent Erg Chigaga. Arrive for lunch, rest, then explore the largest and most beautiful dunes in Morocco. Take in the sunset at the endless, golden dunes. Camp is set up at the foot of Erg Chigaga, ready for our final evening in the desert with dinner, singing and fun.
Admire the sunrise at Erg Chigaga before breakfast, then decamp for a final camel trek before joining your 4 x 4 for a thrilling off-road ride across the Sahara. Visit the Secret Oasis, meeting point for nomads and pass the ever-changing desert landscapes to arrive back in M’Hamid mid-morning to shower, relax and explore. Farewell dinner and overnight in the Palm Grove.
After breakfast, say farewell to your guides and the hosts and depart M’Hamid for Marrakech following the same route with plenty of stop offs for photos and souvenir shopping. Arrive Marrakech mid-afternoon.
What’s Included
- Return Transfer Marrakech - M'Hamid
- Accommodation - 2 x eco-lodge / 4 x camping
- Air conditioned 4 x 4 in desert
- Guide & driver
- Camels for trek
- All camping equipment – tents/sheets/ blankets
- Meals - Breakfast x 6 / Lunch x 5 / Dinner x 6
- Mineral water, tea & coffee
- Flights to and from Morocco
- Personal Travel Insurance
- Gratuities & tips at your discretion
- Lunch/Drinks during Transfers to/from M'Hamid
Meeting Point
Your driver will meet you outside Café de France, Jemma El Fna, Marrakech.
Departure time is 8.30am. Please be there by 8.15am.
Your driver will hold a sign “Sahara Dreams”.
To make your own way to M’Hamid click here for more information.
Additional Information
- Room types – a selection of room types are available at the eco-lodge on a first come first serve basis. The Tour price is based on a shared bungalow (2 or 3 people sharing) with shared bathroom. An optional upgrade to a private en-suite room is available. Tents in the desert are individual or group depending on your travelling party. For more information on wild camping see Accommodation.
- For full information on what to pack see desert trekking.
- For full information on trekking in the desert see FAQs.
- The Trek is available as a Private Tour of groups 4+ please email us.
- Payment – a €100 deposit will be taken at the time of booking to secure your place. This is non-refundable. The balance is payable by the 1 November 2024. For bookings made after the 1 November 2024 full payment is required.
Guide & Host
Brahim Laghrissi
23 – 29 December 2024
Born in the desert of M’Hamid, Brahim is co-owner and lead guide at Sahara Dreams. Brahim has a genuine love and passion for the desert and a wealth of knowledge on the history and geography of the Sahara. His warmth and humour make him very popular with guests, many becoming lifelong friends. Having led 100’s of treks over the last 20 years, his expertise and experience means you’re in good hands.
Why book with us?
Private Group
All our groups are private and our average group size is between 4 and 10 people. Joint groups are available upon request.
Great Discounts
We have great discounts for children, young travellers and seniors. We also have discounts on group travel.
Everything’s Included
Accommodation, transport, local guides, meals, cultural highlights, everything is included in the cost of your trip.