The buttresses of djebel Bani & the erg Mhazile dunes

Camel trek.
Southwest of Zagora, after the djebel Bani and its buttresses, begins the true Sahara, the one
composed of Mhasser canyon with its guelats, of the El aabidliya and El Mhazile ergs and of
the dried lake of Irrili etc …Randonnée chamelière.
Au sud ouest de Zagora, au–delà du djebel Bani et de ses derniers contreforts, s’ouvre devant nous le vrai Sahara, celui du canyon de Mhasser avec ses guelats, des dunes des ergs d’ El aabidliya et El Mhazile, et de du lac asséché d´Irriki…etc.

The Draa palm groove – The wild mountain of Bani – The Elaabidliya dunes – Erg Elghoule – The Zguid Oasis.

Day 1 : Departure in minibus for the beautiful Drâa valley to Zagora and then we head West through the trail in order to meet with our cameleers team by the Jabel Bani mountain foot. After having a picnic, we will start our hike to a small pass at 1100 with a beautiful panoramic view on the mountain desert. Descent towards our bivouac by the small Oasis of Aferdou.
Total time: Transport + 3h walk.

Day 2 : Descent of the Oued Mhasser canyons with its beautiful waterfalls, all in a mineral landscape. Bivouac by the Jabel Bani foot, the last mountain before the dunes.
Total time: 5h walk.

Day 3 : We cross a big rocky plateau (The reg) before arriving at the Mssioua dunes: El aabidliya. Bivouac by the dunes.
Total time: 6h walk.

Day 4 : Hike in the middle of the dunes. In the horizon, we can foresee the djebel Bani mountain to the North and the Drâa Hamada to the South right before border with Algeri.Bivouac by the Erg el Ghoul dunes.
Total time: 5h walk.

Day 5 : Heading West for our last morning in the dunes, towards Erg el Mhazhil and crossing across the great dried lake of Irriki to reach our last bivouac near the Zaouïa sidi Abdenebi oasis.

Day 6 : After breakfast, our transportation will come to get us at the bivouac and we will leave for 2h on the trail to join the road to Foum Zguid and then to Ouarzazate. Night and diner in your hotel.
Total time : 4h30 of road and trail.

Important :

This itinerary is given as an indication, for various reasons due to inclement weather or others, your guide may have to make changes on the program, if necessary, for the smooth running of your trip.

Under tent in bivouac.

Formalities :

A passport valid for 3 months from the day of entry into Morocco is required (essential), for nationals of the European Community (no visa).

For minors, they must have their own passport.

If the child is traveling with someone other than his or her parents :

 An authorization or a legalized letter to the mayor indicating that their parents allow their child to go on a trip with the person accompanying him / her.

Health :

It is about being in good physical condition. During the hike, it is necessary to be self-sufficient and take with you a medicine kit (dressings, aspirin, anti-inflammatory, antibiotics, anti-diarrhea, total screen, lip balm, disinfectant tablets, eye drops).

Water and drinks :

Water is supplied to wells and is recommended for treatment (Micropur type). Tea is served at noon (except for stages where the camels do not follow the same route as the group) and at the arrival of the stage. In the evening a tea is offered after the meal. The use of water is limited for the toilet especially in the desert.

Portage :

Each participant walks on foot with a light backpack, containing only the personal belongings necessary for the day (gourd, camera, pharmacy kit ...). The remainder of the equipment and the equipment of bivouac, as well as the refueling, are transported by the camels.

The price :

All our prices vary according to the number of participants.

The price indicated will be definitive (there will be no surprises of the additional costs!).

Framing :

 A professional guide certified by the Mountain Trades Training Center (CFAMM) will accompany you for all our treks. Depending on the trip, you will be assisted by a team of camel drivers and cook.

You will be notified of the schedule and venue with your guide.

Money and tips :

Currency is the Dirham. 1 € = 10.60 Dh.

Allow cash to pay for your drinks and meals if not included in the estimate, and for tips for the team accompanying you during your hike / trip.

Accommodation :

To better enjoy the outdoors and nature, we opted for the formula "Bivouac" as accommodation. The places of our bivouacs are chosen according to several criteria: The beauty of the site, the calm, the security, the proximity of a water point .... We provide two-seater tents with foam mattress with sleeping cover, mess tents for the evening meal, floor mats, cutlery and kitchen items.

Clothing and small items :

It is necessary to wear good quality shoes "hiking in the mountains". It is hot during the day but the nights can be cool. It is therefore advisable to provide outfits accordingly: Anorak - polar - jogging - T-shirts - Bermudas - hat or chèque, and sunglasses. For winter hikes: Gloves and hats will be welcome especially in the evening and early in the morning.

Headlamp, spare bulbs and batteries, lighter to burn litter, sunscreen for skin and lips, toiletries, toilet paper, cleaning wipes

Meals :

They are prepared by a cook. Made with fresh products, they are mainly composed of salads cooked in midday and local dishes in the evening (couscous, tagine ...). A full breakfast is served outdoors or in tents before starting the day. During the bivouacs and for more comfort, meals are served every night under the mess tent. Dry fruits (dates, dried figs, peanuts & pralines) are offered to the participants during the hike.

Materials to be provided :

Cloisonne sleeping bag, normal use 0 to -5 ° C - Tennis or sandal with good soles to walk in the water courts in certain hikes - A rain cape.

Travel and Transportation :

Transfers are carried out in taxi, in group-reserved minibuses, or private 4x4. For your comfort and safety all vehicles have a tourist transport approval.

Photo / Videos :

Always ask for permission before photographing a person.

It is prohibited to photograph or film anything that is military.

Digital cameras: Have enough memory and batteries.