Camel trekking in In dune landscapes of the Sahara
Together with the nomads and their dromedaries, travellers on our caravan tours hike through the varied dune landscape in the south of Morocco according to ancient tradition. While hiking at a leisurely pace, you can immerse yourself in the sea of dunes, enjoy the silence and forget everyday life, experience the timelessness of the desert. The long tours of 8 days or more are particularly interesting, as in the example below. Here the caravan travels through vast dune landscapes and along barely visible shepherds’ paths through the impressive Jebel Bani mountains with their plateaus, gorges, oases with pools of water or bubbling springs, palm trees and oleanders. Again and again you come across nomadic families with their herds of sheep and goats.
Let yourself be inspired and embrace the unknown!
Hikes in the varied rock and stone desert of Jebel Bani:
Walk on old caravan trails and shepherds’ paths across the plateau of the Jebel Bani Mountains, through gorges and oases, over rocky slabs and gravel plains. Discover ancient settlements, admire rock paintings and engravings. There is the following research report on the rock paintings: http://www.academia.edu/2459577/Rock_Art_and_Archaeology_in_Ifran-n-Taska_Eastern_Jebel_Bani_Morocco_First_Results_of_the_Moroccan-Italian_Research_Project
Example of a 9-days tour through the mountainous landscape of Jebel Bani via Iriki National Park and to vast dune areas:
Akabar – Sahara Treks takes you through the fascinating rocky desert of Jebel Bani with its plateaus, gorges and hidden oases to Lake Iriki and the distant dunes. This tour is also available in a shortened version of 5-6 days in Jebel Bani only, with overnight stays in Iriki National Park or in the dunes, for travellers planning a 6-day trek between May and July. This trek is only offered by Akabar – Sahara Treks and follows the paths of the nomads.
The price for this very beautiful and interesting 9-day tour is for 3 persons: 910 EUR, for 4 persons: 800 EUR, for 5 persons: 770 EUR
Hafid Benyachou can take you to his relatives’ farm and fields to learn about Saharan agriculture. You can also start or finish a trek with nomads and semi-nomads in the high valley of Tafraout/Bani. As a former teacher at the first nomadic school in the Tafraout valley, Hafid knows the families and will show you their gardens and houses. Today, this nomadic school is also a meeting place for young and old. (see Trekking and Homestay)
It is advisable to spend a day or two in Zagora after a trek. This will give you time to reflect on your desert experiences, relax in a hammam, visit the authentic market (Wednesdays and Sundays) and browse the many shops (Amezrou and Zagora).
Prices 2025 (in EUR per person)
Payment: 25% advance payment via Xoom, WISE or Western Union, balance by bank transfer one week before the trekking trip or directly on site
Tour duration / persons | 3 days | 5 days | 6 days | 7 days | 8 days |
1 person | 735 | 1005 | 1060 | 1150 | 1270 |
2 persons | 470 | 660 | 690 | 770 | 860 |
3 persons | 390 | 550 | 570 | 645 | 720 |
4 persons | 340 | 490 | 520 | 580 | 650 |
5 persons | 360 | 500 | 520 | 580 | 520 |
6 persons | 320 | 440 | 510 | 570 | 630 |
Riding camel 25 EUR/day/person
Reduction of 25% for children under 10 years. Children and young people from 11 – 17 years receive a free riding camel for the tour on request.
The trekking price includes:
Round trip transfer in 4WD vehicle, English or French speaking guide, cook, chameliers, pack camels, mineral water, full board with three meals a day, camping equipment, mattresses, blankets, sheets and large tent or two person tents.
Not included in the price: Riding camel, hotel in Amezrou or Zagora, lunch and dinner at the hotel and drinks, tips to the escort team:
Tipping is voluntary; the nomad team is happy to receive it.