2-Day Sahara Desert Tour to Erg Chegaga from M’hamid A personal story from Ismail – owner of Desert Bivouac Chegaga
My name is Ismail, and I was born and raised on the edge of the Sahara Desert in the small village of M’hamid, in the south of Morocco.
For many travelers the Sahara is a dream destination. For me, it has always been my home.
When I was young, I travelled through the desert with my family and other nomads. We followed ancient desert routes with our camels, slept under the stars, and learned to respect the silence and beauty of the Sahara.
Today I welcome travelers from all over the world to experience this magical place through my desert camp: Desert Bivouac Chegaga.
One of my favourite experiences to share with guests is our 2-day Sahara desert tour from M’hamid to Erg Chegaga, the largest sand dunes in Morocco. This journey is not just about seeing the desert — it is about feeling the spirit of the Sahara.
Day 1 – Off-road Sahara adventure from M’hamid to Erg Chegaga
Our journey begins in M’hamid, the last village before the vast Sahara truly begins.
In the morning, we meet at our office in the village. Often we start with a glass of Moroccan tea while I explain the route and share a little about life in the desert.
Then our adventure begins.
We leave the paved road behind and drive deep into the Sahara with our 4×4 vehicles.
During this off-road Sahara tour, you will discover the many faces of the desert: The dunes of Chegaga, rolling small sand dunes and quiet areas filled with tamarisk trees, one of the few plants that can survive in this dry environment
One of our first stops is a sacred oasis. For centuries this place has been important for people travelling through the desert. Here we take a short break, enjoy the view, and take some beautiful photos.
As we continue the journey, the desert becomes more and more impressive.
Around lunchtime we stop in a hidden oasis, where we enjoy a delicious meal in the shade of palm trees — a moment of peace in the middle of the Sahara.
Another experience that my guests always remember is the visit to a nomad family. Here we often drink traditional Moroccan tea together and talk about desert life.
For me this moment is very special, because the Sahara is not only about landscapes — it is also about culture, hospitality and traditions.
As we drive further, something incredible appears on the horizon.
The giant dunes of Erg Chegaga.
These dunes are the largest in Morocco, stretching more than 40 kilometres across the desert. Some dunes reach heights of 300 meters, creating one of the most spectacular landscapes in the Sahara.
Welcome to my desert camp – Desert Bivouac Chegaga
When we arrive at my desert camp, Desert Bivouac Chegaga, we welcome guests in the traditional Sahara way.
With tea.
Fresh Moroccan tea, served with cookies, nuts and olives.
After guests settle into their tents, we prepare for one of the most magical moments of the day — sunset in the Sahara.
You can choose how to reach the top of the dunes. With a peaceful camel ride through the sand dunes, or a short 4×4 drive to the highest dunes
From the top, the view is unforgettable. The desert slowly changes colour as the sun sets — golden, orange and deep red.
Many guests also try sandboarding, sliding down the dunes. It is one of the most fun activities in the Sahara.
When night falls, we return to the camp where a traditional Moroccan dinner is served.
Later in the evening we gather around the campfire while my team plays traditional desert music on drums.
Above us is one of the most beautiful sights in the world — the Sahara night sky filled with stars.
We have comfortable nomadic tents, or you can sleep directly under the stars of the Sahara.
For many travellers, this is the most unforgettable night of their journey.
Day 2 – Sunrise over the Sahara dunes
Early in the morning, I often wake guests who want to experience one of the most beautiful moments in the desert — sunrise over the dunes.
We walk a short distance from the camp and climb one of the dunes. As the sun rises slowly above the horizon, the Sahara becomes covered in soft golden light.
The silence at that moment is something you never forget.
After returning to the camp, we serve a delicious traditional Moroccan breakfast.
After breakfast we pack our bags and leave the camp by 4×4, heading back to the village of M’hamid.
But the memories of the Sahara stay with us much longer.
My invitation to you
The Sahara is a place of peace, silence and hospitality.
Every time I guide travellers to Erg Chegaga, I hope they feel the same connection with the desert that I have felt my entire life.
If you visit the Sahara, you are always welcome at Desert Bivouac Chegaga.
I look forward to meeting you in the desert.
— Ismail
Interested? Look at one of our tours here.