The Essential Travel Guide to M'Hamid El Ghizlane: The Saharan Gateway to Erg Chigaga
- Malika
- Jul 15, 2024
- 9 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
Looking for the best things to do in M'Hamid or highly recommended places to stay? Discover the ideal time to visit the Sahara, tips for getting there and the best Erg Chigaga tours in this essential travel guide.
Formerly known as Taragalte (which means "the plain of gazelles”), M’Hamid El Ghizlane is a small Moroccan town at the southern end of the Draa Valley, just under 100 kilometres from Zagora. It was once an important caravan stop that played a crucial role in the trans-Saharan trade route.
M'Hamid's origins date back as far as the copper and iron ages, a time when sprawling palm oases allowed a diverse array of flora and fauna to thrive. With the desert’s expansion, these palm groves largely dried up and the dunes seen today took over.
In more recent times, M’Hamid remained off-limits to tourists due to its proximity to the Algerian border and special permits were required to enter the region. Even today, you may see Moroccan military wandering around the town, although this shouldn’t set off any alarms as it’s a very safe place to visit.
Amongst travellers, M’Hamid El Ghizlane is renowned as a gateway to Erg Chigaga, a serene alternative to the more popular dunes at Erg Chebbi and an enchanting place to spend a night in the Sahara Desert.
In this Essential Travel Guide to M'Hamid El Ghizlane, discover incredible places to stay and the ideal time to visit. I'll also share some of the best things to do in M'Hamid El Ghizlane and beyond to help you plan your Saharan adventure.
If you're heading to Merzouga and the Erg Chebbi dunes, you'll find my detailed travel guide here. Alternatively, discover everything you need to know to plan a Sahara Desert experience here.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best things to do in M'Hamid El Ghizlane
Wander around the town
Though relatively small in size, M’Hamid’s town centre is worth a wander and exhibits traditional Moroccan desert architecture throughout its narrow streets. Once an important trade hub for travelling nomads and caravans, it’s home to a 14th-century ksar (fortified village) and a lively mosque.
If possible, coincide your visit to M’Hamid El Ghizlane with a Monday when the weekly market takes place, attracting vendors and shoppers from across the region. It’s always a spirited display of local commerce and a great place to pick up fresh fruits and snacks for your Saharan adventure.
Overnight in the dunes of Erg Chigaga
Spending a night in the Sahara Desert is an incredible experience - you really do feel a profound connection to Morocco's natural and cultural heritage. Away from the bright lights of the cities, the dunes of Erg Chigaga are only accessible by camel or 4x4 and provide a more isolated desert escape compared to the popular Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga.
Dotted amidst the dunes are a handful of traditional camps that offer an immersive taste of nomadic life, with options for all budgets (I’ve highlighted some of my top recommended camps below!) Spending a night in the Sahara Desert is without a doubt one of the best travel experiences in Morocco and doing it from M'Hamid provides a more off-the-beaten-track experience.
For more information about the difference between Erg Chebbi and Erg Chigaga, check out my detailed article here.
Things to do in M'Hamid El Ghizlane, Morocco
Explore Iriqui National Park
The Erg Chigaga dunes form part of Morocco’s largest national park, which is named after a now (mostly) dried-up lake. Since the damming of the Draa River in the 1970s, Lake Iriqui is now predominantly a salt bed, rather than the expanisve wetland it once was. That being said, it did flood in 2024 following torrential rains and the winter wetlands (following seasonal rainfall) attract a large number of migratory birds.
Iriqui National Park encompasses arid savannah dotted with acacia trees that provide a habitat for gazelles, foxes and endangered houbara bustards. Established in 1994, it is an ideal destination for desert trekking, with a highlight being the cracked depression of its former lake.
Excursions can be arranged at M’Hamid’s hotels (see my recommendations below) or as part of a desert camp experience.
Experience the Taragalte Festival
This three-day celebration is held each October near M'Hamid El Ghizlane and showcases the rich cultural heritage of the region’s nomadic communities. Beyond the musical performances by local and international artists, the festival also highlights the architectural and artistic traditions in this captivating corner of the Sahara.
Hands-on demonstrations and interactive exhibits allow you to engage directly with artisans and cultural custodians while gaining a deep appreciation for the ingenuity and resilience of Morocco’s nomadic communities.
Interested in learning more about Morocco’s cultural festivals? Check out some of the best in my detailed article here.
Things to do in M'Hamid El Ghizlane, Morocco
How to get to M’Hamid El Ghizlane
By car
The closest airport to M’Hamid El Ghizlane is Ouarzazate Airport, which is around 260 kilometres (or four hours’ drive) and receives limited flights from Moroccan and European destinations. There is a greater choice of international and domestic flights to Marrakech Menara International Airport, a 7.5-hour drive from M’Hamid.
Rental cars are available in both cities for those who want to self-drive and the journey is relatively easy, following the National Route 9 the majority of the way.
Want to hire a car in Morocco? I suggest checking out Discover Cars, which compares deals from over 500 suppliers and offers a vast range of cars, from compact automatics to manual vans.
By bus
CTM and Supratours buses are available to M’Hamid El Ghizlane from both Ouarzazate and Marrakech, with direct buses every day. The journey from Ouarzazate to M'Hamid is just over 5 hours while Marrakech is 9.5 hours.
Tickets can be purchased online directly with the companies or you can compare options (and buy tickets) at 12Go.
By share taxi
Share taxis to M'Hamid El Ghizlane are available from Zagora, Ouarzazate and Marrakech and leave once full. If you’re coming from Marrakech, you may need to change in Ouarzazate and again in Zagora, depending on the available services.
By guided tour
In my opinion, the best way to reach M'Hamid and explore the Erg Chigaga dunes is on a guided tour, including all transport, meals and accommodation.
When searching for Morocco desert tours at Viator and GetYourGuide, keep in mind that most head to Erg Chebbi (accessed from Merzouga). If you specifically want to visit Erg Chigaga and M'Hamid, check carefully that this is where the tour is heading before booking.
If you want to be pointed in the right direction, this overnight trip from Zagora receives rave reviews and includes a stay at one of Erg Chigaga's most beautiful camps. If you're coming from Marrakech, this 4-day/3-night trip includes two nights at a desert camp near M'Hamid and one at a riad in the Draa Valley.
For a budget option, this one-night guided tour of Erg Chigaga begins and ends in M'Hamid and includes a 4x4 expedition into the dunes. You can either driver yourself to M'Hamid or get the bus there to meet your guides.
Ultimate Travel Guide to M'Hamid El Ghizlane, Morocco
Best places to stay in M’Hamid El Ghizlane
If you want to stay in the town of M'Hamid (rather than at a desert camp) and explore the Erg Chigaga dunes on day trips, all of the following hotels receive rave reviews. Desert excursions can be arranged at reception.
Conveniently located at the end of M’Hamid’s main street, this affordable hotel is owned and operated by a former nomad, Omar. It offers traditionally decorated rooms designed for solo travellers, couples and families, as well as camel treks and 4x4 excursions lasting a few hours or a few days.
"Dar M'Hamid is an oasis in the desert.” - Michael (read more reviews here)
Best places to stay in M'Hamid El Ghizlane
Combining the services of a high-end property with the warmth of Saharan hospitality, this luxury hotel in M’Hamid centres around a huge pool where you can refresh before or after your dune experience. Aside from its beautifully appointed rooms, the Sbai Palace offers everything from ATV and camel trekking tours to yoga and Moroccan cooking classes.
"Best stay of all our Moroccan hotels!” - Alexandra (read more reviews here)
Best places to stay in M'Hamid El Ghizlane
Built by local craftsmen using clay sourced from the area, this enchanting guest house receives rave reviews for its ambiance and hospitality. Delicious meals are served at the riad using herbs from the onsite garden and excursions into the desert can be arranged on request. The setting adjacent to the Draa River is second to none.
"You've got the desert outside and can walk right into it.” - Sean (read more reviews here)
Best places to stay in M'Hamid El Ghizlane, Morocco
Best desert camps near M’Hamid El Ghizlane
The opulent tents at this Erg Chigaga desert camp offer a lavish glamping experience on the edge of M'Hamid El Ghizlane. Each tent features a large, comfortable bed with luxurious linens, as well as a private bathroom with a shower and flushing toilet. The Erg Chigaga Desert Luxury Camp also provides high-end meals at dinner and breakfast, plus a range of activities including camel rides, quad biking and sandboarding.
"An extraordinary camp and an unforgettable experience!” - Abbey (read more reviews here)
Dune Blanche is perfect for those seeking adventure, with a variety of activities such as camel rides, quad bike tours and 4x4 expeditions. The themed tents are individually decorated and come with electricity while the private showers have hot water. At the end of the day, enjoy a traditional Moroccan meal under the majestic tree at the centre of the camp.
"This magical place is situated apart from all other luxury camps, feeling authentic and close to local life.” - Bausch (read more reviews here)
Camp Chraika is just a 20-minute walk from M'Hamid, making it a convenient and affordable option for those looking to explore the Erg Chigaga dunes. This budget Sahara camp boasts a shared lounge and each tent is equipped with a comfortable bed. Buffet breakfasts are served accompanied by breathtaking views of the rolling dunes.
"The atmosphere was captivating, with endless dunes and starlit skies setting the scene for an exceptional desert experience.” - Nicolaj (read more reviews here)
Featuring well-spaced tents that offer ample privacy, this budget-friendly camp in Erg Chigaga receives rave reviews. While the bathroom facilities are shared, they are spotlessly clean and the staff go above and beyond to ensure the experience is everything you hoped for. A variety of excursions and activities are available on request and the delicious meals are prepared with love.
"It was exactly what we were looking for: fresh and authentic homemade food, nicely spaced tents and the quiet of the full moon night." - Lucia (read more reviews here)
Best time to visit M’Hamid El Ghizlane
The best times to visit M’Hamid El Ghizlane and the Sahara Desert are during the spring and autumn seasons. During these periods, the daytime temperatures are warm but not too hot and the nighttime lows are comfortable.
Summer in M’Hamid often sees intense daytime temperatures, which can reach 40°C (104°F) by July - the midday sun can be overbearing. In winter, it's not the pleasant daytime temperatures you need to worry about but the the chilly nighttime lows.
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About the author
I'm Malika, a global traveller who first visited Morocco in 2014 before marrying a local and settling down in a little village on the Atlantic coast. Over the years, I've developed an intense love for Morocco, its majestic landscapes, storied cities and the incredibly warm hospitality of its people. As the owner and content creator of Malika in Morocco, I share my years of experience exploring the country, from north to south and from the Atlantic Ocean to the Sahara Desert. I am passionate about helping others plan their Moroccan travel adventures to ensure they get the most out of their North African experience.
