Visit the Sahara desert on the back of Méhari: reservation & prices

Would you like to visit the Sahara Desert? Cross the great south of Morocco and experience a hike back from Mhari dromedaries!

The Sahara Desert extends over 4 million km2. Moreover, in Berber, its name means the great desert . From west to east, the Sahara stretches over 5,000 kilometers. Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia Mauritania, Mali, Niger, Chad, Sudan, Egypt and Libya, he crosses ten countries! Thus, Sahara is the largest hot desert in our planet.

If life is harsh, several nomadic tribes depend on it. All these peoples are referred to as Saharaaouis . Despite minimal precipitation, this desert has a specific ecosystem of drylands. The density of fauna and flora is weak but completely adapted.

So, to visit the Sahara Desert and discover spectacular landscapes, plan a hike in the Sahara Desert! The traditional form to explore this exceptional environment is mehare.

Let us discover here the principle of this unique hike in order to visit the Sahara Desert.

The Harm in a few words

A mehare is a unique type of hiking in the Sahara desert. This practice originates in the centre of Sahara. The use of dromedaries in this region dates back to the beginning of the first millennium BC. This ancestral hike takes place on the back of Méhari, a saddle dromadary with slender morphology.

Initially, the mehare is a way for the Bedouin to move into the desert. Note that the mehare is a journey made on a caravan model. Indeed, in this environment, nomadic peoples move mainly into groups. And in the desert, the dromedaries are very esteemed allies of choice of Saharaaouis . Indeed, these bump mammals are particularly resistant and enduring. There are also specialized markets for the sale of dromedaires. In Morocco, Guelmim is particularly known.

Participating in a mehare is therefore a strong adventure lived within a group. The meharists together cross the sandy immensity. Experience this unique experience to visit the Sahara Desert: on the back of your mehari dromedary, you will experience an exceptional, authentic and unforgettable adventure!

Our tips to make your way back to Mehari

Being in shape

A walk on the back of Mehari to visit the Sarah Desert requires a good physical shape.

Indeed, the route of the mehare is carried out in an unusual environment. Important heaters, prolonged sun exposure and continuous physical effort are to be taken into account. The weeks before your hike in the Sahara Desert, bring particular attention to your physical state.

The best period

It is possible to visit the Sahara desert throughout the year. However, the ideal period is between October and May.

For the most adventurers, know that in December and January the nights are particularly cold. During these two months the night temperatures are around 0°C. Also note that from May the days start to be really hot. For this purpose the organizers of your mehare will plan a start to the aurora and breaks in the shade during hot hours.

What equipment?

Generally speaking, the weather is sunny on the whole of Sahara. However, rains can be violent and sandstorms can surprise.

By preparing your crew for your hike in the Sahara Desert, consider the temperature gap between day and night. Please also a sleeping bag and a suitable toilet. Be careful not to overload yourself. The weight of the frames is controlled. The dromedaries have their own limits and nothing superfluous has its place.

What to see and what to do during a hike in the Sahara Desert?

M’Hamid el-Ghislane et ses ergs

The great southern Moroccan is one of the privileged areas for mehares. Indeed, there are several cottage hikes.

To visit the Sahara Desert, you can discover the valley of Drâa. In this region, landscapes are gradually changing. The mountainous environment is first followed by pastures and then dry dayas (drinks of rain water). Then, small shrubs appear on scattered dunes. Finally, without seeing it coming, the vastness of the Sahara is presented.

The mehare starts from the dunes Kriaat Jmel and ends at M’Hamid el-Ghislane.

During this hike to visit the Sahara Desert, you will cross several ergs, including ergs Bourguerme and Zehar . These are vast expanses of sand dunes shaped by the wind. Along your path you will also cross the eds lined with tamaris, palm groves and old forts typical of the region.

Dunes de l’erg Chega

Your hike in the Sahara Desert starts around Zagora . L’erg Chegaga is one of the two largest Moroccan ergs.

To visit the Sahara Desert you will be filed by a 4×4 vehicle. Then the hike in the Upper Atlas desert begins. By descending to the south, aridity is increasingly felt. And over the days you'll cross the dunes Bouigaiwarne, Regabi and Bouguerne.

You will be transported by this golden landscape with poetic curves. Also, several oueds will punctuate your progress in the Sahara. And to finish this hike in the desert, you will approach the lake Irriki . The surroundings of this site are grandiose. Then, on the back of your Pharisee you will cross the last lemons and dunes.

Dunes de l’erg Chebbi

This mehare starts south of Erfoud, in the vicinity of Merzouga. From this place you will be close to the hamada de Guir . La hamada de Guir is a natural border that precedes the oasis of the Saoura.

During this hike to visit the Sahara Desert, you will cross the highest sand dunes of the country. They are up to 170 metres. Throughout this magical experience you will cross summary but vital wells. Accompanied by qualified people, you will also overcome natural obstacles.

After a desert plateau, you will begin by crossing the erg Moulay Amar . There, a magnificent view of fossil mountains will offer you. Then you will reach the immense erg Chebbi. This vast expanse presents rocky parts and impressive dunes. You will appreciate the fave colors with a loss of sight. Visiting the Sahara Desert is beautiful and disappointing.

How much is a ticket for a hike in the Sahara on the back of Mehari?

To visit the Sahara Desert, you must count 50€ per day per person. For each day of hiking in the desert are included:

• The interpreter guide and the chameliers
• Hiking on the back of the mehari dromedary
• Meals and drinks
• The supply of a Bedouin tent, a mattress and blankets

In addition to this is the price of your flight and transfer from the airport or from your accommodation. Of course, these prices vary according to the places of departure and arrival.

If you have little time, you can choose to visit the Sahara Desert only one day and one night in the desert. However, most mehares last between one and two weeks. The price varies mainly depending on the duration of this trip. Count a budget about 350€ per person per week. Some organizations offer particularly comfortable or personalized services, so the price is impacted.

How do I book a ticket for the Sahara online?

To visit the Sahara Desert, you can book your hike online in the Sahara Desert from France. Consult the sites of different tour operators and compare their offers. You will find tariff proposals including flights from France and other offers without.

How to reach the Desert of the Sahara for a hike?

Harms often leave small towns or villages along the Moroccan Sahara. Merzouga, M’Hamid or Zagora Many of these places of departure. Most of the time, the mehare provider organizes your transfer to 4×4. Vehicles come to pick you up at the airport or in the city where you stay.

Where to stay near the Desert of the Sahara?

During your mehare you will stay in a tent or in a beautiful star, surrounded by unique landscapes.

To enjoy Morocco before or after your hike in the Sahara, you will have several possibilities. The village d’Aït Ben Haddou , a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a stage full of authenticity. Many Airbnb are proposed in this place. Agdz, M’Hamid and Zagora are also charming villages where it makes good to spend a few days.

And if you are looking for more dynamic cities, according to the routes of your mehare, go to Ouarzazate or Merzouga which offer many hotels .