Mhamid

Mhamid El Ghizlane: The Treasure of the Moroccan Desert

Mhamid El Ghizlane is a small village in southeastern Morocco, right at the edge of the Sahara. It’s the perfect place to start your adventure into the Moroccan desert. Just about 450 kilometers from Marrakech, this village marks the last stop before the vast expanse of the Sahara, making it an ideal spot for treks, hikes, and desert circuits in Morocco.

A Historic Crossroads in the Moroccan Desert
Once, Mhamid El Ghizlane was an important stop along caravan routes that connected Morocco to sub-Saharan Africa. Today, you can still see the remains of ksour—traditional fortified villages built from pisé—that tell stories of Morocco’s desert past. The local community, mainly Amazigh and Arab, lives in harmony with the Sahara, keeping alive the nomadic traditions and culture of Morocco.

Discover the Desert: Trek, Hike, and Circuit Adventures
Mhamid is the perfect starting point for real desert adventures. Whether you're dreaming of exploring the huge Chegaga dunes, one of the largest ergs in Morocco, or doing a circuit across the Sahara, this area offers an authentic, untouched experience far from the tourist crowds. You can go on camel treks, spend a night camping under the stars, or explore oases and rocky plateaus called regs. And the best part? You can stay overnight in simple but welcoming camps, often with local families, to truly experience life in the desert.

Camping in the Desert and Staying with the Locals
Imagine camping out in the Moroccan desert, sleeping under a canopy of stars or in a traditional bivouac. Many camps in this region are run by local families and artisans, offering you a chance to learn about their traditions, share in their hospitality, and get a taste of nomadic life. It’s a genuine way to connect with the desert and its people.

A Unique Natural Reserve
Close to Mhamid, there's a protected natural reserve where you can see some of the desert’s most iconic animals—like oryx, gazelles, and ostriches. Visiting this reserve helps preserve the Sahara’s incredible biodiversity, while giving you a chance to appreciate this fragile environment up close and personal.

Supporting Sustainable Tourism

Our family-run agency, Sables Émouvants, is dedicated to responsible tourism. We offer authentic circuits, treks, and camping experiences with the locals, helping visitors connect deeply with the Moroccan Sahara while supporting the local community. We believe in protecting the environment, respecting traditions, and sharing the true spirit of the desert.