From Zagora, you still have a long drive to M'Hamid. The sand begins to appear here and there. The road is sometimes surprisingly good, sometimes a bit trickier. Here comes the palm grove of Ouled Driss and some of the most attractive hotels, such asAt Pasha's, OrDar Azawad, then M'Hamid.

 

Formerly called Tazagalt in tachelhit (Berber language), a name that still refers to the annual festival held there, this town rich in adobe constructions is populated by former nomads. She lives in the desert. The natives often have only one desire: to return. 

 

One of the stages of the Paris-Dakar

 

M'Hamid was one of the favorite stages of the organizers of theParis-Dakar when he had not yet left the African tracks for those of South America.

 

This abandonment, which occurred in 2008, was badly experienced by some in Morocco, but not by the majority of operators who offer excursions in the sand here. More slender racing cars frightened people and animals, causing damage to nature. Since then, the latter having horror of a vacuum, other competitions, less invasive, have taken over, such as the rally raid M'Hamid Express.

 

For all tastes 

 

In order to enjoy the fascination of the desert sand without stress, it is best to book your excursion in advance. The Internet offers a large number of service providers and services, fromstandard level Atgreat romantic luxury.  Beware of the most economical packages: they include overnight stays in bivouacs with Spartan sanitary comfort. But isn't that also what adventure in the desert is?

 

All hiking durations are imaginable. One night is too little, two nights is already very good. Try the fun experience of camel riding.

 

Chegaga, the most beautiful dunes in southern Morocco

 

Bivouacs are installed near M'Hamid. They serve to welcome visitors upon their arrival.Chegaga dunes. From M'Hamid, it is reached in about fifty kilometers, in 4x4, by tracks traced between the tamarisks. These dunes, the most beautiful in southern Morocco, form a large expanse of some 40 km by 15.

 

You can't see its confines, even when climbing one of the highest heights, which can reach sixty meters. Guides claim that they culminate at 300 meters, but this is to encourage you to make the effort to trudge there...

 

The reward, at sunset, is fabulous.

 

Around the wood fire

 

Many excursions include a stop atthe sacred oasis of Oum Lâalag, especially for lunch. At night, desert lovers spend it in bivouacs set up at the entrance to the dunes. There are more than ten. These camps made up of tents reinforced with hard structures serve meals. They include sanitary facilities whose comfort depends on their category.

 

The best time is that of the gathering, in the evening, around the central wood fire, to sing, exchange and drink the traditional mint tea, sometimes accompanied by beverages... more alcoholic.

 

Security issue

 

Is security ensured in this region of Morocco which borders the Algerian border? Although zero security no longer exists, no matter where you are in the world, Moroccan law enforcement agencies doremarkable work, given as an example. Terrorists don't have it easy in the Alawite Kingdom, and we can only rejoice!

 

Along the border with Algeria, the Royal Armed Forces, strongly established throughout the region, have set up barriers deemed impassable, equipped with cameras and minefields. In the past, the town of M'Hamid was known for its multiple traffics. Morocco's extremely determined fight against terrorism has had the effect of neutralizing this trafficking, at least for the most part, as far as we know.

 

Result: any tourist who has recently had the chance to stay in M'Hamid and in the dunes of Chegaga will assure you that the most absolute tranquility reigns over this part of the Moroccan desert.

 

Do not mix up

 

The surroundings of M'Hamid should not be confused with the formerly Spanish Sahara. Extending to Mauritania, this vast expanse is an integral part of the national territory, according to Rabat. Its border area with Algeria is not recommended for tourists.