From M Hamid Overnight Desert Tour to Erg Chigaga: An In-Depth Look

Planning a trip to the Sahara can be pretty thrilling. It’s like your about to go to an entirely separate planet. So, when a tour like the “From M Hamid Overnight Desert Tour to Erg Chigaga” pops up, it sounds pretty dreamy. Is it a mirage or is that actual value you’re seeing in the distance? That’s the question. So, I had to experience it for myself. What follows are my thoughts and recommendations for those pondering the trip.

Setting off from M’Hamid: The start of something big

M’Hamid is a neat spot, usually it’s called the “door to the desert.” Basically, you are not driving any further without camels or 4×4. So, there is a certain feel as though the regular world ends in M’Hamid and the mysterious dunes are just on the other side. The community there is friendly and there are tons of stories being told about the Sahara. So, being at this desert doorway is exciting. It is so exciting thinking you’re about to take off into Erg Chigaga, that, it’s almost a special kind of anticipation building up in your gut.

Before you hop on your tour, though, it might be good to wander around M’Hamid just a little bit. I think it’s important, and cool to see the regular everyday rhythm there, and how it meets this kind of tourist hub for folks wanting to make a desert leap. The setting is simple, so you have this nice moment to sort of center yourself before taking off into the immense sandscapes. So, make sure to take it in.

Hitting the dunes in a 4×4: An exciting, sandy ride

Okay, that 4×4 ride? Really it’s something. It’s very unique. The reality is, the vehicle rumbles on and on into the desert. So, as you get further away the dunes are getting bigger. You can feel the suspense grow mile by mile. It’s not just moving from A to B, but the desert landscape just showing off. To be completely honest, at times, the ride can feel a little rough, kind of bumpy, you know? Very exciting, very rattling. The drivers are extremely experienced and know what they are doing and it’s kind of wild to watch. In fact, it made me think maybe I should take some off-road classes. The drivers are impressive.

So, here’s a thing you should know, that dust and sand, that is a bit inescapable. My suggestion is to put on clothes that you can simply shake off later. Same for camera gear, if you are bringing any. You might consider adding something to protect that investment from a sand invasion. Even through the windows, grit will sneak in, you will wear that dust for the remainder of the adventure, by the way.

Camel Trekking at Sunset: A real timeless moment

The camel bit, I can easily say, is magical. You might find yourself grinning like a kid while on camel-back, so watch out! The desert vista while heading to Erg Chigaga is stunning. In some respects, there isn’t a better camera lens than your own peepers! It feels ancient, riding along that way. You may actually catch yourself humming Lawrence of Arabia. And yes, everyone will probably take the classic sunset pic, and you will want to!

What is pretty great too it’s almost how quiet it becomes when the sun dips. Then, that silence, punctuated by camel footsteps, is so special and distinct. That silence, just hanging in that vast openness, gives you the chills. So, really try to soak in that calm. When I talk about these moments, honestly I feel my heart tug a bit.

The Desert Camp: Under the stars, like nowhere else

Arriving at the camp, really the accommodations were way comfier than I figured they would be. Actually, after hours in that Sahara air, that hot shower feels extremely glorious, really! The tents are, really, put together nicely, equipped with whatever you might need. They actually function better than any lodging I’ve used while camping. The meals turned out to be super yummy, like traditional Moroccan cuisine, cooked right there. Really the tagine? It tastes divine.

Of course, the genuine treat is the star show after nightfall. Just so many twinkling spots! The guides tell some cool stories concerning constellations. You could actually learn something while you’re gazing up there. In fact, it makes everything feel both extremely huge and incredibly cozy all at the same time. But then after some storytelling, people are all just hanging together, which, honestly, is super pleasant. Basically, it becomes more than simply staring at stars; you end up sharing a memory with random wanderers from across the globe.

Things that I enjoyed

M Hamid definitely is a cool jumping-off location to start the adventure. And seeing those Erg Chigaga dunes, like the way they stretch way out there – seriously striking! And the guides are, no kidding, excellent. Super informed. In a way, they double as entertainers, and they can sort of make the history of the Sahara actually memorable.

About the camp, that’s good to know that it isn’t too far out there either – like, still remote, so you can believe that you’re quite secluded, very lost somewhere amazing, but you’re not so removed to make you really have to rough it. The chow’s genuinely delicious; basically expect great, regional food every day! Basically you have to be ready for spices, alright?

Considerations

Be prepared to deal with that sand, that’s the thing! Like, you are bringing a portion of Erg Chigaga back with you! You need the right stuff for sun and also that heat. Think of things like super sunglasses, lots of sunscreen, lip balm with SPF, and maybe one of those broad-brimmed hats.

Although the tents are completely adequate and all, but really bear in mind that you still are in the desert. Like, don’t count on high-speed WiFi, because there might not even be any! You could almost try switching off, just completely disconnecting, so you can just dive into what’s around you instead.

Is the M Hamid Overnight Desert Tour to Erg Chigaga worthwhile?

Here’s my take on that trip in a nutshell. Do you have even the tiniest bit of a craving for the stark appeal that the Sahara provides? Would you want to stare at a zillion nighttime stars while you sip mint tea and share stories? It’s pretty safe to say, I really do suggest that you try this trip.

The tour’s extremely well run; and in my experience, it hit a good balance among thrilling activity, comfortable moments, and discovering more things! Therefore, I rate this trip quite highly!