Desert Stories

What to do in the desert: activities around M'hamid

M’hamid El Ghizlane is a small oasis town in southern Morocco. It’s a gateway to the Sahara and a place full of charm. Here, you can join activities that bring you closer to desert life. You might try a traditional hammam, take a guided walk, or enjoy henna art. Cooking classes with a local chef let you explore Moroccan flavours. You can also head into the dunes on foot, meet Berber families, or sit by the fire during a desert blues concert under the stars. Each tour has space for flexibility. We adjust the itinerary to the group’s needs and interests. Below, you’ll find activities you can add to your planned event.

Local walks around M'hamid - the gateway to the desert

Walking through M’hamid, the gateway to the Sahara in southern Morocco, feels calm and unique. Golden dunes stretch into the horizon, meeting the endless blue sky.

As you stroll through the palm groves, you’ll encounter the traditional lifestyle of the local Berber people. Here, local families keep alive old traditions. You may also see ancestral shrines called marabou, places of quiet reflection.

Experience the ritual of a traditional hammam

A traditional bathhouse offers a deeply relaxing and rejuvenating experience. Rooted in ancient rituals, a visit to the hammam involves a series of cleansing steps, beginning with steaming in a warm room to open the pores and the application of black soap.

This is followed by an exfoliation with a rough glove called a ‘kis’, which leaves the skin feeling soft and purified, providing a sense of well-being and cleanliness. Beyond its physical benefits, the hammam is a social space where people gather to unwind, connect, and engage in a timeless cultural tradition.

Discover the vibrant Monday souk in M'hamid

A Monday souk in M’hamid is a vibrant marketplace that captures the essence of the country’s rich culture and history. You’re greeted by the lively buzz of merchants selling a colorful array of good. You will find local products like spices and handcrafted pottery to intricate textiles and traditional jewelry. The air is filled with the aroma of exotic spices. The souk is a sensory feast, where haggling is an art form, and each stall offers a glimpse into Morocco’s diverse craftsmanship and traditions.

Have henna painted
on your hands and feet

Henna is a blend of art and tradition. The intricate designs, often inspired by nature and Berber symbolism, are skillfully applied by local women using a paste made from crushed henna leaves.

A soothing cultural ritual

As you sit in the warm desert breeze, the cool touch of the henna is soothing, while the detailed patterns gradually emerge, telling stories of beauty, protection, and celebration. This ritual, deeply rooted in Moroccan culture, connects you to the ancient traditions of the desert and leaves you with a beautiful, temporary mark of your journey.

Morocco cooking class

Master the art of tajine making: classes with Moha

A hands-on immersion into one of Morocco’s most beloved dishes. Under the guidance of a skilled local chef, you will learn the art of layering ingredients in the traditional clay pot, balancing spices like cumin, coriander, and saffron with fresh vegetables, dried fruits, and tender meat.

Experience Moroccan culture through cuisine

The workshop not only teaches cooking techniques but also provides insights into Moroccan culture, where food is a central element of hospitality and communal life. At the end, participants savor their creations, experiencing the true taste of Morocco.

Join to our cooking class

Morocco cooking class

Desert adventures and nomadic life

Explore the wild side of Morocco sightseeing with activities that reveal the nomadic spirit of the Sahara.
Join a camel caravan through the dunes, take part in an exciting desert off-road safari, or try sandboarding on the golden slopes of Erg Chigaga.
Each experience connects you with the vastness of the desert and the rhythm of nomadic life.

Desert Camp Chraika

Feel the rhythm of desert blues
under the stars

A soulful journey

Performed under a starlit sky, the music captures the spirit of the desert—its beauty, its solitude, and its timelessness. The musicians create melodies that echo the nomadic life and the deep connection between people and the land. As you listen, surrounded by the serene expanse of the desert, the music becomes a journey of the soul, blending the ancient with the contemporary in a uniquely magical setting.

Desert Camp Chraika

Hidden gems and offbeat attractions in Morocco

Our camp is full of lesser-known attractions in Morocco — the kind you won’t find in guidebooks.
Go meteorite and fossil hunting, meet local nomads, or learn how desert life thrives in harmony with nature.
Each activity offers authentic encounters and memories that last a lifetime.

Morocco desert tours

Nature, peace, and wellbeing in the desert

Beyond adventure, the Sahara is a place of peace. Feel the calming energy of endless dunes, enjoy moments of silence, and let the desert restore your balance.
This is Morocco sightseeing for the soul — pure, raw, and deeply grounding.

Plan your stay
and explore Morocco’s hidden side

At Desert Camp Chraika, we believe the best Morocco attractions are those that touch your heart. Whether you come for a day, a weekend, or a full expedition, each moment brings discovery and connection.

Ready to experience authentic Morocco?

Plan your visit to Desert Camp Chraika and discover the hidden beauty of the Sahara Desert.

What to do in the desert: activities around M'hamid

Local walks around M'hamid - the gateway to the desert

Experience the ritual of a traditional hammam

Discover the vibrant Monday souk in M'hamid

Have henna painted
on your hands and feet