Crossing of the Western Sahara
A Self-Supported Desert Crossing of the Iriqui National Park
17th October - 25th October 2026
The Crossing Highlights
6 nights, 7 days in the Sahara, 140km travelled self-supported on foot.
Fennec fox tracks, gazelle, monitor lizards, and occasional ostrich across acacia plains.
Cook on open fires and sleep under the stars, truly experiencing what it’s like to cross this biome
Navigation by sun and terrain, basic tracking, managing heat, and understanding the landscape — from plants to wildlife.
COST : £2750
DAYS: 9
LEVEL: 2
The Why?
The Sahara sits among the world’s seven major biomes, and it’s easy to forget what that means when most desert experiences are built around comfort and convenience. A short camel ride, a prepared camp, a vehicle waiting nearby — none of it reflects how people have crossed this landscape for centuries.
This expedition takes a different line. It’s a self-supported journey from Mhamid, close to the Algerian border, travelling by foot and camel across open desert for seven days. There are no roads, no 4x4s in the background, and no fixed camps waiting for you. Just a steady route west, carrying only what you need, and sleeping under the stars each night.
You meet your camel on day one. You pack it, handle it, and learn how to travel as a pair under guidance from your expedition leader and the cameleers. The work isn’t complicated — it’s consistent. Much like a winter pulk journey, the satisfaction comes from the routine: loading, moving, navigating, setting camp, preparing food, resting, and doing it again the next day. Along the way you start noticing the quieter details of the desert — tracks in the morning sand, hardy plants holding moisture, signs of the small animals that move mostly at night, and the practical techniques used here to stay safe, find shade, and manage water.
What to expect during your Sahara Crossing
A true point-to-point crossing with no vehicles, no staged comforts, and no distractions — just open desert from horizon to horizon.
Travelling with a single camel and learning the real skills: packing, leading, feeding, and building the working partnership that keeps you moving.
Moving past abandoned kasbahs and older route markers that give context to the way this landscape shaped the journeys of earlier travellers.
Simple desert living: cooking over fire, baking bread in the embers and sand, gathering fuel, and maintaining a clean, efficient routine each evening.
Developing the same steady habits used on winter expeditions: managing heat instead of cold, shade instead of snow shelters, and pace instead of glide.
Learning practical desert movement from cameleers: picking lines through dunes, crossing hard and soft ground, and judging when to push and when to slow down.
Encounters with the things that live here: fox tracks, lizard trails, signs of the sand fish, occasional snake or camel spider — reminders that the desert isn’t empty, only quiet.
We only have limited places on each expedition, get in contact today and reserve your spot on our next adventure.
Expedition Itinerary
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An early flight into Marrakech is required as we have a long transfer south, following the edge of the Atlas and the Draa Valley, to the end of the road at M’Hamid.
M’Hamid sits where the tarmac stops and the desert begins. It’s a quiet frontier village of palms, mud-built kasbahs and drifting sand, with a long history as a stopping point for caravans moving deeper into the Sahara.
We stay overnight in a comfortable hotel, giving time to regroup, sort kit, and prepare for the days ahead.
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After breakfast, we meet the desert team and load the camels. From here, we leave the village behind and begin moving west into the open desert.
The morning follows sandy tracks before opening into low shrubs and scattered trees. We stop for lunch beneath Tamarisk shade, then continue across firmer ground and stretches of hamada (dark, stony desert).
By late afternoon we reach our first wild camp, set among low dunes or trees. The first sunset across the Sahara marks the start of the journey.
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We strike camp and continue west towards the isolated dunes of Erg Sedrar, sitting just south-east of the larger Erg Chigaga system.
The terrain rolls steadily, with small dune ridges and patches of winter vegetation—wild roquette and brassica—bringing unexpected colour and insect life.
By afternoon, we cross broad dried lake beds and flats, with both dune systems visible on the horizon. Camp is established at Erg Sedrar, with wide views from the dunes.
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We head deeper into Iriqui National Park, moving away from more travelled ground.
Leaving the dunes, we cross a wide floodplain cut by dry stream beds and wadis. Vegetation thins as we continue south-west, keeping the long line of the Erg Chigaga dunes to our north.
Shade is limited today. Camp is set near low trees after a long, open traverse. With luck, we may spot desert wildlife, including fennec fox tracks in the sand.
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We continue north-west, moving beyond the main dune systems. The scale of the terrain shifts—smaller dunes give way to broad plateaux and open ground.
To the south, the outline of distant mountains begins to appear. Underfoot, the terrain alternates between compact sand, stone, and earth.
Camp is established in the shelter of low dunes as we transition towards the central basin of Iriqui.
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We cross the wide, flat expanse of the dried Lake Iriqui. The ground here is hard, clay-like, broken by old water channels and cracks.
Depending on seasonal rain, there may be scattered plant life pushing through the surface. The horizon opens completely, with mirages often visible in the heat.
Ahead, the Jebel Bani ridge and the Madouar formations come into view. Camp is set at the base of the mountains among Acacia trees.
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We move west along the base of Jebel Bani, approaching the first of the Madouar—flat-topped mesas rising abruptly from the desert floor.
The terrain becomes more rocky, with dry riverbeds cutting through the ground. This is a good place to look for fossils underfoot.
We camp among Acacia trees near the base of the formations. If conditions allow, we ascend one of the mesas and bivi on top.
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If we’ve bivouacked high, we wake to sunrise from the plateau before descending. Otherwise, we break camp and continue north-west along the base of the formations.
The landscape here changes again—dark stone, cliff bands, and isolated palm clusters marking small oases.
We meet the 4x4 support team and transfer out to Foum Zguid, then continue to Tizourgane Kasbah for the final night. A chance to clean up, eat well, and mark the end of the crossing together.
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Early transfer back towards Marrakech for onward travel.
The Details
Cost per place on the expedition: £2750
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Accommodation – 2 night hotel, 6 nights in tents
All in-country transfers,
Meals – 6 Dinners, 6 Lunches, 8 Breakfasts
Safety equipment
Emergency communication systems(sat phone, Inreach)
Expedition food and fuel
Medical safety equipment and supplies
Expedition team leader 1:10 max ratio.
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Personal trekking equipment
Specialist travel insurance
Travel to and from departure country.
Anything not stated in inclusions.
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No prior desert experience is required, but this is a sustained, physical journey and you need to arrive prepared.
You should be comfortable walking for 6–9 hours a day over uneven ground, including soft sand, rocky plateaux, and dry riverbeds, often carrying a light daypack in warm conditions. The terrain itself is not technical, but the consistency of movement, exposure to heat, and remoteness make it demanding.
A good level of general fitness and resilience is essential. You don’t need specialist skills, but you do need to be able to keep moving day after day, manage yourself in hot environments, and stay engaged as part of a small team.
Previous multi-day trekking experience is useful, but not essential if you have the right attitude and have prepared properly.
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Accommodation reflects the style of the journey—simple, mobile, and shaped by the environment.
We begin with a comfortable hotel in M’Hamid, with proper beds, showers, and space to organise kit before heading out. It’s a good place to reset after travel and prepare for the days ahead.
Once in the desert, we sleep outside for most of the expedition. Nights are spent under the stars, usually around the fire, with bedding laid out on the sand. It’s often the best way to experience the desert—quiet, open, and with clear night skies.
Tents are carried and used when needed—if conditions turn, such as wind, sand, or rain, or if anyone prefers the shelter. Camps are chosen for some natural protection where possible, among dunes or scattered trees, but overall this is a fully exposed environment.
On the final night, we stay at Tizourgane Kasbah, a restored hilltop kasbah. After a week in the desert, it’s a welcome contrast—solid walls, hot showers, and a proper meal. It’s a place to regroup, clean up, and mark the end of the crossing together.
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Meals are simple, practical, and built around what works in the desert. Everything is cooked over an open fire, with the group involved in preparing, cooking, and managing the fire each evening.
Expect hearty, filling food rather than anything elaborate. We cook using a mix of fresh ingredients carried at the start and dry staples that travel well with the camels. Typical meals include slow-cooked tagines with vegetables and spices, flatbreads baked in the embers, couscous dishes, and simple stews. Lunches are lighter—bread, dates, olives, fruit, and prepared items—taken in whatever shade we can find.
The fire becomes the centre of camp. Water is boiled for tea throughout the day, and evenings settle into a routine of cooking, eating, and sitting around the embers as it gets dark.
We can cater for most dietary requirements—just let us know in advance so we can plan food and supplies accordingly.
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Please scroll down and you will see the dates :)
Available Trip Departures
17th - 25th October 2026 - Spaces available
Expedition Safety
Your Safety is Our Top Priority on Every Trip
our guides have overall responsibility for the running of the expedition, working closely with a trusted local desert team who know this terrain in detail. Together, they manage navigation, pacing, camp selection, water, and the welfare of both the group and the camels.
A full briefing takes place in M’Hamid before we set off, covering how the journey works day-to-day—moving with camels, managing heat, hydration, camp routines, and what to expect from the terrain. We’ll also cover practical points like packing, looking after your feet, and working efficiently as a group.
There’s no technical skill required, but there is a rhythm to desert travel. Over the first few days, you’ll settle into it—walking pace, managing energy, setting up camp, and working around the fire. By the middle of the journey, these routines become second nature and the days flow more easily.
Your guides are experienced in leading multi-day expeditions in remote environments and hold appropriate first aid and expedition safety qualifications. The wider team brings a depth of local knowledge that’s key to moving well through this landscape.
The aim is simple: give you the structure and support to move confidently through the desert, while keeping things safe, efficient, and well-managed throughout
Giving You Unmatched Expertise and Personalisation on Your Trip
Why Choose Nordur for Your Expedition?
Local knowledge
Nordur stands apart in the world of adventure travel with its deep-rooted local expertise. Led by our founder, Jamie, a seasoned guide with over 17 years experience, and is not only a local but a huge enthusiast of the Scottish wilderness, Nordur offers an authentic experience that larger, outsourced tours simply cannot match. We know every hidden trail and secret spot that makes Scotland unique, offering you a richer, more immersive experience.
Sustainability and Respect
At Nordur, we are deeply committed to preserving the stunning landscapes we explore. We practice Leave No Trace principles and engage in efforts to maintain the natural beauty and integrity of the Scottish wilderness. Choosing Nordur means supporting eco-friendly tourism and contributing to the conservation of these magnificent areas for future generations.
Tailored Adventures
Each expedition is carefully crafted to match the desires and abilities of our guests. Nordur specialises in creating personalised experiences that cater to your interests, whether you're seeking thrilling mountain ascents or serene moments by secluded lochs. Our small group sizes ensure that your journey is attentive and responsive to your pace and preferences.
All-Inclusive Expeditions
From high-quality camping gear to expert navigation and safety equipment, everything you need for your journey is provided. Our packrafts are state-of-the-art and we provide you with full training, ensuring that you can navigate the lochs with ease and safety. With Nordur, you can focus fully on your adventure, knowing that all logistical details are expertly handled.