The Silent Sahara: three days to hear the desert

Three days built around one idea: the desert is best heard, not talked over.

We leave Marrakech over the Atlas, cross the dry bed of Lake Iriqui by 4×4 and spend one night in our camp in Erg Chigaga, phones away. The last morning starts with a sunrise walked in silence.

Highlights

• The Tizi n’Tichka pass (2,260 m) and lunch facing the ksar of Aït Benhaddou
• Tea with the carpet weavers of Tazenakht
• Lake Iriqui by 4×4, mirages likely
• A camel walk to the high ridge for sunset
• One hour of wordless walking at dawn
• Breakfast with bread baked in the sand

Before you go

• Pack in layers: desert days are warm and nights get cold fast. A warm fleece is essential once the sun drops.
• Bring closed shoes for the dunes and sandals for the camp.
• Phones go in the pouch from sunset to sunrise. Your guide carries a satellite phone for emergencies.
• Signal is patchy past Foum Zguid and often absent in the erg.
• Drink bottled or filtered water. We carry refills, so bring your own bottle.