Immerse yourself in the Moroccan Sahara
Introduction
Morocco desert camp
‘al koutban’ simply means dunes, and the desert camp is nestled beneath the tallest dunes in the Erg Chigaga, at the heart of the Iriqui National Park of Morocco.
Our desert camp offers a comfortable base to explore the beautiful wilderness and brings guests back to nature. The nearest road is a 2 hour journey away, the closest light pollution 60km away.
Stay at Camp al Koutban for immersion in the rich desert environment and to disconnect. We are recommended by Lonely Planet.
Enjoy hospitality renowned in this part of Morocco, as Hocin and his experienced team look after you.
Accommodation
Camp al Koutban is deliberately small, with 12 tents offering a minimum capacity of 24 guests.
We take bookings per tent, and the camp may also be rented in exclusivity.
Whats included?
Included in the cost of the overnight stay, half-board meal basis (*lunch with stays of 2 nights +), drinking water and hot drinks, guided camel trekking before sunset, shared sand-boards.
Housed separately to the sleeping tents is a toilet and shower facility (with hot water for showering).
PricING
Eur €65 per night per person (MAD 715dh).*
*Return driver-transport to the camp from Mhamid (or other) will be arranged at additional cost, unless guests plan to self-drive. Please see ‘Location’ below.
Activities
The desert can be as relaxed or as active as our guests need. Camp al Koutban offers various outdoor seating areas, hammocks and shade.
Activities in the dunes include guided hiking (stays of 2 nights +), camel trekking, sand-boarding, sunset/sunrise vantage points, star gazing.
The highest point in the Erg Chigaga is a round-hike of 90 minutes from Camp al Koutban. We encourage all of our guests to climb it, the views 360° and unparalleled – it’s a captivating place to watch the sunset or sunrise.
Should guests have a driver or self-drive, please enquire with us as to visiting a nomad family or a desert settlement (for stays of 2 nights +).
When to Stay
Camp al Koutban is open from 1 September until 15 June.
Time your stay for cooler weather between mid September through the end of April.
In January through mid-February, it’s common to see newborn camel calves and the carpets of wild rucola throughout the dunes. For photographers, the Winter light conditions are perfect for capturing the landscapes due to the low Winter sun. Nights are cold, yet days clear.
We provide suggestions for clothing to wear and packing tips.
Location
It has never been easier to reach the Sahara desert from Marrakech, Casablanca or Fes. The closest village to the camp is Mhamid (on the Draa Valley south of Ouarzazate).
We arrange return 4×4 driver transport from Mhamid at additional cost, and there is a choice of internal flights to Ouarzazate (4.5 hours north of Mhamid) or to Zagora (80 minutes from Mhamid).
Alternatively, enquire with us for a complete guided package to the camp, from one of Morocco’s main cities.
If you self-drive a 4×4 rental, we provide a local guide at Mhamid, or at Foum Zguid, to navigate you off-road to the camp.
