★ 2 · last edited Dec 11, 2019
M'Hamid
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M'Hamid
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Beyond Zagora, at the end of the road through the Draa Valley and before the desert and its dunes—including those of the Erg Chegaga further south—M'Hamid is the starting point for numerous excursions, including camel treks and 4x4 tours in the area.
Overview of M'Hamid
M'Hamid, or more precisely M'Hamid El Ghizlane, is located at the end of the road (N9) coming from Zagora and the Draa Valley. Beyond it lies the desert with its dunes, including those of the Erg Chegaga further south.
Like Merzouga, much further east, M'Hamid has become one of the key destinations for Saharan tourism, though it is slightly less visited than its counterpart. Each year, the oasis also hosts two festivals dedicated to nomadic culture.
Key Facts
- Type of place: small town.
- Tourist interest: (worth seeing).
- Location: at the end of the road from the Draa Valley, not far from the Algerian border.
- Distances: Algerian border (approx. 25 km), Ouarzazate (260 km northwest), Zagora (95 km north).
- Local time: .
- Population: 7,590 inhabitants (2014).
- Area:
- Altitude: 510 m.
- Website:
History of M'Hamid
What to See and Do in M'Hamid
Desert Exploration
Given its location, M'Hamid is the starting point for numerous excursions, including camel treks and 4x4, motorcycle, or quad tours in the area. The Erg Lehoudi and especially the Erg Chegaga, with its vast dunes about sixty kilometres away, are the main exploration zones for both day trips and much longer adventures.
Organising a Desert Excursion
Several agencies in M'Hamid, as well as in Zagora or Ouarzazate, offer a wide range of services.
Festivals in M'Hamid
Each year, M'Hamid hosts two festivals focused on the desert and nomadic life.
- International Nomads Festival: 3 days in March featuring concerts, exhibitions, talks, and workshops related to the region's heritage.
- Targaralte Festival: 3 days in November centred on desert heritage and world music.
In the Surrounding Area
Climate and Weather in M'Hamid
Transport
Getting There
National road N9 from Ouarzazate is fully paved all the way to M'Hamid and does not require a 4x4. Buses, including those from CTM and Supratours (a subsidiary of ONCF), run from Ouarzazate (around 5 hours, 80 Dh/7 €) or Zagora. Shared taxis also depart from the latter.
Getting Around
The village is small, so you can easily explore it on foot. For excursions in the surrounding area, agencies handle the transport.
Where to Stay
As M'Hamid has become a popular destination for desert lovers, a range of accommodations has developed, including hotels of various categories, guesthouses, and bivouacs.
Where to Eat
The town has several cafés, restaurants, and shops.