M’Hamid El Ghizlane – The Last Village Before the Sahara
M’Hamid El Ghizlane is a small, remote village located in southeastern Morocco, about 24 kilometers from the Algerian border. Known as the “Gateway to the Sahara,” it is the last settlement before the vast, open desert and marks the starting point for many camel treks and 4×4 expeditions to the Erg Chigaga dunes, one of Morocco’s most stunning and untouched sand dune regions.
M’Hamid is a traditional Saharan village where life moves slowly and hospitality runs deep. It’s nestled in a palm grove along the Draa Valley, with mud-brick houses, ancient kasbahs, and the quiet hum of desert life. The village is divided into two parts: M’Hamid Jdid (new) and M’Hamid El Bali (old), where you can explore ruins of old ksars and experience a more authentic side of Morocco.
Local Berber and Arab communities here maintain a rich cultural heritage, with traditional music, food, and crafts. Travelers often describe M’Hamid as more peaceful and genuine than its popular cousin, Merzouga, due to its raw desert charm and lack of tourist crowds.
M’Hamid is the departure point for excursions into the deep desert, especially to Erg Chigaga, located about 60 km away. These treks can be done by camel or 4×4 and usually include overnight stays in desert camps under star-filled skies, traditional music by the fire, and the chance to witness the sunrise over golden dunes.
Every year, M’Hamid hosts the Taragalte Festival, a celebration of nomadic and Saharan culture. Music, storytelling, dance, and desert sports bring the region’s heritage to life and attract visitors from all over the world.
The ideal time to visit is from October to April, when temperatures are milder and desert excursions are more comfortable. Summers can be extremely hot and dry.
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