Christmas: last tents
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A tent suite and a camel caravan in the dunes of the Erg Chegaga, reached by private helicopter from Marrakech

Helicopter · Erg Chegaga · Morocco

What is the Umnya Helico Sahara Experience, and which formula should a family choose?

The Umnya Helico Sahara Experience is a private helicopter journey from Marrakech to our camp in the Erg Chegaga, in three formulas: a simple transfer, one night at the camp, or two nights. The flight takes about 1 h 40 and the helicopter lands at the camp. Each aircraft carries five to six guests with their luggage, so a family or group of 8 to 12 flies in two helicopters. A helicopter stay is confirmed once it is paid in full.

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Three formulas, one arrival

Whatever the formula, the journey begins the same way: the helicopter leaves Marrakech, crosses the High Atlas and the Drâa valley, and lands at the camp in the dunes of the Erg Chegaga after about 1 h 40. The desert begins in the morning, not after a day on the road.

The simple transfer. The helicopter takes you from Marrakech to the camp, or from the camp to Zagora or Ouarzazate, one way or both ways. It suits guests who have already organised their stay.

One night at the camp. You fly in early in the morning and fly out the next afternoon: close to two full days in the dunes, with the sunset, a private dinner by candlelight, the night sky and the first light.

Two nights at the camp. The most complete formula. A full middle day leaves room for the camel ride, sandboarding, Berber bread baked in the sand, a visit to a nomad family and a night with a professional astronomer, before the flight back.

A family or group of 8 to 12: two helicopters, one table

Each helicopter carries five to six guests with their luggage. A group of 8 to 12 flies in two aircraft that leave Marrakech together and land side by side at the camp. Soft bags are easier to load than rigid suitcases.

The group stays in its own tent suites, each with a real bed, a private bathroom with a hot shower and a terrace facing the dunes. In winter, the tents are heated in the evening. The dinners are served at a private table set in the dunes, and the whole camp can be held for your group if you wish.

For every generation

The flight replaces about 8 h 45 of road, of which 1 h 30 is desert track. Children and grandparents arrive rested, and the pace of each day is set around the group: a slow morning, the camel ride at sunset, the nomads’ tea, the fire at dusk.

Related pages

The helicopterHelicopter or 4x4How to get to the Erg ChegagaBooking the whole campPrivate exclusivityContact the team

Frequently asked questions

What is the Umnya Helico Sahara Experience?
It is our private helicopter journey from Marrakech to the camp in the Erg Chegaga, in three formulas: a simple transfer, one night at the camp, or two nights. The helicopters land at the camp, and the way back is by helicopter or by private 4x4, as you prefer.
Should we choose one night or two nights at the camp?
One night gives close to two full days in the desert: you fly in early in the morning and fly out the next afternoon, with a sunset, a private dinner and a night under the stars. Two nights add a full middle day for the camel ride, sandboarding, bread baked in the sand, a visit to a nomad family and a night with a professional astronomer. Families who want to rest and not rush usually choose two nights.
Can a family of 10 fly together?
Yes. Each helicopter carries five to six guests with their luggage, so a family or group of 8 to 12 flies in two helicopters that leave Marrakech together and land side by side at the camp, about 1 h 40 later. Your group stays in its own tent suites.
Is the helicopter simple transfer possible without staying at the camp?
Yes. The simple transfer takes you from Marrakech to the camp, or from the camp to Zagora or Ouarzazate, in one direction or both. It suits guests who have already organised their stay, or who want to see the Atlas and the Drâa valley from above on the way in or out.
Is it suitable for children and older guests?
It is often the reason families choose it. The flight replaces about 8 h 45 of road, of which 1 h 30 is desert track. Every tent suite has a real bed and a private bathroom with a hot shower, and in winter the tents are heated in the evening.
Can dinner be private for our group only?
Yes. The dinners are served at a table set in the dunes for your group alone, by candlelight. If you wish, the whole camp can be held for your group, from 2 to 18 guests.
How far ahead should we book, and how does payment work?
Each flight needs its own authorisations, so we recommend writing three to four weeks ahead, and earlier for Christmas, New Year and the spring holidays. We reply the same day with a written proposal. A helicopter stay is confirmed once it is paid in full, by card payment link, which lets us secure the aircraft and the flight permits for your dates.

As Featured In

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Condé Nast Traveler España NÓMADAS, OTOÑO 2020
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Plan your helicopter journey

Your dates, how many of you are coming and the formula you prefer. A written answer the same day.

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Ask for your dates

The whole camp for your group, from two guests to eighteen. Tell us when and how many of you: a written proposal for the whole camp comes back within 24 hours, with no commitment.

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We reply by email within 24 hours. Your details are only used to answer you.

  • 2019

    Open since

  • 4.8★

    TripAdvisor

  • 8 tents

    The camp to yourselves

  • 24h

    A written proposal, no commitment