Our story
Desert Stories: our mission
“In our hearts, the Sahara is more than just a travel destination. This is where we met and began our journey together. It has been our home and, at the same time, a place where we enjoyed the beauty, culture, endless space and tranquility of the desert.
Wishing to share all these luxuries with others came as a natural consequence. We strive to make your experiences safe, cozy and perfectly tailored, being at the same time respectful towards all the bounteous goodness that one finds in this seemingly empty space”.
Agata Orowiecka-Khidouma & Mohamed Khidouma
The beginnings of Desert Camp Chraika
Desert Camp Chraika was born from the dream of Mohamed Khidouma aka Chraika, a native nomad from the Sahara. He always had a clear vision of what he wanted in life – that is to enjoy the simplicity of desert life and to share good moments with others – and has been very consistent in implementing his vision.
Soon after graduating, he set up the first tent, built a small kitchen and bathroom facilities, and registered his business as Aventure Sud Maroc. As the French name suggests, the vision was to provide adventures for travellers in Southern Morocco, however – as he says today – also for himself it was the adventure of lifetime.
As a desert-born nomad, with Berber and Saharawi blood in his veins, Mohamed knew everything about about the desert and was eager to share this wisdom with visitors. In the emptiness of the Sahara every guest has been always honoured and every moment together – celebrated. Thanks to this individual approach, camp Chraika has now many friends who enjoy coming back to the desert.
Building the exceptional team
As the number of guests increased, he also began building a great team of collaborators—guides, cooks, and camp caretakers. By that time, he already had many loyal clients, and a network of recommendations became the foundation of his work.
However, since 2016, when Desert Camp Chraika became available for online booking, the camp started growing even faster. Year by year, new accommodations were built—not tents anymore, but clay and wooden lodges—along with a spacious dining area and a relaxation zone, arranged in a circular layout around a central garden.
To accommodate our guests, the team gradually expanded. Today, it consists of a trusted network of staff, including camp caretakers, guides, cooks, and drivers who organize desert excursions.
A blend of cultures and visions
“Desert Camp Chraika is a reflection of the unique blend of cultures we represent,” say the camp hosts.
Agata’s journey from Poland to the Sahara began as an adventure, but soon the desert became her second home. She fell in love not only with the breathtaking landscapes, the vast open space, and the silence of the majestic dunes but also with the rich, though rather austere, culture of the desert people.
Their humility, authenticity, cheerfulness, and kindness are values she deeply admires. And Mohamed, who was her guide through the desert, embodies all of them. For years now, they have been working together—as a family team—to help guests discover the true Sahara.
They also want the Sahara to be explored, but under one condition: that it is done with respect for its natural environment and the culture of the nomads.
Their base camp—Desert Camp Chraika—consists of comfortable, natural clay cottages. Each hut offers guests a cozy interior that reflects the Sahrawi culture—its simplicity, beauty, and sense of comfort.
“Over time, our shared love for the desert and the process of cultural exchange inspired us to create a space where visitors could experience the authentic lifestyle of the Sahara’s people while also enjoying modern amenities, such as hot showers and en-suite rooms. Together, we strive to create a place where guests can freely connect with the desert on a deeply personal level.”
Desert Camp Chraika: our team
The team at Desert Camp Chraika is a dedicated group of local nomads who embody the spirit of the Sahara. Led by Mohamed Khidouma, the team is committed to offering guests an authentic and memorable desert experience. Each member of the team plays a vital role, from guiding camel treks and sharing stories of Berber culture to preparing traditional Moroccan meals that capture the essence of the region. Their warmth, knowledge, and hospitality ensure that every guest feels welcomed and immersed in the beauty and traditions of the Sahara Desert.
Let's create your best travel story
Salam, friends! If you have any questions regarding your journey, simply let us know – we will be happy to help.
Agata & Moha: looking forward
to hearing from you.