2 Days Ouarzazate to Merzouga Desert
Duration
Tour Type
Explore Tours
Discover the Magic of a 2-Day Journey from Ouarzazate to Merzouga Desert
The 2 Days Ouarzazate to Merzouga Desert is a whirlwind tour that takes you from the bustling city of Ouarzazate to the heart of the Sahara Desert, Merzouga. In just two days, you’ll experience some of Morocco’s most stunning scenery, including the Dades Valley, the Todra Gorges, and the Erg Chebbi sand dunes. You’ll also get a chance to visit a traditional Berber village and spend a night in a desert camp under a blanket of stars.
Included/Exclude
- Air-conditioned private van or 4x4 vehicle depending on group size
- Pick up from your hotel or riad in Marrakech and drop-off at your hotel or riad in Fes
- Driver/Guide: An English-speaking driver or guide will be with you throughout the tour, sharing their knowledge of the places you visit and Berber culture.
- Overnight in a spacious luxury desert camp in Erg Chebbi with private toilet and shower, lamps, traditional Moroccan handcrafted furnishings
- Camel trek: A camel trek through the Erg Chebbi dunes is usually included on day three of the tour.
- Breakfast
- Drinks
- Tips
- Extras
- Lunches
Tour Plan
Departing in the morning at 8:30, the journey heads towards the Dades Gorge. En route, the Skoura Oasis showcases ancient kasbahs nestled amidst palm trees, with the well-preserved Kasbah Amredhil offering insight into adobe construction and traditional living. Built entirely from adobe, the kasbah's thick walls provide warmth in winter and coolness in summer.
Continuing through Kelaa Mgouna, the Valley of Roses unveils local production of cosmetic items derived from the region's plentiful roses, renowned across Morocco. Lunch is enjoyed amidst the picturesque and evergreen Dades Gorge, an area that once lay beneath the sea, evolving over time to create the stunning Atlas Mountains and surroundings.
The journey proceeds through the renowned Ziz Valley, famous for its annual Date Festival, Erfoud, a hub of fossil discoveries, and Rissani, known for the disappearing River Ziz. In history, Rissani was the site of the desert capital Sijilmassa, a pivotal trade center for gold and slaves, facilitated by Saharan caravans from the 14th to 18th centuries.
As afternoon arrives, there's an opportunity for a camel ride in the Sahara. The sunset vista from the 250-meter-high dunes is truly breathtaking.
If you rise early, you'll be treated to the captivating sight of the sunrise, as the dunes come alive with color and shadows. The journey continues through the Draa Valley, passing by the village of Tazzarine, known from the film "Babel," and then progressing to Nqob for a midday meal.
In the afternoon, our path leads us to Tansikht, where we cross the Draa River and follow the ancient caravan route northward. This allows us to immerse ourselves in the oasis communities with their majestic palm trees and historic villages. A stop at Agdez, situated at the head of the Draa Valley, includes a visit to Kasbah Tamnougalte, the valley's oldest kasbah, still inhabited by 13 families. Our return journey to Ouarzazate takes us via the Tizi-n-Tinfifte mountain pass, known for its striking rock formations along the mountainsides (1660m).
Your Ouarzazate to Merzouga dunes tour concludes around 18:00, wrapping up this enriching adventure.
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4.2
My fiancé and I booked this 2-day escape for a romantic getaway, and it did not disappoint! The private camel trek at sunset over the Merzouga dunes was pure magic, with stunning views and a million stars overhead. The desert camp was beautifully decorated with traditional carpets and lanterns, creating a truly special atmosphere. The staff was incredibly attentive, making sure our every need was met. The perfect romantic escape for couples seeking adventure and relaxation
3.6
This 2-day tour was more than just a desert adventure – it was a cultural immersion! Our guide, Fatima, was a Berber local who shared fascinating stories about Berber life and traditions. We visited a traditional Berber village and enjoyed a delicious home-cooked meal with a Berber family. In the desert, we learned about desert survival techniques and even tried our hand at sand bread baking. A fantastic way to experience the authentic side of Morocco in a short amount of time.
4.2
This 2-day whirlwind from Ouarzazate to Merzouga was an adrenaline rush! The journey through the Dades Gorges was breathtaking, with towering cliffs and winding roads. Our driver Ismail was a skilled navigator, making the ride exciting but never scary. The highlight was definitely sandboarding down the Erg Chebbi dunes – pure desert fun! The desert camp was comfortable and the food was surprisingly good. A perfect short escape for adventure seekers!