2 Days Desert Tour from Ouarzazate to Merzouga
Morocco's desert beauty in just two days: from the kasbahs of Ouarzazate to the Merzouga dunes and back.
- Duration2 days / 1 night
- StartOuarzazate
- EndOuarzazate
- Tour typePrivate tour
- Desert nights1
- DepartureDaily, 8:00 am (flexible)
About this tour
Already in Ouarzazate? You are closer to the Sahara than you think. This two-day round trip follows the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs to Merzouga, with a night in our camp and a return via Rissani and the Draa Valley.
A great option for travellers staying in Ouarzazate or Aït Ben Haddou who want to add the dunes to their trip.
Tour highlights
- Skoura oasis and the Valley of Roses
- Dades Valley and Todra Gorge
- Camel trek and sunset in Erg Chebbi
- Dinner and music at the desert camp
- Sunrise over the dunes
- Return via Rissani and Alnif
Your route
- Ouarzazate
- Dades
- Todra
- Merzouga
- Ouarzazate
Itinerary
Day1 Ouarzazate → Skoura → Dades → Todra → Merzouga
Early pick-up in Ouarzazate. Drive east through the Skoura palm grove and the Valley of Roses, with a stop overlooking the Dades Valley, then walk into Todra Gorge near Tinghir. Arrive in Merzouga in the afternoon and ride a camel into the dunes of Erg Chebbi at sunset. Dinner, campfire music and a night under the stars await.
Day2 Merzouga → Rissani → Alnif → Ouarzazate
Wake early to see the sunrise paint the dunes red and gold, then return to camp for breakfast. Drive back west via Rissani's market and the fossil-rich plains of Alnif and Tazzarine, then through the Draa Valley's palm groves to Ouarzazate, arriving in the late afternoon.
Price includes & excludes
Included
- Private air-conditioned vehicle (4x4 or minivan) with fuel
- English-speaking driver-guide for the whole journey
- Pick-up in Ouarzazate and drop-off in Ouarzazate (hotel, riad or airport)
- 1 night of accommodation in hotels, riads and kasbahs
- 1 night in our desert camp in Merzouga
- Camel trek into the dunes at sunset
- Breakfasts and dinners as shown in the itinerary
Not included
- Lunches and drinks
- Entrance fees to monuments and museums
- Local city guides (optional — we can arrange them)
- Optional activities such as quad bikes or sandboarding
- Tips for your driver and camp staff
- Flights and travel insurance
Where you sleep
- Night 1Desert camp, Merzouga
Good to know
Private & flexible
Only your group travels in the vehicle. Ask your driver to stop for photos whenever you like, and tell us if you want to change the route or add days.
Your desert camp
Our camp in the Erg Chebbi dunes has comfortable tents with real beds and blankets. Your big luggage stays in the 4x4 — take a small bag for the night.
What to pack
Sunglasses, sunscreen, a scarf for the wind, comfortable shoes and a warm layer: desert nights are cold from November to March.
Best time to travel
October to May is ideal. In summer we start early and rest at midday to avoid the heat. Every season has its own beauty.
Food & diets
Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free meals are possible. Just tell us when you book or let your driver know on day one.
How to book
Send us your dates and number of travellers. We reply with a price for your group. A small deposit confirms the tour; the balance is paid in cash on the first day (euros, dollars or dirhams).
Frequently asked questions
Which vehicles do you use?
Comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles adapted to your group: 4x4 Land Cruisers or minivans for small groups, and Mercedes Sprinter minibuses for groups of 8 or more.
How far in advance should we book?
As early as possible, especially for spring, autumn and holiday periods. Last-minute requests are welcome too — contact us and we will do our best.
How do I pay for the tour?
We ask for a small deposit when you book. The balance is paid in cash to your driver on the first day of the tour, in euros, dollars or Moroccan dirhams.
What happens to my luggage in the desert?
Your suitcases stay safely in the vehicle or are brought to the camp by 4x4. You only need a small backpack for the camel ride.
I don't want to ride a camel. Can I still sleep at the camp?
Of course. We can take you to the camp by 4x4 instead of camel.
Can we change the itinerary?
Yes. All our tours are private, so we can add nights, change hotels, include activities or adjust the route to your wishes.
Is the tour suitable for children and older travellers?
Yes. We adapt the pace, the stops and the accommodation for families and for travellers who prefer an easier rhythm.