2-Day Excursion Ouarzazate to Merzouga Desert

Overview

Starting from the "Hollywood of Africa," this 2-day excursion is the most direct way to experience the immense beauty of the Erg Chebbi sand dunes. This tour is perfect for those already in Ouarzazate who want a quick but unforgettable Sahara adventure. You'll journey through starkly beautiful pre-Saharan landscapes before embarking on a classic camel trek for a night in a desert camp.

Highlights

• Travel through the Anti-Atlas mountains and the vast Draa Valley.
• Visit the ancient market town of Rissani.
• Experience a sunset camel trek across the iconic Erg Chebbi dunes.
• Spend a night in a traditional Berber desert camp with dinner and music.
• Witness a spectacular desert sunrise over the golden sands.
• Efficient round-trip from Ouarzazate.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Ouarzazate → Draa Valley → Rissani → Merzouga

Your desert adventure begins in the morning with a pickup from your accommodation in Ouarzazate. We will drive east, passing through the starkly beautiful landscapes of the Anti-Atlas mountains. We will journey through the lush Draa Valley, a long oasis of palm trees that creates a stunning contrast with the arid surroundings.

We'll pass through several Berber towns, including Alnif and Tazzarine, before reaching Rissani, the ancient cradle of the Alaouite dynasty. In the late afternoon, we arrive in Merzouga. Here, you will be welcomed with a glass of mint tea before meeting your camels for a trek into the majestic Erg Chebbi dunes. You’ll watch the sunset over the golden sands before arriving at your Berber camp for a traditional dinner and a night under the stars.

Day 2: Merzouga → Alnif → Ouarzazate

Wake up before dawn to climb a sand dune and witness a breathtaking sunrise over the Sahara. After this magical moment, you'll ride your camel back to Merzouga, where you can shower and have breakfast at a local guesthouse.

Once you are ready, we will begin the scenic drive back to Ouarzazate. We will retrace our steps through the dramatic desert landscapes and the Draa Valley. The journey offers another chance to appreciate the unique beauty of southern Morocco. We expect to arrive back in Ouarzazate in the afternoon, where your driver will drop you off at your hotel or riad, concluding your memorable desert excursion.

What's Included

• Private, air-conditioned 4x4 vehicle or minivan
• Experienced English/French/Spanish-speaking driver/guide
• Pick-up from and drop-off at your accommodation in Ouarzazate
• 1 night's accommodation in a traditional Berber desert camp in Merzouga
• Sunset camel ride
• Dinner on Day 1 and breakfast on Day 2

What's Not Included

• Lunches and drinks
• Personal expenses and tips for your guide/driver

Why Choose This Tour?

• Most Direct Route: If you're starting from Ouarzazate, this is the quickest way to get to the big dunes of Erg Chebbi and back.
• Iconic Desert Experience: It includes all the must-do activities: a camel trek, a night in a camp, and watching the desert sunset and sunrise.
• Stunning Scenery: Enjoy the unique and beautiful landscapes of the Anti-Atlas mountains and the lush Draa Valley oasis.
• Comfortable & Private: Travel in a modern, private vehicle with an experienced local driver, ensuring a safe and comfortable journey.

FAQ

Is this tour better than starting from Marrakech? This tour is ideal if you are already in or near Ouarzazate. It saves you the long drive over the High Atlas Mountains from Marrakech, making for a more focused desert trip.

How long is the drive each day? The drive from Ouarzazate to Merzouga is approximately 4-5 hours each way, including stops. This makes for a more relaxed pace compared to desert trips starting from Fes or Marrakech.

What should I pack for the overnight camp? We recommend packing a small overnight bag with essentials like a change of clothes, toiletries, sunscreen, a hat, and a camera. A jacket or fleece is essential as desert nights can be cold, even in summer.