Desert tour from Ouarzazate to Merzouga or Erg Chegaga dunes

Embark on an early morning journey by 4WD to Agdez, the gateway to the stunning Draa Valley. Your first stop will be the historic Kasbah Tamnougalte, the oldest kasbah in the valley. After exploring this architectural gem, follow the ancient caravan route, nestled between the river and mountains, for a short distance. Along the way, you’ll pass through traditional villages and lush gardens, offering a glimpse into the daily life in these fertile oases.

Arriving in Zagora, the largest town in the region, we’ll pause for lunch. Be sure to visit the renowned potteries, famous for their distinctive green glaze, and explore the ancient Quranic library, home to exquisite handwritten Arabic manuscripts.

Later, continue your drive toward Mhamid, where the vast Sahara Desert begins. As evening approaches, relish an unforgettable sunset over the dunes, followed by traditional local music around a campfire. Enjoy a delicious dinner and spend a memorable night under the stars in a desert tent.

This adventure will take you deep into Morocco’s history and natural beauty, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Start your day with breakfast before heading back to M’hamid, a traditional village located across the often dry Draa River. Known as the gateway to Morocco’s Sahara desert, M’hamid offers an authentic camel trekking experience, perfect for travelers with ample time to explore. After a half-day camel trek in the desert, enjoy lunch before embarking on a 55km off-road journey to the towering Erg Chegaga dunes, which stand 250 meters high. Along the way, you’ll pass through stunning desert landscapes, including sandy “erg” dunes, rocky “hammada” deserts, and hidden oases.

Far from the hustle and bustle of civilization, Erg Chegaga offers a glimpse into the challenging life of the nomads, where the wind, sandstorms, and limited rainfall shape the harsh environment. Despite these conditions, the tranquility and beauty of the vast dunes are unmatched. Here, you can choose to take another camel ride or simply relax and soak in the serene atmosphere.

In the evening, enjoy a traditional dinner and spend the night in a genuine desert camp nestled among the dunes. Alternatively, you can opt for a luxurious desert camp experience, where you can immerse yourself in the peacefulness of the Sahara.

After breakfast, we embark on a journey across the vast Sahara, navigating through rugged terrain known as “reg” and “hammada” and crossing the dried-up Lake Criqui. In the middle of this lake, you might encounter a fascinating mirage, an optical illusion that mimics the appearance of water, especially when rain is scarce. In the rare event of heavy rainfall, crossing the lake may be impossible due to mud, but typically, the “water” you see is an illusion. Along the way, search for ancient fossils, some scattered loosely on the ground while others are firmly embedded in the rock formations.

As we reach the edge of the desert at Foum Zguid, we head north to the town of Taznakht, renowned for its beautifully crafted Berber kilims and carpets. We will stop here for a traditional lunch before making our way back to Ouarzazate, arriving in the late afternoon.

This journey offers a unique blend of adventure, history, and cultural discovery, allowing you to experience the Sahara’s timeless beauty.