A private 2-day, 1-night tour from Ouarzazate through the Draa Valley to Zagora, with a sunset camel ride into the Tinfou dunes and a night in a desert camp, before heading back via Tamegroute.
This private 2-day tour from Ouarzazate combines the Draa Valley with a real night in the desert: a camel ride into the Tinfou dunes at sunset, dinner and a night in a desert camp, then back through the valley the next day.
It follows the same route as our Zagora & Draa Valley day trip, but instead of driving back the same evening, you spend the night at the dunes themselves. It’s the shortest way from Ouarzazate to an actual night under the stars in the Sahara, without the longer drive to Merzouga.
The Tinfou dunes are smaller than Erg Chebbi at Merzouga or Erg Chigaga, but they’re the closest real dunes to Ouarzazate, about 20 minutes past Zagora. The Draa Valley is Morocco’s longest river valley and one of its largest palm groves.
Nights in the desert get cold from November to February, so bring a warm layer even though the days are usually pleasant. Want the bigger dunes and a longer desert stay instead? See our 3-day Sahara tour from Ouarzazate.
Helpful reading: Marrakech to the Sahara: what the drive is really like
Pickup from Ouarzazate airport or your hotel in the morning. Cross the Anti-Atlas over the Tizi n’Tinifift pass and stop in Agdz, gateway to the Draa Valley, for tea. Continue through the palm groves to Kasbah Tamnougalt, a 16th-century fortress. Arrive in Zagora around midday for lunch at a local restaurant (not included), then see the well-known “Tombouctou, 52 Days” sign. In the afternoon, continue a short distance to the Tinfou dunes, where camels wait for a sunset ride into the sand. Dinner and the night are spent at a desert camp.
Wake up early for sunrise over the dunes, then breakfast at the camp. On the way back, stop in Tamegroute to see the Naciri Zaouia’s illuminated manuscripts and the workshops making the town’s distinctive green glazed pottery. Continue back through the Draa Valley and over the Anti-Atlas, arriving in Ouarzazate in the afternoon. Drop-off at your hotel or Ouarzazate airport.
How much does the 2-day Zagora & Tinfou Dunes tour cost?
Our private 2-day, 1-night tour from Ouarzazate starts from $195 per person, based on 2 travelers, including the private vehicle and driver-guide, the night in the desert camp, and the camel ride. Lunches are not included. Send us your dates for an exact quote.
Is this the same as the Sahara desert tour to Merzouga?
No. This tour stays closer to Ouarzazate, at the smaller Tinfou dunes near Zagora. For the bigger Erg Chebbi dunes at Merzouga, see our 3-day Sahara tour from Ouarzazate.
Is lunch included?
No. We stop at a local restaurant in Zagora, paid locally.
Where do we sleep?
One night in a desert camp at the Tinfou dunes, with dinner and breakfast included.
Can you pick us up at Ouarzazate airport?
Yes, we can meet you at Ouarzazate Airport (OZZ) or at your hotel.
Is this tour private?
Yes. You have your own vehicle and driver-guide, and we can adjust the stops to suit you.
What is the best time of year for this tour?
Spring and autumn are ideal. Winter is also fine during the day, but nights in the desert can be cold.
