Starting and ending at Ouarzazate airport, this private 3-day tour is built around the Sahara: two nights in the desert, a 4×4 adventure day around Merzouga, and an optional sunset ATV or buggy ride.
This private Sahara desert tour from Ouarzazate starts and ends at the airport (or your hotel) and is built entirely around the Sahara: two nights in the desert, a full day exploring the dunes and surrounding villages by 4×4, and an optional sunset ATV or buggy ride.
Day 1 crosses the Dades and Todra gorges to Merzouga for a sunset camel ride and a night in a desert camp. Day 2 is a full adventure day: a 4×4 excursion into the surrounding area, lunch at a local restaurant, and an optional ATV or buggy ride into the dunes at sunset, with a second night in the desert. Day 3 heads back through the Draa Valley and the Anti-Atlas mountains to Ouarzazate airport.
At Merzouga, the Erg Chebbi dunes rise to around 150 meters, among the tallest in Morocco. The Draa Valley, on the way back, is Morocco’s longest river valley and one of its largest palm groves.
The best time for this trip is March to May or September to November. From June to August, desert afternoons can pass 40°C, and from December to February, nights in the Sahara drop close to freezing, so bring a warm layer.
Helpful reading: Marrakech to the Sahara: what the drive is really like
Pickup from Ouarzazate airport or your hotel in the morning. Drive through the palm groves of Skoura and the Valley of Roses to the Dades Gorge, known for its rock formations and hairpin road. Continue to Tinghir and walk into the Todra Gorge between high limestone walls. The afternoon drive crosses open desert plains to Merzouga, where camels wait at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes. Ride into the dunes for sunset, then have dinner and spend the night in a desert camp.
Wake up in the dunes and ride back to Merzouga for breakfast. Spend the day exploring the area by 4×4: nomad families, the black desert, fossil sites and viewpoints over the Erg Chebbi dunes, stopping at a local restaurant for lunch along the way (not included, paid locally). Check into a hotel in Merzouga in the afternoon to rest and shower. In the evening, join an optional ATV or buggy ride into the dunes for sunset (extra cost, paid locally), then dinner and the night in Merzouga.
After breakfast, head back west through Rissani and into the Draa Valley, Morocco’s longest river valley, lined with palm groves and kasbahs. Cross the Anti-Atlas mountains and arrive back in Ouarzazate in the afternoon. Drop-off at your hotel or Ouarzazate airport.
How much does the 3-day desert tour from Ouarzazate cost?
Our private 3-day Sahara desert tour from Ouarzazate starts from $345 per person, based on 2 travelers. That includes the private vehicle and driver-guide, 2 nights in the desert, the camel ride, the 4×4 excursion day, and breakfasts and dinners. Lunches are not included. Send us your dates for an exact quote.
Where does the tour start and end?
Both at Ouarzazate airport or your hotel in Ouarzazate by default, but we’re flexible: we can adjust the start or end point to suit your onward travel plans.
Do we spend both nights in the same place?
The first night is in a desert camp in the Erg Chebbi dunes. The second night is also in the Sahara, in a hotel in Merzouga after the 4×4 excursion day, so you can shower and rest before the drive back.
What does the 4×4 excursion day include?
A full day exploring the area around Merzouga by 4×4, with a stop at a local restaurant for lunch (not included, paid locally). In the evening you can optionally add an ATV or buggy ride into the dunes at sunset (extra cost, paid locally).
How long are the driving days?
Day 1 (Ouarzazate to Merzouga) and Day 3 (Merzouga back to Ouarzazate) are the longest, around 6 to 8 hours with stops. Day 2 stays local, exploring around Merzouga by 4×4.
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, but nights in the desert can be very cold.
