Overview
Captivating 2-day desert tour from Marrakech to M’hamid El Ghizlane for an unforgettable desert adventure. While M’hamid’s dunes may not rival the famous Merzouga or Chegaga dunes, it offers a truly authentic experience that far surpasses Zagora. Along the journey, you’ll encounter stunning landscapes, towering dunes, mesmerizing sunsets, and peaceful sunrises. You’ll also have the chance to connect with the nomadic lifestyle, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Highlights:
Your journey begins early at 7 am as you depart from your hotel in Marrakech, heading towards Ouarzazate. The scenic drive takes you through the mountains, offering lush forests, green landscapes, and ancient Amazigh palaces and houses. Stop at the Tizi-n-Tichka pass, located 2,165 meters above sea level, to enjoy breathtaking views. Arriving in Ouarzazate around 11 am, you won’t be visiting the town today but will continue toward the village of Agdez which boasts a panoramic view of the largest palm oasis in Morocco, stretching across the Draa Valley. Enjoy a delicious lunch in a local restaurant before heading south towards Zagora, known as the “Bride of the South.” This ancient city stretches to the Draa Valley, home to one of the largest palm groves in Morocco, perfect for a photo stop.
Continue your journey into the desert, stopping in the village of Tamgroute, famous for its pottery workshops. Here, you’ll visit one of the local workshops that produce handmade clay pottery. Then, head towards M’hamid El Ghislane, where you’ll be greeted by the stunning desert landscape. Before reaching the luxury desert camp, stop to stock up on essentials like water and sunscreen as you’ll be spending the next few hours in the desert. Once at the camp, take in the panoramic views of the golden dunes of Erg Chegaga. After settling in, you can try sandboarding or simply relax and enjoy the desert climate. The evening will bring a traditional Amazigh music performance with drumming, singing, and dancing around a campfire. If you’re lucky, the clear desert sky may reveal shooting stars.
Start the day early with a sunrise view over the desert, followed by a hearty breakfast. Afterward, enjoy a thrilling 1.5-hour quad bike ride back to meet your driver for the return trip. The drive to Ouarzazate takes about two and a half hours, where you’ll visit the famous Atlas Studios, the largest film studio in Africa. Take a guided tour of the studios, which takes around 1.5 hours and includes the entry fee.
Next, head to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kasbah Ait Benhaddou, one of Morocco’s most iconic kasbahs. You’ll be guided through this historic site for about two hours. Afterward, enjoy lunch before continuing to Kasbah Telouat, another important historical kasbah in the region. On the way, stop by cooperatives that produce and sell products made from argan oil, with a focus on supporting local Amazigh women. You’ll have time to stop along the way for photo opportunities before returning to Marrakech, where your adventure concludes.
