4-Day Ouarzazate Desert Tour to Essaouira

Ouarzazate
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Overview

  • Duration:4 days 3 nights
  • Travelers:15 guests
  • Tour Type:Desert, Morocco, Tours from Ouarzazate
  • Language:English, French, Spanish
How can you combine a desert with a tour to Essaouira on the Atlantic coast? This 4-day desert tour offers just that possibility. You spend two fabulous nights in the Moroccan Sahara; Erg Lihoudi, “the gate to the Sahara, and the remote dunes of Erg Chegaga.

The oldest Kasbah in the Dra’a Valley, south of Ouarzazate in Tamenougalte, showcases an enclosed habitation where families still live much as they have done for centuries. In Tamegroute, the famous green glaze pottery and the ancient Zaouia Naciria housing exquisite Arabic manuscripts in the Qoranic library are very special.

The highlights of any desert trip are the camel ride with a desert sunset, a delicious typical Moroccan dinner at the camp, and dancing to Berber music around a campfire. The nights of calm and serenity in these magnificent dunes are simply unforgettable experiences.

On the way west towards the ocean, you have opportunities to witness the ancient craft of Berber rug weaving and to purchase one from the co-operatives in Taznakht (if desired). In Talouine the small, government-run saffron museum explains how saffron is cultivated. In Taroudant, the splendid, intact city walls make the town famous.

At the end of this Ouarzazate desert tour, the blue and white fishing port of Essaouira awaits with yet more wonders to discover.
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Highlights

  • Travelling over the Anti-Atlas Mountains, through the Dra’a Valley’s palm groves, via numerous Berber villages
  • Learning about traditional crafts in Berber villages, including the green glaze pottery in Tamgroute and rug-making Taznakht
  • Enjoying a camel ride to see the magical sunset, experiencing sandboarding, and capturing memorable photos
  • Enjoying dinners under the starlit sky, dancing to the rhythms of Berber music and staying in luxury camps
  • Travelling through Talouine (saffron) and Taroudant (ramparts), and northwards along the Atlantic coast to Essaouira

Itinerary

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Day 1: Ouarzazate – M’hamid El Ghizlane

Depart at 08:30 from Ouarzazate, crossing the Anti-Atlas Mountains via the Tizi-n-Tinfifte pass. Descend into Agdz, the gateway to the Dra’a Valley, and visit Kasbah Tamnougalte, the oldest in the region. Follow the ancient caravan route through palm groves and Berber villages, stopping at Tinsouline for the 4000-year-old rock carvings at Foum Chenna. Stop in Zagora for lunch, then Tamegroute to explore green-glaze pottery workshops and the historic Quranic Library. Arrive in M’hamid, the Sahara gateway, where a camel trek brings you to a luxury desert camp. Dinner under the desert stars with Berber music, overnight at the camp with private amenities.

Day 2: M’hamid El Ghizlane – Erg Chegaga Dunes

After sunrise and breakfast, cross the dried Dra’a River and visit the adobe village of M’hamid, learning about oasis life. In the afternoon, head off-road 60 km to the Erg Chegaga dunes, experiencing the full desert with its “erg” and “hammada” landscapes. Optional camel rides and sandboarding are available. Enjoy dinner and overnight at a luxury desert camp under the starlit sky.

Day 3: Erg Chegaga Dunes – Taroudant

Early morning sunrise over the dunes, followed by free exploration and breakfast. Cross 90 km of stony desert to dry Lake Iriqui with opportunities to spot fossils. Continue to Taznakht to see Berber rug-making, then through the Tizi-n-Ikhsane and Tizi-n-Tighatine passes to Taliouine, the saffron region. Arrive in Taroudant in the late afternoon and overnight in a riad.

Day 4: Taroudant – Essaouira

Morning visit to Taroudant, known as “Little Marrakech,” with its impressive ramparts and medina. Travel along the Souss River valley with argan, banana, and orange plantations toward Agadir for lunch. Drive north along the Atlantic coast via Taghazout and the Anti-Atlas Mountains with ocean views, arriving in Essaouira in the afternoon. Transfer to your riad concludes the tour, combining the magic of the desert with coastal charm.

Includes/Excludes

  • Transport in a private air-conditioned vehicle; 4×4 Toyota Prado TX and fuel
  • Experienced local English/French/Spanish/Italian-speaking Berber and nomad driver-guide
  • Accommodation in air-conditioned rooms/suites with private bathroom
  • Overnight in a luxury camp in Erg Lihoudi and in Erg Chegaga with private toilet and shower, lamps, and traditional Moroccan furnishings
  • All meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner – with vegetarian and vegan options available
  • A camel ride with a guide. And if you wish to do some sandboarding, just speak to the camp staff!
  • Luggage service to the camp and all accommodation
  • Berber drumming and music
  • Free time to explore the sites such as Dra’a Valley, Kasbah Tamnougalte, for walks, photos, and tea/coffee breaks
  • The opportunity to ask the driver to stop when and where you wish
  • Entrance fees and local guide
  • Tea, coffee and mineral water in the desert
  • Drinks and beverages outside provided tea/coffee
  • Tips for guides and drivers
  • Personal expenses and extras not listed
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Frequently asked questions

Is Morocco a safe and welcoming country for travelers?

Yes, Morocco is widely considered a safe and welcoming destination for travelers from around the world. Moroccans are renowned for their hospitality, especially toward guests. We prioritize your well-being, using only reliable, professional drivers and carefully vetted accommodations. Your dedicated driver and guide provide local knowledge, ensuring a safe and stress-free experience throughout your Morocco tours.

What is included in the price of your private Morocco tours?

Our comprehensive private Morocco tours packages typically include all transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned 4x4 vehicle, the services of a professional, English-speaking driver/guide, all accommodation (hotels, riads, and desert camps), daily breakfast and dinner, and activities like camel trekking in the Sahara. We clearly list all inclusions and exclusions on the individual tour page, ensuring complete transparency and peace of mind.
- Pets (assistance dogs allowed)

What is the accommodation like, particularly the Sahara desert camps?

We hand-select accommodations based on authenticity, comfort, and local charm, ranging from traditional riads in the cities to beautiful kasbahs in the mountains. For the desert, you will stay in high-quality camps (standard or luxury) featuring comfortable tents with proper beds and private or shared bathrooms, ensuring a magical, yet restful, night under the stars on your desert tour.
from$50.00 /person

Send us your inquiry and we’ll contact you with all the details to plan your experience.

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