Mhamid Desert Trip from Ouarzazate 2D/1N

Overview

This express 2-day trip is designed for travelers starting in Ouarzazate who want an authentic desert experience without venturing as far as Merzouga. Journey through the beautiful Draa Valley to Zagora and Mhamid, the last oasis before the endless sands. This tour offers a glimpse into the wilder, more remote side of the Sahara.

Highlights

• Travel through the lush and scenic Draa Valley.
• Visit the pottery workshops and ancient library of Tamegroute.
• Ride a camel into the dunes near Mhamid at sunset.
• Spend a night in a traditional desert camp.
• Experience the authentic, less-touristed part of the Sahara.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Ouarzazate → Draa Valley → Zagora → Mhamid We depart from Ouarzazate in the morning and drive south, crossing the Anti-Atlas mountains. We will soon reach the magnificent Draa Valley, a long ribbon of green palm groves. We'll follow the valley to Zagora, then continue to the historic village of Tamegroute to visit its famous Quranic library and traditional pottery workshops. Our journey ends in Mhamid El Ghizlane, the "gateway to the desert." Here, you'll embark on a camel trek into the nearby dunes to watch the sunset and reach your desert camp for the night. Enjoy a traditional dinner and music under the stars.

Day 2: Mhamid → Zagora → Ouarzazate Wake up to a beautiful sunrise over the desert. After breakfast at the camp, you will ride your camel back to Mhamid to meet your driver. We then begin our return journey to Ouarzazate, traveling back through the scenic Draa Valley. We will make stops for photos and lunch along the way, arriving back in Ouarzazate in the afternoon, where your tour concludes.

What's Included

• Private A/C vehicle transportation.
• Experienced English-speaking driver/guide.
• 1 night in a Berber desert camp.
• Camel trek in Mhamid.
• Dinner and breakfast.

What's Not Included

• Lunches and drinks.
• Entrance fees to monuments.
• Personal expenses and tips.

Why Choose This Tour?

This tour is perfect for those who want a quick but authentic desert experience. The Mhamid region is less developed than Merzouga, offering a more tranquil and "off-the-beaten-path" feel. It's an excellent option for seeing the beautiful Draa Valley and experiencing a night in the Sahara without the longer driving times of a Merzouga trip.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do the Mhamid dunes compare to Merzouga? The dunes near Mhamid are smaller and more scattered than the vast Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga. However, this region is prized for its wild, untouched feel and is the starting point for trips to the even larger Erg Chigaga dunes.

Is this tour suitable for a short trip? Yes, this 2-day itinerary is perfectly designed for travelers with limited time who are already in or near Ouarzazate.

What is Tamegroute known for? Tamegroute is famous for its historic Zawiya (religious school) with an ancient library containing priceless manuscripts, and for its unique green-glazed pottery, which has been produced by the same families for centuries.