2 day Merzouga desert trip from Ouarzazate
Quick answer: the 2 day tour from Ouarzazate to Merzouga is the fastest way to see the big Erg Chebbi dunes from Ouarzazate: drive through the Valley of Roses, the Dades Valley and the Todra Gorges, ride a camel at sunset, sleep in a desert camp and return to Ouarzazate the next day by a different road through Rissani, Alnif and the Draa Valley.
Merzouga is about 360 km from Ouarzazate, so this is a full driving day each way, with plenty of stops for photos and lunch. It is a loop: you go via the Dades and Todra gorges and come back via the southern route of the Anti-Atlas and the Draa Valley, so you never repeat the same road.
It’s a private Ouarzazate desert tour: pick-up at your hotel or riad in Ouarzazate, only your group, your own driver and flexible stops.
Highlights of the 2 day tour from Ouarzazate to Merzouga
2 day Ouarzazate to Merzouga tour: itinerary
Day 1Ouarzazate – Skoura – Valley of Roses – Dades – Todra Gorges – Merzouga
Pick-up at your hotel in Ouarzazate around 8:00. We drive east through the Skoura palm grove and Kelaat M’Gouna, in the Valley of Roses, to the Dades Valley. After a stop in Tinghir we walk into the Todra Gorges and continue via Erfoud to Merzouga. At sunset, camel ride into the Erg Chebbi dunes to the camp for dinner and a night under the stars.
Day 2Merzouga – Rissani – Alnif – N’Kob – Draa Valley – Ouarzazate
Wake up early for the sunrise over the dunes, ride the camels back and have breakfast. We visit Rissani and return to Ouarzazate by the southern route through Alnif, Tazzarine and N’Kob, at the foot of the Jbel Saghro, then along the Draa Valley palm groves via Agdz. Drop-off at your hotel in Ouarzazate in the evening.
What’s included in the 2 day Ouarzazate to Merzouga tour price
✔ Included in the price
- Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel in Ouarzazate
- Private air-conditioned transport
- English & Spanish speaking driver
- Fuel
- 1 night in a Merzouga desert camp
- 1 breakfast and 1 dinner
- Camel ride (one camel per person)
✖ Not included
- Lunches
- Drinks
- Entrance fees to monuments
- Local guides (optional)
- Tips (optional)
- Travel insurance
Photos of the 2 day desert tour from Ouarzazate
Route map: Ouarzazate – Merzouga – Ouarzazate
Travel with a local agency specialising in the Sahara
FAQ about the 2 day tour from Ouarzazate to Merzouga
How much does the 2 day tour from Ouarzazate to Merzouga cost?
The price depends on group size, season and type of camp. As a private tour, the more travellers, the lower the price per person. Message us for a free quote.
How far is Merzouga from Ouarzazate?
About 360 km, around 6 hours of driving without stops. With the stops in the Dades Valley and the Todra Gorges, you reach the dunes in time for the sunset camel ride.
Is it a private tour?
Yes: only your group, in an air-conditioned vehicle with your own English or Spanish speaking driver, and we can adapt stops and timings.
Is 2 days enough for Merzouga?
Yes, it’s enough for one night in the desert. For a more relaxed trip, choose the 4 day tour from Ouarzazate to Marrakech, with 2 nights in Merzouga.
When is the best time to go?
March to May and September to November. See our guide on the best time to visit Morocco.