Home > Tours > From Ouarzazate>2-Day Desert tour from Ouarzazate to M’HAMID El Ghizalane
2-Day Desert tour from Ouarzazate to M’HAMID El Ghizalane
| Tour Ref : | 2DOEL |
| Duration : | 2 Days – 1 Night |
| Tour type : | Private Tour, Family, Desert, Sahara |
| Tour start : | Ouarzazate |
| Tour end : | Ouarzazate |
| Highlights : | Anti Atlas Mountains, Draa Valley Oasis, Berber Villages, Kasbahs, Artisan potters |
| Price : | Prices according to number of people travelling in vehicle. |
Overview
This 2-day trip from Ouarzazate to M’hamid follows the Draa valley south to Erg Lihoudi, a quiet dune field beyond the end of the paved road. It is the shortest desert overnight available from Ouarzazate and suits travellers who want a genuine Sahara night without the longer drive east to Merzouga.
Day one runs through Agdez, where the Draa valley begins, then off-road along the ancient caravan route to Zagora and on to M’hamid. A one-hour camel ride brings you to the Erg Lihoudi dunes for sunset and a night in a desert camp. Day two returns by camel to M’hamid, stops at Tamegroute to visit the Quranic library, then reaches the kasbah of Tamnougalte for lunch before crossing the Anti-Atlas by the Tizi n’Tinfifite pass (1,660 m) back to Ouarzazate. For the eastern dunes instead, compare our 2-day Ouarzazate to Erg Chebbi tour.
Day tour itinerary
Day 1: Ouarzazate – Draa Valley – Zagora – M’hamid – Erg Lihoudi dunes
We’ll depart in the morning from Ouarzazate and head towards M’hamid and the dunes of Erg Lihoudi. On the way, we’ll pass by Agdez, where the Dra’a valley starts, and stop for a short tea break. Later, we’ll drive off-road along the Dra’a valley and the ancient road of caravans until we reach Zagora for lunch. In the afternoon, we’ll continue towards M’hamid, which marks the end of the paved road and the beginning of the Sahara desert. Here, we’ll take an hour-long camel ride to reach the dunes of Erg Lihoudi, where we’ll enjoy an unforgettable sunset and spend the night in a desert camp close to the dunes.
Day 2: Erg Lihoudi dunes – Tamegroute – Anti-Atlas – Ouarzazate
If you wake up early enough, you can watch the spectacle of the sunrise, when the color of the dunes and the play of shadows create an awesome sight. After breakfast, we’ll return from Erg Lihoudi dunes to M’hamid on camelback, and then drive north to Tamegroute for a visit to the Koranic library. From here, we’ll head north again to the kasbah of Tamnougalte for lunch. We’ll arrive back in Ouarzazate at the end of the day, on the other side of the Anti-Atlas and the mountain pass of Tizi-n-Tinfifite (1660m).
Trip Highlights
- Erg Lihoudi dunes, a quiet dune field past M’hamid that sees far fewer visitors than Merzouga.
- Camel trek at sunset to reach the camp, and sunrise over the dunes the next morning.
- The Draa valley off-road, following the ancient caravan route through Morocco’s longest palm oasis.
- Tamegroute, home to a historic Quranic library and traditional green pottery.
- Kasbah of Tamnougalte, one of the oldest kasbahs in the Draa valley.
- Anti-Atlas crossing by the Tizi n’Tinfifite pass at 1,660 m on the return to Ouarzazate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Erg Lihoudi and Erg Chebbi?
Erg Lihoudi lies south of M’hamid at the end of the Draa valley and is much quieter, with smaller dunes and fewer camps. Erg Chebbi at Merzouga is the taller, more famous dune sea reached on our 2-day Erg Chebbi tour from Ouarzazate. Erg Lihoudi is the shorter drive of the two.
Is 2 days enough for a desert trip from Ouarzazate?
Yes. Two days is enough to reach the dunes, ride a camel at sunset, sleep in a desert camp and return. If you want to reach the larger Erg Chegaga dunes or add Todra and Dades gorges, consider a 3-day tour instead.
Is any off-road driving involved?
Yes. Part of the Draa valley section and the approach beyond M’hamid are off-road, so this tour uses a 4×4 with an experienced local driver.
When is the best time for this tour?
The best time to visit the Sahara desert is from September to May. Nights are cold from December to February, so bring warm layers for the camp. See our guide to the best time to visit Morocco.
What is included in the desert camp?
A nomad tent, dinner and breakfast, a sunset climb of the dunes and a one-hour camel trek to reach the camp.
BOOK TOUR
Error: Contact form not found.
Departure & Return Location :
- Pick-up; drop off at/from your Hotel
- Or at your accommodation : Raid, Airport
What's Not Included:
- Private Transport with A/C
- (4x4 or Minibus for Groups) with professional drive
- Driver/Guide-speaking tour assistant
- Car Fuel
What's Not Included:
- Drinks
- Lunches
- Flight Tickets
Have Any Question?
- Do not hesitate to give us a call. We are an expert team and we are happy to talk to you.
- +212671735677
- contact@gatetravelmorocco.com