From Ouarzazate: 2-Day Erg Lihdoui and Mhamid Desert Tour

Planning a trip into Morocco’s Sahara can feel overwhelming given the sheer number of options, but this 2-day tour from Ouarzazate offers a balanced, authentic experience that captures the essence of Moroccan desert life. We’re here to share what makes this adventure stand out—plus a few things to consider before booking.

What strikes us most are the stunning desert landscapes, the chance to visit Berber villages along the Draa Valley, and the iconic sunset camel ride that feels like straight out of a movie. The overnight stay in the Erg Lihoudi dunes camp offers a rare glimpse into desert life, complete with simple yet welcoming accommodations.

One potential downside is the long travel hours—the journey involves several hours in a vehicle, which might test your patience. However, the scenic stops more than make up for it if you’re after a genuine, immersive desert experience. This trip suits travelers who love both cultural exploration and natural beauty, especially those eager to see the Sahara without sacrificing comfort or authenticity.

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Key Points

Authentic desert experience with an overnight stay in tents in Erg Lihoudi dunes
Beautiful scenic drives through Draa Valley, Berber villages, and palm groves
Sunset camel ride providing iconic Sahara views
Visit to Tamnougalt and Tamgroute, offering cultural insights and ancient manuscripts
Comfortable transport in a private, air-conditioned vehicle with a professional driver
Flexible booking options with pay later and free cancellation up to 24 hours before

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What to Expect on the Tour

This adventure starts early morning in Ouarzazate, where you’ll be picked up from your hotel—convenience is key. From there, the journey in a cozy, air-conditioned vehicle sets the tone for a day packed with diverse scenery and cultural stops. The drive outside the city takes you over the Anti Atlas Mountains, offering views of volcanic rocks and rugged terrain that make for memorable photo moments.

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Scenic Drive & Cultural Stops

One of the highlights of the drive is crossing the Draa Valley, famous for its lush palm groves and traditional Berber villages. We loved the way the landscape transitions from mountain ruggedness to fertile riverbanks, where life persists in small communities. The stop at Agdez and the old village of Tamnougalt provide a chance to explore ancient kasbahs and narrow alleyways that whisper stories of Morocco’s past.

Next, the route winds through the Mezguita palm grove, where you can see locals tending to date palms and perhaps pick up some handmade crafts from roadside stalls. Continuing south, you’ll pass through Zagora, known as the gateway to the Sahara, before heading into the deeper desert regions.

Cultural and Historic Highlights

The visit to Tamgroute offers a more tangible cultural experience. Known for its pottery and ancient library, this village showcases Moroccan craftsmanship at its best. We appreciated the quiet charm of the pottery workshops and the chance to see old manuscripts in the small but historic library.

Into the Sahara

The drive culminates as your vehicle crosses into the Sahara across Tagounit and Ouled Driss. It’s here that you’ll meet your camel driver—an experienced local who provides a friendly, informative ride into the dunes. The sunset camel ride is genuinely breathtaking, with the vast, golden horizon stretching out before you. It’s the kind of moment that feels like a scene from a classic film, and it’s hard not to be completely awestruck by the effortless beauty of the desert.

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Overnight in Erg Lihoudi Dunes Camp

Arriving at the Erg Lihoudi Camp in the evening, you’ll find friendly staff welcoming you with Moroccan mint tea. The tents are simple but comfortable, offering a true desert camping experience—no luxury glamping here, just enough to relax after a long day. Dinner is typically a communal affair, with traditional Moroccan dishes served in a convivial atmosphere.

Waking early the next morning, you’ll catch a spectacular sunrise over the dunes—an unforgettable sight that feels like the desert’s quiet secret. After breakfast, you’ll start the journey back, enjoying different vistas of the Draa Valley and surrounding mountains.

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The Itinerary in Detail

Day 1: From Ouarzazate to the Sahara

Morning: Pickup from your hotel, comfortable vehicle transport, scenic drive over Anti Atlas Mountains
Midday: Passing through Agdez and Tamnougalt, exploring ancient kasbahs and Berber villages
Lunch break: At a local restaurant in Zagora or en route
Afternoon: Continue south via Tamgroute, visiting pottery workshops and library
Late afternoon: Cross into the Sahara, meet camel driver
Sunset: Camel ride in Erg Lihoudi dunes
Evening: Arrive at desert camp, enjoy dinner and starry nights

Day 2: Return to Ouarzazate

Early morning: Watch sunrise over the dunes
Breakfast: At the camp
Morning: Depart with different scenic views, passing through Draa Valley
Afternoon: Cross mountains back to Ouarzazate, hotel drop-off

The Experience & Value

With a price of $390 per person, this tour provides solid value considering the inclusions: private transport, overnight camping, meals, and cultural stops. Compared to multi-day luxury options, this trip balances affordability with authenticity. You won’t find lavish accommodations, but the simplicity allows for a genuine feel of desert life, which many travelers find more meaningful.

The professional driver ensures smooth travel, and the flexible booking policies (pay later, cancel 24 hours ahead) add peace of mind. For those who love photography, the changing scenery—from mountain passes to lush palm groves to endless dunes—is a visual feast.

One thing to keep in mind: the long hours on the road mean you’ll want to pack snacks, water, and a good playlist. The stops at Berber villages and Tamgroute enrich the experience, making the drive itself part of the adventure rather than just transit.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience suits travelers who crave an authentic Sahara adventure without the expense of a multi-day luxury expedition. It’s ideal for those interested in Moroccan culture, scenic drives, and iconic desert scenery. It’s also a good choice if you want a more immersive experience, including a night under the stars in the dunes.

If you prefer luxury accommodations or are uncomfortable with camping, this might feel a bit rustic, but for most, the chance to sleep in the dunes and see the Sahara in its true form outweighs the simplicity.

The Sum Up

This 2-day tour from Ouarzazate offers a well-rounded, accessible way to experience the Sahara’s vast beauty and Moroccan culture. It combines scenic drives, cultural stops, and a memorable camel ride, with the highlight being the overnight stay in the dunes—an experience that’s both raw and magical.

It’s best suited for travelers who seek genuine, unpretentious adventures and don’t mind a bit of travel time in exchange for authentic experiences. The value lies in the combination of scenic beauty, cultural insights, and memorable moments under the desert sky.

For those wanting to tick off Sahara from their Morocco bucket list without breaking the bank, this tour hits just the right notes.

FAQ

Is transportation provided for the entire tour?
Yes, you’ll be transported in a private, air-conditioned vehicle from Ouarzazate to the desert and back.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes pickup and drop-off at your hotel, transportation, overnight camping, sunset camel ride, dinner, and breakfast.

Are meals provided?
Yes, dinner is served at the campsite, and breakfast is included the following morning.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the desert camping comfortable?
The tents are basic but comfortable enough for a memorable desert night—they’re designed for a true camping experience, not luxury glamping.

What language do guides speak?
Guides speak French, English, and Spanish, making communication accessible for most travelers.

How long is the drive each way?
The drive involves several hours, with scenic stops along the way. The return journey offers different views, making the long hours worthwhile.

Is there flexibility in the itinerary?
Yes, the schedule allows for sightseeing and cultural stops, and the stops can be tailored somewhat if booked privately.

What should I bring for the trip?
Bring water, snacks, a hat, sunglasses, and comfortable clothing suitable for desert conditions.

Who would enjoy this tour?
Travelers interested in authentic Moroccan culture, desert landscapes, and memorable photo moments will find this tour especially rewarding.