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Desert · Ouarzazate itinerary

Ouarzazate to the Sahara: The Best Desert Itinerary

Ouarzazate is the gateway to Morocco’s Sahara. Here are the best-rated ways to combine the kasbahs and valleys with a desert tour to the dunes of Zagora or Merzouga.

At a glance

  1. 1Aït Ben Haddou
  2. 2Draa Valley
  3. 3Camel trek
  4. 4Night in the dunes

Through the kasbahs

Aït Ben Haddou and the Draa Valley.

Into the desert

Reach the dunes of Zagora or Merzouga.

Night in the dunes

Camel trek, a Berber camp and sunrise.

Book the experiences in this itinerary

Top-rated tours for exactly what this plan recommends in Ouarzazate — prices per person.

Merzouga camel ride, overnight stay at Desert Luxury Camp
Merzouga
Merzouga camel ride, overnight stay at Desert Luxury Camp
5.0(113)·24 hours
from$64/ person
via Viator
Ouarzazate Day Tour Ait Ben Haddou Film Studios and Fint Oasis
Ouarzazate
Ouarzazate Day Tour Ait Ben Haddou Film Studios and Fint Oasis
5.0(3)·5 hours
from$163/ person
via Viator
1 night Camel trek in Merzouga Desert Luxury Camp NO EXTRA
Merzouga
1 night Camel trek in Merzouga Desert Luxury Camp NO EXTRA
5.0(34)·12 hours
from$99/ person
via Viator
Quad ride from Kasbah Ait Benhadou to Ouarzazate Studios
Ouarzazate
Quad ride from Kasbah Ait Benhadou to Ouarzazate Studios
5.0(1)·4 hours
from$210/ person
via Viator
Overnight Luxury Desert Camp in Merzouga Sahara with Camel Ride
Merzouga
Overnight Luxury Desert Camp in Merzouga Sahara with Camel Ride
5.0(15)·48 hours
from$93/ person
via Viator
Marrakech to Ouarzazate: Private Day Trip to Kasbah Ait-ben-hadou
Ouarzazate
Marrakech to Ouarzazate: Private Day Trip to Kasbah Ait-ben-hadou
4.8(4)·11 hours
from$111/ person
via Viator
Overnight in merzouga desert with camel ride
Merzouga
Overnight in merzouga desert with camel ride
5.0(14)·17 hours
from$52/ person
via Viator
Private transfer from Ouarzazate to Ait Ben Haddou (round Trip)
Ouarzazate
Private transfer from Ouarzazate to Ait Ben Haddou (round Trip)
3 hours
from$80/ person
via Viator

Ouarzazate to the Sahara — FAQ

How do you get to the Sahara from Ouarzazate?
Multi-day desert tours from Ouarzazate travel through the Draa Valley to Zagora (closer) or onward to Merzouga’s Erg Chebbi, with camel treks and overnight camps.
How long is a desert tour from Ouarzazate?
A Zagora trip can be done in 1–2 days, while reaching Merzouga’s great dunes usually takes 2–3 days for a fuller Sahara experience.
Is the desert trip worth it from Ouarzazate?
Yes — camel trekking over golden dunes and a night in a Berber camp under the stars is an unforgettable Moroccan adventure.

Explore more in Ouarzazate

Aït Ben Haddou & StudiosSahara Desert ToursTours from Marrakech