Experience the Magic of M’hamid on a 2-Day Sahara Desert Tour

Escape the bustling streets of Marrakech and embark on an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Moroccan Sahara. This 2-day M’hamid Desert Tour takes you off the beaten path, where golden dunes, ancient caravan routes, and starlit skies create a mesmerizing experience. Perfect for travelers short on time but eager to witness the beauty of the desert, this adventure offers a taste of nomadic life, breathtaking landscapes, and warm Berber hospitality.

Your journey begins with a scenic drive through the High Atlas Mountains, where winding roads reveal panoramic views of lush valleys and traditional Berber villages. Along the way, explore the UNESCO-listed Aït Benhaddou, a legendary ksar that has served as a backdrop for many famous films. As you continue south, the landscapes shift dramatically from rugged mountains to the vast palm groves of the Draa Valley, Morocco’s longest river oasis.

Arriving in M’hamid, the gateway to the Sahara’s wildest dunes, you’ll trade the car for camels and ride into the golden expanse as the sun sets over the sand. Spend the night in a desert camp, where traditional Berber music and delicious local cuisine set the stage for a magical evening beneath a sky filled with countless stars. Wake up to the serene silence of the desert, enjoy a hearty breakfast, and soak in the sunrise before heading back to Marrakech, carrying with you unforgettable memories of Morocco’s mystical desert.

Day 1: Marrakech – Atlas Mountaisn – Ait Ben Hadou – Zagora – Tamegroute – M’hamid Desert.

Marrakech to Erg Lihoudi, M’hamid

Your journey begins with an early morning pickup from your accommodation in Marrakech. Leaving the lively city behind, you will travel through the stunning High Atlas Mountains, following the winding road of the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m). Along the way, you’ll pass through traditional Berber villages, offering breathtaking views of terraced fields and rugged mountain landscapes.

Descending into the Draa Valley, you will reach Agdez, a historic town marking the start of the longest palm oasis in Morocco. Following the ancient Draa River, you will drive past lush palm groves, fortified kasbahs, and desert plateaus, making your way toward Zagora—a famous desert gateway.

Before reaching M’hamid, you will stop at Tamegroute, a small yet historically rich village known for its ancient Quranic library, home to centuries-old manuscripts. You will also explore the village’s underground kasbah, a fascinating labyrinth of narrow passageways, and visit the traditional green pottery workshops, where local artisans craft distinctive green-glazed ceramics using age-old techniques.

Continuing south, you will arrive at Erg Lihoudi, near M’hamid, where your camel caravan awaits. Embark on a mesmerizing camel ride across the dunes, experiencing the serene beauty of the desert as the sun sets, casting golden hues over the sand.

At your desert camp, you will be welcomed with traditional Moroccan mint tea before settling into your tent. As night falls, savor a delicious dinner under the starlit sky, accompanied by the rhythmic beats of Berber music around the campfire. Spend the night immersed in the peacefulness of the Sahara, falling asleep to the whisper of the desert breeze.

Day 2: Sahara – Zagora – Agdz – Atlas Mountains – Marrakech.

Erg Lihoudi to Marrakech (via Ouarzazate & Ait Ben Haddou)

Your second day in the desert begins with an early wake-up to witness the breathtaking sunrise over the dunes. As the first rays of sunlight illuminate the golden sands, you will have a peaceful moment to take in the vastness of the Sahara. After capturing this magical scene, return to the camp for a traditional breakfast, featuring freshly baked bread, local jams, and Moroccan mint tea.

After breakfast, you will begin your journey back to Marrakech, leaving behind the tranquil beauty of the desert. Driving through the Draa Valley, you will once again pass through palm groves and ancient kasbahs, retracing the historic caravan routes that once connected the Sahara to the northern cities of Morocco.

A highlight of the return trip is a stop in Ouarzazate, often called the “Gateway to the Sahara.” This city is famous for its film studios, where many Hollywood blockbusters and TV series have been filmed, including Gladiator and Game of Thrones. If time permits, you can visit the Atlas Film Studios or explore the impressive Taourirt Kasbah, a well-preserved fortress that once belonged to the powerful Glaoui family.

Next, you will visit Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most iconic ksars (fortified villages) in Morocco. This ancient mud-brick village, with its maze-like alleys and stunning architecture, has been a backdrop for numerous films and offers a glimpse into Morocco’s rich history. You will have time to explore the ksar, walk up to the granary for panoramic views, and perhaps enjoy a cup of tea at a local café.

After soaking in the beauty of Ait Ben Haddou, you will continue your drive through the High Atlas Mountains, crossing the Tizi n’Tichka Pass once more. As the landscape shifts from arid desert to lush mountain valleys, you will make your way back to Marrakech, arriving in the early evening.