2 Days In Desert M’hamid El Ghizlaine

DAY 1 : Marrakech – Agdez – M’hamid El Ghislane

       Departure: 7:00 AM from your hotel in Marrakech.

  • High Atlas crossing: Drive toward Ouarzazate via the scenic mountain road, passing forests, green landscapes, and traditional Amazigh kasbahs and villages.
  • Tizi n’Tichka Pass: Short stop at the summit (2,165 m) for panoramic views and photos.
  • Arrival in Ouarzazate: Around 11:00 AM (no visit today); continue directly toward the Draa Valley.
  • Agdz: Panoramic viewpoint over Morocco’s largest palm oasis stretching along the Draa Valley. Enjoy lunch in a pleasant local restaurant.
  • Zagora: Continue to the “Bride of the South,” one of the oldest towns in southern Morocco, set along the Draa River—photo stop amid palm groves and kasbahs.
  • Tamegroute: Visit this village famed for its green-glazed southern pottery. Tour a traditional workshop to see 100% handmade ceramics.
  • M’hamid: After about 1 hour, reach M’hamid, the gateway to the Sahara. Final stop to pick up necessities for the camel ride (water, sunscreen, scarf).
  • Camel trek: Ride for about 1.5 hours with your guide into the dunes toward the luxury desert camp.
  • Chegaga dunes views: Capture panoramic shots of golden sands on arrival.
  • Activities at camp: Settle in, relax, and, if you wish, try sandboarding on nearby dunes.
  • Dinner and evening: Enjoy a traditional meal followed by Amazigh music around the campfire—sing, dance, and soak in the ambiance. Stargazing is superb here; with luck, you may even spot meteors.

DAY 2 : M’hamid – Ouarzazate – Atlas Studios – Kasar Ait Benhadou – Kasbah Telouat

  • Sunrise & breakfast: Camp staff will wake you early to catch the sunrise over the dunes. Enjoy breakfast at camp.
  • Quad ride (1h30): Return by quad for about 1 hour 30 minutes to meet your driver and begin the journey back.
  • Ouarzazate (≈2h30): Reach Ouarzazate and visit the Atlas Film Studios with a guide. The tour lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes and includes the entry fee.
  • Aït Ben Haddou (≈30 min from Ouarzazate): Continue to the iconic Kasbah Aït Ben Haddou. Meet your licensed English‑speaking guide; entry to the ksar is free. Guided visit: about 2 hours.
  • Lunch (1h): Free time for lunch after the visit.
  • Telouet Kasbah: Head to the Kasbah of Telouet, an important historical site on the former caravan route.
  • Women’s cooperatives: Stop en route at Amazigh women‑run cooperatives producing saffron or argan oil and their derivatives. Great for learning about traditional methods and supporting local artisans.
  • Photo stops: Flexible stops anywhere you like for photos along the scenic High Atlas road.
  • Arrival in Marrakech: End of tour.

A 2-day tour from Marrakech to M’hamid El Ghizlane is an excellent way to experience the desert within a short timeframe. While the dunes here aren’t as high as those in Merzouga or Erg Chigaga, they offer a more tranquil ambiance and are a clear step up from Zagora. The journey itself is stunning—crossing the High Atlas, skirting Aït Ben Haddou, and following the palm‑lined Draa Valley—before reaching the gateway of the Sahara.

Once in M’hamid, you’ll find sweeping sandy landscapes, tamarisk trees, and wide horizons that glow at sunset and dawn. Expect beautiful light for photography, a peaceful camp atmosphere under the stars, and warm encounters over tea with local nomads. It’s a short, authentic Sahara taste with memorable scenery and a calm, immersive vibe.