Day Trip from Ouarzazate through the Draa Valley to Erg Tinfou
Private 4x4 day trip from Ouarzazate south through the magnificent Draa Valley oasis, visiting kasbahs, the famous Tamegroute pottery, an old Koranic library and a short camel ride on the Erg Tinfou dunes.
Local guide
Hotel pickup
Small groups
Private available
1 day (about 10 hours)
Private — 2 to 5 people
English / French
About Us
- ›A private day trip from Ouarzazate that gives you a real taste of the Sahara, the oases and the historic kasbahs of southern Morocco — all in a single day.
- ›You drive south along the Draa River, Morocco's longest river (1,100 km), which flows from the High Atlas down into the Sahara.
- ›Along the route, the valley is a long oasis of palm trees, date farms, fruit groves and old red-earth kasbahs, once the main caravan route for gold and spices from sub-Saharan Africa.
- ›The day includes a visit to the 16th-century Kasbah des Caids in Tamnougalte (with its small museum), lunch in Zagora (a luxury riad option in the palm groves is available), a stop at the famous green-glazed Tamegroute pottery, and a visit to the 13th-century Zaouia with its old Koranic library.
- ›The day ends with a short camel ride on the Erg Tinfou dunes — a small piece of the Sahara — before driving back.
- ›The tour suits all ages and fitness levels and is run with an English- or French-speaking guide for groups of 2 to 5 people.
Experience Itinerary
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1
Early start from Ouarzazate
- ›Early departure from your hotel or riad in Ouarzazate.
- ›Drive south through the rocky gorges of the Jbel Saghro mountain range and over the twisting Tizi n'Tinififft pass.
- ›Stop in the market town of Agdz, famous for its dates and overlooked by the Jbel Kissane mountain.
- ›Short photo stop with view over the Draa palm oasis.
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2
Off-road along the Draa River
- ›Switch to off-road and follow the banks of the Draa River — Morocco's longest river.
- ›Drive through small Berber hamlets where you can see villagers tending their goats, working in tiny terraced fields and washing clothes along the river.
- ›The valley is one long line of palm trees and red-earth kasbahs.
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3
Kasbah des Caids at Tamnougalte (16th century)
- ›Visit the Kasbah des Caids at Tamnougalte, a 16th-century kasbah on the ancient spice route to Marrakech.
- ›Once a thriving trade centre, it now houses a small museum with architectural remains, artifacts and tools that show the daily life of the Berber, Arab, African and Jewish people who lived in the valley. (Entrance fee not included.)
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4
Lunch in Zagora
- ›Arrival in Zagora by lunchtime.
- ›Choose between a simple local lunch in town, or a three-course lunch in the gardens of a boutique riad in the palm groves, or in a luxury oasis guesthouse with a swimming pool (these options are at extra cost).
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5
Tamegroute pottery and 13th-century Koranic library
- ›Continue south to Tamegroute.
- ›Visit the famous pottery workshops, known for their unique green-glazed ceramics.
- ›Then walk over to the 13th-century Zaouia, the religious centre of the village, with its Koranic library — open to non-Muslim visitors — that holds very old manuscripts and Korans.
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6
Camel ride on the Erg Tinfou dunes
- ›Around 3 pm, a short camel ride takes you onto the Erg Tinfou dunes — a small but pretty piece of the Sahara, with golden sand and views over the surrounding desert.
- ›A perfect taste of the great dunes for travellers who can't go all the way to Merzouga or Chegaga.
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7
Return to Ouarzazate
- ›Depart Erg Tinfou around 3 pm and drive directly back through the Draa Valley.
- ›Arrival at your hotel in Ouarzazate around 6 to 7 pm.
What's Included
- Private air-conditioned 4x4 vehicle, fully licensed and insured for tourist transport
- Professional dedicated driver for the day
- English- or French-speaking guide and escort
- Off-road drive along the Draa River and through Berber villages
- Visit of the Kasbah des Caids at Tamnougalte (entrance fee not included)
- Short visit to the Tamegroute pottery workshops and Zaouia (library entrance not included)
- Camel ride on the Erg Tinfou dunes
- Pick-up and drop-off directly at your hotel or riad in Ouarzazate
- 24-hour English-speaking in-country customer hotline
- Local tourist taxes
Not Included
- Entrance fees to museums, monuments and the Zaouia library
- Lunch (optional luxury lunch available at extra cost)
- Drinks with meals
- Tips and gratuities for guide and driver
- Travel insurance (required)
Know Before You Go
| Duration | 1 day (about 10 hours) |
| Languages | English / French |
| Level | Easy — all ages and fitness levels |
| Dietary | Vegetarian options on request |
| Group type | Private — 2 to 5 people |