Let us go on a mesmerizing one-day journey from Zagora to the gateway of the Sahara, Mhamid Elghizlane. This adventure takes you through charming desert landscapes, ancient kasbahs, and authentic Berber villages. As you travel south, you will witness the change of the Draa Valley’s palm groves into the vast arid plains of the Sahara. Mhamid is where the road ends and the Sahara desert begins. It is a perfect destination for those looking for peace, unique nomad culture, and the real taste of the endless dunes.
Zagora is a charming desert town in southern Morocco, located at the edge of the Draa Valley. Known for its warm hospitality, palm oases, and iconic sign “Timbuktu 52 days,” Zagora serves as a tranquil base for desert excursions. It offers a unique blend of Moroccan, Berber, and Saharan culture and is the perfect starting point for exploring the deeper desert regions like Mhamid and the nearby Erg Chigaga dunes.
We are going to start our 1-day tour from Zagora after a nice Moroccan breakfast, our driver & guide will pick you up and drive south toward Mhamid. Along the way, we will be able to follow the amazing Draa River, passing through traditional Berber villages, date palm groves, and the impressive Kasbahs. Next, we are going to stop at Tamgroute Village. Once there, we will visit the village of Tamgroute, known for its underground kasbah, ancient Koranic library with centuries-old manuscripts, and unique pottery workshops. This stop offers insight into the region’s cultural and spiritual heritage. After that, we are going to stop for some pictures in Draa Valley before our arrival in Mhamid Elghizlane, a small Desert town with a unique vibe and calmness; Mhamid is where the paved road ends and the vast Sahara begins. Following all of that, we are going to have lunch in a Desert Lodge or Nomadic Tent and enjoy a traditional Moroccan lunch (tajine, couscous, or grilled meats) . This is a moment to relax and soak in the peace of the Sahara Desert atmosphere. Also, if you are interested in more adventure there, there is an optional Visit to the First Dunes of Erg Lihoudi, we could take a short 4×4 ride or camel ride into the small dunes of Erg Lihoudi. It is ideal for a brief taste of the vast Sahara Desert of Merzouga. Last but not least, we will Return to Zagora in the late afternoon with views over the Draa Valley.
Tips for Your Day Trip:
we took this excursion, and it was one of the best days of our Morocco trip. we were fascinated by the old manuscripts in Tamegroute, and we both enjoyed the peaceful vibe of Mhamid. Riding camels in the dunes was the perfect ending to the day. Highly recommended
We were four friends and had a fantastic day. The guide gave us plenty of time for photos, and the stops in Tamegroute and Mhamid were fascinating. The optional 4×4 ride to Erg Lihoudi dunes was thrilling. We ended the day with tea overlooking the desert—couldn’t ask for more!
this trip was a dream. The Draa Valley’s green palms against the dry mountains were stunning. In Mhamid, the light on the dunes during late afternoon was magical. I also enjoyed capturing portraits in the pottery workshop at Tamgroute. This excursion is a must for anyone who loves authentic desert scenery.
We had an unforgettable day traveling to Mhamid. The changing scenery from palm groves to open desert was beautiful, and the stop at Tamegroute pottery workshop was fascinating. The dunes at Erg Lihoudi were stunning—perfect for photos. This tour had a perfect balance of sightseeing and relaxation.
This excursion from Zagora to Mhamid was exactly what I was looking for—peace, culture, and desert landscapes. The highlight for me was visiting Tamgroute village and its ancient Koranic library. I also loved the optional camel ride to the Erg Lihoudi dunes. Everything was well-organized, and the lunch in a nomadic tent was delicious and relaxing
