Ouarzazate to Draa Valley & Tinfou Dunes: Day Trip with Camel Ride

Summary

Winding through draa valley oases and the dunes of tinfou

You’ll wind from Ouarzazate through mountain passes and green oases into Morocco’s Draa Valley, stopping for coffee breaks and stories along old caravan routes. Ride camels across Tinfou’s sandy dunes, then relax by a palm-shaded pool over lunch before heading back as afternoon light settles on ancient kasbahs. The pace is gentle, with room for unexpected moments.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the way the air changed as we left Ouarzazate — drier, somehow sharper, with that faint dust-and-herb smell that always makes me think of Morocco. Youssef was already joking about how many mint teas we’d end up drinking before lunch. The Anti Atlas mountains crept up on us, all those rust-colored folds and sudden shadows. We stopped at the Tizi N Tinfifite pass (I still can’t say it right), mostly because I needed to stretch my legs but also because you just have to look out over that view for a minute. Or five.

Past Agdz, the landscape softened into these endless oases and old mud-brick villages. Our guide pointed out kasbahs where caravans used to stop — honestly, I only half-listened because I was distracted by a donkey braying somewhere nearby and two kids waving from a rooftop. We pulled over for coffee (the strong kind that leaves grit in your teeth) and watched the morning light move across the palms. It sounds silly but it felt like time slowed down there.

I’d never ridden a camel before, so climbing up at Tinfou dunes was… awkward? My dromedary made this snorting sound like he wasn’t impressed either. But after a few minutes swaying through the sand, it got quiet except for the wind and our guide humming something under his breath. There’s nothing quite like seeing those dunes stretch out around you — not empty exactly, just vast. Lunch was at Riad Zagora Palms, which had this cool hush inside and a pool I couldn’t resist dipping my feet into while waiting for tagine. Someone’s radio played an old song in Arabic; I still think about that lazy hour by the water.

After eating too much bread (no regrets), we wandered through the palm grove behind the riad — date palms everywhere, chickens darting between them. On the drive back along the Draa Valley, Youssef told us how the river only reaches the Atlantic during floods; otherwise it just disappears into desert. That stuck with me for some reason. By late afternoon we rolled back into Ouarzazate dusty and tired but kind of content — you know when you feel like you’ve seen something real?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Draa Valley and Tinfou Dunes

• Depart Ouarzazate around 8 am
• Drive through Anti Atlas mountains
• Pass Tizi N Tinfifite pass viewpoints
• Arrive in Agdz, stop for photos
• Travel old caravan route in Draa Valley
• Stop for snack in oasis village
• Arrive at Tinfou dunes
• One-hour dromedary ride in dunes
• Lunch at Riad Zagora Palms by pool
• Swim and walk in palm grove
• Return drive to Ouarzazate via Draa Valley
• Arrive in Ouarzazate late afternoon

Top questions

How long does this Ouarzazate to Draa Valley & Tinfou Dunes day trip take?

The tour departs around 8 am from Ouarzazate and returns in late afternoon.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

Yes, lunch is included at Riad Zagora Palms by the pool in Zagora’s palm grove.

Do I get to ride a camel on this tour?

Yes, there’s about an hour-long camel ride at the Tinfou dunes included.

Can we stop for photos or breaks along the way?

Yes, your guide will make stops whenever you request—for photos, snacks or stretching your legs.

Is transportation private and air-conditioned?

Yes, private air-conditioned vehicles are used throughout the tour.

Are entrance fees included in this day trip?

Yes, all entrance fees for historical monuments are covered.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with limited mobility or families?

The tour is wheelchair accessible and suitable for all fitness levels; infant seats are available if needed.

What’s included

Your day includes private pickup from Ouarzazate in an air-conditioned vehicle with bottled water on hand; all entry fees covered; flexible stops for photos or coffee; an hour-long camel ride at Tinfou dunes; access to Riad Zagora Palms’ swimming pool during your lunch break; nature walks among palm groves; plus fuel costs taken care of so you can just settle in and enjoy every part of it before returning home late afternoon.