7 Days Moto Tour from Ouarzazate to Chegaga Dunes via Zagora: A Journey into the Real Sahara
If you’re looking for a desert adventure that combines technical off-road riding with Morocco’s raw natural beauty and rich traditions, the 7 days moto tour from Ouarzazate to Chegaga dunes via Zagora offers the perfect experience. This route is built for riders who want more than paved roads and predictable stops. It’s for those who want to explore winding valleys, cross wide rocky plains, sleep in nomad-style desert camps, and ride into the horizon with nothing but silence and sand ahead.
Over the course of seven unforgettable days, you’ll travel from the cinematic city of Ouarzazate deep into the Sahara, passing through dramatic landscapes of mountains, palm-filled oases, Berber villages, salt flats, and the towering dunes of Chegaga. This is one of the wildest and most authentic motorcycle expeditions in Morocco — and one that stays with you long after the engine cools.
🏍️ Why Choose This 7 Days Moto Tour from Ouarzazate to Chegaga Dunes via Zagora?
The beauty of this ride is in its diversity. From the scenic mountain tracks near Fint Oasis to the vast sand dunes near Mhamid and Chegaga, every day feels like entering a different world. The 7 days moto tour from Ouarzazate to Chegaga dunes via Zagora takes you through the southern heartland of Morocco, where landscapes shift suddenly, and ancient traditions still shape daily life.
You’ll ride on a combination of gravel, sand, stone, and narrow paved roads. Whether you’re riding through palm groves in the Draa Valley or powering over dry lake beds near Lake Iriki, the route is as rewarding as it is varied. And with full support from our local guides and backup vehicle, you’ll have the freedom to enjoy the ride, knowing everything else is handled.
🌟 Tour Highlights
- Ride deep into the Anti-Atlas Mountains, past volcanic ridges and remote villages
- Cruise through the lush Draa Valley, one of the longest palm valleys in Morocco
- Explore Berber heritage in Kasbah Tamnougalt, Tamegroute, and other ksour
- Cross the desert wilderness between Mhamid and Chegaga, including ancient caravan paths
- Sleep in a nomadic desert camp under the stars, with local music and traditional food
- Ride across Lake Iriki’s dry salt flats, a surreal and endless horizon of cracked earth
- Discover the famous Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO-listed fortified village
🗺️ Itinerary: 7 Days of True Adventure
🛬 Day 1: Arrival in Ouarzazate
Your adventure begins with a pickup from Ouarzazate Airport or your hotel. After settling into your riad or guesthouse, you’ll meet your guide for a welcome briefing and gear check. If time allows, explore Kasbah Taourirt, stroll through the souks, or visit the Atlas Film Studios, known for scenes from Gladiator and Game of Thrones. Dinner is served in the courtyard or rooftop terrace of your accommodation.
🌴 Day 2: Ouarzazate – Fint Oasis – Agdz
The ride kicks off southward, taking a scenic route through rocky hills and quiet valleys. The first highlight is the hidden Fint Oasis, a lush green ribbon along a seasonal river, framed by jagged red cliffs. Palm trees, adobe homes, and grazing goats line the trail.
Continue riding through small mountain villages before descending into the Draa Valley, an emerald corridor of palms stretching hundreds of kilometers. Stop in Agdz, a small town with big character. Visit Kasbah Tamnougalt, a well-preserved kasbah overlooking the valley. Dinner and overnight in a cozy guesthouse surrounded by palms.
🏜️ Day 3: Agdz – Draa Valley – Zagora
Follow the Draa River south along a mix of paved and off-road tracks. This section is packed with views: traditional Berber villages, old kasbahs, and dense palm groves.
Take detours through forgotten caravan paths, explore narrow dirt trails, and stop for mint tea in small ksour along the way. You’ll arrive in Zagora, the last large town before the open Sahara begins. This town was historically a stop on the Timbuktu trade route. Overnight in a traditional kasbah-style hotel with gardens and palm shade.
📚 Day 4: Zagora – Tamegroute – Mhamid
Ride further south toward Tamegroute, home to Morocco’s oldest Koranic library and unique green-glazed pottery. You’ll visit underground dwellings still in use today and see artisans at work in pottery studios passed down through generations.
Continue your route toward Mhamid, the last settlement before the dunes take over. The asphalt disappears here as sand begins to appear on the edges of the trail. Mhamid has a remote, tranquil feel — perfect for a night of desert silence before the next day’s off-road epic.
🐪 Day 5: Mhamid – Chegaga Dunes
This is the real deal — a full off-road ride into the open Sahara. You’ll cross hamada (stone desert), wide sandy plains, and dried-out riverbeds. Ancient caravan paths lead you through vast emptiness.
As you approach Chegaga, Morocco’s largest and wildest dunes, the scenery becomes even more dramatic. These dunes can reach up to 300 feet high, and the colors shift with the light. Arrive at your desert camp in time for sunset. Tonight, enjoy a traditional Berber dinner, sit by the fire, and listen to local drumming under a sky full of stars.
🌅 Day 6: Chegaga – Lake Iriki – Foum Zguid – Taznakht
After sunrise in the dunes, your ride continues west across the dry lakebed of Iriki. This is one of the most surreal parts of the tour. The cracked white surface stretches to the horizon, broken only by the occasional acacia tree.
Reach Foum Zguid, a desert outpost and popular rest stop for off-roaders. After a short break, continue north to Taznakht, a quiet Berber town famous for its handmade carpets. The ride winds through mountain roads, and the elevation brings cooler air. Stay the night in a small riad or guesthouse, and if time allows, visit a local carpet cooperative.
🏛️ Day 7: Taznakht – Aït Benhaddou – Ouarzazate
On your final riding day, head northeast through changing landscapes of dry hills and high desert. Arrive at the famous Aït Benhaddou, a fortified red-earth village that’s been used as a backdrop for dozens of Hollywood films. Wander its narrow alleys and enjoy panoramic views from the top.
The last leg brings you back to Ouarzazate, where your 7 days moto tour from Ouarzazate to Chegaga dunes via Zagora ends. Bikes are returned, and assistance is available for airport transfers or extending your stay.
✅ What’s Included
- Motorcycle rental (250cc or 450cc Enduro style, fully prepped)
- Fuel throughout the tour
- Experienced, multilingual motorcycle guide
- 4×4 support vehicle for luggage and technical support
- 6 nights accommodation: a mix of hotels, guesthouses, kasbahs, and desert camps
- Half board (6 breakfasts and 6 dinners)
- Bottled water during riding days
- Entrance fees to listed sites (Kasbah Tamnougalt, Aït Benhaddou, Tamegroute library)
- Third-party motorcycle insurance
❌ Not Included
- Flights to/from Morocco
- Travel insurance and medical evacuation coverage
- Lunches, snacks, and beverages
- Personal expenses, souvenirs, and tips
- Optional activities (hammam, camel rides, carpet shopping)
- Motorcycle gear (helmet, gloves, boots, jacket — available to rent)
- Costs for any damage beyond normal wear and tear
🧳 Packing Tips for This Tour
- Riding boots, helmet, armored jacket, gloves, goggles
- Layered clothing for changing temps (desert mornings are cold, days are hot)
- Neck gaiter or scarf for dust protection
- Power bank or solar charger
- Small daypack or tank bag
- Swimwear (some accommodations have pools or hammams)
🕐 Best Time for the 7 Days Moto Tour from Ouarzazate to Chegaga Dunes via Zagora
- October to April is the best season
- Avoid peak summer months (June to August) due to extreme heat
- Winter (December–February) offers cool days and crisp desert nights
- Spring (March–May) brings wildflowers to the valleys and ideal riding weather
What Makes the 7 Days Moto Tour from Ouarzazate Unique?
This 7 days moto tour from Ouarzazate stands out because it offers a real taste of the Moroccan south — not just the famous tourist spots, but the remote trails and hidden oases only known to locals and seasoned off-roaders. Most riders expect the dunes to be the highlight, and while Chegaga is definitely a showstopper, it’s often the lesser-known corners like the Fint Oasis or the cracked plains of Lake Iriki that become the most memorable.
You won’t be riding the same kind of terrain twice. Each day introduces a new challenge: gravel climbs, sand washes, river crossings, or tight canyon curves. It’s a carefully designed loop that keeps the riding experience fresh from start to finish, while also allowing for cultural immersion at every stop.
🏕️ Accommodation & Atmosphere
On this 7 days moto tour from Ouarzazate, your overnight stays aren’t just about resting — they’re part of the experience. Every night brings something different:
- A kasbah nestled in palm groves
- A quiet guesthouse surrounded by rocky cliffs
- A desert camp with live Berber drumming under the stars
- A riad in Taznakht where you’ll eat tagine with a local family
The combination of comfort and authenticity is intentional. After long riding days, you’ll have clean, welcoming places to relax, eat well, and share stories with fellow riders around the table.
🛠️ Skill Level & Flexibility
The 7 days moto tour from Ouarzazate is built to suit intermediate to advanced riders. However, the route can be slightly modified for mixed-experience groups. There are multiple track options in the desert sections, and the guide always adapts based on group comfort level.
For more technical riders, there are offshoots around Mhamid and Foum Zguid that include deeper sand and challenging dune climbs. For those who prefer to avoid the more intense stretches, smoother bypasses are available. No one gets left behind, and everyone rides at their own pace.
🧭 Customization Options
This 7 days moto tour from Ouarzazate can be extended or customized to fit your group’s style. Popular custom requests include:
- Adding a detour to Erg Chebbi in Merzouga (if you want to experience both dune systems)
- Starting or ending in Marrakech instead of Ouarzazate
- Including a one-day riding warm-up loop before the official start
- Adding a post-tour day trip to the Skoura palm groves or Valley of the Roses
The tour is flexible and can be fully private, making it ideal for clubs, families, or couples who want an exclusive desert ride.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to bring my own gear?
You’re welcome to bring your own helmet, boots, jacket, and gloves — but rentals are available if you prefer to travel light.
Is a motorcycle license required?
Yes, you’ll need a valid motorcycle license from your home country. An international license is recommended but not mandatory.
Can I ride with a passenger?
This 7 days moto tour from Ouarzazate is mostly solo-rider focused due to the nature of the terrain. However, passengers can travel in the support 4×4 and still enjoy the entire adventure.
What bikes are used?
We typically use KTM 450s, Yamaha WR models, or equivalent lightweight enduro bikes, prepped for desert and off-road conditions.
🌄 After-Tour Options in Ouarzazate
Once the 7 days moto tour from Ouarzazate is finished, many riders opt to spend an extra night in Ouarzazate to unwind. Here are a few relaxing things to do:
Shop for Berber carpets and crafts at the local souks
Visit the Atlas Film Studios and explore giant sets from films like Gladiator
Wander through Kasbah Taourirt, a labyrinth of courtyards and towers
Enjoy a traditional hammam and massage to ease sore muscles
