Guides and Tours

Many travel agents and tour companies in Ouarzazate offer day excursions as well as longer outings that might include nights in the Dadès and Todra gorges or Saharan camping and camel trekking. You’ll find them along Avenue Mohammed V, in Place el-Mouahidine, and frequently attached to hotels—just be sure to ask exactly what is being included in price (e.g., 4x4, driver, guide, meals, hotels, camel trip). Visitors who’d rather do a DIY driving tour will find car rental agencies along Avenue Mohammed V, too. If you book a desert tour in advance, you'll avoid being hassled by touts when you reach Merzouga or M'hamid.

Cherg Expeditions. Private day trips through the valleys and gorges or into the mountains to discover amethysts are led by Cherg Expeditions. You can sign on for multiday desert tours, too. Nearby destinations include the Fint Oasis and the kasbahs at Aït Ben Haddou. 2, pl. el Mouahidine, Ouarzazate, Souss-Massa-Drâa, 45000. 0524/88–79–08; 0661/24–31–47; www.cherg.com.

Zbar Travel. Well-priced tours and excursions throughout southern Morocco are offered by Zbar Travel, a respected English-speaking agency with a second office in M'hamid. 12, pl. Al Mouahadine, Ouarzazate, Souss-Massa-Drâa, 45000. 0668/51–72–80; www.zbartravel.com.