Ouzina is located in the desert of Morocco, in the country’s southeastern part, specifically in the Ouarzazate-Tafilalet region. 34 kilometers from Taouz and 70 kilometers from Merzouga are the closest places to look for it. The town is small, barely inhabited by about 25 families. Its surroundings have the privilege of being a pure desert where it has yet to become overcrowded by tourism. It is where you can appreciate the silence, magic, and peace that only exist in places like this.
Ouzina
As we get off the road that connects Taouz and Ouzina, we can see how the landscape changes over time. The aridity fades away, giving way to a greener environment with vegetation contrasting with the beautiful orange dunes. This area has dunes that stand out when combined with black mountains.
In the lower part of the Ouzina dunes, several towns have kept their traditions and unique clothes from the Sahara desert. Merzouga, Zagora, or Ouarzazate might come to mind if you think of those places when we say “And.” you can do it from Ouzina through tracks. The landscapes are exceptional, and you will have the adventure to tell.
Ouzina offers you the absolute peace of the Moroccan desert, the authenticity of its people, and the possibility of excursions to the desert and adventure getaways in its surroundings. Here you will find all kinds of terrain, dunes that have little to envy those of Merzouga, 4 × 4 tracks, dry river beds, hamadas, chotts, oases …
Why Visit Ouzina?
A hidden treasure in the Moroccan Sahara, Ouzina provides a genuine desert experience away from the tourists. Its main draws are the breathtaking golden dunes, rocky scenery, and traditional Berber culture of this isolated community. Trekking on camels, 4×4 excursions, and quiet evenings beneath the stars are all available to tourists. In Ouzina’s peaceful atmosphere, travelers can connect with nature and enjoy authentic Moroccan hospitality in eco-friendly desert lodges. This is in contrast to the busier areas. This is the perfect place for people who want to have fun, learn about other cultures, and see beautiful desert scenery.
Top Attractions in Ouzina
Discover Ouzina Desert
Ouzina is a secret gem in the Sahara. Take it easy on the golden dunes there. The vast desert is full of exciting things to do, like quad-riding, camel trekking, and off-road driving. Ouzina is a geological wonder for hikers because it has strange rock formations and fossils from long ago. It’s a great place to look at the stars by the campfire at night because the open sky is clear.
Explore Local Culture and Traditions
To get a real feel for the Berber way of life, visit traditional towns and nomadic families. Learn about the traditions of the desert people. At the same time, you enjoy handcrafted goods, music from the area, and tasty Moroccan food. In Khamlia Village, you can get lost in the beats of Gnawa music, a unique mix of Berber and African styles.
A Memorable Desert Escape
Choose a desert camp or eco-lodge for a unique place to stay. You can enjoy the peace and quiet of the dunes without giving up modern comforts. These traditional and eco-friendly places to stay give you a real taste of the Sahara and warm Moroccan culture.
Things to Do in Ouzina
Ouzina Desert is a remote area in Morocco, and there are several things you can do while visiting there:
Camel trekking
Take a camel ride across the desert and enjoy the beautiful landscapes.
Star-gazing
Such a beautiful place is an excellent place for star-gazing due to its remote location and lack of light pollution.
Visit local nomads
Visit the nearby nomad villages to experience their traditional way of life and learn about their customs and traditions.
Sandboarding
Try sandboarding in the vast sand dunes of Ouzina Desert.
4×4 Desert Tours
Take a 4×4 desert tour with a local guide to explore the desert and its surroundings.
Enjoy traditional Moroccan cuisine
Try delicious Moroccan food at local restaurants and cafes.
Where to Stay in Ouzina
There are several places to stay in Ouzina, such as desert camps and eco-lodges. Camping in the desert in a tent, eating food from the area, and watching is a traditional way to spend time. Eco-lodges are comfortable, modern places that blend in with their natural settings. Visitors can enjoy the peace and beauty of the Sahara in a real way with either choice.
Best Time to Visit Ouzina
Autumn through spring is the best time to visit Ouzina. Temperatures are mild at this time of year, which makes outdoor activities like camel trekking, quad biking, and touring more enjoyable. During the summer, it can get over 40°C (104°F) during the day, making traveling hard. It can get cold at night in the winter, but the nights are clear enough to see the stars.
How to Get to Ouzina
Because Ouzina is in the middle of nowhere in the desert, the best way to get there is in a 4×4. Erfoud is the closest city, 150 km away. There, tourists can hire a driver or go on a tour. The trip takes two to three hours off-road from Merzouga. Errachidia (ERH) and Ouarzazate (OZZ) are the closest airports, and both have flights to big cities. Many people come to Ouzina as part of a trip through the desert that starts in Marrakech or Fes.
Frequently Asked Questions
