If you’re searching for the silent, star‑studded Sahara without the crowds, set your compass for Ouzina — a remote dune area south of Merzouga along the old Paris‑Dakar tracks. At the edge of these honey‑gold sands stands our favorite stay: Porte De Sahara Ouzina (also known as Riad Porte de Sahara Ouzina). Think warm Amazigh hospitality, adobe‑style architecture, and sunrise dunes right on your doorstep. Morocco On Tour includes this riad in our private desert itineraries for travelers who want the Sahara at its most authentic and serene.
Why Choose Ouzina (and Porte De Sahara Ouzina)
- True desert solitude: Fewer visitors than Merzouga; bigger sense of space and silence.
- Front‑row dune views: Walk from the riad to soft ridgelines for sunset and sunrise.
- Warm, local welcome: Family‑style hospitality and home‑cooked Saharan cuisine.
- Starry nights: Minimal light pollution; the Milky Way often blazes on new‑moon nights.
- Adventure gateway: Ideal base for 4×4 tracks to Ramlia, Lake Maïder, and nomad tea stops.
Porte De Sahara Ouzina at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Ouzina dunes, southeast of Merzouga, near the village of Ouzina |
| Vibe | Adobe‑built riad/kasbah style, cozy and intimate, with panoramic dune views |
| Rooms | Comfortable rooms with traditional décor; warm showers; many with en‑suite bathrooms (confirm on booking) |
| Dining | Home‑cooked tagines, couscous, medfouna, and hearty Saharan breakfasts |
| Power & water | Typically solar/generator power and hot water; electricity may run on set schedules (we’ll brief you) |
| Kegiatan | Sunset/sunrise dune walks, camel rides, 4×4 excursions, sandboarding, stargazing, village visits |
| Best for | Photographers, couples, small groups, and travelers who value quiet over crowds |
| Access | 4×4 required for the final approach; guided transfers arranged by Morocco On Tour |
What a Stay Here Feels Like
- Arrival ritual: Mint tea and a gentle welcome as the dunes glow outside.
- Golden hour: A short camel ride or walk to a ridge for a tangerine sunset and endless horizons.
- Dinner & firelight: Rich, slow‑cooked tagines and fresh salads; drums under a bright sky if the mood strikes.
- Deep quiet: Sleep is blissful; morning breaks softly with pastel light and cool sand underfoot.
Signature Experiences from the Riad
- Sunset Camel Ride: Gentle, photogenic route to a nearby crest with a tea stop.
- 4×4 Off‑Road Adventure: Classic tracks to Lake Maïder and Ramlia dunes, or along sections of the old Paris‑Dakar route; meet nomad families for tea when appropriate.
- Sandboarding & Dune Walks: Try a board or simply wander wind‑combed crests at your pace.
- Village Life: Visit Ouzina village, learn about bread baking and local date palms, and shop small for crafts.
- Stargazing: On clear new‑moon nights, the Milky Way steals the show — bring a tripod if you love night photos.
How to Get to Ouzina
- From Merzouga/Taouz: ~2–3 hours by 4×4 on desert tracks after Taouz. Scenic, with dunes and hamadas.
- From Erfoud/Rissani: ~3.5–4.5 hours total, combining paved road to Taouz and off‑road tracks.
- From Zagora/Tagounite/Tafraoute Sidi Ali: ~5–7 hours by 4×4 via Ramlia and Lake Maïder (route and time depend on track conditions).
Important: Tracks can shift with wind and rare rains; wadis may be impassable after storms. Tur 360 Maroko provides experienced desert drivers and monitors conditions before you travel.
Waktu Terbaik Untuk Mengunjungi
- October–April: Prime season with mild days and cold, crystal‑clear nights.
- May–June & September: Warmer but manageable with sunrise/sunset activities.
- July–August: Very hot; we recommend shorter camel rides, A/C transport, and siesta hours.
What to Pack
- Layered clothing (warm jacket for winter nights), breathable daywear
- Closed‑toe shoes for hot sand and rocky patches; sandals for the riad
- Sun hat, sunglasses, high‑SPF sunscreen, and a scarf/shemagh
- Headlamp, power bank, reusable water bottle, lip balm, wet wipes
- Optional: lightweight tripod for night skies; small daypack
Good to Know
- Connectivity: Expect limited or no Wi‑Fi and variable mobile signal — it’s part of the charm.
- Payments: Bring cash (MAD) for extras; ATMs are far away.
- Animal welfare: Camel rides are short and gentle; we work with licensed cameleers who rotate animals and keep loads light.
- Drone rules: Drones require prior national permits in Morocco — plan to leave them at home.
- Leave no trace: Stay on established tracks and pack out litter; the desert is fragile.
Suggested 2–3 Day Ouzina Add‑On
Day 1 — Arrival & Sunset
- 4×4 transfer from Merzouga or Dades route via Taouz
- Check‑in at Porte De Sahara Ouzina; tea on the terrace
- Sunset camel ride; candlelit dinner and stargazing
Day 2 — Off‑Road Explore
- 4×4 loop to Lake Maïder and Ramlia dunes; picnic or village lunch
- Afternoon rest; optional sandboard or short hike on the crests
- Music by the fire and a second starry night
Day 3 — Slow Morning & Departure
- Sunrise on the dunes; hearty breakfast
- Depart by 4×4 toward Merzouga, Zagora, or Alnif (depending on your onward route)
Why Book Through Tours 360 Morocco
- Seamless 4×4 logistics: Vetted desert drivers, reliable vehicles, and condition checks on all tracks.
- Preferred partner: We coordinate directly with Porte De Sahara Ouzina for the best rooms and timing.
- Tailored pace: We build in rest hours, photo stops, and the right balance of adventure and comfort.
- 24/7 support: From route tweaks to special surprises, we’re a message away throughout your trip.
Frequently asked questions
Ready to Wake Up to Ouzina’s Dunes?
Tell us your dates, start city (Marrakech, Fes, or Ouarzazate), and pace. Tours 360 Morocco will craft a private route — with 4×4 access and confirmed rooms at Porte De Sahara Ouzina — so all you have to do is watch the sun rise over the sand.
