Laayoune to Smara Day Trip with a Private Driver

A private day trip from Laayoune to Smara covers about 220 km each way, close to 3 hours of driving through the Sahara, with a licensed local guide, a 4x4 excursion around Smara and Sahrawi tea. From 4,200 MAD for a family of up to four.

See the two options and prices

  • Planned by Said Legbouri, born in Smara
  • Licensed local guide throughout the day
  • Private car or 4x4, for your group only
  • Hotel pickup and return in Laayoune

Plan your Smara day trip

Opens WhatsApp with your trip details. No payment needed to get a price.


Two ways to do the day

Both options include hotel pickup in Laayoune, a licensed local guide, Smara’s historic landmarks, the stone tumuli, rock engravings where accessible and a Sahrawi tea moment.

Option Vehicles Price Book
Private Explorer (recommended) Private car Laayoune to Smara and back, private 4x4 around Smara MAD 4,200 up to 4 travellers
Full Private 4x4 The same private 4x4 for the whole day MAD 5,500 up to 4 travellers

Lunch in Smara is not included; we happily arrange a local family lunch, paid separately. Ask about your date


How the day unfolds

A long but unforgettable day, paced to your group, with time for photos and questions.

  1. Early pickup in Laayoune

    Your driver collects you from your hotel in the morning for the drive east across the Sahara.

  2. Desert road and stone tumuli

    Photo stops on the way, including ancient stone tumuli that locals compare to an abacus laid across the desert.

  3. Smara with a licensed guide

    Explore Smara’s old town and the historic landmarks linked to Sheikh Ma al-Aynayn, with a licensed local guide.

  4. 4x4, engravings and tea

    Continue by 4x4 to rock engraving sites where accessible, share Sahrawi tea, then return to Laayoune in the late afternoon.


Smara day trip: your questions

Answers from someone who grew up there.

How far is Smara from Laayoune?

Smara is about 220 km from Laayoune by road, which takes close to 3 hours each way. A day trip is long but very manageable with an early start and a private vehicle.

How much does a private day trip from Laayoune to Smara cost?

4,200 MAD with a private car to Smara and a private 4x4 around Smara, or 5,500 MAD with the same private 4x4 for the whole day. Both prices are for a group of up to four travellers and include a licensed local guide. Lunch is paid separately.

What will we see in Smara?

Smara’s old town and the historic landmarks linked to Sheikh Ma al-Aynayn, ancient stone tumuli in the desert, rock engravings where they are accessible, and a traditional Sahrawi tea moment.

Is lunch included?

No. We can arrange an authentic local family lunch in Smara, paid separately, and adapt it to children or dietary needs if you tell us in advance.

Can we stay overnight in Smara instead?

Yes. If you prefer a slower pace, we can arrange a night in Smara and turn the trip into two relaxed days. Ask us for the options.

Who plans and guides the trip?

The trip is planned by Said Legbouri, who was born and raised in Smara and holds an official tour guide licence, No. 3489. A licensed local guide accompanies you throughout the day.

When is the best time to visit Smara?

The cooler months, roughly October to April, are the most comfortable for a full day outdoors. In summer we start very early to avoid the midday heat.


Discover Smara with Said

Tell us your date and how many you are. You will receive the full programme and a fixed price for your private day trip.

Message Said on WhatsApp

Morocco Private Driver is run by Said Legbouri, licensed guide No. 3489.