Description
Two days and a single night away from Marrakech: this is the quickest way to reach the desert and be back again, because Zagora lies around 350 kilometres from the city, far less than the 560 that separate Marrakech from Merzouga. You are collected from your hotel or riad at about 8:00 and back in town early on the evening of day two.
The drive out matters as much as the destination: the hairpins of the High Atlas up to the Tizi N’Tichka pass, Berber villages clinging to the slopes and a stop at the Aït Ben Haddou kasbah, where the guided visit is optional. In the afternoon you cross the Ouarzazate region and reach Zagora in time to climb onto the camels at sunset. The night is spent in a Berber camp, with dinner, music around the fire and sunrise over the desert; the return follows a different road, up the Draa Valley, past the Taourirt Kasbah.
One thing worth knowing before you book: Zagora is mostly stony desert, with only a few small dunes. For the great sand dunes you need the Erg Chebbi, which means at least three days. It is a private trip that can start on any day, made for travellers short on time or wary of long hours on the road.
| Day | Departure from | Arrival |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Marrakech | Zagora (desert) |
| 2nd | Zagora | Marrakech |
Tour itinerary
Day 1
Marrakech > the Atlas > Aït Ben Haddou Kasbah > the Zagora desert:
Your adventure begins with a morning pick-up from your hotel or riad in Marrakech at around 8:00. Leaving the city behind, you head into the heart of the High Atlas Mountains. Climbing the winding road of the Tizi N’Tichka pass, you can admire breathtaking views of rugged peaks and remote Berber villages set among the hills. At the wheel is one of our drivers — Ahmed, for instance — who knows every bend of this climb and where it is safe to pull over for photos. Several stops are planned along the way for refreshments and photos, so you have time to fully appreciate the magnificent mountain scenery.
The next stop is the famous Aït Ben Haddou Kasbah, one of the most iconic historic sites in Morocco. This ancient fortified village, with its unmistakable mud-brick architecture, has been the backdrop for many famous films and television series. You can join a guided visit and learn more about the fascinating past of the kasbah, once an important trading point along the ancient caravan routes and today a UNESCO World Heritage site of great cultural significance.
After a relaxing lunch break, the journey continues through the Ouarzazate region, known for its dramatic desert landscapes and film studios. From here you follow a lush valley to the south, a stretch of green palm groves that contrasts vividly with the arid desert around them.
As the sun begins to set, you reach Zagora, a quiet desert region characterised by rocky terrain and peaceful beauty. Here the day ends with a memorable camel excursion at sunset. You cross the calm desert as the sky turns into a canvas of vibrant oranges and deep purples.
The camel ride takes you to the desert camp for the night, where you enjoy a traditional Berber dinner accompanied by music around a campfire. Under a sky full of stars, you experience the true magic of the desert. The camp offers basic but comfortable facilities, including tents and shared showers.
Day 2
Zagora > Draa Valley > Ouarzazate > Tizi N’Tichka > Marrakech:
The day starts early with the breathtaking desert sunrise, followed by a hearty breakfast at the camp. Afterwards you ride your camel gently back to the edge of the Zagora desert, where your vehicle is waiting to begin the journey back to Marrakech.
Heading north through the Draa Valley, you stop once more to explore the Taourirt Kasbah, a former palace complex known for its intricate architecture and mysterious atmosphere. Often called the “Hollywood of Africa”, Ouarzazate is a renowned destination for film lovers thanks to its role in many international productions. After lunch here, you continue your scenic journey through the majestic mountains of the High Atlas, arriving in Marrakech in the early evening.
This two-day Sahara tour from Marrakech offers a perfect blend of culture, history and adventure: an enriching journey that promises lasting memories of Morocco’s extraordinary desert landscapes.
Book the 2-day excursion from Marrakech to the desert
The price of the 2-day tour from Marrakech to the Zagora desert starts at 90 euros, but varies according to the type of accommodation chosen, the travel season and the number of participants.
Book nowNote: The itinerary of the 2-day trip from Marrakech to the Zagora desert can be modified.
Included
- Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel or riad in Marrakech
- Transport in a modern air-conditioned minibus with a bilingual driver
- Overnight stay in a Berber desert camp in Zagora, with dinner and breakfast
- Camel ride
- Free time for photo stops, coffee breaks, etc.
- Sunset and sunrise in the desert
Not included
- Lunches along the way (available in local cafés and restaurants)
- Optional guided tour of the Aït Ben Haddou Kasbah (€3 per person)
- Entrance tickets, where required
- Personal expenses and tips (optional)
Frequently asked questions
Are there sand dunes in the Zagora desert?
No. Zagora is mainly a rocky desert with only a few small sand dunes. If you are looking for the high Sahara dunes, you need to travel to Erg Chebbi, near Merzouga. Zagora, however, has a charm of its own, with a peaceful atmosphere and distinctive terrain that is well worth exploring.
How far is Zagora from Marrakech and how long is the drive?
Zagora lies about 350 kilometres south-east of Marrakech. The journey usually takes 6 to 7 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. The route crosses the scenic High Atlas Mountains and the Draa Valley, offering beautiful views and the chance to stop at places such as Aït Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate along the way.
Are private tents and bathrooms available at the Zagora desert camp?
Yes, the tents at the Zagora desert camp are private. However, the standard camp options have shared bathrooms and showers. If you prefer an en-suite bathroom, you can upgrade to a luxury camp with a private bathroom.
Is the 2-day Zagora desert tour available as a group or private tour?
At the moment we only offer private tours in the Zagora desert. If you are interested in joining a group tour, please contact us with your travel dates and we will gladly check whether other travellers would like to share the experience.
What should I wear for the camel ride?
For the camel ride it is best to wear comfortable clothes such as long trousers or jeans to protect your legs from the sun and the camel saddle. Be sure to bring a hat, sunglasses and a light scarf to shield you from the desert sun and wind.
Is August a good month for this trip?
In August the Zagora desert is very hot and a sandstorm is always possible. When that happens we do not insist on the camp: the group sleeps in a hotel nearby instead and the rest of the programme stays the same.
What our travellers say
Excellent
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