2 Days Marrakech to Zagora tour Desert

Tour Overview

Marrakech to the Zagora Desert is an excellent option for travelers with limited time in Morocco who still want to experience the Sahara Desert.

During this journey, you will cross the breathtaking High Atlas Mountains, visit the famous Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, and explore the spectacular Draa Valley, known for its vast palm groves and ancient Berber villages.

You will also enjoy a camel trek through the Zagora Desert, spend a magical night in a traditional Berber desert camp under the stars, and experience authentic Moroccan culture.

Highlights of the Marrakech to Zagora tour

• Cross the spectacular High Atlas Mountains
• Enjoy panoramic views from the Tizi n’Tichka Pass
• Visit Ouarzazate, known as “The Gateway to the Desert”
• Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah
• Discover the beautiful Draa Valley and its palm groves
• Ride camels through the Zagora Desert
• Spend a night in a traditional Berber desert camp
• Enjoy traditional drum music around the campfire
• Witness a stunning Sahara sunrise
• Explore authentic landscapes of southern Morocco

Itinerary of Marrakech to Zagora tour

Day 1: Marrakech – High Atlas Mountains – Ouarzazate – Draa Valley – Zagora

Driving Distance: 370 km
Estimated Driving Time: 6 hours 40 minutes

Your 2-day desert tour begins with pickup from your accommodation in Marrakech.

After breakfast, we depart towards southern Morocco, crossing the magnificent High Atlas Mountains via the famous Tizi n’Tichka Pass at an altitude of 2,260 meters. Along the way, there will be several stops to enjoy panoramic views and discover traditional Berber villages.

We continue to Ouarzazate, often called “The Gateway to the Desert,” famous for its role in many international films and TV series such as Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia, and Game of Thrones.

Lunch will be served at a local restaurant overlooking the Taourirt Kasbah. Afterward, we continue through the Anti-Atlas Mountains and the beautiful Draa Valley, considered the largest valley in Morocco thanks to its extensive palm groves.

Arrival in Zagora is scheduled for the late afternoon. Here, you will switch from the vehicle to camels for a memorable camel trek across the desert to your Berber camp.

Dinner and overnight stay in traditional Sahara tents. Enjoy Berber drum music and an unforgettable night under the stars.

Included Activities

• Camel trekking experience
• Traditional Moroccan dinner
• Overnight stay in a desert camp
• Breakfast

Day 2: Zagora – Agdez – Ait Ben Haddou – Marrakech

Driving Distance: 348 km
Estimated Driving Time: 5 hours 34 minutes

We recommend waking up early to enjoy the magical sunrise over the desert near your camp.

After breakfast, you will return by camel before continuing the journey toward the famous Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, an ancient 11th-century fortress recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You will have free time to explore the kasbah and enjoy lunch with panoramic views of this historic site.

In the afternoon, we drive back to Marrakech through the High Atlas Mountains and the Tizi n’Tichka Pass.

Arrival in Marrakech is expected in the late afternoon, followed by transfer to your hotel or riad. End of the 2-day Marrakech to Zagora Desert Tour and our services.

2-Day Marrakech to Zagora Tour Details

Tour Information

What Is Included

• Private air-conditioned transportation
• Fuel
• Spanish-speaking driver/guide
• Pickup and drop-off service
• Scenic stops along the route
• Visit to Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah
• 1 night in a desert camp
• Camel ride (1 camel per person)
• Private equipped tent
• Dinner and breakfast

What Is Not Included

• Lunches
• Drinks
• Entrance fees to monuments
• Personal expenses

Prices for the 2-Day Marrakech to Zagora Tour

Standard Option

Accommodation Included

• Standard desert camp in Zagora
• Traditional private tents

Comfort / Medium Option

Accommodation Included

• Comfort desert camp
• Better-equipped private tents
• Improved location and services

Luxury Option

Accommodation Included

• Luxury Sahara desert camp
• Private bathroom and hot shower
• Premium dinner and exclusive services

What to Bring for Your 2-Day Marrakech to Zagora Desert Tour

• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Scarf or head covering
• Water bottle
• Long-sleeved shirts
• Comfortable shoes
• Small backpack

Your main luggage will be transported by vehicle directly to the desert camp.

Important Note

The Zagora Desert does not feature the large golden dunes found in Merzouga. Instead, Zagora offers an authentic desert landscape with smaller wind-shaped dunes, making it ideal for travelers with limited time who want a short Sahara experience.

If you are looking for the massive golden dunes of the Sahara and activities such as sandboarding, then Merzouga and the Erg Chebbi dunes are the best choice. However, this experience requires more time, and we recommend at least a 3-day or 4-day tour to fully enjoy it.

The route to Merzouga also includes many incredible attractions such as Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, the Dades Valley, Todra Gorges, the Ziz Valley, and many traditional Berber villages, making the journey truly worthwhile.