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Our 2-day tour from Marrakech to Zagora is one of the most distinctive Marrakech desert tours. This trip is ideal for tourists exploring Zagora, the closest desert to Marrakech. Our two-day excursion will allow you to discover the treasures of southern Morocco and experience the rich culture and breathtaking landscapes of the Moroccan desert.
We will travel through the beautiful High Atlas Mountains to admire the gorgeous highlands and traditional Berber villages. During this two-day desert journey from Marrakech to Zagora, you will have the opportunity to explore the magnificent Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1987 and one of Morocco's most famous landmarks.
Many blockbuster films, including Gladiator, The Mummy, Kingdom of Heaven, and The Message, have been filmed at this prominent kasbah. We will pass through Ouarzazate, known as the "Gateway to the Sahara," and traverse the Anti-Atlas Mountains to reach the picturesque Draa Valley, home to Morocco's longest river. We'll arrive at our favorite site, the serene Zagora Desert.
You will also experience an unforgettable camel ride in the Zagora Desert to watch the sunset, followed by a magical night at a traditional desert camp under the starlit sky. Please note that there are no high dunes in the Zagora Desert — it features smaller dunes and a more rocky terrain compared to the dramatic sand dunes of Erg Chebbi in the Merzouga Desert.
Explore the High Atlas Mountains, Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, and the Zagora Desert on this 2-day adventure.
We leave the red city of Marrakech at 7:30 a.m. and take the road that winds across the High Atlas Mountains. At the highest point is the Tizi n´Tichka Pass, which is 2260 meters tall and offers stunning views of the region.
We take a road to the left to visit the fortified ksar of Ait Benhaddou, made famous by the many blockbuster movies filmed there since the early 60's. You can walk the village to its high point to get a better view and perspective of the location. We continue our journey to Ouarzazate, where we will have a lunch break near Kasbah Taourirt, a cultural and historical place of interest.
After lunch, we will take the road south to Agdz and the mighty Draa Valley, the ancient trade route for Saharan camel trains coming from Timbuktu with gold, spices, and enslaved people and returning with salt. This region has impressive Kasbahs; Tamnougalt is a five-hundred-year-old ksar with many fine examples of rammed earth architecture. The landscapes become more expansive and lunar-like as the Sahara nears, and the vast oasis of date palms is your constant companion.
Finally, we reach Zagora, the last large town before the desert and the native homeland of the Saadian dynasty, which ruled Morocco in the 17th century and whose tombs are in Marrakech.
You will take a camel ride from Zagora to the campsite in an oasis. Here, you can enjoy a nomadic lifestyle for the evening, dine under the stars, listen to local music, and sleep in a desert camp.
Our staff will wake you early to see the sunrise over the dunes, followed by a typical breakfast in the bivouac. We will pack up then and return by camel to meet the driver for the trip back to Marrakech. In the early morning light, the landscape is quite different from the evening; you will see many more kasbahs and local villages, things you missed from the journey down.
We return to Ouarzazate, and you have free time for lunch in a local restaurant. In the afternoon, we cross the Atlas Mountains and reach Marrakech by the late afternoon, where this 2-day desert trip ends with drop-off at your accommodation or airport.
Find answers to the most common questions about our 2-day Morocco tour from Marrakech to Zagora.
The tour includes pick-up from Marrakech and drop-off at your accommodation, private 4x4 or minibus with A/C, an English-speaking driver/guide, 1 night in a desert camp with dinner and breakfast, camel rides in the Zagora Desert, and free time to explore sites like Ait Ben Haddou.
The tour does not include entry fees to monuments, lunches, drinks, and personal expenses. Tips for the driver and guides are also not included but are appreciated.
We recommend packing comfortable clothes, a warm jacket for cool desert nights, closed-toe shoes for camel riding, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a camera to capture the stunning landscapes. Don't forget to bring a power bank for charging your devices.
The camel trek is suitable for most travelers, including children and seniors. However, if you have back problems or other health concerns, please let us know in advance. We also offer 4x4 transfers as an alternative if you prefer not to ride a camel.
Yes, we offer customized tours to suit your preferences. Whether you want to spend more time in a particular city, add extra activities, or adjust the accommodation, we can tailor the itinerary to your needs. Contact us to discuss your requirements.
You will stay in a traditional Berber desert camp featuring comfortable tents with proper bedding, a dining area, and shared bathrooms. The camp provides dinner and breakfast as part of the package.
Absolutely! This tour is family-friendly and suitable for children of all ages. The camel ride is gentle and safe, and the desert camp offers a magical experience that kids love. We can also adjust the pace of the tour to accommodate younger travelers.
We offer complimentary pick-up from Marrakech Airport, or your hotel/riad in Marrakech. Our driver will meet you with a sign and help with your luggage. The tour ends with a drop-off at your accommodation in Marrakech.
Real reviews from our happy travelers who experienced the 2-day Morocco tour from Marrakech to Zagora.
April 18, 2025
This 2-day tour from Marrakech to Zagora was perfect for a quick desert getaway! The drive through the High Atlas mountains was stunning, and Ait Ben Haddou was absolutely incredible – like stepping into a movie set. The camel ride at sunset was magical, and the desert camp was comfortable and welcoming. Our guide was knowledgeable and made the trip memorable. I highly recommend this tour for anyone short on time but wanting to experience the Sahara!
March 22, 2025
I had only two days to experience the desert, and this tour was the perfect solution. We covered so much ground efficiently, yet never felt rushed. The highlight was definitely the camel ride and night in the desert camp – the stars were incredible, and the Berber music around the campfire was unforgettable. The drive through the Draa Valley was spectacular. Great value for money!
February 28, 2025
What a fantastic 2-day adventure! The Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou was breathtaking, and the drive through the Draa Valley was stunning. The camel ride in Zagora was a highlight – watching the sunset over the desert was pure magic. The camp was cozy and the food was delicious. Our guide was friendly and professional. I would definitely recommend this tour to anyone visiting Marrakech!
January 15, 2025
We took this 2-day tour to Zagora for our anniversary and it was the perfect escape! The journey through the Atlas mountains was beautiful, and Ait Ben Haddou was fascinating. The camel ride at sunset and the night in the desert camp were unforgettable. Our guide was wonderful and made sure we had everything we needed. This was a truly special experience we will treasure forever!