Tour info
$200
Tour Overview
Join an unforgettable 2-day tour from Marrakech to Zagora to discover the beauty of Morocco's scenery in the desert. Cross the beautiful High Atlas Mountains through the Tizi n'Tichka pass, and stop by traditional Berber villages to learn about the local culture and way of life. Experience the famous Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featured in many films and shows, before heading to Ouarzazate, known as the "Hollywood of Africa."
Drive through the Draa Valley, the longest river valley in Morocco, before arriving at the Zagora Desert. Take a professional camel ride at sunset, alongside the desert nocturnal ambience, and then enjoy an overnight stay in a traditional desert campground under the stars.
On the second day, enjoy a spectacular sunrise in the desert before returning to Marrakech, stopping for sightseeing and lunch, as desired, on the return journey. This tour is ideal for travelers seeking a short stay in the Sahara Desert that combines adventure, culture, and comfort in just two days!
2-Day Desert Tour Itinerary: From Marrakech to Zagora
01
DAY 01 - Marrakech - Ait Benhaddou - Ouarzazate - Draa Valley - Zagora Dunes
We leave the red city of Marrakech at 07:00 am and take the road that winds its way across the High Atlas Mountains. At the highest point is the Tizi n'Tichka Pass, located at an altitude of 2,260 meters, offering 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 that have been filmed there since the early 1960s. You can take a walk to the village's high point to obtain a better view and perspective of the location.
We continue our journey to the city of Ouarzazate, where we will take a lunch break near Kasbah Taourirt, a cultural and historical site 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 is full of impressive kasbahs, such as Tamnougalt, a 500-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.
We reach Zagora, the last large town before the desert and the native homeland of the Saadian dynasty, who ruled in Morocco in the 17th century and whose tombs can be seen in Marrakech.
From Zagora, you will take a camel ride to the campsite located in an oasis where you can enjoy a nomadic lifestyle for the evening, dine under the stars, listen to local music, and sleep in a nomad tent.
- Drive distance: Marrakech to Zagora - approx. 360 km (around 6 hours)
02
DAY 02 - Zagora desert - Agdez - High Atlas Mountains- Tizi N Tichka Pass - Marrakech
We will wake up 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 may have missed during 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 a drop-off at your accommodation, airport, or specified place.
- Drive: Zagora dunes to Marrakesh – approx. 348 km (around 5 hours 40 mins)
Highlights of 2 Days Tour from Marrakech to Zagora
- ● Drive across the High Atlas Mountains via Tizi n’Tichka Pass
- ● Explore the UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah
- ● Visit Kasbah Taourirtand the film studios in Ouarzazate
- ● Discover the scenic beauty of the Draa Valley and ancient caravan routes
- ● Take a sunset camel ride in the Zagora Desert
- ● Watch the sunset over the Sahara Desert
- ● Sleep in a traditional Berber desert camp under the stars
- ● Enjoy local music and cuisine around a campfire
- ● Experience a magical sunrise in the desert before heading back
- ● Travel through scenic Berber villages and rugged landscapes
- ● Return to Marrakech with scenic photo stops along the way
Included And Excluded
- Pickup and drop-off at your accommodation
- Private modern transportation with A/C
- English-speaking driver with prior experience
- Camel trek in the Sahara desert
- Overnight stay in a private Berber tent
- Dinner and breakfast at desert camp
- Beverages
- Lunches
- Entrance to monuments (Optional)
- Leaving a tip (Optional)
Accommodation Details
We carefully select lodgings to ensure both comfort and authenticity throughout your tour. Accommodations may be adjusted based on availability, and upgrades are available upon request to enhance your experience.
- Night 1 – Desert Camp Accommodation in Zagora:
- Standard: Traditional Desert Camp – Private tents with basic comforts, camel ride, Berber music, and dinner under the stars included
- Superior: Luxury Desert Camp – Private en-suite tents with air conditioning, gourmet meals, and enhanced amenities in an oasis setting
Tour Prices & Options
Choose the group size that fits your travel style and enjoy a worry-free experience. Our prices include transportation, carefully selected accommodations, and all listed activities for a seamless and memorable trip
- 2 People €220 per person
- 4 People €150 per person
- 6+ People €120 per person
- Custom Pricing Flexible options available for solo travelers, families, or larger groups
Tour Map
Customer Reviews – 2-Day Zagora Desert Tour from Marrakech
Read real traveler testimonials about our unforgettable overnight camel trek from Marrakech to Zagora.
5 out of 5 stars
Very enjoyable 2 day tour
"We did a family 2 day tour from Marrakesh to Zagora with an overnight camel trek. Our driver was very friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. We enjoyed all the experiences and views along the way. The trip could be customised along the way depending on how long we wanted to spend and what we wanted to do. The whole time was very relaxed and enjoyable."
5 out of 5 stars
2-day trip to Zagora
"I took the 2-day tour/camel trek to Zagora with Ibrahim as my guide. He was a great guide and was very happy to stop along the way for us to be able to take photos of the beautiful scenery. Good guide, good trip. One of the best parts of my vacation thus far"
5 out of 5 stars
Incredible Zagora Desert Trip – Memorable and Fun!
"We had a fantastic time on the 2-day Zagora desert tour with Idir. He was well-informed and humorous, immediately making us feel at ease upon departing Marrakech, and was a pleasure to be in the company of. The scenery and experience through the High Atlas Mountains and stops in the Berber villages en route were wonderful. Riding camels into the desert as the sun set was a magical experience we will never forget. Our desert camp was cozy, including excellent food and great local music around the campfire while we gazed at the stars. Waking up to a sunrise over the dunes was breathtaking. Idir truly went above and beyond to help ensure we had a memorable and authentic experience. I highly recommend asking for him as your guide!"
5 out of 5 stars
2 day trip Zagora with Ibrahim
"We had the best time with Ibrahim on this 2 day 1 night tour into Zagora desert. He was funny, helpful, and an awesome tour guide. We rode into zagora from Marrakesh, making stops along the way for pictures, food and to take in the culture. When we got to the desert we got onto camels and took a 1.5 hour trek to our base camp, where we had great food, listened to music, and looked at the stars. In the morning we woke up and saw the sunrise. 100% recommend this trip, and ask for Ibrahim as your tour guide!"
FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2-Day Zagora Desert Tour from Marrakech
Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our 2-day desert tour from Marrakech to Zagora. Learn more about what’s included, comfort level, and useful travel details before you go.
Most itineraries plan for a full day of driving with scenic stops, or a 2-day trip with an overnight in the desert. Travel times vary with weather, traffic, and the number of stops along the High Atlas route.
Yes. Zagora offers classic desert experiences with closer access from Marrakech. Dunes are smaller than Merzouga, but you still get camel rides, sunset views, and stargazing at a desert camp.
The cooler months are most comfortable. Spring and fall offer mild days and cool nights. Summer brings high heat, so early morning and late afternoon activities are better.
A guided tour handles transport, timing, and camp bookings, which reduces risk on mountain roads. Self-driving is possible if you are confident with long distances and winding passes, and you plan fuel, food, and daylight carefully.
