Overview
Our 2 day desert tour from Marrakech is the best way to see the Moroccan Sahara when you only have a weekend. This Marrakech to Zagora desert tour crosses the High Atlas Mountains, stops at the UNESCO kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou and follows the Draa Valley, the largest date palm oasis in Morocco.
At sunset you ride a camel into the dunes of Zagora and spend the night in a luxury desert camp, with dinner and Berber drums around the fire. This 2 days Zagora desert trip is fully private, so we stop wherever you want for photos and mint tea.
If you have more time, our 3-day and 5-day Morocco desert tours go to the higher dunes of Merzouga, but for a short overnight desert trip from Marrakech, Zagora is the ideal choice.
Highlights
- Cross the High Atlas Mountains by the Tizi n'Tichka Pass (2,260 m)
- Visit the UNESCO kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou with a local guide
- Drive along the Draa Valley and its fortified villages and palm groves
- Ride a camel at sunset in the Zagora desert
- Sleep under the stars in a luxury desert camp with Berber music
- See Ouarzazate, the Hollywood of Africa
Itinerary · Day by Day
DAY1Marrakech – Tizi n'Tichka – Ait Ben Haddou – Draa Valley – Zagora
We pick you up at your riad or hotel around 7:30 am and cross the High Atlas by the Tizi n'Tichka Pass, with stops for photos and mint tea in Berber villages.
Visit the kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, UNESCO World Heritage site and film set of Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia, then lunch in Ait Ben Haddou or Ouarzazate.
In the afternoon we drive past Agdz and along the Draa Valley, with thousands of date palms, and reach Zagora for a camel ride at sunset to your desert camp. Dinner with drums under the stars.
Luxury desert camp in Zagora, or similar
Private tent with a comfortable bed and a private bathroom with a hot shower. Dinner and breakfast included, with Berber music around the campfire under the stars. We never use basic camps or shared bathrooms.
DAY2Zagora – Ouarzazate – High Atlas – Marrakech
Wake up early for the sunrise over the desert, then breakfast at the camp.
We drive back to Ouarzazate, with time to see the Taourirt Kasbah, and cross the Tizi n'Tichka Pass again.
Arrival at your riad or hotel in Marrakech in the late afternoon.
End of the tour · drop-off at your riad, hotel or the airport
Gallery
Tour Map
Route: Marrakech – Tizi n'Tichka – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Draa Valley – Zagora – Marrakech
Accommodations
Choose one category for your whole trip. The desert camp is always luxury. These are our usual choices; if one is fully booked we arrange a similar hotel of the same category.
| Night | Standard | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Night 1 Zagora desert | Luxury desert camp in Zagora, or similar · luxury desert camp only | ||
Price
The “from” price is for a private group of 17 people or more in standard accommodation. The final price depends on your group size, travel dates and the hotel category you choose. Ask us for a free quote.
What’s included
- Private air-conditioned 4×4 or deluxe van for 2 days
- English or Spanish speaking local driver-guide
- Pick-up and drop-off at your riad, hotel or the airport in Marrakech
- 1 night in a luxury desert camp
- Breakfast and dinner every day (vegetarian and vegan options)
- Camel ride in the dunes (one camel per person)
- Stops for photos and breaks whenever you want
Not included
- Lunches and drinks
- Entrance fees to monuments
- Personal expenses
Booking
If you’re looking to book or personalize this tour itinerary, let us know your ideas and preferences. We’ll craft an experience uniquely tailored to your vision. Our goal is to help you create the perfect Moroccan adventure. Don’t hesitate to contact us by email for more details.
If we haven’t replied to your message, please contact us on WhatsApp at +212 647-064454. We’ll be happy to help you!
Before You Go
- Bring layers: nights can be cold in the mountains and the desert, even in summer (and very cold from November to February).
- Pack sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen and a scarf to protect you from sun and sand.
- Wear comfortable shoes for the medinas, gorges and kasbahs.
- Bring a small bag for the desert night; your big luggage stays safe in the car.
- Have some cash in dirhams for lunches, drinks and small shopping; card payment is rare in villages.
- Roads in the mountains are winding: tell us if you get car sick and we will stop more often.
- Mobile network works in most places, and Wi-Fi is available in the hotels.
Reviews
FAQs
Is this tour private?
Yes. The car, the driver and the guide are only for you and your group. We never mix travelers from different bookings.
Are hotels included?
Yes, every night is included in the category you choose (standard, mid-range or luxury), and the desert night is always in a luxury camp.
Are meals included?
Breakfast and dinner are included every day. Lunches and drinks are not included, so you can choose where and what to eat.
Is the airport transfer included?
Yes. We pick you up at your riad, hotel or the airport in Marrakech and drop you off at the end of the tour in Marrakech.
Can the itinerary be customized?
Of course. You can add a night, change the hotels or add experiences like a nomad family visit, a cooking class or a romantic dinner in the dunes. Tell us your wishes.
What kind of vehicle is used?
A private air-conditioned 4×4 or deluxe van, depending on the size of your group.
What is the best time for this tour?
The tour runs all year. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the most pleasant. Summer days are hot, and winter nights in the mountains and the desert are cold.
