2 Day Morocco Zagora Desert Tour
A short escape over the High Atlas to the palm groves of the Draa Valley and a night under the stars in the Zagora desert.
- Duration2 days / 1 night
- StartMarrakech
- EndMarrakech
- Tour typePrivate tour
- Desert nights1
- DepartureDaily, 8:00 am (flexible)
About this tour
Short on time but dreaming of the desert? This two-day journey packs the essence of southern Morocco into one weekend: the hairpin bends of the Tizi n'Tichka pass, the clay towers of Aït Ben Haddou and the endless palm groves of the Draa Valley.
By late afternoon you swap the car for a camel and ride into the Zagora dunes, where a Berber camp, a tagine dinner and a sky full of stars are waiting. It is the easiest way to taste the Sahara from Marrakech without a long drive.
Tour highlights
- Cross the High Atlas on the Tizi n'Tichka pass (2,260 m)
- Explore the UNESCO-listed Ksar of Aït Ben Haddou
- Drive the Draa Valley, Morocco's longest palm oasis
- Sunset camel ride into the Zagora dunes
- Berber music and dinner around the campfire
- Sunrise over the desert before heading home
Your route
- Marrakech
- Aït Ben Haddou
- Zagora
- Marrakech
Itinerary
Day1 Marrakech → Tizi n'Tichka → Aït Ben Haddou → Zagora
Pick-up at your riad at 7:30 am. We climb into the High Atlas, stopping at viewpoints over terraced Berber villages, then explore the fortified Ksar of Aït Ben Haddou with time to wander its lanes. After lunch in Ouarzazate, the road follows the Draa Valley's palm groves and kasbahs to Zagora. A camel caravan takes you across the dunes to your camp for mint tea, dinner and drums under the stars.
Day2 Zagora → Agdz → Ouarzazate → Marrakech
Wake early to watch the sun rise over the sand, then enjoy breakfast in camp. The drive back follows the green ribbon of the Draa Valley, with a stop at the Agdz viewpoint and a photo break at Taourirt Kasbah in Ouarzazate. We cross the Atlas once more and arrive in Marrakech in the early evening, dropping you at your accommodation.
Price includes & excludes
Included
- Private air-conditioned vehicle (4x4 or minivan) with fuel
- English-speaking driver-guide for the whole journey
- Pick-up in Marrakech and drop-off in Marrakech (hotel, riad or airport)
- 1 night of accommodation in hotels, riads and kasbahs
- 1 night in our desert camp in Zagora
- Camel trek into the dunes at sunset
- Breakfasts and dinners as shown in the itinerary
Not included
- Lunches and drinks
- Entrance fees to monuments and museums
- Local city guides (optional — we can arrange them)
- Optional activities such as quad bikes or sandboarding
- Tips for your driver and camp staff
- Flights and travel insurance
Where you sleep
- Night 1Desert camp, Zagora
Good to know
Private & flexible
Only your group travels in the vehicle. Ask your driver to stop for photos whenever you like, and tell us if you want to change the route or add days.
Your desert camp
Our camp in the Erg Chebbi dunes has comfortable tents with real beds and blankets. Your big luggage stays in the 4x4 — take a small bag for the night.
What to pack
Sunglasses, sunscreen, a scarf for the wind, comfortable shoes and a warm layer: desert nights are cold from November to March.
Best time to travel
October to May is ideal. In summer we start early and rest at midday to avoid the heat. Every season has its own beauty.
Food & diets
Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free meals are possible. Just tell us when you book or let your driver know on day one.
How to book
Send us your dates and number of travellers. We reply with a price for your group. A small deposit confirms the tour; the balance is paid in cash on the first day (euros, dollars or dirhams).
Frequently asked questions
Which vehicles do you use?
Comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles adapted to your group: 4x4 Land Cruisers or minivans for small groups, and Mercedes Sprinter minibuses for groups of 8 or more.
How far in advance should we book?
As early as possible, especially for spring, autumn and holiday periods. Last-minute requests are welcome too — contact us and we will do our best.
How do I pay for the tour?
We ask for a small deposit when you book. The balance is paid in cash to your driver on the first day of the tour, in euros, dollars or Moroccan dirhams.
What happens to my luggage in the desert?
Your suitcases stay safely in the vehicle or are brought to the camp by 4x4. You only need a small backpack for the camel ride.
I don't want to ride a camel. Can I still sleep at the camp?
Of course. We can take you to the camp by 4x4 instead of camel.
Can we change the itinerary?
Yes. All our tours are private, so we can add nights, change hotels, include activities or adjust the route to your wishes.
Is the tour suitable for children and older travellers?
Yes. We adapt the pace, the stops and the accommodation for families and for travellers who prefer an easier rhythm.
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