Zagora Desert Tour: 2 Days and 1 Night Experience the Sahara just a short journey away from Marrakech.
- Duration: 2 days
- From: Marrakech
- Arrival: Marrakech
The Zagora Desert tour is a favorite choice for many of our travelers for two main reasons: its stunning sandy scenery and its close distance to Marrakech, which serves as both the starting and ending point of the journey. So, if you’re short on time and can’t make it all the way to the renowned Merzouga Desert but still want to experience the authentic charm of the Sahara atop majestic dromedaries, this excursion to Zagora is ideal for you. You’ll find all the details on this page.
Services included
- Pick-up in Marrakech, at your hotel or at the agreed location
- 4x4 route, with a Spanish-speaking driver/guide
- Assistance and accompaniment throughout the excursion
- Camel ride to the tent camp
- Dinner at the tent camp
- Accommodation in a Berber tent
- Assistance at destination
Services not included
- Arrival and return flights
- Lunches
- Drinks
- Tickets to monuments
- Tips
- Schedule
Day 1
The first day of the Zagora Desert trip begins in Marrakech. Our Spanish-speaking driver/guide will pick you up from your hotel or a prearranged meeting point to begin the journey south toward Ouarzazate. This route takes us across the Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, situated at about 2,200 meters above sea level. As we ascend and descend, the winding road reveals small mountain villages and stunning panoramic vistas.
After crossing this impressive natural barrier, we’ll enter lands long inhabited by the Berber people. Leaving behind Ouarzazate often called the “Gateway to the Desert” we’ll continue through the Draa Valley, the largest palm grove in Africa, stretching over 150 km. This lush corridor brings a splash of green to our path and is dotted with traditional kasbahs and modest vegetable gardens maintained by local villagers.
By afternoon, we’ll reach Zagora, the namesake of this desert region. From here, we’ll make our way to a tented camp nestled deep in the desert.
We’ll travel the traditional way riding noble dromedaries, guided by their experienced handlers. Once at the camp, you’ll enjoy the sunset, followed by dinner and a night’s rest beneath a sky full of stars.
Summary of the day
- Departure from Marrakech by vehicle with a Spanish-speaking driver
- Road trip through the Atlas Mountains and the Draa Valley
- Lunch on the road
- Sunset in the desert
- Camel ride
- Dinner and overnight stay at the tent camp
Day 2
On the second day of the Zagora Desert excursion, the golden sands will greet you with a heartwarming “good morning” as the sun rises, making the included breakfast even more memorable. Afterward, we’ll leave the camp by camel and begin our return journey through the Draa Valley toward Ouarzazate, where we’ll pause to capture photos at the Taourirt Kasbah. A few kilometers further, we’ll reach the iconic Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where we’ll take time to explore this legendary setting. Shortly after, we’ll visit the Telouet Kasbah as well (entry to both sites is optional).
Back on the road, we’ll travel the final 130 kilometers through the Atlas Mountains to return to Marrakech. Whether at your hotel, the airport, or another agreed-upon location, our services will end here with the hope that this experience will remain among your most cherished memories.
Summary of the day
- Sunrise and breakfast at the tent camp
- Camel ride
- Visit to the Kasbah of Ben Ait Haddou
- Visit to the Telouet kasbah
- Lunch on the road
- Arrival in Marrakech and farewell
- Photos
- Map
- FAQ
Morocco Turism offers an extensive selection of tours, from explorations of the imperial cities to thrilling journeys through the Sahara Desert. For more information, check out our tours page.
Tour durations vary, ranging from quick weekend escapes to extended trips of over a week. You can select the option that best fits your schedule and interests.
The cities you’ll visit depend on the tour you select, but options often include Marrakech, Fez, Casablanca, Chefchaouen, and more. Each tour features a detailed itinerary available on our website.
Definitely. Your safety is our highest priority. We partner with professional guides and skilled drivers to provide you with a secure and unforgettable travel experience.
Our tours feature a variety of accommodations, including boutique hotels and traditional riads. Each option is thoughtfully chosen to provide both comfort and an authentic Moroccan experience.
Yes, at Morocco Turism, we recognize that every traveler is different. Reach out to us to tailor your tour according to your preferences and specific interests.
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