2-Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Zagora – Aït Ben Haddou, Draa Valley & Camel Trek
- 2 days / 1 night
- Departs from Marrakech
- Tours
- Private
- Shared
Program overview
This 2-day desert tour from Marrakech to Zagora is the perfect short Sahara experience for travelers with limited time who still want to explore Morocco’s desert landscapes, ancient kasbahs, and Berber culture.
Departing from Marrakech, this immersive Zagora desert tour takes you across the spectacular High Atlas Mountains, through the famous Tizi n’Tichka Pass, and to the iconic Aït Ben Haddou UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will then travel along the lush Draa Valley, home to one of the longest palm groves in Morocco, before reaching the desert town of Zagora.
The highlight of this 2-day Sahara desert trip from Marrakech is a magical camel trek at sunset in Zagora, followed by an overnight stay in a traditional desert camp, a Berber dinner, and live Berber music around the campfire. On day two, enjoy a sunrise camel ride, breakfast in the desert, and a scenic return journey to Marrakech through the Atlas Mountains.
This tour is ideal for couples, families, and first-time visitors looking for an authentic Morocco desert tour in 2 days.
Highlights
- Cross the High Atlas Mountains & Tizi n’Tichka Pass
- Visit Aït Ben Haddou (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Explore the Draa Valley palm groves
- Camel trek in Zagora desert at sunset
- Overnight in a Zagora desert camp
- Berber dinner & traditional music show
- Sunrise camel ride in the desert
Hotel, riad, or central meeting point in Marrakech (Jamaa El Fna area),Airport pickup available on request.
Prices (per person, in euros)
Private tour
| Group size | Standard | Luxury | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | €299 | €399 | €449 |
| 2 person | €190 | €269 | €299 |
| 3-4 and more | €170 | €249 | €279 |
Shared tour
| Group size | Standard | Luxury | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 and more | €59 | €89 | €119 |
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1Marrakech → High Atlas → Aït Ben Haddou → Draa Valley → Zagora
Your 2-day desert tour from Marrakech to Zagora starts early in the morning with pickup from your hotel or meeting point in Marrakech. Leave the city behind and travel through the breathtaking High Atlas Mountains, crossing the famous Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 m), with several stops for panoramic photos of Amazigh villages and mountain landscapes.
Arrive at the legendary Aït Ben Haddou, a magnificent UNESCO-listed kasbah and one of the most important historical sites in southern Morocco. Enjoy free time to explore the ksar, its narrow alleys, fortified towers, and stunning views over the surrounding desert plains.
After lunch near Ouarzazate, continue your journey through the stunning Draa Valley, famous for its endless palm groves, traditional villages, and ancient kasbahs built along the river. This region is one of Morocco’s most fertile oasis areas and offers a striking contrast to the surrounding desert.
In the late afternoon, arrive in Zagora, where your camel team will be waiting. Embark on a memorable camel trek at sunset, riding through wind-shaped dunes as the sky turns golden and orange. Continue to your Zagora desert camp, where you will enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner, followed by a Berber music show around the campfire under the stars.
Overnight: Desert Camp in Zagora
Meals: Dinner
Day 2Zagora → High Atlas Mountains → Marrakech
Wake up early to experience the peaceful desert atmosphere and enjoy a traditional Berber breakfast at the camp. Then, set off on a sunrise camel ride across the Zagora desert, a magical moment and one of the highlights of this short Sahara desert tour.
After returning to Zagora village, meet your driver and begin the return journey from Zagora to Marrakech, once again crossing the High Atlas Mountains. Enjoy scenic stops along the way to admire mountain landscapes, valleys, and traditional Berber villages.
Arrive back in Marrakech in the late afternoon or early evening, marking the end of your 2-day Marrakech to Zagora desert tour. End of the tour
Meals: Breakfast
What’s included
Inclusions
- Transportation in air-conditioned minibus or 4×4 vehicle
- Professional licensed driver-guide (English / French speaking)
- Pick-up and drop-off in Marrakech
- Guided visit of Aït Ben Haddou (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Camel trek in Zagora desert at sunset
- Sunrise camel ride in Zagora dunes
- 1 night accommodation in a Zagora Desert Camp (traditional tent)
- Traditional Moroccan dinner at the desert camp
- Breakfast at the camp
- Berber music show around the campfire
- Fuel, tolls, parking & logistics during the tour
Exclusions
- Lunches & drinks
- Entrance fees not mentioned as included
- Personal expenses & tips
- Optional desert activities, such as:
- Sahara desert safari experiences
- Quad biking in Zagora dunes
- 4×4 off-road desert excursions & dune bashing
- Pickup outside central Marrakech (extra fees may apply)
Additional information
- Tour is 100% private and customizable
- Optional desert activities available on request & payable locally
- If you prefer not to ride camels, transfer to camp by 4x4 vehicle is possible
- Vegetarian & special diets available (please inform us in advance)
- Suitable for couples, families, groups & solo travelers
Why choose this tour?
Frequently asked questions
Is this a private or shared tour?
This is a private tour, meaning the vehicle, driver-guide, and experiences are exclusively for you and your group, ensuring comfort, flexibility and a more personalized journey.
What type of accommodation is included?
The tour includes handpicked boutique hotels, a desert riad in Merzouga, and an overnight stay in a luxury Sahara desert camp with private tents, comfortable beds and en-suite bathrooms.
Is the camel trek optional?
Yes, the camel ride across the Erg Chebbi dunes is optional. If you prefer, you can reach the desert camp comfortably in a private 4x4 vehicle.
What should I pack for the desert tour?
We recommend comfortable clothing, walking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat and a light jacket for cooler evenings in the desert. Luggage is safely transported during the tour.
Is the tour suitable for couples or honeymooners?
Absolutely. This luxury Morocco desert tour is especially popular with the couples and honeymooners, offering privacy, romantic desert sunsets, and peaceful boutique accommodations.
How long are the driving days?
Driving times vary by day and are clearly outlined in the itinerary. Regular stops are made for sightseeing, photos, meals and rest ensuring a comfortable and relaxed journey.
Are meals included in the tour?
Daily breakfasts and dinners (especially at the desert camp) are included. Lunch is usually enjoyed at selected local restaurants allowing flexibility and choice.
What language does the driver-guide speak?
Your driver-guide speaks English (and often additional languages) and is experienced, knowledgeable and familiar with the regions you visit.
Is this tour safe?
Yes. safety and comfort are top priorities. You will travel in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced professional driver-guide throughout the journey.
Can the itinerary be customized?
Yes. This tour can be customized to match your preferences, including accommodation upgrades, added stops or change activities.
How do we book the tour?
Simply contact us through the booking form or inquiry section. Our team will assist you with availability, customization and confirmation.
Is this tour suitable for first-time visitors to Morocco?
Absolutely. This tour is ideal for first-time travelers, covering Morocco’s most iconic landscapes, culture and desert experiences in a smooth, well-organized itinerary.
Will there be Wi-Fi and charging facilities?
Wi-Fi available in most accommodations. Vehicles are equipped with charging ports for phones and cameras.
Is this tour suitable for families or older travelers?
Yes. This tour is suitable for families, couples and seniors. Activities are adjustable and driving is done at a comfortable pace with regular breaks.