2 Days / 1 Night Excursion to Zagora Desert from Marrakech (Standard)
Explore Tours
Looking for a short yet immersive desert experience? This 2-day shared tour from Marrakech to Zagora offers you the chance to explore Morocco’s stunning landscapes, visit historical sites, and experience the magic of the Sahara Desert. You’ll ride camels, stay in a traditional desert camp, and witness unforgettable sunsets and sunrises over the dunes.
Our shared group tours are designed for those seeking authentic and affordable desert adventures without sacrificing comfort. With a small group size of up to 15 people, you’ll have the chance to meet fellow travelers while enjoying a more intimate experience. Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or as a couple, this tour offers the perfect balance between adventure and cultural.
Included/Exclude
- Transport: Travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned minibus with an experienced driver.
- Camel Trek: Enjoy a camel trek to and from the desert camp, with time to admire the desert scenery.
- Accommodation: 1 night in a traditional desert bivouac camp, featuring clean and comfortable tents.
- Meals: Breakfast and dinner are included, offering traditional Moroccan dishes.
- Pick-up and Drop-off: Complimentary pick-up and drop-off service from your hotel or riad in Marrakech.
- Lunches
- Drinks
- Entrance Fees
- Tipping
Tour Amenities
Tour Plan
08:00: Depart from Marrakech, crossing the scenic Tizi n'Tichka Pass, which reaches an altitude of 2,260 meters. Enjoy panoramic views of the High Atlas Mountains.
Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou: Your first major stop will be the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou. Famous for its striking architecture and as the backdrop for numerous films, this ancient kasbah is a must-see for history and cinema enthusiasts.
Lunch in Ouarzazate: After visiting the kasbah, continue to Ouarzazate, Morocco’s "Hollywood of Africa," for a relaxing lunch break.
Drâa Valley: Travel through the lush Drâa Valley, known for its beautiful palm groves, Berber villages, and kasbahs.
Camel Trek: Arrive in Zagora by late afternoon and prepare for your camel trek. A 1.5-hour ride will take you through the golden dunes, where you’ll enjoy the tranquility of the desert and witness a breathtaking sunset.
Dinner & Bivouac Camp: Reach the desert bivouac camp, where you’ll be welcomed with traditional mint tea. Enjoy a delicious Moroccan dinner under the stars and spend the night in a comfortable tent.
Sunrise in the Desert: Rise early to experience the magical desert sunrise—one of the highlights of the trip. Capture beautiful photos as the dunes change colors with the rising sun.
Breakfast at the Camp: After a refreshing breakfast, you'll prepare for your return journey to Marrakech.
Visit Ouarzazate: Stop once again in Ouarzazate, where you’ll have the chance to visit the famous Atlas Film Studios or the historic Kasbah Taourirt, if time allows.
Return to Marrakech: Continue your scenic drive back to Marrakech, passing through small desert towns. Expect to arrive in Marrakech around 19:00, completing your 2-day desert adventure filled with memories.
Cultural Interaction: During your journey through the Drâa Valley, you’ll have the chance to interact with local Berber villagers. You’ll experience their warm hospitality and learn about traditional desert life.
Stargazing Experience: The Zagora desert offers a stunningly clear sky, perfect for stargazing. After dinner, relax around a campfire and gaze up at the star-filled desert sky.
Professional Guides: Our expert guides ensure that you’ll learn about the history, culture, and landscape of the regions you visit, offering you the best possible experience.
Comfort and Authenticity: While this is a shared, budget-friendly tour, we prioritize comfort and authentic experiences. Your accommodation will be clean and cozy, and our local partners ensure a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Sustainable Tourism: By booking with us, you support local communities and sustainable tourism practices. We collaborate with local Berber families and businesses, ensuring that your visit positively impacts the region.
Easy and Flexible Booking: Book online, via phone, or WhatsApp. We also offer free cancellation, so you can book with confidence.
1.What is included in the Zagora Desert tour?
The tour includes transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned minibus, a camel trek to and from the desert camp, one night’s accommodation in a traditional desert bivouac camp, breakfast and dinner with traditional Moroccan dishes, and pick-up and drop-off service from your accommodation in Marrakech.
2.How long is the camel trek in Zagora?
The camel trek lasts approximately 1.5 hours, taking you through the stunning golden dunes of the Zagora desert, with a breathtaking sunset to enjoy during the ride.
3.What can I expect from the desert bivouac camp?
You will stay in a traditional desert bivouac camp where you'll experience Moroccan hospitality. The camp offers comfortable, clean tents, and the chance to enjoy a delicious Moroccan dinner under the stars.
2.How do I get from Marrakech to Zagora?
The journey from Marrakech to Zagora takes about 6-7 hours. You'll pass through the scenic Tizi n'Tichka Pass in the High Atlas Mountains, the famous UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou, and the picturesque Drâa Valley with its palm groves and Berber villages.
3.What are the highlights of the 2-day Zagora Desert tour?
Highlights include the camel trek into the desert for a stunning sunset and sunrise, visiting Ait Ben Haddou, experiencing the culture of the Drâa Valley, and stargazing under one of the clearest skies in Morocco.
4.Is this tour suitable for families or solo travelers?
Yes, this tour is perfect for both solo travelers and families. Our small group sizes (up to 15 people) offer a more intimate experience, making it ideal for those traveling alone, with friends, or with family members.
5.Is the 2-day desert tour from Marrakech safe?
Yes, your safety is our top priority. The tour is guided by professional, experienced local guides. The camel trek is safe and suited for all ages, and your driver is knowledgeable about the terrain. We also provide comfortable transportation and accommodations to ensure a secure and pleasant journey.
6.What should I bring for the Zagora desert tour?
We recommend bringing comfortable clothes, a hat, sunscreen, camera, warm layers for the evening (desert nights can get cold), and a good pair of shoes for the camel trek.
7.Can I book this tour last minute?
Yes, we offer flexible booking and free cancellation, so you can book your tour with confidence, even if you’re planning your trip last minute.
8.What is the best time to visit the Zagora Desert?
The best times to visit the Zagora Desert are in spring (March to May) and fall (September to November), when the weather is pleasant and not too hot. Summer months can be very hot, but the desert nights offer a refreshing break.
9.What is the difference between the Zagora and Merzouga desert tours?
The main difference lies in the location and desert landscapes. Zagora offers a shorter, more accessible desert experience, with camel trekking into the golden dunes for a sunset and sunrise experience. Merzouga, on the other hand, offers larger dunes and a more immersive desert experience, ideal for those who want a longer stay in the desert.
10.Will I have a chance to experience local culture on the tour?
Yes, during the tour, you'll have opportunities to meet local Berber villagers in the Drâa Valley and learn about their desert life. You’ll also enjoy cultural interactions such as stargazing, sharing mint tea with locals, and experiencing Moroccan hospitality firsthand.
11.How much time will I spend in the desert?
The total time spent in the desert is about 12-14 hours, including the camel trek in the evening and morning, and overnight camping under the stars.
12.Can I extend my tour to visit other places in Morocco?
Yes, if you're interested in extending your Moroccan adventure, we can customize your itinerary to include more destinations such as Fes, Merzouga, or Essaouira. Feel free to ask for recommendations.