Our 2 days desert tour from Marrakech to Zagora offers a unique opportunity to explore the Moroccan desert landscape. On this trip, you’ll pass through the High Atlas Mountains, visit historic landmarks, and experience the beauty of the Zagora Desert.
This is the perfect way to enjoy a short yet memorable desert experience, including camel rides and an overnight stay at a traditional Berber camp.
- Duration: 2 Days / 1 Night
- Starting Location: Marrakech
- Ending Location: Marrakech
Depart Time: | 8:00 AM |
Arrival Time: | 18:00 Pm |
Tour Type: | Private Trip |
Price: | Starts at €140 per person |
- Cross the Tizi N-Tichka pass
- Explore the famous Aït Benhaddou village
- Ride camels in the Zagora desert
- Stay overnight in a desert camp
- Enjoy traditional dinner and local music
- Watch the stunning desert sunset
- Experience a peaceful desert sunrise
- Visit the Draa Valley with its palm trees
- See the Taourirt Kasbah in Ouarzazate
Itinerary of the Marrakech To Zagora tour 2 days:
Day 1: Marrakech → Aït Benhaddou → Draa Valley → Zagora
We’ll start early from Marrakech, crossing the attractive Tizi N-Tichka pass. From here, you’ll enjoy amazing views of the High Atlas Mountains and small Berber villages in the hills.
Our first stop will be at Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This ancient fortified village is famous for its unique clay architecture and has appeared in films like Gladiator… You can explore the winding alleys and take in the views from the top of the hill.
After lunch, we will drive through the beautiful Draa Valley, known for its huge stretches of palm trees and old kasbahs.
By the afternoon, we’ll reach Zagora, where you’ll take a camel ride through the desert, watch a breathtaking sunset, and spend the night in a desert camp with dinner and traditional music under the stars.
- Estimate Distance (Km): Approx. 280 Km
- Approx. 8 Hours (Including Stops)
- Accommodation Details:
- Options for Standard Camp:
- 1. Zagora Standard Camp
- 2. Ali Standard Camp
- Sahara Standard Camp
- Options for Luxury Camp:
- 1. Zagora Luxury Camp
- 2. Erg Nakhla Luxury Camp
- 3. Tinfou Luxury Desert Camp
Day 2: Zagora → Ouarzazate → Marrakech
We will start the day early to catch the magical desert sunrise, followed by a peaceful camel ride back to Zagora. After breakfast, we’ll begin our trip back, stopping in Ouarzazate, the “Gateway to the Desert.”
In Ouarzazate, we will visit the historic Taourirt Kasbah, A well-kept old fortress that used to be home to the local leaders. You’ll also have the chance to explore the local film studios, where many famous movies were filmed, like The Jewel of the Nile, The Living Daylights, Aladdin (2019 film), The Mummy, Gladiator, Kingdom of Heaven
We will continue our drive through the High Atlas Mountains, enjoying the stunning scenery before arriving back in Marrakech by the evening.
- Estimate Distance (Km): Approx. 280 Km
- Approx. 7 Hours (including Stops)
Included:
- Transportation in an air-conditioned minibus & Gaz
- Camel trek for sunset and sunrise in the Zagora desert
- Overnight stay in a traditional luxury camp
- Dinner and breakfast at the desert camp
- Guided visit to Aït Benhaddou
- Visit to Ouarzazate and Taourirt Kasbah
- Free time to explore Draa Valley and scenic stops
- Professional, English-speaking driver/guide
Excluded:
- Lunches on both days
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Entrance fees to monuments (if applicable)
Gallery:
Know Before You Go:
1. Start Early: The tour begins early, so be prepared for an early morning departure from your accommodation or even from the airport if you arrive in Marrakech on the same day.
2. Dress Comfortably: The journey crosses different climates, from cooler mountain passes to the warm desert, so dress in layers.
3. Carry Water and Snacks: While stops are made along the way, having water and some snacks is handy, especially during long drives.
4. Bring Cash: There may be opportunities to buy souvenirs or lunch along the way, and cash is useful, especially in smaller villages.
5. Photography: The scenic Tizi n’Tichka pass, Aït Benhaddou, and the Draa Valley offer stunning photo opportunities, so keep your camera ready.
6. Prepare for Camel Ride: The camel ride might be a bit bumpy, so consider wearing comfortable pants and closed shoes.
7. Sun Protection: Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, as the sun can be strong in the desert, even during the early morning or late afternoon.
8. Enjoy the Evening: Participate in the traditional drumming and music at the camp for an authentic experience.
9. Choose the Right Accommodation: There are two options, a standard desert camp or a luxury camp. Select the one that suits your preference for comfort.
10. Charge Your Devices: There might be limited charging facilities in the desert camp, so make sure your phone and camera are fully charged before the trip.
Accommodation Options: Luxury Vs Standard Camps
Luxury Desert Camp:
The luxury desert camp offers high-end services, including private bathrooms, air conditioning, and high-quality meals. The tents are spacious, with comfortable bedding, private seating areas, and beautifully decorated interiors. You will enjoy added privacy and comfort in a premium setting, making your desert stay as comfortable as possible.
Standard Desert Camp:
The standard camp is a more affordable option but still provides a comfortable and authentic experience. It offers basic services such as shared bathrooms and simple but comfortable tents. Meals are traditional Moroccan dishes served in a communal setting, giving you a taste of the local culture.
Note: If these camps are booked, there are other great options in Merzouga with both standard and luxury stays for a great desert experience.
Pricing Overview for the 2-Day Marrakech to Zagora Desert Tour
The 2-Day Marrakech Desert Tour starts at €140 per person. The total cost depends on factors such as group size, your choice of desert camp (luxury or standard), and travel dates.
The larger your group, the more affordable the price per person becomes. For exact, customized pricing, it’s best to contact the tour provider directly.
Group Size | Estimate Price (Per person) |
6 Person | From €140 |
5 Person | From €140 |
4 Person | From €150 |
3 Person | From €170 |
6 Person | From €190 |
1 Person | From €250 |
- The price per person decreases as the group size increases.
- Prices include transportation, accommodation (standard camp), and basic meals.
- Upgrades like a luxury camp or additional activities will increase the price per person
Choose Your Tour Type: Private Trip VS Shared Trip
Choose a private trip for more flexibility or a shared trip for a budget-friendly group option. See the table below for details.
Private Trip | Shared Trip |
Customized itinerary | Fixed itinerary |
Flexible departure time | Set departure time |
Exclusive vehicle and guide | Shared vehicle and guide with others |
Luxury camp or riad accommodation | Standard room in camp or riad |
140 euros per person | 95 euros per person |
Extra Activities:
We offer extra activities to make your trip even more special. Whether before, during, or after the tour, we can arrange unique experiences based on your preferences. Just let us know what you’d like!
Before/After Trip | During The Trip |
1. Airport Transfers 6. Day Trip Agafay | 1. Professional Photographer |
Places to Visit on Your 2 Days Tour Marrakech to Zagora Desert:
1. Tizi n’Tichka Pass
The Tizi n’Tichka Pass is a high road that winds through the High Atlas Mountains. It offers beautiful views of the mountains, valleys, and small Berber villages made of stone and mud.
2. Aït Benhaddou
Aït Benhaddou is an old village made of mud-brick buildings and surrounded by high walls. It’s a special place because it has been standing for centuries, looking much like it did long ago.
3. Draa Valley
The Draa Valley is a long, green valley filled with palm trees and mud-brick houses. It runs along the Draa River, which helps make the land fertile for growing fruits like dates and figs.
4. Zagora Desert
The Zagora Desert is a rocky desert with small dunes. It’s different from the big, rolling dunes in other parts of Morocco, but it’s still a beautiful and quiet place. The desert is flat and wide, with very little vegetation, giving it a rugged look.
What is the Best Time to Go on a Marrakech to Zagora trip?
The best time to take a 2 days tour from Marrakech to Zagora is in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November).
Is there Wi-Fi or electricity at the desert camp?
In most desert camps, there is limited electricity and sometimes no Wi-Fi. Some camps may offer basic power for charging phones, but it’s a good idea to prepare to disconnect for the night and enjoy the peaceful environment.
Is the desert very hot at night?
While the desert can be very hot during the day, the temperature drops significantly at night. The evenings and nights in the desert are often cool or even cold, especially in the winter months. It’s important to bring warm clothing such as a jacket, sweater, or extra layers to stay comfortable after the sun sets.
What if I don’t want to ride a camel?
If you prefer not to ride a camel, don’t worry! There is an alternative option available. Instead of riding the camel to the desert camp, you can choose to travel by vehicle. The tour guide will arrange for you to be driven to the camp by a 4×4 car.
Do I need to bring bedding or sleeping bags?
No, you do not need to bring bedding or sleeping bags for the desert trip. The desert camp provides all the necessary bedding, including blankets, sheets, and pillows. The tents are set up with comfortable beds, so you can rest and sleep well after a day of exploring the desert.
Do we stay in a tent or a hotel in the desert?
During the desert tour, you will stay in a luxury privacy tent at the desert camp. The tents provide a unique and authentic experience, allowing you to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the desert. The tents are comfortable and set up with beds and blankets, so you don’t need to worry about bringing your bedding.
Important:
You have the option to customize your trip to fit your preferences. If our suggested itinerary doesn’t suit your plans, you can choose the number of days you want to spend and the places you’d like to visit.
Whether you want to explore different locations, add more stops, or change the length of the tour, we can adjust everything to match your interests, you may like our 3 days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga
Additionally, the price will vary depending on the number of people in your group.
Let us know your preferences, and we’ll help design the perfect trip for you!
Related Tours From Marrakech
Marrkech To Merzouga Desert Tours | Marrkech To Fes Desert Tours |
→ 3 Days Tour From Marrakech | → Marrakech to Fes tour 2 days → 3 Days Tour Marrakech to Fes |