2-day Marrakech to Zagora desert tour
Short on time but longing for the desert? Cross the High Atlas to Zagora, the palm-fringed gateway to the Sahara, and spend a night under the stars.
- Duration2 days, 1 night
- Starts and endsYour Marrakech riad, door to door
- Travel style100% private, just your group
- VehiclePrivate 4×4 or minivan
The desert, in just two days
Our 2-day Marrakech to Zagora desert tour is the perfect short escape: a 100% private journey over the High Atlas, through Aït Ben Haddou and the Draa Valley, to a night at a desert camp near Zagora.
- Tizi n’Tichka passCross one of North Africa’s highest mountain passes, with sweeping views.
- Aït Ben HaddouStep back in time at the UNESCO-listed ksar, an ancient caravan stop.
- Draa ValleyAn endless corridor of date palms and fortified villages.
- Sunset camel trekRide into the Zagora dunes as the sky turns gold and violet.
- A night at campBerber hospitality at a traditional desert camp, under a canopy of stars.
- Desert sunriseA quiet, unforgettable start to the day as the sun rises over the dunes.
Your 2-day desert trip, day by day
Every stop can be adjusted. Linger longer, skip a visit or add a walk: your driver adapts the plan on the day.
- Marrakech
- Tizi n’Tichka
- Aït Ben Haddou
- Draa Valley
- ZagoraNight 1
- Agdz
- Ouarzazate
- Marrakech
Day 1
Marrakech to Zagora, via the High Atlas and Aït Ben Haddou
Your 2-day Marrakech to Zagora desert tour begins with an early departure over the High Atlas, on the winding roads of the Tizi n’Tichka pass at 2,260 metres. Our first major stop is the world-famous Aït Ben Haddou, where we explore the clay architecture of this ancient caravan stop.
After lunch we continue through the Anti-Atlas and descend into the lush Draa Valley. In Zagora, you’ll meet your camels for a trek into the dunes, and spend the evening at a private desert camp with a traditional Moroccan dinner and Berber drums around the campfire.
Overnight in a traditional desert camp near Zagora, with dinner and breakfast
Day 2
Zagora to Marrakech, via Agdz and Ouarzazate
Wake early to catch the sunrise over the dunes, a quiet, spiritual start to the day. After breakfast at camp, you ride back by camel to meet the vehicle, then follow the Draa River to Agdz, stopping for photos of the historic kasbahs along the way.
We pass through Ouarzazate, the “door of the desert”, and cross the High Atlas once more, with time for flexible stops at local cooperatives or viewpoints. We reach Marrakech by early evening, concluding your 2-day Marrakech to Zagora desert tour.
Clear from the start
Here is exactly what your quote covers, and what it doesn’t.
Included
- Private air-conditioned 4×4 or minivan
- All vehicle costs and fuel
- Pick-up and drop-off at your Marrakech riad
- 1 night in a traditional Berber desert camp
- Sunset and sunrise camel treks
- Traditional dinner and breakfast
- A 100% private experience for your group
- Bottled water in the vehicle
- Flexible photo stops
Not included
- Lunches and drinks
- Entrance fees to monuments
- Personal expenses and tips
Before you go
The questions travelers ask most about this trip.
Can we see the big dunes on this tour?
The big dunes of Erg Chebbi need at least 3 days. Zagora offers an authentic desert landscape much closer to Marrakech. For the big dunes, see our 3-day private desert trip.
What is the Zagora desert like?
Zagora is mostly stony desert (reg), with smaller dunes rather than the huge sand seas of Merzouga. It gives a true desert atmosphere when you’re short on time.
How long is the drive?
Day 1 involves about 6 to 7 hours of driving, with frequent stops for your comfort.
Are there showers at the camp?
Our standard Zagora camps have clean, shared facilities. Luxury upgrades with private bathrooms are available on request.
Is the camel ride mandatory?
No. If you’d rather not ride, your private vehicle can take you straight to the camp.
Does it get cold at night?
Even in summer the desert can feel cool at night, so a light jacket is recommended.
Can we upgrade or add activities?
Yes. Stay in a luxury kasbah instead of a tent, or add a quad bike session in the dunes. Just let us know.
When is the best time to go?
October to April is the most comfortable season. Summer days in the desert are very hot and winter nights can be cold, so we’ll help you plan around the weather.
Request this trip, or make it yours
This is our most popular short trip, and we can fully customize it for you, from a luxury kasbah instead of a tent to a quad bike session in the dunes. Tell me what you have in mind and I’ll handle the logistics.
- Camps and riads we’ve checked personally
- No forced shopping stops, ever
- 100% Berber-owned: what you pay stays in Morocco
Request this tour
Share your dates and group size, and I’ll reply with a tailored quote for this trip.
Free and with no obligation. Nothing is booked until you confirm.
Explore other popular trips
Every tour is private and can be tailored to your pace and interests.