2-day desert tour from Marrakech to Zagora

2-Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Zagora

This 2-day desert tour from Marrakech to Zagora is one  of the most popular short trips in Morocco, perfect for travelers with limited time who still want to experience the magic of the Sahara. Journey through the majestic High Atlas Mountains, visit historical kasbahs, enjoy a sunset camel ride, and spend the night in a Berber desert camp under a sky full of stars. It’s the ideal quick escape to Morocco’s southern desert.

Day 1: Marrakech – High Atlas Mountains – Ait Benhaddou – Draa Valley – Zagora

Your 2-day desert tour from Marrakech to Zagora begins with an early morning departure from Marrakech. The journey takes you across the spectacular Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 meters) in the High Atlas Mountains, offering dramatic scenery, winding roads, and panoramic views of traditional Berber villages nestled in the valleys.

After a scenic drive, stop at Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Morocco’s most famous fortified villages. This historic ksar, made of earthen clay, has served as a backdrop for major films like Gladiator, Game of Thrones, and The Mummy. You’ll have time to walk through its maze-like alleys, admire the architecture, and learn about the ancient trading routes that once passed through here.

Continue toward Ouarzazate, a town often referred to as the “Hollywood of Africa” due to its film studios and striking desert surroundings. After a short break, the road leads into the Draa Valley, a lush stretch of palm groves, oases, and mudbrick villages following the path of the Draa River — one of Morocco’s longest.

By late afternoon, arrive in Zagora, a town at the edge of the Sahara. Here, you’ll meet your camel caravan and begin a gentle trek through the rocky desert at sunset. After about an hour’s ride, reach your Berber desert camp, where you’ll be welcomed with mint tea and a warm traditional dinner. Spend the evening enjoying local music around the fire and sleeping in a tent beneath a vast, star-filled sky.

Day 2: Zagora – Draa Valley – Ouarzazate – Marrakech

Wake early to witness the peaceful beauty of a desert sunrise, a truly magical moment as the sky shifts from deep purple to gold over the silent dunes. After a light breakfast, ride your camel back to Zagora and meet your driver to begin the return journey.

The road takes you once again through the scenic Draa Valley, giving you a chance to take in the palm groves and ksour (fortified villages) from a new perspective. You’ll pass by Agdz, a charming oasis town known for its quiet setting and traditional mudbrick architecture.

On the way back, you may stop again in Ouarzazate for a short visit to the Kasbah Taourirt, a former palace of the Glaoui family, or the Atlas Film Studios, where iconic movies have been filmed. These stops add historical and cultural context to your desert journey.

As you climb back over the High Atlas Mountains, enjoy one final stretch of dramatic scenery, from terraced fields and mountain peaks to small roadside markets selling local crafts. The drive concludes with your return to Marrakech in the early evening, where your guide will drop you off at your hotel or riad.

This 2-day tour from Marrakech to Zagora is ideal for those looking for a quick and immersive desert experience, offering a taste of Morocco’s landscapes, nomadic traditions, and warm hospitality — all in just two unforgettable days.

Why Choose This 2-day desert tour from Marrakech to Zagora

This 2-day desert tour from Marrakech to Zagora is perfect for those short on time but eager to experience the beauty of Morocco’s desert and culture. While Zagora doesn’t have the towering sand dunes of Merzouga, it offers a peaceful desert experience with camel trekking, starry nights, and authentic Berber hospitality — all within reach in just two days.

With convenient travel from Marrakech and scenic stops along the way, this tour is one of the most popular short desert escapes in Morocco.

✅ Included

• 🚗 Hotel/riad pickup & drop-off in Marrakech

• 🌄 Drive through the High Atlas Mountains (Tizi n’Tichka Pass)

• 🏰 Stop at Ait Benhaddou (UNESCO site)

• 🐫 Camel ride in Zagora desert

• 🏕️ 1-night stay in a desert camp (private tent)

• 🍽️ Dinner & breakfast at the camp

• 🎶 Evening Berber music around the fire

• 👨‍✈️ English/Spanish-speaking driver/guide

• ⛽ Fuel and road tolls

❌ Not Included

• 🍴 Lunches on the road (available at local restaurants)

• 💧 Drinks (water, soda, etc.)

• 🎟️ Optional entry fees (Kasbah Taourirt, Film Studios)