Camel ride through a palm oasis on a Zagora desert tour from Marrakech

Private tour · 2 days / 1 night · Marrakech → Zagora → Marrakech

2 Days Marrakech to Zagora Desert Tour

The shortest way to sleep in the Sahara from Marrakech: kasbahs, the Draa Valley palm groves, a camel ride and a night in a desert camp.

Duration

2 days / 1 night

Start / End

Marrakech

Tour type

100% private

Departure

Daily, all year

Best season

Oct–May

Ideal for

Short stays

Tour overview

A Short Desert Escape from Marrakech

Only have two days? This 2 day desert tour from Marrakech to Zagora takes you over the High Atlas to the kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, then south through the Draa Valley, Morocco’s longest palm oasis, to the edge of the Sahara near Zagora. You ride a camel to your camp at sunset and spend the night in a Zagora desert camp before returning to Marrakech the next day.

Zagora’s dunes are smaller than the great dunes of Merzouga, but the drive is much shorter, making it the perfect choice for travelers with limited time who still want a real night in the desert. For the big golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, choose our 3 days Merzouga tour.

Tour Highlights

  • Tizi n’Tichka pass across the High Atlas
  • UNESCO kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou
  • Anti-Atlas mountain scenery and Agdz
  • Draa Valley, Morocco’s longest palm oasis
  • Sunset camel ride to the camp
  • Dinner by the fire under the stars

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Marrakech – Ait Ben Haddou – Draa Valley – Zagora Desert Camp

Early pick-up at your riad and drive over the Tizi n’Tichka pass. Guided visit of Ait Ben Haddou and lunch in Ouarzazate. In the afternoon cross the Anti-Atlas to Agdz and follow the palm groves of the Draa Valley. Near Zagora, meet your camels and ride to the camp at sunset for mint tea, dinner and music around the fire.

Overnight: desert camp near Zagora  ·  Meals: dinner  ·  Driving: approx. 7–8 h with stops

Day 2

Desert Sunrise – Ouarzazate – Marrakech

Watch the sunrise over the desert, enjoy breakfast at the camp and start the scenic drive back to Marrakech through the Draa Valley and the High Atlas, with stops for lunch and photos. Arrival in Marrakech in the early evening.

Overnight: — (end of tour)  ·  Meals: breakfast  ·  Driving: approx. 7 h with stops

What’s Included

Included

  • Riad / hotel pick-up and drop-off in Marrakech
  • Private air-conditioned vehicle and driver
  • 1 night in a desert camp
  • Dinner and breakfast
  • Camel ride

Not included

  • Lunches and drinks
  • Local guide in Ait Ben Haddou (optional)
  • Tips and travel insurance

Frequently Asked Questions

Zagora or Merzouga: which desert should I choose?

Choose Zagora if you only have two days. Merzouga has the big golden dunes of Erg Chebbi but needs at least three days from Marrakech.

Is 2 days too much driving?

Each day has around 7 hours on the road, broken up with stops at Ait Ben Haddou, viewpoints and lunch. The scenery is part of the experience.

Can I upgrade to a luxury camp?

Yes, private tents with en-suite bathrooms are available. Mention it when you ask for your quote.

Private tour · Daily departures

Book this tour

Send your dates and group size. We reply within 24 hours with your itinerary and quote.

  • Private car & local driver
  • Riad / hotel pick-up
  • No payment needed to ask
Campfire at a Zagora desert camp