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Earthen fortress gate in the desert near Zagora, Morocco

Photo: Kristijan Nikodinovski / Unsplash

2 Days from Marrakech to Zagora Desert

The shortest desert trip from Marrakech: the High Atlas, Aït Ben Haddou, the Draa palm groves and a night in a Zagora camp.

  • Duration2 days · 1 night
  • StartMarrakech
  • EndMarrakech
  • Trip typePrivate tour

Overview

This Marrakech to Zagora desert tour is the best choice if you have only two days but still want a camel ride and a night under the desert sky. You cross the High Atlas, visit Aït Ben Haddou and follow the long palm groves of the Draa valley to Zagora, where your camp waits at the edge of the desert.

Please note: Zagora has small dunes and a stony desert. For the high golden dunes of the Sahara, choose our 3 days from Marrakech to Merzouga. You can see all our tours from Marrakech to compare.

Highlights

  • Tizi n'Tichka pass across the High Atlas
  • UNESCO earth village of Aït Ben Haddou
  • Green palm groves of the Draa valley
  • Camel ride and night in a desert camp near Zagora
  • Sunrise over the desert

Day-by-day itinerary

  1. 1

    Day 1

    Day 1: Marrakech – Aït Ben Haddou – Draa valley – Zagora camp

    Your driver picks you up at your riad at about 07:30. You cross the High Atlas by the Tizi n'Tichka pass, stopping at Berber villages and viewpoints. Then you visit Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO earth village used in many films. After lunch you pass Ouarzazate and Agdz, and follow the Draa valley, with thousands of palm trees and old kasbahs. In Zagora you ride a camel to your camp. Dinner by the fire and night in the camp.

    Overnight: Zagora

  2. 2

    Day 2

    Day 2: Desert sunrise – return to Marrakech

    Wake up early to watch the sunrise over the desert, then enjoy breakfast in the camp. You ride the camels back and start the drive to Marrakech by the same road. There are stops for coffee, lunch and photos, especially in the Draa valley and on the Tichka pass. You arrive back at your riad or hotel in Marrakech at about 18:00. This is a long drive, so bring water, snacks and a light jacket.

Route map

Marrakech → Tizi n'Tichka pass → Aït Ben Haddou → Ouarzazate → Agdz → Zagora

What's included

  • Private air-conditioned vehicle with fuel
  • Private English-speaking driver
  • 1 night in a desert camp near Zagora
  • Dinner and breakfast in the camp
  • Camel ride to and from the camp
  • Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel or riad in Marrakech
  • Bottled water in the vehicle

Not included

  • Lunches and drinks
  • Entrance tickets and local guide in Aït Ben Haddou
  • Travel insurance (mandatory)
  • Tips and personal expenses

Accommodation by category

Choose your hotel category. The final hotel names are confirmed when you book, depending on availability.

NightLocationStandardSuperiorLuxury
1ZagoraDesert camp, tent with private bathroomComfort camp, tent with private bathroomLuxury camp, large tent with private bathroom

Photo gallery

Frequently asked questions

Are there big sand dunes in Zagora?

No. Zagora has small dunes and a stony desert. For high dunes, choose Merzouga, which needs at least 3 days from Marrakech.

How long is the drive?

About 7 to 8 hours each way with stops. The road over the High Atlas has many curves; take medicine if you get car sick.

Does the camp have a bathroom?

Most camps have shared bathrooms. Comfort and luxury tents with a private bathroom are available on request.

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