Our 2-day Marrakech to Zagora Desert tour is one of the most popular short trips from Marrakech, perfect for travelers who want to experience the magic of the Sahara in a limited time. The journey takes you across the High Atlas Mountains to the UNESCO site of Ait Benhaddou, then through Ouarzazate and the stunning Draa Valley before reaching Zagora. Here, you’ll enjoy a camel trek at sunset and spend the night in a desert camp under the stars with dinner and traditional music. The next morning begins with a beautiful sunrise, followed by breakfast, before driving back through the Anti-Atlas with its unique rock formations, visiting Taourirt Kasbah in Ouarzazate, and crossing the High Atlas again with scenic stops at Berber villages, arriving in Marrakech around 15:00 with drop-off at your hotel or airport.
Marrakech
8:30 am
Daily
While our 2 days Marrakech to Zagora trip is a popular way to experience the desert, it’s important to know what to expect. Unlike Merzouga, Zagora does not have vast dunes the sand dunes here are smaller, but still offer a charming desert atmosphere with camel treks, starry nights, and traditional camp experiences. Sandboarding is not available in Zagora, as the dunes are not suitable for it. Also, please be prepared for very hot weather during the summer months (June, July, and August), so light clothing, sunscreen, and plenty of water are highly recommended.
Our 2-day Marrakech to Zagora Desert tour will start from your Riad or hotel in Marrakech. First, we cross the High Atlas Mountains, heading to Ait Benhaddou for a historical visit. Then, we pass by Ouarzazate, known as the Hollywood of Africa. Next, we continue to the Draa Valley, where we’ll stop at a beautiful panoramic viewpoint overlooking the vast valley of palm trees. After passing through Tansikhte, we’ll reach Zagora before sunset. There, you’ll enjoy a fantastic camel trek across the dunes and spend the night under the stars, with dinner and music included.
The next day, you’ll wake up early to enjoy a beautiful sunrise. After shower and breakfast, we’ll take the road back to Marrakech, including several visits and alternative panoramic stops along the way. We’ll pass through the Anti-Atlas with its amazing rock formations, then continue to Ouarzazate to explore the Taourirt Kasbah. Afterwards, we cross the High Atlas Mountains again, with photo stops overlooking Berber villages. We expect to arrive in Marrakech around 15:00, with drop-off at your hotel or at the airport if needed.
Our Desert trip was fun!! Amazing guide, comfortable vehicle and gorgeous night under a starry sky.
It was an amazing experience! As two girls traveling together, we felt very safe and well taken care of throughout the trip. The drive through the mountains and valleys was so scenic, and the camel trek in Zagora was the highlight such a fun and unique experience, especially at sunset. The desert camp was cozy and welcoming, with delicious traditional dinner and music under the stars. Everything was perfectly organized, and we couldn’t have asked for a better short desert getaway! Highly recommended.