Zagora Desert Tour from Marrakech: 2 Days, Camels & Desert Camp
Why Choose This Zagora Desert Tour
This Zagora desert tour from Marrakech is the shortest way to sleep in the desert from the Red City. In two days, you cross the High Atlas, follow the palm groves of the Draa Valley and ride a camel at sunset. Then you spend the night in a desert camp near Zagora.
On the way back, you also visit Ait Ben Haddou and the Glaoui kasbah of Telouet. Throughout the trip, you also travel privately with your own English-speaking driver. As a result, you can stop for photos whenever you like.
However, Zagora has small dunes, not the high sand sea of Erg Chebbi. If you want big dunes, compare our 3 day Merzouga tour or read Zagora vs Merzouga.
| Duration | 2 days / 1 night |
|---|---|
| Start and end | Your hotel or riad in Marrakech |
| Route | Marrakech – Tizi n’Tichka – Ouarzazate – Agdz – Draa Valley – Zagora – Ait Ben Haddou – Telouet – Marrakech |
| Distance | About 360 km each way, 7 to 8 hours with stops |
| Night | Private tent in a desert camp near Zagora |
| Meals | Breakfast, lunch and dinner included |
| Price | From 225 € to 295 € per person, depending on group size |
Highlights of This Two-Day Trip
- First of all, cross the High Atlas by the Tizi n’Tichka pass, the highest road pass in Morocco.
- Then follow the Draa Valley, with kasbahs and one of the longest palm groves in Morocco.
- Later, ride a camel at sunset and again at sunrise near Zagora.
- Then enjoy dinner, Berber music and a night in a private tent.
- Afterwards, visit the UNESCO-listed Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou on the way back.
- Finally, discover the painted halls of the Glaoui kasbah in Telouet.
Zagora Desert Tour from Marrakech: 2 Day Itinerary
Day 1: Over the High Atlas and Through the Draa Valley
First of all, your driver picks you up at your riad in Marrakech in the morning. Then you climb into the High Atlas and cross the Tizi n’Tichka pass at 2,260 metres. On the way, you also stop for photos of Berber villages on the slopes.
After the pass, you soon reach Ouarzazate for lunch. Then you cross the Tizi n’Tinififft pass and descend to Agdz for a tea break. From here, the road then follows the Draa Valley, with its palm groves, river and earthen kasbahs.
Later in the afternoon, you arrive near Zagora. Here you ride a camel for about one hour until the sun sets behind the dunes. Finally, you share dinner and Berber music at your desert camp.
Day 2: Sunrise, Ait Ben Haddou and Telouet
If you wake early, a short camel ride of about 40 minutes shows you the sunrise. After breakfast, you then drive back north through the Draa Valley to Ouarzazate. Then you visit Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Previously, this fortified village was a stop on the caravan route across the Atlas. Later, it also became a set for films such as Gladiator. Afterwards, you follow the Ounila Valley to Telouet and visit the kasbah of the Glaoui family.
After lunch, you then cross the High Atlas again. Finally, you reach Marrakech in the evening, and your driver drops you at your riad.
Expert tip from our driver-guides
Day 1 is a long drive, so sit on the left side of the vehicle when leaving Marrakech for the best mountain views. In addition, pack a warm layer, because desert nights near Zagora are cold from November to March. Finally, leave your large suitcase in the vehicle and take only a small bag to the camp.
Photo Gallery
What Is Included
- Included
- Private air-conditioned van or 4x4
- English-speaking driver for both days
- Pickup and drop-off at your hotel or riad in Marrakech
- One night in a desert camp near Zagora, in a private tent with bathroom and shower
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner, with vegetarian and vegan options
- Camel ride at sunset (about 1 hour) and at sunrise (about 40 minutes)
- Free sandboarding if you wish
- Berber drumming and music at the camp
- Local guides and entrance fees
- Tea and coffee at the camp
- Not included
- Drinks
- Tips
- Personal extras
Good to Know Before You Book
- Pickup: from your hotel or riad in Marrakech in the morning.
- Long days: each day includes 7 to 8 hours on the road, although your driver plans regular stops.
- Dunes: Zagora has small dunes, so for high dunes choose Merzouga or Erg Chigaga.
- Luggage: take a small bag to the camp, while large suitcases stay in the vehicle.
- Camp: you sleep in a private tent, which also has its own bathroom.
- Best time: October to April is the most pleasant, because summer days are very hot.
- Booking terms: please read our terms and conditions before you confirm.
Price of the Zagora Desert Tour from Marrakech
Group size |
Price per person |
Total price |
|---|---|---|
2 travellers
|
295 €
|
590 €
|
3 travellers
|
275 €
|
825 €
|
4 travellers
|
255 €
|
1,020 €
|
5 travellers
|
235 €
|
1,175 €
|
6 travellers
|
225 €
|
1,350 €
|
Prices are per person in euros for a private tour. For 7 or more travellers, ask us for a group quote.
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Marrakech → Ouarzazate → Agdz → Zagora → Ait Ben Haddou → Telouet → Marrakech
FAQ About the Zagora Desert Tour from Marrakech
How long is the drive on the Zagora desert tour?
On this Zagora desert tour from Marrakech, you cover about 360 km each way, so the drive is long. With stops for photos, tea and lunch, the drive takes 7 to 8 hours. The road crosses the High Atlas and passes through Ouarzazate and the Draa Valley.
Are there sand dunes on the Zagora desert tour?
Yes, although they are small. Still, Zagora is special for its rocky desert, palm groves and calm nights. For high dunes, choose our 3 day Merzouga tour or the 3 day Erg Chigaga tour.
How long is the camel ride on the Zagora desert tour?
Generally, the camel ride lasts about one hour at sunset on the first day. In addition, there is a shorter ride of about 40 minutes at sunrise. Times can also vary a little with the season.
Do tents have private bathrooms?
Yes. Indeed, on this tour, you sleep in a private tent with its own bathroom and shower. Besides, clean bedding and warm blankets are ready for you.
Can I charge my phone at the camp?
Yes, you can charge your devices at the camp. In some camps, power is only available in shared areas and may be switched off late at night. So a small power bank is useful.
Can I bring my luggage?
Yes. Large suitcases stay safely in the vehicle while you sleep at camp. So pack a small backpack with what you need for the night.
What should I wear for the camel ride?
First of all, wear long, comfortable trousers and closed shoes. Also bring a hat, sunglasses and a scarf against sun and wind. See our guide to what to wear in the Sahara.
Is two days enough for a desert tour from Marrakech?
Generally, two days are enough for a first taste of the desert. However, the drive is long. If you have more time, a 3 day tour to Merzouga gives you bigger dunes.
How do I book this tour?
Fill in the booking form on this page or message us on WhatsApp to reserve your Zagora desert tour from Marrakech. Then we confirm your date and pickup time by email.