2-Day Sahara Escape: Marrakech to Zagora Desert Tour
A thrilling short desert adventure from Marrakech to the mystical Zagora Desert — perfect for travelers with limited time who still want a true Sahara experience.
2-Day Sahara Desert Tour from Marrakech to Zagora – Tour Overview:
This 2-day, 1-night desert tour from Marrakech to Zagora is designed for travelers seeking an authentic desert experience without a long journey. Traveling from the vibrant city of Marrakech through the stunning landscapes of southern Morocco, this tour offers a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and scenery.
Cross the spectacular High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, visit ancient kasbahs and traditional Berber villages, and journey through the lush Draa Valley, famous for its palm groves and historic caravan routes. By late afternoon, arrive in Zagora, where you’ll enjoy a camel trek at sunset across the desert landscapes.
Spend the night in a traditional desert camp, savoring Moroccan cuisine, listening to local music around the campfire, and admiring the stars in the peaceful desert sky. Wake up early to witness a beautiful sunrise over the Zagora Desert before beginning your return journey to Marrakech.
Tour Type: 2-Day / 1-Night Desert Tour
Departure: Marrakech
Destination: Zagora Desert
Group Options: Private or Small Group
Availability: Daily departures
Guide: English-speaking driver/guide
Accommodation: Traditional desert camp
Transport: Comfortable air-conditioned vehicle
Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the scenic Tizi n’Tichka Pass
Explore ancient kasbahs and traditional Berber villages
Drive through the beautiful Draa Valley and its palm groves
Enjoy a sunset camel trek in the Zagora Desert
Spend the night in a desert camp with dinner and local music
Watch the sunrise over the desert before returning to Marrakech
Experienced and English-speaking local guides
Carefully selected desert camps for comfort and authenticity
Flexible itineraries tailored to your travel style
Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
Strong focus on safety, comfort, and customer satisfaction
Excellent reviews from travelers around the world
"The 2-day tour from Marrakech to Zagora Desert was a wonderful experience. Driving through the Atlas Mountains and the Draa Valley was beautiful, and the sunset camel ride was truly special."
"A perfect short desert tour from Marrakech. Zagora is ideal if you have limited time. The camel trek, traditional dinner, and music at the camp made the night unforgettable."
"Very well organized 2-day trip to Zagora Desert. The landscapes along the way were stunning, and sleeping in the desert camp under the stars was a unique experience."
"Two days full of discovery and amazing scenery. From the High Atlas Mountains to the palm groves of the Draa Valley, everything was perfectly arranged."
"This Marrakech to Zagora desert tour exceeded our expectations. The camel ride at sunset, the peaceful desert atmosphere, and the friendly staff made it unforgettable."
"An excellent introduction to the Moroccan desert. Long drive but totally worth it. Beautiful views, great guide, and a magical night in the Zagora Desert."
Tour Itinerary: 2-Day Tour from Marrakech to Zagora Desert
Day 1: Marrakech – High Atlas – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Zagora (Camel Trek & Overnight)
After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel or riad in Marrakech at around 8:30 a.m. and begin your 2-day, 1-night journey to the Zagora Desert.
Travel through the spectacular High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 m), enjoying panoramic views of mountain landscapes and traditional Berber villages along the way. Several stops will be made for photos and short breaks.
Continue to the famous Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986 and a filming location for many international movies such as Gladiator, The Mummy, Obelix, and The Jewel of the Nile. Enjoy free time to explore the kasbah and have lunch at a local restaurant.
After lunch, the tour continues to Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Morocco,” where you will visit the Atlas Film Studios and see the historic Taourirt Kasbah.
In the afternoon, drive through the Anti-Atlas Mountains and along the beautiful Draa Valley, famous for its lush palm groves and traditional villages. Arrive in Zagora later in the day, where you will begin your camel trek into the desert.
At the desert camp, you will be welcomed with traditional mint tea, enjoy a sunset over the desert, have a traditional Moroccan dinner, listen to Berber drum music, and spend the night in a nomadic-style tent under the stars.
Day 2: Zagora – Draa Valley – Anti-Atlas – High Atlas – Marrakech
Wake up early to watch a beautiful sunrise over the desert from a nearby dune. After breakfast and a shower at the camp, you will ride your camels back to the meeting point, where your driver will be waiting.
Begin the return journey to Marrakech, traveling again through the Draa Valley, the longest river valley in Morocco. Stop to enjoy panoramic views of endless palm groves and oasis landscapes.
Continue through the Anti-Atlas Mountains, making photo stops along the way, then return to Ouarzazate for free time and lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, cross the High Atlas Mountains once more, arriving in Marrakech in the evening. You will be dropped off at your hotel or riad, marking the end of your 2-day Zagora Desert Tour from Marrakech.
Important Note
Please note that Zagora Desert does not have large dunes like those found in Merzouga (Erg Chebbi). Zagora offers smaller dunes and a rocky desert landscape, making it ideal for a short desert experience.
If you are looking for high golden dunes, we also offer a 2-Day Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga Desert.
Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel or riad in Marrakech
Transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle
English-speaking driver/guide
1 night accommodation in a traditional desert camp in Zagora
Camel trek at sunset and sunrise
Dinner and breakfast at the desert camp
Traditional Berber music and campfire entertainment
Fuel, parking fees, and all transport-related costs
Lunches and drinks
Entrance fees to monuments (if applicable)
Tips for the driver and camp staff (optional but appreciated)
Personal expenses and souvenirs
Travel insurance
Frequently Asked Questions – 2 Day Tour from Marrakech to Zagora Desert
This is a 2-day tour from Marrakech to Zagora Desert. It includes one night in a desert camp, camel trekking at sunset, and scenic stops along the Atlas Mountains and Draa Valley.
The price includes transportation from Marrakech, an English-speaking driver/guide, camel trekking in Zagora, one night in a desert camp, dinner, breakfast, and accommodation during the tour.
Yes! No prior camel-riding experience is required. The camel trek is guided and easy, making it suitable for first-time visitors.
We recommend comfortable clothing, warm layers for the desert night, comfortable shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a small backpack for personal items.
Yes, vegetarian and other special dietary meals are available. Please inform us in advance so we can make the necessary arrangements.
Yes, this tour is family-friendly and suitable for children. Camel rides and other activities can be adjusted to ensure comfort and safety for all ages.
