Group 2 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech

Marrakech to Zagora 2 Days Desert Tour

The group shared 2 days desert tour from Marrakech to Zagora is perfect for those who are short on time and wish to seize the opportunity to get introduced to Morocco Sahara desert on a 2 days Morocco desert tour.
Our budget 2 day Sahara desert trip to Zagora is organized in small groups, not exceeding 17 participants, mostly like-minded young travelers sharing the same values.

Price per person:	Days of operation:	Number of participants:
69 €	Daily	17 Max

2-Day Marrakech to Zagora Desert Tour - Highlights:

Cross the High Atlas Mountains and Tizi N'tichka pass.
Visit the UNESCO world heritage site of Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou.
Drive along Draa Valley, famous for its date palm tree plantations.
Enjoy a spectacular Zagora desert sunset camel ride.
Spend the night in a Berber desert camp in Zagora.
Visit Ouarzazate the Gate to Morocco Sahara desert.

2 Days Marrakech to Zagora Desert Trip Itinerary:

Day 1: Marrakech - Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou - Agdz - Zagora

You will be picked up from your hotel in Marrakech around 07h30 AM for your shared 2-day desert tour to Zagora. Sit back and enjoy the ride as you pass through the Tizi Ntichka pass (2260 m. alt) and different adobe Berber villages. You may even see locals herding their goats! There will be a stop in the middle of the High Atlas Mountains so you can take some pictures, stretch your legs or have a cup of coffee.
Upon arrival at Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, you will have some free time to explore this UNESCO world heritage site and its famous fortified village. This village was used as a set for various Biblical epics and a backdrop for commercial and modeling photoshoots. If you wish to join the group on a guided tour, there is an extra fee of €3.00 per person. After the visit to the Kasbah, you will have an hour's lunch break at leisure. From here, we will continue driving past Ouarzazate and cross the North-eastern parts of the Anti Atlas Mountains to the oasis of Agdz.
After a quick stop in the village center, you'll be ready to admire one amazing scenery after another. Drive along Draa Valley, where you'll see fortified Kasbahs and oases dotted with hundreds of thousands of date palm trees. Draa Valley is home to the largest palm tree plantation in Morocco.
You'll arrive at the Zagora desert late in the afternoon, where you'll meet your camel caravan. Your camel trekking adventure will begin through the Zagora desert, and you'll get to experience an amazing sunset camel ride for about an hour. Please note that there are barely any sand dunes in Zagora. Just before it gets dark, you'll drive your camels to our Berber desert camp nestled in the middle of nowhere.
You're in for a treat tonight! A delicious Moroccan dinner will be served up at your Bedouin camp, followed by an incredible drums performance next to the campfire. Your local desert nomad hosts will play and sing traditional folklore music until around midnight. Feel free to learn about the stars and constellations or just enjoy the peace and quiet of the desert under the crystal clear night sky.

(8 Hours Drive)

Accomodation Details:

Day 2: Zagora - Ouarzazate - Marrakech

Your camp hosts will wake you up early in the morning to watch the sunrise. After breakfast, you'll ride your camels again to meet your vehicle and driver on the main road. From there, you will depart for Ouarzazate, where we'll stop for lunch at a local café and visit Taourirt Kasbah (optional – depending on timing, entrance fees apply).
Early in the afternoon, you'll drive back to Marrakech crossing the High Atlas Mountains. Your overnight desert tour from Marrakech to Zagora will end around 19h00 in the summer and 20h00 in the winter.

(8 Hours Drive)

Tour Map

Map of Group 2 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech

What is included in this 2 Day Sahara Desert Tour from Marrakech:

Pick up from your hotel/Riad on the tour day (or the nearest accessible point).

A/C modern minibus driven by an English French driver.

Overnight at Zagora dunes desert camp including camel trekking, dinner and breakfast. (Private tents can only be guaranteed if you upgrade to the comfortable camp).

Not included

Beverages.

Lunches on the way.

Optional local guide in Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou - €3 per person.

Personal expenses

Know Before You Go:

Please note the above driving times do not include time for sightseeing, lunches, drinks, and photos
This shared Marrakech desert tour is perfect for easygoing travelers with limited expectations. Otherwise, a private Marrakech to Zagora tour would suit you much better.
Your luggage is welcome on this Marrakech to Zagora trip. It will be safely stored in the van while camping in the desert.
Please make sure you prepare a small backpack/rucksack for the camel ride and overnight in the camp.
Please bring your own bathroom condiments and towel for the camp.
Hat, sunglasses, good walking shoes, and wet napkins are of good use during this tour.
Please wear jeans, trousers or long shorts for the camel ride to have a comfortable trek in Zagora desert.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Zagora desert from Marrakech?

The distance between Marrakech and Zagora is 355 Km (220 Miles). It takes about 7 hours to drive from Marrakech to Zagora via the High Atlas Mountains, Ouarzazate, and Agdz Village. It will take more time if you include sightseeing stops and lunch and coffee breaks.
Are there any sand dunes in Zagora?

There are barely any sand dunes in the Zagora Desert. Only next to the comfortable camp is there one small sand dune. Mainly Zagora is a flat rock desert.
Are tents private in Zagora desert camp?

Yes, tents in Zagora desert camp are private.
Are there showers in Zagora desert camp?

There are shared showers and toilets outside your tent in the comfortable camp.
Do we need to bring our own towels for the first and second night accommodations?

We highly recommend bringing your shower condiments and towels for both nights. Unfortunately, the camp operator in Merzouga doesn’t supply any unless you upgrade to the luxury Sahara desert camp.
Can we bring our suitcases with us on the Sahara desert tour?

Yes, you can; it will be kept safe in the van while camping. However, please prepare your small backpack to take on the camel ride to the Sahara desert camp.
Are there any electricity outlets in Zagora desert camp?

There will be electric outlets in your Zagora camp restaurant. However, they shut the electric generators around midnight.
Are bathrooms in Zagora desert camp tent private?

If you opt for the comfortable desert camp, bathrooms are shared. However, if you choose to upgrade to the luxury camp, bathrooms are located inside your tent.
Can we bring our suitcases with us on the tour?

Yes, you can. Please prepare a small backpack to take on the camel ride to the camp. The rest of your luggage will stay safe in your vehicle for the night.
How long is the camel ride in Zagora Desert?

Your camel ride in the Zagora desert will consist of a one-hour sunset camel ride and roughly 40 minutes sunrise camel ride in the morning. Time depends on the season, sunset, and sunrise time.
Can we hire quad bikes in Zagora desert?

Unfortunately there is no quad biking operator in Zagora desert.

Reviews

Lovely 2-Day shared desert tour from Marrakech

Simran A – Mar 2021:

Very lovely experience, totally unusual and with stunning scenery! The dromedaries, camp fire, the melodies, the starry night... There were so many memorable moments. Our driver, Lahcen, was a huge help on this trip. The small dissatisfaction stemmed from the fact that we were not in the middle of the desert. Nonetheless, this is an experience that we can only recommend!

Best overnight Sahara Desert Trip from Marrakech

Paolo K – Nov 2020:

The overnight desert tour from Marrakech was just wonderful! Thanks to our great driver, who took us to some of the most gorgeous spots! We also asked to snap a photo at a poppy field along in the middle of nowhere, and the driver accommodated our request without hesitation! The camp was really pleasant, and the meal was delicious - tagine is now my favourite dish. The sunsets on the sand dunes deserve special mention; they were breath taking. And at night, we witnessed the most spectacular starry sky of our lives. The guides, the driver, and the Merry Bedouins for their drumming around the fire are all appreciated. And there are native Moroccans to keep you company. Certainly one of the most memorable vacation experiences!

Nice views and great driver/guide

Mehmet A – Oct 2019:

Long drive for a 2-day trip, compensated for by breath-taking views of the countryside. Our guide, Said Najimi, made us feel protected. He was able to answer all of our queries due to his extensive knowledge of the country's culture and history.