Group 2 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech

(947 Reviews)

Marrakech to Zagora 2 Days Desert Tour

Experience the wonders of Morocco Sahara Desert on a 2-day desert tour from Marrakech to Zagora. This budget-friendly adventure is perfect for those who have limited time but still want to explore the desert beyond Marrakech. You will join a small group of up to 17 like-minded individuals and enjoy private lodging at a cozy campsite in Zagora. Explore the desert on camelback and indulge in delicious meals under the starry skies for an unforgettable overnight desert safari.

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 (8-Hour Drive)

    Kick off an unforgettable 2-day escape to the Zagora desert from Marrakech with a prompt morning pickup at 7:30 AM. Your journey begins with a scenic drive, climbing through the winding Tizi N’tichka pass and passing picturesque Berber villages where daily life unfolds in vibrant traditions. Capture the beauty of the High Atlas Mountains during a brief stop that’s perfect for photos and refreshments.

    As you reach the storied Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site, you’re invited to roam the ancient mud-brick walls that echo tales of a bygone era. This historical gem, a filming location for many epic movies, offers an optional guided tour for a nominal fee to delve deeper into its fascinating history.

    Afterward, enjoy a leisurely lunch break before the route takes you past Ouarzazate and towards the enchanting Agdz oasis. The journey continues along the Draa Valley, a lush ribbon of countless date palms, standing as Morocco’s largest palm plantation and offering a breathtaking spectacle.

    Your day culminates in the Zagora desert, where an hour-long camel ride awaits, offering you a front-row seat to a spectacular Saharan sunset. The day’s adventure transitions into a night of culture and cuisine at a traditional Berber desert camp. Settle into the serenity of the Sahara, with no sand dunes in sight but a horizon that stretches infinitely.

    As dusk falls, savor the flavors of a Moroccan feast under the stars. The night comes alive with the rhythmic beats of Berber drums, a soundtrack provided by your nomadic hosts, who share the musical heritage of their ancestors. Amidst this remote tranquility, you’re not just a spectator but a part of the ancient desert narrative, with an open invitation to explore the night sky’s secrets or simply soak in the profound silence of the desert night.

    Prepare for an immersive experience that combines culture, nature, and history, crafted into an SEO-optimized and engaging narrative for a broad audience looking for adventure in the Moroccan desert.

    Accomodation Details:
    Comfortable camp
    Luxury camp

  • Day 2 : Zagora → Ouarzazate → Marrakech (8-Hour Drive)

    Awaken to the serene beauty of a desert sunrise on the final day of your Marrakech to Zagora tour. After a nourishing breakfast in the tranquil expanse of the Sahara, you’ll embark on a morning camel ride, a peaceful trek to where your journey back begins. Awaiting you is Ouarzazate, a city famed for its cinematic landscapes, where you’ll enjoy a leisurely lunch and have the chance to explore the historical Taourirt Kasbah.

    As the afternoon sun casts its golden hues over the land, your return to Marrakech takes you once more through the majestic High Atlas Mountains, a route renowned for its breathtaking vistas. The

    journey concludes as the day wanes, with your arrival in Marrakech scheduled for the early evening, around 19:00 in the summer or the slightly cooler 20:00 in winter. This 2-day desert excursion offers a seamless blend of adventure, culture, and panoramic beauty, promising to be a highlight of your Moroccan travels.

2-Day Marrakech Marrakech to Zagora Desert Tour price

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

Included in Your Tour:

  • Convenient pickup from your hotel or Riad (or the closest accessible point) on the day of the tour.
  • Travel comfortably in an air-conditioned modern minibus, piloted by a bilingual driver fluent in both English and French.
  • Experience an overnight stay at the Zagora dunes desert camp, complete with camel trekking, and enjoy dinner and breakfast.

Not Included in Your Tour:

  • Beverages are not covered in the tour cost.
  • Lunches during the journey are also not included.
  • For those interested, there's an optional guided tour of Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou available for an additional fee of €3 per person.
  • Any personal expenses incurred during the tour.

Tour Map

Map outlining the route from Marrakech to Zagora via Ait Benhaddou and Ouarzazate for the shared 2-day desert tour.

Know Before You Go

  • Keep in mind that the provided driving times are exclusive of stops for sightseeing, meals, drinks, or photo opportunities.
  • This shared Marrakech desert tour is perfect for laid-back travelers with limited expectations. Otherwise, a private Marrakech to Zagora tour would suit you much better.
  • Feel free to bring your luggage along; it will be securely stored in the van while you're camping in the desert.
  • For your camel ride and overnight camp stay, pack a small backpack or rucksack with essentials.
  • Remember to bring personal bathroom items and a towel for use at the camp.
  • Items like a hat, sunglasses, sturdy walking shoes, and wet wipes will enhance your comfort and convenience during the tour.
  • For a pleasant camel trek in the Zagora desert, wearing jeans, trousers, or long shorts is recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the distance from Marrakech to the Zagora desert, and how long does the drive take?

The drive from Marrakech to the Zagora desert covers a distance of about 355 kilometers (220 miles). Normally, the drive takes roughly 7 hours, passing through the picturesque High Atlas Mountains, the town of Ouarzazate, and the Agdz Village. However, if you’re planning to stop for sightseeing, lunch, or coffee, this could extend the overall travel time.

Are there any sand dunes in Zagora?

Zagora Desert is predominantly characterized by its flat, rock-strewn landscape, with very few sand dunes. The exception is near the comfortable camp, where there is one small sand dune. Overall, the terrain of Zagora differs significantly from the classic sandy dune deserts often associated with the Sahara.

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.

Price
From€69
Booking Form
Enquiry Form
Full Name*
Email Address*
Your Enquiry*
* I agree with Terms of Service and Privacy Statement.
Please agree to all the terms and conditions before proceeding to the next step

Book Now

Save To Wish List

Adding item to wishlist requires an account

1192

You may also like

  • Caravan of camels with riders trekking across the sweeping dunes of the Sahara Desert at sunrise.

    Morocco Desert Tour From Casablanca Via Chefchaouen & Fes

    From€465
    Take a 6-day tour from Casablanca to Chefchaouen, Fez, the Moroccan Sahara desert, and Marrakech. This will be a spectacular trip that you'll never forget!
    (617 Reviews)
  • Woman walking towards luxury tents on a Marrakech to Fes desert tour at sunset

    Marrakech To Fes Desert Tour

    From€165
    Combine your stay in Marrakech and Fez with a 3-day Morocco desert tour, ride camels in Erg Chebbi, and camp in Merzouga desert.
    (1091 Reviews)
  • Intimate desert dining on sandy dunes during a private 3-day Marrakech to Merzouga tour.

    Private 3-Day Marrakech Desert Tour

    From€125
    Embark on a 3-Day Marrakech to Merzouga Desert Tour. Explore majestic mountains, ancient kasbahs, and sleep under stars in Sahara camps. Adventure awaits!
    (1264 Reviews)
947 Reviews
Sort By:RatingDate

Eamon T.

Couple Traveller

We had an incredible trip to Zagora that stands out as one of the most memorable parts of my entire journey. Our driver, Ali, was an absolute gem. He wore a constant smile, enthusiastically accommodated our wishes, even joining in group activities and posing for photos with us. Ali truly went above and beyond! Our host, Nidal, was equally fantastic. She provided invaluable assistance, even arranging transport for us on two separate occasions after our tour had ended. Despite no longer being under his direct care, Nidal remained responsive and eager to answer all of our queries. One area that could be improved upon was the lack of information provided before the tour. Although we received an email the day before the tour, having a detailed itinerary with a timeline and all planned activities for the first day would have been very beneficial. Another aspect we encountered was a bit of pressure from our guide, Hassan, at Ait Benhaddou, urging us to make purchases from his family’s store at inflated prices. Nonetheless, our experience at Zagora campsite was wonderful. The hosts there were delightful to chat with, the accommodations were excellent, and the food was top-notch.

August 27, 2023

Nyssa B.

Couple Traveller

The experience is truly remarkable and something that everyone should try at least once in their lifetime. The guides are incredibly friendly, the food is delicious, and the location is stunning. While the van driver seemed solely focused on driving, it would have been nice if he shared some insights about the places we were passing by. In the back of the van, there was only ventilation, and with temperatures reaching 40 degrees, it was quite challenging. Admittedly, they do take you to eat at relatively expensive places, but the meals are all very tasty. The camel ride was a bit less enjoyable due to the heat, but the campsite made up for it. We were fortunate enough to sleep outside under the stars, which turned out to be a beautiful experience. Given the intense heat, staying inside the tents wasn’t an option. Despite some downsides, I believe this experience is truly unmissable. If you have the chance, consider going for the 3-day trip as this one felt a bit rushed due to its length.

August 25, 2023

Theron S.

Couple Traveller

The activities were enjoyable, but the bus ride turned out to be much longer than expected (they should make this clearer beforehand). Not all expenses are covered as it seems you need to pay separately to visit the village (Aït-Ben-Haddou), which might not be worth it. Additionally, you’re expected to tip the guide. On a positive note, the camel guides were friendly and didn’t demand tips. The night in the desert is incredibly hot, and having air conditioning would definitely be a valuable addition.

August 20, 2023

Isolde F.

Group Traveller

This overnight trip is a fantastic way to truly feel the desert experience! Along the journey to the desert, you’ll be treated to stunning views of various mountain ranges in Morocco. The sunsets and sunrises are absolutely breathtaking. Be aware that the food quality might not meet high expectations, and be prepared for the bus ride. Our Berber camel guide and the camp experience were delightful. This is definitely a must-do when you’re in Marrakech.

August 20, 2023

Xander K.

Couple Traveller

It was a positive experience overall. The only issues were that the drive from Marrakesh is quite lengthy (over 8 hours of travel), and our driver seemed inexperienced, lacking knowledge about our planned itinerary. I highly recommend those who are about to embark on this experience to pack a backpack, as suitcases can’t be taken into the desert (if you bring one, the van driver will store it). Keep in mind that the bathrooms and showers are shared with other guests in the desert camp.

August 18, 2023
12...
whatsapp icon
Book Now