Immerse yourself in the captivating beauty of the Sahara Desert on this 2-day desert tour from Marrakech to Zagora. Perfect for travelers with limited time but a desire to experience the magic of the Moroccan desert, this group tour is an affordable and unforgettable journey. You’ll join a small group of up to 17 adventurers and travel through the dramatic landscapes of the Atlas Mountains, ancient kasbahs, and lush valleys, ending with a night under the stars in a traditional Berber camp. Highlights include a camel ride through the Zagora Desert, visits to UNESCO sites, and a chance to witness an awe-inspiring Saharan sunset.
Your adventure begins with a morning pick-up from your Marrakech hotel or riad around 7:30 AM. As you leave the city behind, the journey takes you into the heart of the High Atlas Mountains, where the winding road through the Tizi N’tichka pass offers jaw-dropping views of rugged mountain peaks and remote Berber villages. You’ll stop for refreshments and photos along the way, allowing you to take in the scenic beauty of this mountainous region.
Continuing on, you’ll arrive at Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, one of Morocco’s most iconic historical sites. This ancient fortified village, with its striking mud-brick architecture, has served as the backdrop for many famous films and TV shows. Here, you can opt for a guided tour to learn about the kasbah’s rich history, from its origins as a vital stop for traders to its modern-day cultural significance.
After a relaxing lunch, you’ll pass through the Ouarzazate region, known for its cinematic landscapes and film studios. The road then follows the Draa Valley, a verdant stretch of palm groves that contrasts starkly with the surrounding desert terrain.
As the sun begins to set, you’ll arrive in Zagora, a rocky desert region with a distinctive, tranquil beauty. Your day ends with a sunset camel ride, where you can soak in the serenity of the desert as the sky shifts from vibrant orange to deep purple. The journey leads to your overnight camp, where you’ll be treated to a traditional Berber dinner and music around the campfire, set against the backdrop of a star-filled desert sky. The camp offers basic but comfortable amenities, including shared tents and showers.
Accomodation Details:
Comfortable camp
Luxury camp
Wake up early to experience the stunning desert sunrise before enjoying a hearty breakfast at the camp. Afterward, you’ll mount your camel for a gentle ride back to the edge of the Zagora Desert, where your vehicle awaits to begin the return journey to Marrakech.
En route, you’ll stop once again in Ouarzazate, where you’ll have time to explore the Taourirt Kasbah, a former palace complex with intricate designs and an air of mystery. Ouarzazate, often called the “Hollywood of Africa,” is a famous stop for those interested in Morocco’s film industry. After lunch here, you’ll continue your scenic drive through the High Atlas Mountains, reaching Marrakech by early evening.
This 2-day Sahara tour from Marrakech blends culture, history, and adventure into a compact yet enriching experience that will leave you with lasting memories of Morocco’s desert landscape.
| Price per person: | Days of operation: | Number of participants: |
|---|---|---|
| 69 € | Daily | 17 Max |
This 2-day desert tour from Marrakech to Zagora was truly an experience I’ll never forget. Riding through the High Atlas Mountains felt like stepping into another world, with every turn offering stunning views. But the highlight for me was the camel ride at sunset—it was peaceful, almost surreal, watching the desert glow in those last moments of daylight. The night at the Berber camp was magical—sharing stories around the fire, listening to traditional music, and gazing at the stars in complete silence. It was such an immersive, authentic experience. If you want to really feel the desert, this tour is perfect.
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.
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.
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.
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.
