Best Morocco Trails | Tours, Excursions & Activities in Morocco
2 Days Tour From Marrakech To Zagora Desert And Back
Type
Tours
Min Age
1+
Max People
30
Transportation
4x4, Bus, Luxury Car
Overview
If you’re short on time but eager to experience the magic of Morocco’s Sahara, this 2-day desert tour from Marrakech to Zagora is the perfect getaway. Travel across the majestic High Atlas Mountains, passing through picturesque Berber villages and visiting historical kasbahs like the famous Ait Benhaddou. Journey through the breathtaking Draa Valley, home to lush oases and traditional palm groves. Enjoy a scenic camel ride across the dunes of Zagora, marvel at the sunset over the desert, and spend a peaceful night under the stars at a traditional desert camp. The experience concludes with a stunning desert sunrise and a scenic drive back to Marrakech.
Highlights Of This Tour
- Crossing the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass
- Visiting the historic Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site
- Exploring Ouarzazate, the gateway to the Sahara Desert
- Optional visit to the famous film studios in Ouarzazate
- Scenic drive through traditional Berber villages
- Camel trekking through the dunes of the Zagora Desert
- Watching the sunset over the desert dunes
- Overnight stay at a traditional desert camp with local music and food
- Witnessing a magical sunrise in the desert
- Journey through the picturesque Draa Valley, known for its palm groves and oases
- Optional sandboarding experience in the dunes
Itinerary
Day 1: Marrakech – Atlas Mountains – Ait Benhaddou – Ouarzazate – Draa Valley – Zagora Desert
Departure from Marrakech at 8:00 AM with pickup from your accommodation. Drive through the High Atlas Mountains, crossing the Tizi-n-Tichka Pass (2260m), with several photo stops overlooking stunning landscapes and Berber villages. Visit the famous Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, an iconic film location featured in movies like Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia, and Game of Thrones. Continue to Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Africa.” Stop for lunch and optionally visit the Atlas Film Studios. Travel across the Tizi-n-Tnifift Pass toward the Draa Valley, once part of the ancient caravan route from Timbuktu, and explore the region’s massive palm groves. Arrive in Zagora, where camels await to take you on a scenic trek across the dunes during sunset. Reach your desert camp, enjoy mint tea, a traditional Moroccan dinner, and an evening of Berber music around the campfire.
Overnight in a well-equipped desert camp under the stars.
Day 2: Zagora Desert – Draa Valley – Ouarzazate – Telouet – Atlas Mountains – Marrakech
Wake early to witness a spectacular sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast, return by camel or 4×4 to meet your driver. Journey back through the Draa Valley, passing picturesque villages and date palm oases. Stop again in Ouarzazate to visit the Atlas Studios if you missed it the day before, or visit the Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou for photos and an optional lunch in the historic village. Continue to the Kasbah of Telouet, once the residence of the powerful Glaoui family. The kasbah is nestled in a lush valley and features preserved mosaics, silks, and historic architecture. Return to Marrakech in the late afternoon via a scenic route through the Atlas Mountains.
Drop-off at your accommodation in Marrakech. Tour ends.
What's Included
- An English-speaking guide and well-experienced driver during the trip
- Drop off at your accommodation
- Fuel/gas and all car-related expenses
- Overnight stay in a desert camp
- Pick up from your accommodation
- Private transportation in an air-conditioned touristic minivan or 4WD
- Private trip
- Sandboarding and Camel trek
What's Excluded
- Any other personal expenses
- Entrance fees to attractions and museums
FAQs
How far is the Zagora Desert from Marrakech?
Zagora is approximately 350 km from Marrakech. The drive takes about 6 to 7 hours, but the journey is broken up with beautiful sightseeing stops along the way.
What is the difference between Zagora and Merzouga?
Zagora is much closer to Marrakech, making it the perfect choice for a 2-day trip, but it features smaller, rocky dunes. Merzouga has the massive, iconic sand dunes of Erg Chebbi but requires at least a 3-day trip to visit comfortably.
Will I visit the Kasbah of Telouet on this tour?
Yes, unlike standard routes that return the exact same way, this itinerary takes you through the Telouet Kasbah on Day 2, offering a unique look at a beautifully preserved, less-crowded historic site.
Is sandboarding included in the price?
Yes, both the camel trek and sandboarding activities in the Zagora dunes are included in the price of this private trip.
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