4x4 Desert ToursPrivate trip

2-Day Zagora Desert Tour from Marrakech

The Sahara in two days: the Atlas, Ait Ben Haddou, a sunset camel ride and a night in camp

Duration: 2 days / 1 night
Group: Your group only
Difficulty: Easy
Starts in: Marrakech

Why you'll love it

The desert in two days from Marrakech
Cross the High Atlas by the Tizi n'Tichka pass (2,260 m)
Walk through the UNESCO kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou

Your route

Marrakech Ait Ben Haddou Ouarzazate Draa ValleyZagoraMarrakech

Day by day

2 days

A two-day round trip from Marrakech over the High Atlas to the dunes near Zagora. You stop at Ait Ben Haddou, follow the Draa Valley, ride a camel into the dunes at sunset and sleep in a Berber camp with private tents. On day two you watch the sunrise, ride back to the vehicle and drive home to Marrakech by early evening.

Day 1Marrakech to the Zagora desert

Marrakech → Tizi n'Tichka pass → Ait Ben Haddou → Ouarzazate → Draa Valley → Zagora → Desert camp near Zagora

An early pick-up and a drive over the Tizi n'Tichka pass, with stops in the High Atlas, at Ait Ben Haddou and in Ouarzazate, then along the Draa Valley to Zagora. A sunset camel ride leads to the camp, with dinner and Berber music by the fire. Lunch is at your own cost.

Overnight: Camp
Meals: Dinner

Day 2Zagora back to Marrakech

Desert camp near Zagora → Marrakech

Sunrise over the dunes and breakfast at camp, then a camel ride back to the vehicle. The drive home follows the Draa Valley and crosses the Atlas, with a lunch stop at your own cost and photo stops, reaching Marrakech in the early evening.

Overnight: No overnight
Meals: Breakfast

What's included

Included

Private air-conditioned 4x4 or minivan (depending on group size) with an English-speaking driver-guide
One night in a traditional Berber camp with private tents
Dinner on day 1 and breakfast on day 2
Sunset camel ride
Stops at Ait Ben Haddou and panoramic viewpoints
Hotel pick-up and drop-off anywhere in Marrakech, at no extra cost

Not included

Lunches
Drinks
Personal expenses
Tips for guides and camp staff (optional)

Good to know

Difficulty: Easy: no fitness needed beyond short walks on sand
Best season: October to April (Spring and autumn are best, with 20 to 28 degrees by day; winter nights are cold and summer passes 40 degrees)
Crew and guide languages: English

Meeting point

Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel or riad anywhere in Marrakech at no extra cost. The exact place and time are confirmed with the team.

Preparation

Bring walking shoes and sandals, light clothes with a warm layer, sun protection, a scarf and a headlamp in a small backpack. The camp provides bedding, blankets and towels.

What to bring

Closed, comfortable shoes (trainers or light boots)
Warm layers: desert nights are cold from October to March
Sun hat, sunglasses and sun cream
Headlamp and a scarf for wind and sand

Read before you go: Zagora or Merzouga: Which Desert Trip Should You Choose?

Questions

How long is the drive from Marrakech to Zagora?

About 6 to 7 hours with stops, around 365 km. The return takes about the same, so you are back in Marrakech in the early evening.

Is it suitable for families?

Yes, for all ages. Camel rides are supervised by a cameleer, and we can arrange child-appropriate accommodation on request.

Can I extend the tour to Erg Chigaga?

Yes, with a 3-day or 5-day tour to Erg Chigaga or Erg Chebbi, or a trek from M'Hamid. Tell us how many days you have.

When is the best time to go?

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the most comfortable, with warm days and fresh nights. Winter nights are cold, so bring warm layers. Summer is very hot and not recommended for walking.

What should I pack?

Comfortable closed shoes, light clothes you can layer, a warm layer for the night, sun protection, a scarf and a headlamp, in a small bag. The camp provides bedding.

How do I book this trip?

Send an enquiry from this page with your dates, group size and any wishes. We reply by email, confirm availability and agree the details with you. There is no online payment on the website.