kasbah ait ben haddou

Tour Details

5.0 Excellent | Based on 245+ Verified Traveler Reviews
From €190 / person
  • Duration: 2 Days / 1 Night
  • Start: Marrakech
  • End: Marrakech
  • Tour Type: Private (Customizable)
  • Availability: Year-round

Tour Overview

Join an unforgettable 2-day tour from Marrakech to Zagora to discover the beauty of Morocco's scenery in the desert. Cross the beautiful High Atlas Mountains through the Tizi n'Tichka pass, and stop by traditional Berber villages to learn about the local culture and way of life. Experience the famous Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featured in many films and shows, before heading to Ouarzazate, known as the "Hollywood of Africa."

Drive through the Draa Valley, the longest river valley in Morocco, before arriving at the Zagora Desert. Take a professional camel ride at sunset, alongside the desert nocturnal ambience, and then enjoy an overnight stay in a traditional desert campground under the stars.

On the second day, enjoy a spectacular sunrise in the desert before returning to Marrakech, stopping for sightseeing and lunch, as desired, on the return journey. This tour is ideal for travelers seeking a short stay in the Sahara Desert that combines adventure, culture, and comfort in just two days!

Why Choose This 2-Day Zagora Desert Tour?

Perfect for travelers with limited time. Unlike Merzouga which requires 3 days, Zagora is the closest desert to Marrakech, making it ideal for a 2-day getaway. You'll experience authentic Sahara landscapes without spending extra days on the road.

Authentic camel trekking experience. Ride a camel into the desert at sunset, just like the ancient nomads. Your experienced guide will ensure a safe and memorable journey across the golden dunes.

UNESCO World Heritage included. The tour includes a visit to the famous Ait Ben Haddou kasbah, a filming location for blockbuster movies like Gladiator and Game of Thrones.

Private and customizable. Your tour is completely private, meaning you can adjust the pace, make extra stops for photos, and tailor the experience to your preferences.

Comfort meets adventure. Sleep in a traditional Berber desert camp with comfortable tents, delicious local food, and live music around the campfire under a blanket of stars.

2-Day Marrakech to Zagora Desert Tour Itinerary

01

DAY 01 - Marrakech - Ait Benhaddou - Ouarzazate - Draa Valley - Zagora Dunes

We leave the red city of Marrakech at 07:00 am and take the road that winds its way across the High Atlas Mountains. At the highest point is the Tizi n'Tichka Pass, located at an altitude of 2,260 meters, offering stunning views of the region. We take a road to the left to visit the fortified ksar of Ait Benhaddou, made famous by the many blockbuster movies that have been filmed there since the early 1960s. You can take a walk to the village's high point to obtain a better view and perspective of the location.

We continue our journey to the city of Ouarzazate, where we will take a lunch break near Kasbah Taourirt, a cultural and historical site of interest.

After lunch, we will take the road south to Agdz and the mighty Draa Valley, the ancient trade route for Saharan camel trains coming from Timbuktu with gold, spices, and enslaved people and returning with salt. This region is full of impressive kasbahs, such as Tamnougalt, a 500-year-old ksar with many fine examples of rammed earth architecture. The landscapes become more expansive and lunar-like as the Sahara nears, and the vast oasis of date palms is your constant companion.

We reach Zagora, the last large town before the desert and the native homeland of the Saadian dynasty, who ruled in Morocco in the 17th century and whose tombs can be seen in Marrakech.

From Zagora, you will take a camel ride to the campsite located in an oasis where you can enjoy a nomadic lifestyle for the evening, dine under the stars, listen to local music, and sleep in a nomad tent.

  • Drive distance: Marrakech to Zagora - approx. 360 km (around 6 hours)
02

DAY 02 - Zagora desert - Agdez - High Atlas Mountains- Tizi N Tichka Pass - Marrakech

We will wake up early to see the sunrise over the dunes, followed by a typical breakfast in the bivouac. We will pack up then and return by camel to meet the driver for the trip back to Marrakech. In the early morning light, the landscape is quite different from the evening. You will see many more kasbahs and local villages—things you may have missed during the journey down.

We return to Ouarzazate, and you have free time for lunch in a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, we cross the Atlas Mountains and reach Marrakech by the late afternoon, where this 2-day desert trip ends with a drop-off at your accommodation, airport, or specified place.

  • Drive: Zagora dunes to Marrakesh – approx. 348 km (around 5 hours 40 mins)

Included And Excluded

  • Pickup and drop-off at your accommodation
  • Private modern transportation with A/C
  • English-speaking driver with prior experience
  • Camel trek in the Sahara desert
  • Overnight stay in a private Berber tent
  • Dinner and breakfast at desert camp
  • Beverages
  • Lunches
  • Entrance to monuments (Optional)
  • Leaving a tip (Optional)

Accommodation Details

We carefully select lodgings to ensure both comfort and authenticity throughout your tour. Accommodations may be adjusted based on availability, and upgrades are available upon request to enhance your experience.

  • Night 1 – Desert Camp Accommodation in Zagora:
  • Standard: Traditional Desert Camp – Private tents with basic comforts, camel ride, Berber music, and dinner under the stars included
  • Superior: Luxury Desert Camp – Private en-suite tents with air conditioning, gourmet meals, and enhanced amenities in an oasis setting

Tour Prices & Options

Prices are per person and may vary depending on travel season and accommodation category.

  • 1 Person (Solo) €250 per person
  • 2 People €220 per person
  • 3 People €190 per person
  • 4 People €150 per person
  • 6+ People €120 per person
  • Custom Pricing Flexible options available for solo travelers, families, or larger groups

Map of the 2-Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Zagora

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Why Book With Us?

  • Best Price Guarantee
  • Private & Customizable Tour
  • 24/7 Customer Support
  • Experienced Local Drivers
  • Safe & Reliable Travel Experience
  • Comfortable Air-Conditioned Vehicle
  • Authentic Camel Trek & Desert Camp

Need Help Planning Your Trip?

Our Morocco travel specialists are here to help. Contact us for tour details, availability, pricing, or custom itinerary requests.

Traveler Reviews

Read real testimonials from travelers who experienced our overnight camel trek from Marrakech to Zagora.

Very enjoyable 2 day tour

"We did a family 2 day tour from Marrakesh to Zagora with an overnight camel trek. Our driver was very friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. We enjoyed all the experiences and views along the way. The trip could be customised along the way depending on how long we wanted to spend and what we wanted to do. The whole time was very relaxed and enjoyable."
Sylvia H Green smiling

Chris L

California, USA

2-day trip to Zagora

"I took the 2-day tour/camel trek to Zagora with Ibrahim as my guide. He was a great guide and was very happy to stop along the way for us to be able to take photos of the beautiful scenery. Good guide, good trip. One of the best parts of my vacation thus far"
Gordon D Novak portrait

Manish

Cancun, Mexico

Incredible Zagora Desert Trip – Memorable and Fun!

"We had a fantastic time on the 2-day Zagora desert tour with Idir. He was well-informed and humorous, immediately making us feel at ease upon departing Marrakech, and was a pleasure to be in the company of. The scenery and experience through the High Atlas Mountains and stops in the Berber villages en route were wonderful. Riding camels into the desert as the sun set was a magical experience we will never forget. Our desert camp was cozy, including excellent food and great local music around the campfire while we gazed at the stars. Waking up to a sunrise over the dunes was breathtaking. Idir truly went above and beyond to help ensure we had a memorable and authentic experience. I highly recommend asking for him as your guide!"
Reid E Butt enjoying the desert

Nancy M

From Charleston, SC

2 day trip Zagora with Ibrahim

"We had the best time with Ibrahim on this 2 day 1 night tour into Zagora desert. He was funny, helpful, and an awesome tour guide. We rode into zagora from Marrakesh, making stops along the way for pictures, food and to take in the culture. When we got to the desert we got onto camels and took a 1.5 hour trek to our base camp, where we had great food, listened to music, and looked at the stars. In the morning we woke up and saw the sunrise. 100% recommend this trip, and ask for Ibrahim as your tour guide!"
Lillian at the camp

Lillian T

From Chiapas, Mexico

FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2-Day Zagora Desert Tour from Marrakech

Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our 2-day desert tour from Marrakech to Zagora.

Most itineraries plan for a full day of driving with scenic stops, or a 2-day trip with an overnight in the desert.

Yes. Zagora offers classic desert experiences with closer access from Marrakech.

Spring and fall offer mild days and cool nights.

A guided tour handles transport, timing, and camp bookings.