The 2-day Zagora desert tour is the quickest way to cross the High Atlas, see Ait Benhaddou, ride a camel at sunset and sleep in a desert camp, all from Marrakech. It is a long drive for a short trip, so it suits travellers with limited time who accept a lot of road in exchange for the experience. Our shared tour starts from $60 per person and includes transport, one night at camp, camel treks, dinner and breakfast.
Who is this tour for?
- Travellers with only 2 or 3 days to spare in Morocco.
- First-time desert visitors who want a taste before committing to a longer trip.
- Budget-conscious groups happy to share a minivan with other guests.
If you want the big, tall dunes of Erg Chebbi, choose a longer tour to Merzouga instead. Zagora is a gateway to the desert, with palm groves, an oasis landscape and smaller dunes, and it is much closer to Marrakech.
Day 1: Marrakech to Zagora via Ait Benhaddou
- 7:00 am, pickup in Marrakech. Your driver collects you from your hotel or riad.
- Over Tizi n'Tichka (2,260 m). The road climbs through the High Atlas with wide views and village stops for photos.
- Ait Benhaddou. A guided visit to this fortified village, a UNESCO World Heritage ksar made of earthen buildings, often used as a film location.
- Ouarzazate and the Draa Valley. Lunch is not included, so you can choose a local restaurant on the way. The road then follows the long green ribbon of date palms of the Draa Valley.
- Zagora and the camel trek. In the late afternoon you meet your camels, ride towards the camp at sunset, and settle in.
- Evening at camp. Dinner, tea and Berber music around the campfire, then a night under the stars.
Meals: dinner. Sleep: desert camp near Zagora.
Day 2: Sunrise, Agdz and back to Marrakech
- Sunrise over the dunes. Wake early, watch the light change, and have breakfast at camp.
- Camel ride back. A short ride returns you to Zagora.
- Return drive via Agdz. The road passes through the Draa Valley and the Atlas again, with stops on request.
- Marrakech by about 7:00 pm. Drop-off at your hotel.
Meals: breakfast.
How long is the drive?
Marrakech to Zagora is roughly 350 km each way, and with the mountain road and stops you should expect around 7 hours of driving each way. That is why the trip is long on both days. Bring snacks, water, a charger and something to read or listen to, and wear comfortable clothes.
What is included and what is not
| Included | Not included |
|---|---|
| A/C minivan with professional driver | Lunches and drinks |
| 1 night in a desert camp near Zagora | Tips and personal expenses |
| Sunset and sunrise camel treks | |
| Dinner and breakfast at camp |
Price
The shared tour starts at $60 per person, with a maximum of 17 passengers. A luxury camp upgrade is available for an extra $60 per person, and children get a 30% discount. Private tours are available on request. Check the tour page for current details.
What to bring
- Comfortable, closed shoes and a sun hat.
- Sunscreen and sunglasses.
- A warm layer for the desert night. It gets cold after sunset, especially from autumn to spring.
- A small backpack, camera and phone charger.
- Cash for lunch, drinks and tips.
Best time for a Zagora desert trip
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) have the most comfortable temperatures. Summer days can be very hot, though desert nights are cooler. Winter days are pleasant, but nights can be cold, so pack warm clothes.
Is 2 days enough?
It is enough for a first taste: mountains, ksar, palm groves and a night in camp. If you want more time in the dunes and fewer hours in the van, consider a 3-day Merzouga tour or a 3-day Erg Chegaga desert tour.
Book the Zagora tour
Our local Berber team runs this tour in English, French and Berber. View the Zagora tour or message us on WhatsApp with your dates.
FAQ
How far is Zagora from Marrakech? About 350 km, roughly 7 hours of driving each way with the mountain road and stops.
Can I do Zagora in 2 days? Yes, but it is a long drive. The tour is designed for people with limited time.
Do I ride a camel? Yes. The tour includes a sunset camel trek to the camp and a sunrise ride back.
Is lunch included? No. Dinner and breakfast are included, lunch and drinks are not.
What is the difference between Zagora and Merzouga? Zagora is closer to Marrakech and has palm groves and smaller dunes. Merzouga, at Erg Chebbi, has much larger dunes but needs more travel time.
Is the tour suitable for children? Yes, children are welcome, and there is a 30% discount for them.
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