Marrakech desert tour 2 days to Zagora. In this itinerary, you will do a camel ride to Zagora desert camp. Before, you will cross the high atlas mountains, and visit the Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou. Moreover, you will visit Ouallywood, Ouarzazate.
Note that this tour is not to the Sahara of Merzouga where there are big sand dunes. Therefore, if you have more days, we recommend you book more than 2 days tour.
On the first day, our guide will come to your accommodation early to pick you up. Therefore, we recommend starting the tour around 8 am. Thereafter, we will drive you through the high atlas mountains, we will make some stops. For instance, we will stop at a coffee at Ait Berka for breakfast and the argan cooperative.
We will drive you through the road of Telouet to arrive at the Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou. This Kasbah is a Berber fortress that was built in the 17th century by the family of Glawi. Moreover, the Kasbah was a stop for the Touregs to trade their goods like Salt and cole.
After lunch, we will drive through Daraa valley and Ait Saouen curves. Before sunset, you will do a camel ride to Zagora desert camp. Thereafter, you will enjoy a night with the Berbers playing drams under the stary sky.
On this day, we will drive you back to Marrakech on the same road. Before, we will make a stop at Ouarzazate, Hollywood of Africa. It is where the studios of movies are and where they land material to shot movies in the Kasbah. Our Marrakech desert tour 2 days to Zagora will be over when we drive you through the atlas and drop you in your accommodation.
Unlike Merzouga’s big dunes (Erg Chebbi), Zagora has smaller, flatter dunes but still offers an authentic desert experience.
It’s a rocky desert, but you’ll still ride camels and sleep in a traditional Berber camp.
The drive from Marrakech to Zagora takes about 6-7 hours each way.
You will cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (expect winding roads).
There are photo stops along the way, including Ait Ben Haddou (UNESCO site) and Ouarzazate.
Comfortable clothes for the day (it can be warm).
Warm layers for the night (it gets cold in the desert).
Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses for sun protection.
Scarf to cover your face from dust during the camel ride.
Small backpack for essentials, as large suitcases are hard to carry on camels.
The camel trek lasts about 1 hour to reach the camp.
If you don’t want to ride a camel, you can request a 4×4 transfer instead.
Camps vary from standard (shared facilities) to luxury (private tents with bathrooms).
Expect a traditional dinner, campfire, and Berber music at night.
Dinner & breakfast are included in most tours.
Bring snacks & bottled water, as there are limited options in the desert.
Vegetarian options are available but may be basic.
Bring cash (Moroccan Dirhams) for small purchases and tips.
ATMs are available in Ouarzazate, but not in the desert.
Some desert camps accept credit cards, but it’s not guaranteed.
Spring & Autumn (March-May, September-November): Best weather.
Summer (June-August): Hot, but Zagora is cooler than Merzouga.
Winter (December-February): Cold nights, so pack warm clothing.
Lunch on both days is usually not included.
Entry fees for some monuments (e.g., Ait Ben Haddou).
Tipping for guides and drivers is optional but appreciated.
Why Visiting the Merzouga Desert is Highly Recommended Over the Zagora Desert
If you’re planning an adventure in the Moroccan desert, choosing the right destination is essential. While both Merzouga and Zagora offer desert experiences, there are significant differences, and without a doubt, Merzouga is the best option for experiencing the true magic of the Sahara.
The Merzouga Desert, home to the breathtaking Erg Chebbi dunes, boasts golden sands with dunes reaching up to 150 meters high. It is exactly the kind of desert you imagine: vast dunes, camels walking at sunset, and a night sky full of stars. In Merzouga, you can also enjoy activities such as 4×4 excursions, quad biking, sandboarding, and a true nomadic experience with Berber music in a traditional or luxury desert camp.
On the other hand, the Zagora Desert is more rocky and dry, with much smaller dunes and a less spectacular landscape. While it also offers camel rides and a desert overnight stay, the experience does not compare to the grandeur and beauty of Merzouga. Additionally, since Zagora is closer to Marrakech, the trip is often shorter and more rushed, lacking the sense of adventure that a journey to Merzouga provides.
If you truly want to live an unforgettable Sahara experience, Merzouga is the best choice. Its stunning landscapes, authentic atmosphere, and the peacefulness of the desert will make you feel like you are in another world. You won’t regret it! 🚙🏜️✨
Everything was perfectly arranged from start to finish. Our guide was very knowledgeable and made the journey enjoyable. The camel ride was fun (a bit bumpy but worth it!), and the camp was much more comfortable than expected. We even got to enjoy traditional Moroccan music by the fire. Definitely recommend this trip for a quick desert escape!
This 2-day trip to Zagora was incredible! The drive through the Atlas Mountains was stunning, and the visit to Ait Ben Haddou was a great bonus. The camel ride at sunset was magical, and the desert camp was comfortable with delicious food and fun Berber music. Highly recommend it for anyone short on time but wanting a real desert adventure!
We only had two days to experience the desert, and this trip was perfect! The drive is long, but the landscapes are breathtaking. The desert may not have huge dunes like Merzouga, but it was still an unforgettable experience. The camp was cozy, and the stargazing at night was surreal. A great way to experience the Moroccan desert in a short time!
This was one of the highlights of our Morocco trip! The journey through the High Atlas Mountains was beautiful, and the stops along the way were well-planned. The desert camp was simple but very comfortable, and the hospitality was amazing. Waking up early to see the sunrise over the dunes was unforgettable. If you only have two days, this is the best way to see the dese
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