2-Day Private Tour from Marrakech to Zagora Desert
Discover the magic of the Zagora Desert on this 2-day private tour from Marrakech. Cross the High Atlas Mountains, visit the UNESCO site of Aït Benhaddou, and spend a night under the stars in a nomadic desert camp.
Introduction
This 2-day private tour from Marrakech is the perfect introduction to the Moroccan desert — ideal if your time is limited but you still want to experience the magic of the south. You will cross the dramatic Tizi n’Tichka mountain pass at 2,260 meters, explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Aït Benhaddou, drive through the breathtaking Draa Valley with its endless palm groves, and spend a night in a nomadic desert camp in Zagora with a camel ride at sunset. All of this in just two days — fully private, just your group.
Day 01 — Marrakech — Aït Benhaddou — Ouarzazate — Zagora
Your driver will pick you up directly from your accommodation in Marrakech for an early departure heading south. The first highlight of the day comes quickly — the road climbs through the High Atlas Mountains and crosses the Tizi n’Tichka mountain pass at 2,260 meters above sea level. The views from the top are extraordinary, with Berber villages clinging to the cliffsides and snow-capped peaks stretching in every direction.
From there, we descend toward Aït Benhaddou — a UNESCO World Heritage ksar that has served as the backdrop for some of the world’s most famous films, including Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia, and Game of Thrones. We stop here for a guided walk through the ancient fortified village, with time to explore at your own pace.
We continue to Ouarzazate — known as the Hollywood of Africa — where we stop for lunch. Visit the Taourirt Kasbah, one of the most impressive kasbahs in Morocco, before heading south over the Anti Atlas Mountains.
As we approach Zagora, the landscape opens into the magnificent Draa Valley — Morocco’s longest river valley, lined with thousands of palm trees, ancient ksour, and small Berber villages. We stop at a panoramic viewpoint to take it all in. By late afternoon, your camels are waiting. A short camel trek takes you into the dunes as the sun sets over the desert. Spend the night in a traditional nomadic tent under a sky full of stars.
Overnight in Zagora — Desert Camp Breakfast included / Lunch on own account
Day 02 — Zagora — Draa Valley — Ouarzazate — Marrakech
Wake up early to watch the sunrise over the sand dunes — a quiet, memorable moment before the day begins. After breakfast at the camp, we begin the journey back north through the Draa Valley, stopping along the way to visit small traditional villages and take in the scenery that you may have missed on the way down.
We pass through Ouarzazate once more, with a lunch stop before the final push back over the High Atlas Mountains. The afternoon drive through the mountains is just as beautiful the second time. We arrive back in Marrakech in the late afternoon.
Drop-off at your accommodation in Marrakech Breakfast included / Lunch on own account
Inclusions and Exclusions
What is Included
- Pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation in Marrakech
- Private air-conditioned vehicle throughout
- Professional English, Spanish-speaking driver
- 1 night accommodation in a desert camp in Zagora
- Camel ride at sunset
- dinner
- Breakfast on Day 2
- Entrance fees to Aït Benhaddou
- All fuel, tolls, and parking fees
What is Not Included
- Lunches
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses and tips
FAQs
What time does the tour start? The tour departs early in the morning, usually between 7:00 and 8:00 AM, depending on your location in Marrakech. Your driver will confirm the exact time the evening before.
Is this tour suitable for children and elderly travelers? Yes. The tour is fully private and the pace can be adjusted to suit your group. The camel ride in Zagora is short and gentle.
What should I bring? Comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, a light jacket for the mountain pass, and warm layers for the desert night — it can get cold after sunset even in summer.
Can this tour be customized? Absolutely. If you would like to add a stop, change the pace, or adjust anything along the route, just let us know and we will make it work.
Ready to book or have a question? Contact us and we will get back to you within 24 hours.