2 Days in Morocco’s Zagora Desert from Marrakech (via Aït Benhaddou) (Private)
Fast Sahara-style getaway from Marrakech across the High Atlas and the famous kasbah route: Aït Benhaddou (UNESCO), Ouarzazate, the palm-filled Draa Valley, and a Zagora desert camp night with camel trek, dinner and Berber music — then return to Marrakech.
Top highlights
- Cross the High Atlas via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (scenic viewpoints)
- Visit Aït Benhaddou UNESCO ksar (optional guided visit)
- Lunch stop in Ouarzazate (“Gateway to the Desert”)
- Drive through the Draa Valley (palm groves & kasbah landscapes)
- Camel trek to a Zagora desert camp (sunset time)
- Dinner and Berber music under the stars • sunrise over the dunes
Overview
This 2-day Zagora desert tour is the perfect short escape if you want a desert camp night without going all the way to Merzouga. You’ll cross the Atlas Mountains, explore Aït Benhaddou, follow the Draa Valley south to Zagora for a camel trek to your camp, then return to Marrakech with scenic stops along the way.
Itinerary (Sample)
- Early departure (around 07:00–08:00) from Marrakech
- Cross the High Atlas via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (photo stops)
- Stop at Aït Benhaddou: UNESCO ksar • optional guided tour (~1 hour)
- Lunch stop in Ouarzazate (time permitting)
- Continue through the Draa Valley (palm groves & kasbah scenery)
- Arrive Zagora late afternoon (around 17:00–18:00)
- Camel trek to the desert camp (approx. 1–1.5 hours)
- Dinner + Berber music • overnight in a private tent
- Early wake-up for sunrise over the dunes
- Breakfast at camp
- Camel trek back to the vehicle
- Drive back to Marrakech with scenic breaks (tea stops / viewpoints)
- Arrive Marrakech by early evening (around 18:00–19:00)
- Drop-off at your hotel/riad/airport
Included & details
- Private transport with A/C
- English-speaking driver/guide
- Camel trekking experience (to/from camp)
- 1 night accommodation in a luxury desert camp
- Meals: dinner + breakfast
- Mineral water during transport
- Sandboarding (subject to conditions)
- Guided visit of Kasbah Aït Benhaddou
- Entrance to Atlas Studios (if time permits / open)
- Marrakech airport/hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Flights to/from Morocco
- Travel insurance
- Lunches on the road
- Personal expenses and tips
- Private camp with ensuite bathroom (subject to availability)
- 4x4 transfer instead of camels (both ways)
- Extra stops (Skoura / Taourirt Kasbah) if timing allows
This is a fast 2-day route with long driving hours. Atlas roads are scenic but winding — if you get carsick, bring medication. Desert nights can be cool (especially Oct–Mar), so pack a warm layer.
FAQs
Yes. It’s a private tour. We can adjust pickup time, stop duration, and add or remove optional visits depending on your pace.
Typically about 1–1.5 hours each way (depending on camp location and pace).
Yes. A 4x4 transfer to and from the camp can be arranged on request.
No. Lunches are not included so you can choose restaurants along the route (Ouarzazate area is common).
Comfortable shoes, a warm layer for the evening, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a small backpack for essentials.
