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PRIVATE MOROCCO EXPERIENCE

Overview of the 2 days tour from Marrakech to Zagora

DURATION 2 days 1 nights

FROM Marrakech

5.0

Private Tour

Our 2 days tour from Marrakech to Zagora is the easiest way to sleep in the desert when you only have two days. You cross the High Atlas, stop at the Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou and follow the palm groves of the Draa Valley down to Zagora. There, you ride a camel into the dunes, spend the night in a desert camp and wake up for the sunrise before driving back to Marrakech.

This Zagora desert tour from Marrakech runs as a private trip. You travel only with your own group, in an air-conditioned vehicle, with one driver-guide. Moreover, the drive is shorter than the road to Merzouga, so you have more time for stops and photos.

Duration	2 days / 1 night
Start	Marrakech (pick-up at your hotel or riad, around 8:00 am)
End	Marrakech (drop-off at your hotel or riad, late afternoon or early evening)
Desert	Dunes near Zagora, Draa Valley
Tour style	Private tour
Accommodation	1 night in a desert camp near Zagora (see options)
Meals	1 dinner and 1 breakfast
Total distance	About 730 km
Price	On request (see what affects the price)

Highlights of the 2 days tour from Marrakech to Zagora

Crossing the High Atlas on the Tizi n’Tichka pass, one of the highest road passes in Morocco.
Exploring the Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987.
Passing through Ouarzazate, the door of the desert.
Driving over the Tizi n’Tinififft pass and into the Draa Valley, along the longest river in Morocco.
Seeing the palm groves and old kasbahs around Agdz and Tamnougalt.
Riding a camel into the dunes near Zagora at sunset.
Spending the night in a desert camp with dinner, drums and a sky full of stars.
Watching the sunrise over the desert.

Why choose a private Zagora desert tour from Marrakech?

On a two-day trip, every hour counts. On a private 2 days tour from Marrakech to Zagora, you decide when to stop for photos, coffee or lunch. For example, you can spend more time in Ait Ben Haddou or take a longer break in the Draa Valley. Your driver-guide adapts the pace to your group.

In addition, you choose your camp. You can sleep in a standard Berber tent or in a luxury tent with a private bathroom. If you are still comparing formats, read our guide to private vs group tours in Morocco.

Zagora or Merzouga: which desert in 2 days?

Zagora is the most common choice for a 2-day desert trip from Marrakech. The drive takes about 7 hours each way, instead of 9 to 10 hours to Merzouga. However, the landscape around Zagora is mostly flat and stony, and its dunes are small.

So the choice depends on what matters most to you. If you want a relaxed overnight desert trip from Marrakech, choose this 2 days tour from Marrakech to Zagora. If you want the high dunes of Erg Chebbi and accept two very long days, choose our 2 days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga. For more details, read Erg Chebbi vs Erg Chigaga.

Itinerary of the 2 days tour from Marrakech to Zagora

The route below is our standard plan for the 2 days tour from Marrakech to Zagora. However, we can adjust the stops to your wishes. Driving distances and times are approximate and do not include stops.

Day 1: Marrakech – Tizi n’Tichka – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Agdz – Draa Valley – Zagora (camel trek)

Your driver picks you up at your riad or hotel in Marrakech at around 8:00 am. First, the road climbs into the High Atlas through Berber villages, walnut trees and red terraces. Soon, you reach the Tizi n’Tichka pass. The sign at the top reads 2,260 m, although GPS measurements place it at about 2,205 m.

Next, you make a short detour to the Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou. This fortified earthen village sits above the Ounila river and has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1987. You can walk through its lanes up to the old granary at the top. Moreover, you may recognise it from films and series such as Gladiator and Game of Thrones.

After lunch, you pass through Ouarzazate and head south. The road climbs over the Tizi n’Tinififft pass, at almost 1,700 m, then drops to Agdz. From here, you follow the Draa Valley, where long palm groves, earthen villages and kasbahs such as Tamnougalt line the river. The Draa is the longest river in Morocco, at about 1,100 km.

In the late afternoon, you arrive in Zagora and meet your camels. You ride into the dunes and watch the sunset over the desert. In the evening, you enjoy a Berber dinner, drums around the fire and a sky full of stars.

Driving distance: about 370 km
Driving time: about 7 hours
Camel ride: about 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes to the camp
Overnight: desert camp near Zagora (standard or luxury)
Meals: dinner

Day 2: Zagora – desert sunrise – Draa Valley – Ouarzazate – Tizi n’Tichka – Marrakech

Wake up early to watch the sunrise over the desert. Then you have breakfast at the camp and ride your camel back to the meeting point. Before leaving Zagora, you can see the famous “Tombouctou 52 jours” sign, which recalls the old caravan route to Timbuktu. Today, the original sign has been replaced by a painted mural.

Afterwards, you drive back north through the Draa Valley. This time, the light is different, so it is a good moment for photos of the palm groves and kasbahs. Then you cross the Tizi n’Tinififft pass again and reach Ouarzazate.

Finally, you cross the High Atlas over the Tizi n’Tichka pass and descend to Marrakech. Your driver drops you at your riad or hotel in the late afternoon or early evening.

Driving distance: about 360 km
Driving time: about 7 hours
Overnight: not included (end of the tour in Marrakech)
Meals: breakfast

On request, you can also visit Tamegroute, a village south of Zagora known for its old library of manuscripts and its green pottery. Ask us about it when you book, because it adds time to the day.

Gallery of the 2 days tour from Marrakech to Zagora

Camels resting in the desert near Zagora

Old earthen kasbah in the south of Morocco

Traveller walking on the dunes at sunset

Green-glazed pottery like the ceramics of Tamegroute

The Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou on the way to Zagora

What is included in the 2 days tour from Marrakech to Zagora

Included

Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel or riad in Marrakech.
Private air-conditioned vehicle with fuel.
English-speaking driver-guide (other languages on request).
1 night in a desert camp near Zagora (standard or luxury).
Camel ride in Zagora (one camel per person).
1 dinner and 1 breakfast.

Not included

Lunches and drinks.
Entrance fees and local guides (for example in Ait Ben Haddou).
Extra activities such as quad or 4×4 rides.
Tips and personal expenses.
Travel insurance.

Map of the 2 days tour from Marrakech to Zagora

The 2 days tour from Marrakech to Zagora follows this route: Marrakech → Tizi n’Tichka → Ait Ben Haddou → Ouarzazate → Tizi n’Tinififft → Agdz → Draa Valley → Zagora, then back through the Draa Valley and Ouarzazate to Marrakech. You can open the route on Google Maps.

Accommodation options

All options include the same route, vehicle and driver-guide. Only the camp changes. We confirm the exact camp name when you book, depending on availability.

Option	Night near Zagora	Best for
Standard	Berber tent, shared or private bathroom depending on the camp	Travellers on a budget
Superior	Comfort tent with private bathroom	Couples and families
Luxury	Luxury tent with private bathroom, proper beds and a quieter setting	Honeymoons and special trips

2 days tour from Marrakech to Zagora price

The price of the 2 days tour from Marrakech to Zagora is on request, because every private tour is quoted for your group. Four things change the price:

Group size: the price per person goes down when more people share the vehicle.
Camp level: standard, superior or luxury.
Season: Christmas, New Year and Easter are the busiest periods.
Extras: local guides, quad or 4×4 rides, a visit to Tamegroute.

Send us your dates and the number of travellers through our contact page, and we will reply with a clear quote.

How to book the 2 days tour from Marrakech to Zagora

Send your travel dates, number of people and preferred camp level through the contact form, by email at favoritesmoroccotours@gmail.com or on WhatsApp (+212 786 278 943).
We reply with a personalised itinerary and price.
You confirm the tour. Payment by PayPal is accepted.
Your driver-guide picks you up at your riad or hotel in Marrakech on the first day.

Favorites Morocco Tours vs other Zagora desert tour companies

Many agencies sell a “2-day Sahara tour” without saying where the camp is. Some even go to the Agafay stone desert near Marrakech. Before you book, always check the name of the desert. With us, this tour clearly goes to Zagora, in the Draa Valley, and we tell you honestly that its dunes are smaller than those of Merzouga.

Furthermore, we are a local team based in Marrakech. We give you the real driving times before you book, and we run the trip in private, with one driver-guide from start to finish. If you have one more day, we will also tell you that the 3 days tour from Marrakech to the desert reaches the bigger dunes at a calmer pace.

Know before you go

Each day of the 2 days tour from Marrakech to Zagora includes about 7 hours of driving. The day is long, but shorter than the trip to Merzouga.
Only one day? The Agafay desert quad bike and camel ride or the Ait Ben Haddou day trip from Marrakech are better options.
Three days or more? Choose the 3 days tour from Marrakech to the desert or the 4 days tour from Marrakech to the Sahara Desert.
In July and August, Zagora is extremely hot, often above 40 °C. Spring and autumn are the most pleasant seasons; see the best time to visit Morocco.
From December to February, snow or ice is possible on the Tizi n’Tichka pass. Your driver adapts the timing to the road conditions.
Desert nights are cold from November to March. Pack a warm layer; our guide on what to wear in Morocco helps you prepare.
Tell us about any food allergy or diet before the tour. Camps can prepare vegetarian meals.
Bring some cash in dirhams. You will find ATMs in Ouarzazate and Zagora, but not at the camp.
Pack a small overnight bag for the camp. Your main luggage can stay in the vehicle.

Extra activities

These activities are optional and available on request, at an extra cost.

Before or after the tour (Marrakech)	During the tour
Ourika Valley day trip	Visit to Tamegroute (old library and green pottery)
Imlil Valley day trip	Quad bike or 4×4 ride near the camp
Essaouira full-day trip	Upgrade to a luxury tent
Ouzoud waterfalls day trip	Local guide in Ait Ben Haddou
Airport transfer	Private dinner in the desert

Reviews

Our travellers share their experience after each trip. Read our reviews on TripAdvisor.

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 14 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Tripadvisor  
    Nieves P 
 
 
 
 Verified Viaje a Marruecos con amigos.
Fue un viaje increíble!!! Lo pasamos muy bien y la gente es maravillosa…
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
    Carolina C 
 
 
 
 Verified Lo mejor en el Desierto del Sahara
Una experiencia simplemente inolvidable. Dormir bajo un cielo lleno de estrellas, recorrer las impresionantes dunas del Sahara y disfrutar de la hospitalidad marroquí hizo de este viaje algo mágico. Marruecos me regaló paisajes espectaculares, cultura fascinante y recuerdos que llevaré conmigo para siempre. ¡Una aventura que recomiendo al 100%! 🌵🐪✨
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
    sarah a 
 
 
 
 Verified Excellent séjour
Le séjour était merveilleux tant les activités que la cuisine. Rashid était génial, serviable et à l’écoute. Je recommande les yeux fermés. Sarah
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
    Cris A 
 
 
 
 Verified Las estrellas del desierto.
Experiencia excepcional!! Nos trataron super bien, la noche en el desierto fue increíble. La fiesta en la hoguera super divertida. Las Jaimas muy confortables, la comida rica, en resumen volvería a ir una y mil veces.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
    angel a 
 
 
 
 Verified Amazing experience, the sceneries, culture and friendly people
Nothing but praise and gratitude!! Everything was spectacular and exceeded our expectations! Not only the places we visited but also the hotels and riads where we stayed! I especially highlight the attention, care, professionalism, and warmth of our guide Moha: always kind, attentive, taking care of every detail, and making sure we were comfortable. Additionally, an excellent photographer! He helped us capture the joy and the landscapes! Always with a smile!! Thank you!!!!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
    Hermila De Jesú... A 
 
 
 
 Verified .
Estuvimos muy contentas en un viaje de 8 días por Marruecos, Moha fue nuestro conductor, siempre amable, respetuoso y muy profesional, no solo nos llevó a los puntos previstos sino que también nos mostró la cultura y tradición de las familias Marroquíes ¡super recomendable! Gracias totales
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
    Irma B 
 
 
 
 Verified Viaje espectacular
Fue un viaje increíble , superó mis expectativas , nuestro Guía y conductor Moha fue siempre muy amable , días antes de iniciar se puso en contacto y todo fue muy bien organizado , los hoteles, comidas, el campamento espectacular , nuestro tour fue solo para nuestro grupo de 3 y fue muy cómodo , lo recomiendo totalmente
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
    Timothy N 
 
 
 
 Verified Trip Around Morocco
We had an awesome trip with our family of 7 (&3 young kids). We went from Marrakesh to Erg Chebbi to Fes and had amazing stops along the way , which gave our kids a great experience. Highly recommended
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
    susana b 
 
 
 
 Verified Moha conductor
Hicimos un toque y nos acompañó Moha como conductor!! El mejor chofer!!! Un genio!!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
    María Trinidad G 
 
 
 
 Verified Hicimos de nuestro sueño, una realidad !
"¡Una experiencia inolvidable en el Sahara! Reservamos el tour de 3 días desde Marrakech a Merzouga y superó todas nuestras expectativas. Nuestro guía Mohamed Alt-Said , fue increíble: no solo es un conductor experto, sino que nos explicó todo sobre la cultura bereber con mucha paciencia. Pueblos de adobe, con sus maravillosas gentes . El campamento en las dunas era mágico y la cena junto al fuego fue el mejor momento del viaje. Moha, nos hizo disfrutar de una cena inolvidable bajo las estrellas. Precioso amanecer y divertida excursión 4 x 4 en desierto. El coche era moderno y muy cómodo. Si buscas una agencia honesta y profesional en Marruecos, no busques más. ¡Totalmente recomendados!"

Frequently asked questions

How far is Zagora from Marrakech?

Zagora is about 360 km from Marrakech. The drive takes about 7 hours without long stops, over the High Atlas and through Ouarzazate and the Draa Valley.

Is Zagora in the Sahara Desert?

Zagora sits on the edge of the Sahara, in the Draa Valley. The landscape is mostly stony desert with small dunes. For the large dunes, you need to go to Merzouga or to Erg Chigaga. Read more in our guide to the Sahara Desert in Morocco.

Is 2 days enough for a desert trip from Marrakech?

Yes, a 2 days tour from Marrakech to Zagora is enough to ride a camel, sleep in a desert camp and see the sunrise. However, you spend a good part of both days in the car. With more time, a 3-day tour is more comfortable.

How long is the camel ride?

The ride to the camp takes about 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes. If you prefer not to ride, tell us and we will arrange another way to reach the camp.

Do the desert camps have bathrooms?

Yes. Standard camps have shared or private bathrooms, depending on the camp. Superior and luxury tents have a private bathroom with a shower.

What type of vehicle do you use?

We use a private, air-conditioned vehicle adapted to the size of your group. We confirm the vehicle when you book.

What should I pack for the desert?

A warm jacket for the night, especially in winter.
Sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat or scarf.
Comfortable shoes or sandals.
A small bag for the night at the camp.
A power bank and some cash in dirhams.

How far in advance should I book?

We recommend booking 2 to 4 weeks ahead. For Christmas, New Year and Easter, book as early as possible because the best camps fill up quickly.

How do I pay for the tour?

We accept payment by PayPal. We explain the payment details when you confirm your booking.

Have another question about the 2 days tour from Marrakech to Zagora?

Write to us through our contact page or on WhatsApp.

Who we are

Favorites Morocco Tours is a local travel agency based in Marrakech. We design private tours across Morocco, from the Sahara to the imperial cities. Our drivers and guides grew up on these roads, so they share the culture, the history and the small places that visitors often miss. Learn more about us.