Overview
Short on time but dreaming of the desert? This is our most popular short tour, and the quickest way from Marrakech to dunes, camels and a night under the stars.
In two days you cross the High Atlas by the Tizi n'Tichka pass, visit the UNESCO-listed ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, follow the palm groves of the Draa Valley and ride a camel into the dunes of Zagora at sunset, before a night in a Berber desert camp.
Highlights
- The High Atlas and the Tizi n’Tichka pass (2,260 m)
- The UNESCO-listed ksar of Ait Ben Haddou
- Ouarzazate, the “Hollywood of Africa”, and the Taourirt Kasbah
- The Draa Valley, Morocco’s largest palm grove
- A camel ride at sunset and a night in a desert camp
2 days / 1 night
Itinerary
Day 1
Marrakech – Ait Ben Haddou – Zagora
Leave Marrakech in the morning and cross the High Atlas by the Tizi n'Tichka pass (2,260 m). Visit the fortified ksar of Ait Ben Haddou and have lunch in a local restaurant. In the afternoon, cross a second pass, Tizi n'Tinififft, on the old caravan route to Timbuktu, and follow the palm groves of the Draa Valley to Zagora. There, mount your camel for a ride into the dunes at sunset and reach your desert camp for dinner and the night.
Day 2
Zagora – Ouarzazate – Marrakech
Wake up to the desert sunrise and enjoy breakfast at the camp before a morning camel ride back. Drive to Ouarzazate, the city of film studios, for lunch and a visit of the Taourirt Kasbah. In the afternoon, return to Marrakech across the High Atlas, arriving around 19:00 in summer and 20:00 in winter.
Included
- Air-conditioned 4x4 or minibus
- Driver-guide
- Fuel
- Camel ride
- 1 night in a desert camp
- Dinner and breakfast
Not included
- Lunches
- Drinks
- Entrance fees to monuments
- Flights
Accommodation
One night in a Berber desert camp in the dunes of Zagora, with dinner and breakfast. Upgrades to a more comfortable camp with private facilities are possible on request.
Good to know
The drive is long (about 7 hours each way, with stops), but the landscapes change constantly. If you have three days, our 3-day Merzouga tour goes to the higher dunes of Erg Chebbi.
Photos
Frequently asked questions
Zagora or Merzouga?
Zagora is reachable in 2 days from Marrakech, with smaller dunes. Merzouga has the tallest dunes in Morocco (Erg Chebbi) but needs at least 3 days. If you have the time, Merzouga is more spectacular.
What should I pack for the desert?
Layers: days are warm but desert nights can be cold, especially from November to March. Bring a warm jacket, a scarf or cheche against sand and sun, sunglasses, sunscreen, comfortable shoes and a small bag for the night in the camp.
Can the itinerary be adapted?
Yes. If this itinerary does not quite match what you are looking for, tell us: we adapt the route, the pace and the hotel category to your wishes, your group and the season.
Plan this trip with us
Tell us your dates and group size: we reply within 24 hours with a tailored proposal. Every tour is private and can be adjusted.