Marrakech To Zagora 2 Days Tour

This 2-day trip from Marrakech to Zagora offers a compact yet immersive experience, allowing travelers to explore Morocco’s diverse landscapes, geography, and traditional lifestyles. Ideal for those seeking an adventure in the Sahara, the Marrakech to Zagora desert tour in a 4×4 vehicle gives you the opportunity to spend a night under the stars in the heart of the Zagora desert.

During our 2-day Sahara desert trip from Marrakech, you’ll discover the Berber villages nestled in the foothills of the majestic Atlas Mountains. The changing colors and shapes of the mountains create a dynamic landscape, with each corner revealing a new view. The journey continues through picturesque oases before reaching the sprawling palm groves of the Draa Valley. Once in Zagora, the tour includes a 40-minute camel ride at sunset, taking you to a traditional nomadic camp behind the hills for an unforgettable night.

Itinerary for the 2-Day Trip from Marrakech to Zagora:

• Day 1: Marrakech – High Atlas – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Agdz – Zagora Desert (7-Hour Drive)

• Day 2: Zagora – Draa Valley – Agdez – Ouarzazate – Tizi N’Tichka – Marrakech (8-Hour Drive)

Top Experiences on the 2-Day Marrakech to Zagora Desert Tour:

• Admire the breathtaking scenery as you travel from Marrakech to Zagora

• Cross the Tizi n’Tichka Pass in the High Atlas Mountains

• Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Ben Haddou, a famous kasbah

• Visit the Kasbah of Taourirt and the renowned movie studios in Ouarzazate

• Traverse the iconic Draa Valley, known for its date palm oases and kasbahs

• Visit the historic Koranic school and library in Tamgrout

• Journey through the dry salt lake of Iriqui

• Experience a fossil-hunting adventure on your way to the village of Foum Zguid

Day 1: Marrakech to Zagora – Exploring Ait Ben Haddou, Ouarzazate, and the Atlas Mountains

Embark on a memorable 2-day adventure from Marrakech to Zagora Desert, starting at 8:00 AM. Your private driver will pick you up from your hotel or riad in Marrakech. We begin our journey by heading southeast, passing through charming small villages. After approximately 100 km, the landscape shifts as we approach the Atlas Mountains, where we will cross the high Tizi N-Tichka Pass (2160m), which is often snow-covered in winter.

A quick break at the pass allows you to stretch your legs and enjoy a refreshing cup of coffee. Post-passing, the scenery continues to evolve as we drive through Berber villages perched on the mountainsides. The constant change in landscape ensures a visually stimulating drive.

Upon arrival in Ouarzazate (~90 km from Tizi N-Tichka), we visit the iconic Kasbah Taourirt, once home to the powerful Caid Pacha Glaoui, and explore the Film Museum, as Ouarzazate is a hub for international filmmakers with its world-renowned studios. After a thorough exploration, we continue our desert tour from Marrakech, heading towards the beautiful Draa Valley.

Our journey takes us through the stunning palm groves of Agdez, where we will stop at a high vantage point to admire the breathtaking view. A short detour will lead us to Kasbah Tamnougalt, a scenic and historically rich site. The kasbah features a beautiful terrace, offering perfect views of the surrounding area and ample sunshine to warm you up during the colder months.

After lunch, we proceed towards Zagora, where camels await to take us on an unforgettable ride to the desert bivouac. Arriving just in time for a spectacular sunset, you’ll have the chance to capture stunning photographs of the golden dunes. Once at the desert camp, the staff will welcome you with mint tea, helping you break the ice with fellow travelers. The clear night sky offers an exceptional view of countless stars, and you’ll easily spot constellations as you enjoy a hearty homemade dinner.

Day 2: Zagora Desert – Ait Benhaddou and the Return Journey to Marrakech

On Day 2, we begin with an early breakfast, ensuring you don’t miss the mesmerizing sunrise over the dunes. Another opportunity for breathtaking photos before we embark on our camel ride back to the end of the paved road, where we meet our car.

We leave Zagora behind and head towards the fortified village of Ait Benhaddou. Upon arrival, we enjoy a delicious lunch before exploring this UNESCO World Heritage site, famed for its appearances in films such as Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia, and Game of Thrones. The village is still home to seven families, with the remainder having relocated to the more modern side of the valley. Ait Benhaddou once served as a stopover for caravans trading salt, silver, and slaves along the Ounila Valley.

After a comprehensive tour of Ait Benhaddou, we begin our return journey to Marrakech. We expect to arrive by 6:00-7:00 PM, where your driver will drop you off at your desired location, bringing this unforgettable 2-day Sahara Desert tour to a close.