Best 2 Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Zagora
2 Days
Desert Tours from Marrakech
From Marrakech
Ends in Fes
frensh, english
Overview
Our 2 day desert tour from Marrakech is the quickest way to the Sahara. You cross the High Atlas to Aït Ben Haddou, drive the palm-lined Draa Valley to Zagora, and ride camels into the dunes for a night in a Berber camp before returning to Marrakech.
Our 2 day desert tour from Marrakech is made for travellers short on time who still want a real night in the desert. Zagora is the closest Sahara escape from Marrakech, so you spend less time driving and more time in the dunes. Our team is based in Morocco and knows the Draa Valley’s best stops.
What you’ll see on this 2 day desert tour from Marrakech
Day one crosses the Tizi n’Tichka pass to Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, then follows the Draa Valley — Morocco’s longest palm oasis — to Zagora. A sunset camel trek carries you into the dunes for dinner, drumming and a night under the stars. Day two returns to Marrakech through the same dramatic mountain scenery.
What are the Zagora dunes like?
Zagora’s dunes are smaller than Merzouga’s, but they’re authentic Sahara and far closer to Marrakech — which is exactly why this 2 day desert tour from Marrakech works so well for a short trip. You still get the camel trek, the desert camp, the silence and the stars, just without the longer drive east.
Is two days enough for the desert?
For a first taste, absolutely — you get a genuine night in the Sahara without needing a long trip. If you have more time and want the bigger Erg Chebbi dunes, our 3-day Merzouga tour goes deeper into the desert. Either way, you leave with sand on your boots and stars in your memory.
Highlight
- The quickest Sahara escape from Marrakech — just two days
- Cross the High Atlas via the Tizi n’Tichka pass
- Visit Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage kasbah
- Drive the Draa Valley — Morocco’s longest palm oasis
- Sunset camel trek into the Zagora dunes
- Night in a Berber desert camp under the stars
Itinerary
-
Marrakech Departure
Morning pickup, then cross the High Atlas by the Tizi n’Tichka pass.
-
Aït Ben Haddou
Explore the UNESCO-listed earthen kasbah on the way south.
-
Draa Valley
Follow Morocco’s longest palm oasis through Agdz to Zagora.
-
Sunset Camel Trek
Ride camels into the dunes at sunset for dinner and a night in a Berber camp.
Stay
Berber desert camp near Zagora
Meals
Dinner
Transportation
Private vehicle + sunset camel trek to camp
-
Sunrise in the Dunes
Wake for sunrise over the Zagora dunes, then ride camels back for breakfast.
-
Return Journey
Drive back toward Marrakech through the Draa Valley and over the Atlas, with photo stops.
-
Arrival in Marrakech
Arrive back in Marrakech in the evening, with drop-off at your hotel or riad.
Meals
Breakfast
Transportation
Camel trek at sunrise; private vehicle back to Marrakech
What's included
Included
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced local driver
- Accommodation: 1 night in a desert camp near Zagora
- Dinner and breakfast
- Sunset camel trek into the dunes
- Hotel or riad pickup and drop-off in Marrakech
Not Included
- Lunches (plenty of options at the stops)
- Drinks and snacks
- Tips for your driver and guide
- Optional extras (sandboarding)
- Travel insurance
Frequently asked questions
Zagora is the closest desert to Marrakech, so this 2 day desert tour from Marrakech gives you a real night in the Sahara with much less driving.
The Merzouga tours reach bigger dunes but need three or four days. If time is short, Zagora is the perfect choice.
They’re smaller than the Erg Chebbi dunes at Merzouga but genuinely Sahara — golden sand, camel treks and desert silence, set against the palm oases of the Draa Valley.
For a short trip they deliver the full desert experience close to Marrakech.
Private air-conditioned transport with a driver, one night in a desert camp near Zagora, dinner and breakfast, the sunset camel trek, and hotel pickup and drop-off in Marrakech.
Lunches, drinks and tips aren’t included, so you can choose where you eat on the road.
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) bring warm days and clear nights.
Summer is hot but manageable with early starts, and winter days are pleasant while desert nights turn cold, so the camp provides extra blankets. Every season suits the trip.
For a first taste, yes — you get a genuine night in the Sahara without a long journey.
If you’d rather see the larger Erg Chebbi dunes and have more time, our 3-day Merzouga tour goes deeper into the desert.
Yes — the whole trip runs private for you and your group, so the pace and stops are yours.
The per-person price drops as your group grows, and vehicles range from a comfortable 4×4 to a minivan for larger parties.
Booking & payment.
A Secure your tour online with a 30% deposit or full payment. Your booking is confirmed once you receive our confirmation email. Any balance is due [14] days before departure or in cash on arrival by prior arrangement. We accept PayPal and credit card.
Cancellations.
The deposit is non-refundable. If you cancel a confirmed booking :
Multi-day desert tours
- 30+ days before: balance refunded; deposit convertible to a 12-month credit.
- 15–29 days before: 50% of the total refunded.
- 7–14 days before: 25% of the total refunded.
- Under 7 days / no-show: no refund.
Day trips & activities
- Private day trips: free cancellation up to 48 hours before pickup.
- Shared day trips & activities: free cancellation up to 24 hours before start.
- Inside those windows, or no-show: no refund.
If we cancel
Routes may be adjusted for weather, road or safety conditions. We’ll always discuss changes with you and keep the experience equivalent.
Rescheduling
We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance covering the desert activities included in your tour.
Good to know
- Travellers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
- Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended.
- Quad biking is at your own risk and requires a signed waiver.
Full details are in our Terms & Conditions.
From €90.00 / Person
Available Options
- Instant confirmation
- Free cancellation up to 14 days
- Secure payment
- Questions? Message us on WhatsApp
