Embark on an unforgettable 2-day desert adventure from Marrakech to Zagora, Morocco. This tour offers a taste of the Sahara Desert’s stunning landscapes, Berber culture, and starry nights. You’ll traverse the High Atlas Mountains, visit traditional villages, and spend a night under the desert stars in a desert camp.
This 2-day desert tour from Marrakech to Zagora is a perfect introduction to Morocco’s diverse landscapes, culture, and the enchanting Sahara Desert. You’ll leave with unforgettable memories of desert sunsets, camel rides, and the warm hospitality of the Berber people.
DAY 1 – Marrakech – Atlas Mountains – Ait Benhaddou – Draa Valley – Zagora
As the first rays of the sun cast a golden glow over the bustling streets of Marrakech, your adventure into the heart of Morocco’s desert begins. The anticipation is palpable as you board a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle, leaving behind the vibrant colors and chaos of the city.
The road winds its way up into the majestic High Atlas Mountains, revealing awe-inspiring vistas with every turn. Jagged peaks, lush valleys, and small Berber villages cling to the slopes, creating a breathtaking tapestry of nature and culture. Your driver skillfully navigates the serpentine roads, making stops at viewpoints where you can capture the breathtaking scenery with your camera.
Mid-morning, you arrive at the first highlight of the journey: Aït Ben Haddou. This ancient, UNESCO-listed ksar (fortified village) emerges like a mirage in the desert. Its intricate mud-brick architecture and narrow alleyways have been the backdrop for numerous films, including “Gladiator” and “Game of Thrones.” As you wander through its maze-like streets, your guide shares stories of its rich history and the Berber families who still call it home.
After exploring Aït Ben Haddou, it’s time to continue your journey. You descend from the mountains and enter the enchanting Draa Valley, known for its date palm groves, lush oases, and timeless Berber settlements. Lunch awaits you at a local restaurant, where the flavors of Moroccan cuisine tantalize your taste buds.
With the sun sinking lower in the sky, you press on towards Zagora, your gateway to the Sahara Desert. The drive takes you deeper into the Draa Valley, passing by picturesque villages where life seems to have remained unchanged for centuries. Eventually, the road leads to Zagora, and your excitement builds as you meet a small caravan of camels waiting to transport you further into the desert.
As the sun dips below the horizon, casting hues of orange and pink across the vast sand dunes, you embark on a camel trek into the heart of the Sahara. The rhythmic sway of your camel and the vast silence of the desert create a sense of peaceful solitude. You marvel at the ever-shifting shapes of the dunes and the otherworldly beauty of the landscape.
As darkness falls and the desert sky becomes a canvas of sparkling stars, you arrive at your desert camp. Traditional Berber tents stand in a circle around a central fire pit. The welcoming aroma of a Moroccan dinner fills the air as you savor a delicious meal in this remote desert oasis. Stories are shared, and the sounds of desert music drift into the night as you relax by the campfire, gazing up at the countless stars overhead.
DAY 2 – Zagora – Ouarzazate – Atlas Mountains – Marrakech
The promise of an extraordinary sunrise lures you out of your comfortable desert tent before dawn. With a steaming cup of Moroccan tea in hand, you watch as the first light of day paints the dunes with soft pastel hues. It’s a moment of pure magic, a memory to be cherished forever.
After breakfast at the camp, it’s time to bid farewell to the Sahara and your desert companions. You mount your trusty camels once more and make the journey back to Zagora. The familiarity of the landscape contrasts with the unique desert experience, and you can’t help but feel a sense of awe at the simplicity and beauty of the Sahara.
Upon your return to Zagora, you reunite with your vehicle and set out on the return journey to Marrakech. The Draa Valley unfolds before you once more, and you pause for lunch at a local restaurant, where the flavors of tagines and couscous remind you of the culinary delights of Morocco.
As you retrace your path through the High Atlas Mountains, you savor the last moments of your desert adventure. The sun dips below the peaks, casting long shadows and a warm glow. Tired but fulfilled, you arrive back in Marrakech in the evening, bringing an end to your 2-day desert odyssey. The memories of Sahara sunsets, camel rides, and the hospitality of the Berber people remain etched in your heart, a testament to the magic of Morocco’s desert landscape.
– Pick-up & drop-off service.
– Overnight accommodation in a comfortable desert camp including dinner & breakfast.
– 4×4 or minivan all-terrain vehicle with air conditioning
– Driver
– Fuel.
– Camel ride to reach the camp. (one per person).
– Unique experiences
– Extras.
– Lunches on the way.
– Drinks
We provide unique experiences that focus on meeting the true culture of Morocco on its own terms..