From Marrakech: 2-Day Zagora Desert Tour via Ait Benhaddou
Free cancellation — Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Travel from Marrakech via the Atlas Mountains and Ait Benhaddou to the Zagora Desert. Ride camels and spend the night in a Berber camp with fire, music, and a view of the stars in the desert.
Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Duration 2 days
Check availability to see starting times
Something special
Cross the Atlas Mountains and visit the UNESCO Ait Benhaddou Kasbah
Itinerary
- 1
Discover the Zagora Desert on a 2-day journey from Marrakech. Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the scenic Tizi n’Tichka Pass, explore the UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou, and travel through the Draa Valley. Enjoy camel rides at sunset and sunrise, spend a night in a desert camp under the stars, and pass through Ouarzazate before returning to Marrakech.
- 2
Marrakech Pickup & Departure
Start your day with an early morning pickup from your accommodation in Marrakech or the nearest accessible meeting point.
- 3
Scenic Stop at Tizi n'Tichka Pass
Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the famous Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 m). Stop at a scenic viewpoint to enjoy panoramic views of winding roads and traditional Berber villages set within the valleys.
- 4
Visit Ait Ben Haddou UNESCO Site
Visit the UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou, known for its earthen kasbahs and appearances in films such as Gladiator. Explore the historic fortified village with a local guide or at your own pace before continuing your journey south.
- 5
Explore the Drâa Valley Oasis and Villages
Continue your journey through the Drâa Valley, one of southern Morocco’s most scenic regions, known for its vast palm groves, winding river, and contrasting desert landscapes. Along this historic route, pass traditional ksours (fortified villages) and ancient kasbahs that reflect the area’s rich cultural and architectural heritage. With scenic viewpoints along the way, this stretch offers excellent opportunities for photos and a glimpse into rural life.
- 6
Go for a camel ride at sunset in Zagora Desert Camp
Continue to Zagora and embark on a camel trek across the desert dunes. Ride through the peaceful landscape and enjoy the rhythm of the Sahara as the sun sets, casting warm colors across the horizon. Arrive at your desert camp for an authentic overnight experience, where you will be welcomed with traditional hospitality, followed by dinner and a relaxing evening under the stars.
- 7
Sahara Desert Dinner Experience Under the Stars
Upon arrival, settle into your comfortable desert camp nestled among the Zagora dunes. Take time to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings before gathering for a traditional Moroccan dinner, featuring freshly prepared dishes such as tagines, warm bread, and local specialties, served under the clear, star-filled desert sky.
- 8
Relax Around the Campfire Under the Stars
Relax around the campfire as the desert night settles in, surrounded by the calm and silence of the Sahara. Enjoy the warm glow of the fire while listening to traditional Berber music and rhythmic drumming. This peaceful moment offers time to unwind, connect with fellow travelers, and take in the clear night sky, often filled with countless stars, creating a memorable and authentic desert evening experience.
- 9
Breakfast in Zagora Sahara Desert Camp
Wake up in the peaceful desert surroundings and enjoy breakfast at the camp, taking in the fresh morning atmosphere before continuing your journey back to Marrakech.
- 10
Sunrise Camel Ride in the Sahara Desert
Experience a peaceful camel ride across the dunes at sunrise. As the first light of day rises over the Sahara, watch the colors of the desert shift from soft gold to warm orange. Enjoy the quiet atmosphere of the morning and the gentle rhythm of the camel as you take in the vast landscape, offering a memorable and serene start to the day in the heart of the desert.
- 11
Ouarzazate Photo Stop – Atlas Film Studios View
Stop in Ouarzazate, known as the “Gateway to the Sahara” and Morocco’s film city. Enjoy a brief photo stop to take in the surroundings before continuing your journey.
- 12
Scenic Lunch Stop in the Atlas Mountains
Pause for a lunch break in the Atlas Mountains, surrounded by scenic landscapes and fresh mountain air. Enjoy a meal at a local restaurant, with views of traditional villages and rugged peaks. This relaxing stop offers time to unwind, take in the surroundings, and recharge before continuing your journey through one of Morocco’s most picturesque regions.
- 13
Drop-off in Marrakech & End of Tour
Enjoy the final scenic drive back across the High Atlas Mountains, with short stops along the way. Arrive in Marrakech in the late afternoon or evening, where your driver will drop you off at your hotel or nearest accessible point.
- 14
Itinerary timings and order of stops may vary depending on traffic, weather, or seasonal daylight changes. Solo travelers share accommodation (tent) with another traveler of the same gender unless single options are booked. We will contact you 1 day prior to the tour to confirm your exact pickup details and time.
Approximate area — exact pickup point and stops are confirmed after booking.
Highlights
- Cross the Atlas Mountains and visit the UNESCO Ait Benhaddou Kasbah
- Experience a desert sunset and night in a traditional Berber camp
- Spend a night in a desert camp with dinner, music, and stargazing
- Ride through desert landscapes and capture unforgettable moments
- Travel in comfort with expert guides sharing culture and history
Full description
Includes
- Pickup in Marrakech (hotel or nearest accessible meeting point)
- Drop-off in Marrakech (hotel or nearest accessible meeting point)
- Transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle
- Fuel included
- Professional multilingual driver
- On-board Wi-Fi (coverage may be limited in remote areas)
- 1 night accommodation in Zagora Desert
- Standard option: private tent (minimum 2 people) with shared bathrooms
- Luxury option: private tent (minimum 2 people) with private bathroom
- 1 dinner in the desert camp
- 1 breakfast in the desert camp
- Camel rides at sunset and sunrise (1 camel per person)
Not included
- Lunch and Drinks
- Optional local guide at Ait Ben Haddou (€2 per person)
What to bring
- Sun hat
- Hat
- Camera
- Sunscreen
- Cash
Reviews on our website
No reviews have been published on this website yet.
Frequently asked questions
Can I cancel for free?
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time (Moroccan local time) for a full refund. Cancellations less than 24 hours before the start, and no-shows, are non-refundable.
How long does it last?
2 days
When is my booking confirmed?
Your booking is confirmed only after your payment is verified. Contacting us on WhatsApp does not confirm a booking.
Questions? Ask us on WhatsApp
WhatsApp +212 655 786 616 · Contacting us on WhatsApp does not confirm a booking; confirmation follows verified payment.
Merzouga & Sahara

