2-Day Marrakech Desert Tour to Zagora & Atlas Kasbahs

Overview

A perfect 2-day desert getaway from Marrakech, this adventure takes you through the High Atlas Mountains, into the heart of southern Morocco, and into the Zagora Desert—the gateway to the Sahara. Along the way, discover historic kasbahs, wind through the dramatic Draa Valley, and experience the serenity of the desert on a sunset camel trek, ending the day under a sky full of stars in a traditional nomadic camp. Ideal for travelers short on time but seeking a rich desert experience.

Tour Highlights – 2-Day Zagora Desert Tour from Marrakech

• Drive across the High Atlas Mountains via the breathtaking Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m)

• Visit the iconic Aït Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and film location for Gladiator and Game of Thrones

• Explore Ouarzazate, home to the Atlas Film Studios and Kasbah Taourirt, once residence of the powerful Glaoui family

• Travel through the lush palm groves of the Draa Valley, the longest valley in Morocco

• Experience a camel trek at sunset through the sand dunes of Zagora Desert

• Spend the night in a traditional Berber desert camp, with local music and Moroccan cuisine

• Wake up to an unforgettable sunrise over the desert dunes

• Enjoy personalized stops and scenic photo opportunities throughout the journey

Tour Details

Destination: Zagora Desert, Draa Valley & Historic Kasbahs
Departure Location: Any location in Marrakech
Return Location: Any location in Marrakech
Duration: 2 Days / 1 Night
Price: Varies depending on the number of travelers

Itinerary

Day 1: Marrakech – Tizi n’Tichka Pass – Aït Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Zagora Desert

Your desert adventure begins with a scenic drive through the High Atlas Mountains, crossing the winding Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m), the highest road in North Africa. Along the way, we stop to visit the famous Aït Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and iconic film location featured in Gladiator and Game of Thrones.

Next, we pass through Ouarzazate, often called the “Hollywood of Africa,” before continuing south into the Draa Valley, lined with vast palm groves. By late afternoon, we arrive in Zagora, the gateway to the Sahara.

Here, you’ll embark on a camel ride through the rocky desert, taking in the changing colors of the landscape as the sun begins to set. Upon arrival at the desert camp, enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner of tagine and fresh bread, followed by live Berber music and drumming around the campfire under a star-filled sky.

Day 2: Zagora – Aït Ben Haddou – High Atlas Mountains – Marrakech

Begin the day with an early sunrise camel ride back across the desert. After freshening up and breakfast at a nearby guesthouse, we start the return journey to Marrakech.

Along the way, we revisit the Kasbah Aït Ben Haddou for more exploration and a relaxing lunch. Then, we cross back over the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, enjoying more panoramic views of the Atlas Mountains, before arriving in Marrakech in the early evening—bringing your short yet unforgettable desert experience to a close.