Discover the magic of the Sahara on this 2-day desert tour from Marrakech to Zagora, designed specifically for travelers with limited time. While shorter than the Merzouga expedition, this tour offers a complete Moroccan adventure packed into 48 hours.
Your journey begins with a scenic drive across the High Atlas Mountains, offering breathtaking views from the Tizi n’Tichka pass. You will step back in time at the fortified village of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site, before descending into the lush Draa Valley—Morocco’s longest river valley, home to millions of date palms.
The highlight of your trip awaits in Zagora, where the rocky desert meets the sand. Here, you will experience the quintessential desert adventure: a sunset camel trek leading to a nomadic bivouac. Enjoy traditional Moroccan cuisine, listen to local rhythms around the campfire, and sleep beneath a blanket of stars, making memories that will last a lifetime.
Included
Not Included
Your adventure starts with an early morning pick-up from Marrakech, leaving the city behind to ascend the majestic High Atlas Mountains. We navigate the winding curves of the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m), where the landscape shifts from red earth to lush green valleys dotted with terraced Berber villages. Our first major stop is the legendary Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You will have time to wander through its ancient alleyways and climb to the granary for a stunning view of the surrounding valley.
After lunch near the Kasbah or in Ouarzazate, we head south, crossing the Anti-Atlas mountains to reach the spectacular Draa Valley. This luscious green oasis stretches for nearly 200km and is lined with millions of date palms and fortified Kasbahs. We will stop for photos at panoramic viewpoints before arriving in Zagora in the late afternoon. Here, you will meet your camel caravan for a peaceful sunset ride across the desert terrain. You will arrive at your Berber Camp just as the stars begin to fill the sky, ready for a delicious dinner and an evening of traditional music around the campfire.
Rise early to witness a breathtaking sunrise over the Zagora horizon, painting the desert in soft hues of pink and orange. After a traditional Moroccan breakfast at the camp, you will ride your camels back to the meeting point (or take the 4×4 directly) to begin our return journey. We travel back up through the Draa Valley, giving you a second chance to admire the palm groves and the unique architecture of the southern Kasbahs in the morning light.
We will stop for lunch in Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Africa,” where you can catch a glimpse of the Taourirt Kasbah or the cinema studios. The final leg of our journey takes us back over the High Atlas Mountains. We will make unparalleled stops for coffee or tea with mountain views before descending toward the plains of Haouz. We aim to arrive back in Marrakech in the late afternoon (around 6:00 PM), dropping you off at your accommodation to conclude your express desert escape.v
Our multi-day Morocco tours include comfortable transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, an English-speaking professional driver-guide, accommodation in riads or desert camps depending on the itinerary, pickup and drop-off from your hotel or riad, and breakfasts throughout the tour. On Sahara desert tours, camel trekking and sunset/sunrise in the dunes are also included.
Optional activities, lunches, personal expenses, and entrance fees to monuments are not usually included unless stated in your specific Morocco tour itinerary.
Yes—Exclusive Morocco Travel specializes in private and customizable Morocco tours. You can adjust the itinerary, duration, departure city (Marrakech, Fes, Casablanca, or Tangier), accommodation level (standard, luxury, or mix), and add extra activities such as quad biking, hot-air ballooning, or guided medina tours.
The best time to enjoy a Morocco desert tour is from March to June and September to November, when temperatures are pleasant both during the day and at night. Summer (July–August) is hot, especially in the Sahara, but tours are still available with early-morning and late-afternoon activities. Winter is great for travel as well, but nights in the desert can be cold—warm clothing is recommended.
Whatever the season, our team ensures a comfortable and safe Morocco travel experience.
For some off-road sections especially around Merzouga dunes, Dades Gorges, and Atlas mountain regions a 4×4 vehicle is highly recommended. All our Morocco desert tours already include the appropriate vehicle and an experienced driver familiar with local desert roads and mountain passes.
You don’t need to worry about driving yourself; we handle transportation so you can relax and enjoy the scenery.
Yes, our Morocco tours are ideal for families, couples, friends, and solo travelers. We adapt pacing, accommodation type, room configuration, and activities according to your needs. Family-friendly Morocco tours can include gentler camel rides and shorter driving distances, while honeymoon tours may include luxury desert camps and private dinners under the stars.
Solo travelers also enjoy our private Morocco tours thanks to safety, flexibility, and local guidance.
