2-Day Tour to the Zagora Desert – Camel Ride & Starry Bivouac from Marrakech
Overview
Escape into the wild beauty of southern Morocco with a 2-Day Tour to the Zagora Desert — a compact yet immersive adventure that takes you from the red city of Marrakech across the High Atlas Mountains to the golden dunes of the Sahara’s edge. Known as the “Gateway to the Sahara”, Zagora welcomes explorers with its legendary sign: “Timbuktu – 52 days by camel”.
This carefully crafted itinerary includes UNESCO-listed Aït Ben Haddou, a scenic journey through the lush Drâa Valley, a sunset camel ride, and an overnight stay in a traditional desert bivouac under a sky full of stars. With private air-conditioned transport, expert driver-guide, and meals included, this tour offers the perfect balance of adventure, culture, and comfort — ideal for solo travelers, couples, and families seeking an authentic desert escape without a long journey.
Description
Discover the soul of Morocco on a 2-Day Tour to the Zagora Desert, a scenic and unforgettable journey through some of the country’s most iconic landscapes. Your adventure begins with an early pickup from your Marrakech hotel or riad, followed by a breathtaking drive over the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m) — the highest mountain pass in North Africa. Along the way, you’ll stop at the legendary Aït Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site and filming location for Gladiator, Game of Thrones, and The Mummy.
Continue through the Drâa Valley, North Africa’s longest oasis, where thousands of palm trees line the river and ancient ksour (fortified villages) dot the landscape. As the terrain shifts from green to golden, you’ll reach Zagora, a historic desert town that once served as a key stop on trans-Saharan trade routes.
At sunset, mount your camel for a peaceful ride into the dunes, watching the sky turn fiery orange and pink. Arrive at a traditional Berber desert camp, where you’ll enjoy a candlelit tagine dinner, listen to Gnawa music around the fire, and spend the night in a warm bivouac tent beneath a canopy of stars.
After a sunrise tea and light breakfast, return through the valley, stopping at Tamgroute (famous for its Quranic school and pottery) before heading back to Marrakech. With eco-conscious accommodations, cultural depth, and seamless logistics, this 2-day desert tour is the perfect short escape into Morocco’s timeless wilderness.
Highlights
✅ Cross the Tizi n’Tichka Pass — the highest mountain pass in North Africa
✅ Explore Aït Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site
✅ Drive through the Drâa Valley, the longest palm oasis in Morocco
✅ Enjoy a sunset camel ride across the Zagora dunes
✅ Sleep under the stars in a traditional desert bivouac
✅ Experience Berber hospitality with tagine dinner and live music
✅ Private tour with air-conditioned vehicle and expert driver-guide
Includes & Excludes
Includes
- Private round-trip transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned 4×4 or minivan
- Professional, multilingual driver with transport and liability insurance
- 1-night accommodation at Caravane du Sud Desert Camp (or similar)
- Half-board stay: dinner and breakfast (traditional tagine, bread, tea, fruit)
- Guided visit to Aït Ben Haddou Kasbah
- Sunset camel ride in the Zagora dunes
- All entrance fees (Aït Ben Haddou, Taourirt Kasbah, local sites)
- Bottled water during the journey
- Free cancellation up to 48 hours before departure
Excludes
- Lunches (except where specified — budget ~10–15€ per meal)
- Drinks (alcoholic or soft drinks)
- Tips for driver and camp staff (optional, appreciated)
- Personal travel insurance
- Optional visits (e.g., pottery workshop in Tamgroute)
- Travel extras (snacks, souvenirs)
Tour Plan (Itinerary)
Day 1: Marrakech → Aït Ben Haddou → Zagora
6:30 AM – Pickup from Your Hotel/Riad
Your driver will collect you early for a full-day journey. Bring a light breakfast or enjoy snacks on the go.
7:00 AM – Cross the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m)
Drive through the High Atlas Mountains, stopping for photos at scenic viewpoints.
10:30 AM – Visit Aït Ben Haddou Kasbah
Explore this UNESCO-listed fortified village, once a key stop on the trans-Saharan trade route. Walk through narrow alleys and climb to rooftop terraces for panoramic views.
12:30 PM – Lunch in Ouarzazate
Stop in the “Hollywood of Morocco” for a traditional meal at a local restaurant (own expense).
2:00 PM – Journey Through the Drâa Valley
Enter the lush Drâa Valley, a 50km stretch of palm groves, ksour, and mud-brick villages.
5:00 PM – Arrive in Zagora
Check in at the desert camp. Rest and enjoy tea as the sun begins to set.
6:00 PM – Sunset Camel Ride
Ride into the dunes as the golden light bathes the sand. Perfect for photography and quiet reflection.
7:30 PM – Dinner & Berber Music
Enjoy a candlelit tagine dinner under the stars. Listen to Gnawa or Amazigh music performed around the fire.
9:00 PM – Overnight in Bivouac Tent
Sleep in a warm, traditional tent with blankets and mats. Experience total silence and a sky full of stars.
Day 2: Zagora → Tamgroute → Marrakech
6:30 AM – Sunrise & Mint Tea
Wake to a desert sunrise and a hot glass of mint tea served by the camp team.
7:30 AM – Breakfast
Enjoy fresh bread, jam, olives, and fruit before departure.
8:30 AM – Visit Tamgroute
Stop in this historic village known for its 14th-century Quranic school and traditional pottery workshops.
10:30 AM – Begin Return Journey
Drive back via the Drâa Valley and Tizi n’Tichka Pass.
3:00 PM – Arrive in Marrakech
Drop-off at your hotel or riad. End of tour.
FAQs
Q: How long is the 2-Day Tour to the Zagora Desert?
A: The tour runs over two days and one night, starting early on Day 1 and returning by mid-afternoon on Day 2.
Q: Is the desert camp comfortable?
A: Yes — the Caravane du Sud camp offers traditional bivouac tents with thick blankets, rugs, and wind protection. Bathrooms are shared but clean and functional.
Q: Is the camel ride safe for beginners?
A: Absolutely — camels are calm and the ride is slow. Assistance is provided for mounting and dismounting.
Q: What should I pack?
A: Essentials:
- Warm jacket (desert nights are cold)
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
- Camera, power bank
- Personal toiletries
Q: Can I charge my phone at the camp?
A: Limited solar-powered charging available. Bring a power bank for safety.
Q: Is the tour suitable for children?
A: Yes — families love this adventure. The camel ride, stargazing, and tagine dinner are especially popular with kids.
Q: Why choose a private Zagora tour?
A: Private tours offer flexible pacing, personalized stops, and comfort — ideal for families, photographers, or travelers with special interests.
Q: Are meals included?
A: Dinner and breakfast are included. Lunches are not included, giving you freedom to choose local restaurants.
✅ Ready to cross the Sahara’s threshold?
Book your 2-Day Tour to the Zagora Desert today and experience the magic of camel caravans, ancient kasbahs, and starlit bivouacs — a perfect desert gateway adventure from Marrakech.