THE GREAT ESCAPE
2 Days / 1 Night Excursion to Zagora
Enjoy an excursion to the Zagora region and spend the night in the Sahara Desert in South West Morocco…
This 2-day, 1-night excursion is the quickest way from Marrakech to the desert: over the Tichka pass to Aït Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate, then down the Draa Valley to Zagora for a camel ride into the dunes and a night in a desert camp, returning the next day.
The fastest desert escape from Marrakech
If you only have two days, the Zagora route is the way to reach the Moroccan desert. In a single scenic drive you cross the High Atlas, see one of the country’s most famous kasbahs and end the day riding a camel into the palm-fringed dunes of the Draa Valley.
Day by day
- Day 1 — Marrakech to Zagora: over the Tizi n’Tichka pass with a stop at Aït Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate, then along the Draa Valley and its palm groves to Zagora, where a camel trek leads to a desert camp for dinner and music under the stars.
- Day 2 — Zagora to Marrakech: sunrise in the dunes and breakfast at camp, then the drive back over the Atlas with photo stops along the way.
Good to know
Near Zagora stands the old sign reading “Timbuktu, 52 days” by camel — a reminder that this was once a caravan gateway to the Sahara. Nights in the desert are cool, so bring a warm layer, and pack light for the overnight at camp. The trip runs as a small group and can be arranged privately.
Have an extra day? The 3-day Merzouga excursion reaches the taller Erg Chebbi dunes. From €99 per person — book on WhatsApp.
What's included
- Transport from Marrakech (air-conditioned vehicle)
- Local driver
- 1 night in a desert camp
- Camel trek into the dunes
- Dinner and breakfast at the camp
Not included
- Lunches and drinks
- Entrance fees and tickets
- Gratuities (tips)
Departure & return
- Time : 07:00
- Meeting point : Pick up from your accommodation, hotel, or riad in Marrakech. If your accommodation is not accessible by car, you will be provided with a nearby meeting point instead.
- Return : Drop off in your accommodation, hotel, or riad in Marrakech. If your accommodation is not accessible by car, you will be provided with a nearby meeting point instead.
Gallery
Frequently asked questions
Is Zagora in the Sahara desert?
Zagora sits on the edge of the pre-Sahara, in the palm-fringed Draa Valley, with sand dunes nearby — the quickest desert escape from Marrakech.
Is Marrakech in the desert?
No. Marrakech sits on a plain below the Atlas Mountains; the desert begins a few hours south. This 2-day trip is the quickest way to reach it, at Zagora.
How far is the desert from Marrakech on this trip?
Zagora is about 360 km south of Marrakech — roughly 7 hours over the Atlas — so the dunes are reached on a 2-day, 1-night trip.
What is included?
Transport from Marrakech, a camel trek into the dunes, one night in a desert camp, and dinner and breakfast at the camp.
How much is it?
From €99 per person; confirm your quote on WhatsApp.
How do I book?
Book directly on WhatsApp at +212 661 454 738 — no prepayment, you pay on the day.
