Cross the High Atlas at sunrise, walk the hilltop of Ait Benhaddou, then ride camels into Zagora’s dunes for a night in a nomad tent. This private 2-day tour compresses the Atlas, kasbahs and Sahara atmosphere into an accessible overnight adventure.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The sun sits low behind a smear of ochre as a convoy of 4x4s drops from the High Atlas into a corridor of palms and kasbahs. Travelers begin in Marrakech at dawn, climb the Tizi n’Tichka (about 2,260 m), and slide past the clay towers of Ait Benhaddou before the road opens to the Draa Valley and the rolling Zagora dunes.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2 days (approx. 48 hours)
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness: able to manage several hours of travel, a short camel trek and short uphill walks at stops.
Wildlife
History
The route follows former trans-Saharan caravan roads; Ait Benhaddou is a UNESCO-listed ksar that long served as a trading and defensive hub and later as a film location.
Conservation
The Sahara’s fragile soils and sparse vegetation recover slowly—stick to existing tracks, avoid off-track driving on dunes, and pack out all waste to reduce impact.
Reserve your spot on the Private 2-Day Desert Tour from Marrakech today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Layer for big temperature swings
Daytime can be hot while nights in the bivouac drop to near-freezing—pack a warm midlayer and breathable sun layers.
Hydrate before long drives
Carry at least 2–3 liters of water per person for the day’s drives and camel rides—shops are sparse between towns.
Protect your eyes and skin
Sunglasses, a wide-brim or scarf, and high SPF sunscreen reduce glare and sand abrasion during dune walks and rides.
Bring cash and small bills
Local vendors, tips and remote lunches often accept only cash—keep dirham on hand for extras.
Lightweight insulated jacket
Warm layer for cold desert nights at the bivouac.
fall
Wide-brim hat or scarf
Shade and sand protection during daytime crossings and camel rides.
summer
Sturdy closed-toe shoes
Good traction for rocky ksar approaches and walking around dunes.
Headlamp with extra batteries
Hands-free light for the camp, early-morning sand walks and late arrivals.