Cross the High Atlas, ride a camel at sunset and sleep in a Berber desert camp on this compact two-day route from Marrakech to Zagora. Expect long drives, dramatic passes, and a dawn in the Sahara.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You leave Marrakech before dawn, the city shrinking behind rose-colored walls while the road climbs the High Atlas. The tarmac tightens around the Tizi n’Tichka pass and the air thins; rock faces lean in like old guards as you descend toward sunlit plains. By midday the palms of the Draa Valley unfurl below—a green ribbon that hints at the life water forces from sand—and by evening the dunes outside Zagora push up, daring you to walk their slopes.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 days (about 48 hours)
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires tolerance for long vehicle transfers and short camel walks.
Wildlife
History
Aït Ben Haddou was a key fortified stop on trans-Sahara caravan routes and later a film location; the Draa Valley supported oasis agriculture that sustained caravans.
Conservation
The Sahara’s fragile soils and oases recover slowly from disturbance—minimize waste, avoid off-track driving, and support local services to help communities conserve resources.
Reserve your spot on the ZAGORA 2 days desert trip from Marrakech with Food today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Hydrate before and during travel
Start with water in Marrakech and carry at least 1.5–2L per person for time outside the vehicle—shops are scarce between stops.
Dress in layers for big temperature swings
Bring a warm mid-layer for pre-dawn and night in the camp plus breathable shirts for daytime heat.
Protect your face and eyes from sand
Use sunglasses, a brimmed hat, and a buff or scarf to block blowing sand during camel rides.
Carry small cash and local etiquette
ATMs are limited; bring cash for tea, tips, and small purchases, and ask before photographing people or private homes.
Reusable water bottle (1.5–2L)
Staying hydrated is critical in desert heat and on long transfers.
Layered clothing and a warm jacket
Temperatures fall quickly after sunset and at dawn in the desert.
winter
Sturdy walking shoes
Good soles help for short hikes near oases, kasbahs, and dune edges.
Sun hat and high-SPF sunscreen
Strong sun and reflective sand increase UV exposure during daytime stops.
summer