Drive the High Atlas, walk the ancient streets of Aït Ben Haddou and ride camels into the Zagora dunes before sleeping under a clear Saharan sky. This two-day tour blends UNESCO sites, palm-lined valleys and a night in a desert bivouac.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The road peels away from Marrakech before dawn, climbing switchbacks across the High Atlas where wind and rock rearrange the sky. By midday the red clay of Aït Ben Haddou appears—its mud-brick walls catching light like an old camera lens—then the route drops into the charted green of the Draa Valley and finally into the sand, where Zagora’s low dunes press against the horizon.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2 days
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers in average fitness: short camel rides and easy walks, but able to handle long vehicle transfers and uneven sand.
Wildlife
History
The Draa Valley and Aït Ben Haddou sit on former caravan corridors that linked sub-Saharan trade routes to Atlantic and Mediterranean markets; film studios in Ouarzazate later turned the region into a cinematic backdrop.
Conservation
Water is scarce—use refillable bottles and minimize detergent use at camps; support local co-ops and guides to keep economic benefits in the region.
Reserve your spot on the 2-Day Zagora Desert Tour from Marrakech today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Layer for temperature swings
Daytime desert heat can drop to near-freezing overnight—pack a warm midlayer and a wind shell for camp.
Bring at least 2 liters of water
Hydrate during long drives and while on the dunes—water is available but limited in the bivouac.
Protect from sun and sand
Use broad-brim hats, UV sunglasses, and a lightweight scarf to guard against blowing grit during camel rides.
Plan for long driving segments
Expect several hours on mountain passes and rural roads—choose morning pickups if you’re sensitive to motion.
Closed-toe walking shoes
Sturdy shoes protect on rocky viewpoints and when walking around camp.
Sun hat & UV sunglasses
Essential for midday desert sun and glare off sand.
summer
Reusable water bottle (2L+)
Maintains hydration on long drives and during the camel trek.
Warm midlayer and lightweight sleeping liner
Nights in the desert can be cold; layers make camp comfortable.
spring