2-Day Marrakech to Zagora Desert Tour with Camel Ride & Kasbahs

Summary

Private Sahara Adventure: Camel Trek & Atlas Film Studio Visit

You’ll cross mountain passes, ride camels into real desert dunes, sleep under Saharan stars, explore ancient kasbahs, and visit Morocco’s famous film studios—all in just two days.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed leaving Marrakech was the air—cooler than I expected as we climbed the winding road up to Tizi n'Tichka. Our driver stopped at a tiny roadside café perched on a bend; the coffee was strong and the view stretched out forever. You could hear nothing but wind and the odd truck rumbling past. Passing through villages where kids waved at our van, we reached Taourirt Kasbah in Ouarzazate just before lunch. The kasbah’s mudbrick walls looked almost golden in the midday sun. Our guide shared stories about the El Glaoui family—turns out, this place is UNESCO-listed for good reason. Lunch was simple but filling: tagine with olives and bread that tasted smoky from a wood oven.

By late afternoon, we were rolling through the Draa Valley’s palm groves, sunlight flickering through endless green fronds. In Zagora, camels waited for us—mine was called “Ali Baba,” according to our camel handler who joked about his stubbornness. Riding into the dunes as the sky turned orange felt surreal; sand got everywhere but I didn’t care. At camp, Berber tea was waiting and dinner came with music around a crackling fire. The stars were brighter than any city night I’ve ever seen.

The next morning started early—no alarm needed, just birds and soft voices outside my tent. Watching sunrise over the dunes made me forget how chilly it still was in April. After breakfast (flatbread with honey and strong coffee again), we rode back by camel to meet our van. On the way home, we stopped at Atlas Studios in Ouarzazate—giant movie sets just sitting out in the desert sun—and then Ait Benhaddou. Walking those ancient alleys felt like stepping onto a film set; no wonder they shot Gladiator here. We wandered up to the top for views over the riverbed before heading back to Marrakech as evening crept in.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Marrakech to Zagora Desert Camp

• You will begin the first day with pickup from your Marrakech hotel
• Stop at Tizi n'Tichka pass at 2,260 m
• Brief coffee stop in the mountain peaks
• Continue to Kasbah of Taourirt in Ouarzazate
• Lunch and visit Taourirt Kasbah, UNESCO site
• Travel to Zagora through Draa valley palm grove
• Camel ride to Zagora desert camp at sunset
• Enjoy traditional dinner

Day 2 — Zagora to Marrakech via Studios and Kasbah

• Sunrise in the desert and typical breakfast
• Camel ride back to transport
• Return to Marrakech with stop at Cinema Studio Atlas
• Visit historic Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, UNESCO site
• Lunch at Ait Benhaddou
• Explore Ait Benhaddou kasbah
• Return to Marrakech and transfer to hotel

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for families with young children?

Yes! Kids can join and even ride camels (with help). Strollers are fine for little ones during stops.

What should I pack for the desert overnight?

Bring layers—it gets chilly at night even if days are warm. Comfortable shoes and sunscreen help too.

Are meals included? What kind of food is served?

Dinner and breakfast are included at camp—expect Moroccan dishes like tagine, bread, olives, fruit, and tea.

How long is each camel ride?

Each ride lasts about an hour—enough time to enjoy sunset or sunrise without getting too sore!

What’s included

Your private transport from Marrakech covers all transfers; hotel pickup/drop-off; overnight stay in a Berber bivouac; one-hour camel trek; traditional dinner; breakfast; campfire with local music; plus guided visits to Taourirt Kasbah, Atlas Studios, and Ait Benhaddou.