Marrakech to Sahara: 2-Day Zagora Desert & Ait Ben Haddou Tour

Summary

Cross Atlas peaks, wander Ait Ben Haddou, ride camels at dusk

You’ll journey from Marrakech over mountain passes to ancient kasbahs and desert palms, ride camels through Zagora’s dunes at sunset, share a Berber meal by firelight, and wake to sunrise on sand. If you’ve ever wondered how silence can feel warm—or what real tagine tastes like—you’ll find out here.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I didn’t expect my shoes to fill with sand so fast. We’d just met our camels outside Zagora—mine was called Momo, and he looked at me like he knew I had no idea what I was doing. Our guide Youssef grinned and adjusted my scarf (“for the wind,” he said), then we set off into the dunes. The light was turning gold and there was this hush, except for the soft thud of camel feet and someone behind me humming quietly. I could smell mint tea from the campfire even before we reached it.

The drive from Marrakech was long but weirdly hypnotic—switchbacks through the Atlas Mountains, villages clinging to red hillsides, kids waving as we passed. At Ait Ben Haddou, Youssef pointed out where they filmed Game of Thrones (I pretended I’d seen it). The kasbah’s mud walls felt cool under my hand; there was a breeze that smelled like dust and wild thyme. Lunch in Ouarzazate was tagine—salty olives, sweet tomatoes—and then more road until suddenly palms appeared along the Draa Valley. It’s greener than you’d think out here.

That night in the Berber camp, after dinner (I still dream about that bread), we sat around swapping stories with other travelers while someone played a drum. The stars were ridiculous—like someone spilled sugar across black velvet. In the morning, groggy but happy, we climbed back onto our camels for sunrise. My legs were sore but I didn’t care. There’s this silence in the desert that sticks with you long after you leave—makes Marrakech feel a little louder when you get back.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Marrakech to Zagora via Kasbah and Ouarzazate

• Pickup from Marrakech accommodation
• Travel over Atlas Mountains
• Visit Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou
• Continue to Ouarzazate for lunch and studio visit
• Drive through Draa Valley to Zagora
• Meet camels for desert trek
• Camel ride to desert camp
• Dinner at Berber camp

Day 2 — Zagora sunrise camel ride and return

• Berber breakfast at camp
• Sunrise camel ride in dunes
• Return camel ride to Zagora
• Shower and prepare for departure
• Drive through Draa Valley and Atlas Mountains
• Stops for photos and lunch
• Return to Marrakech

Top questions

How long is the drive from Marrakech to Zagora?

The drive takes most of the day with stops—expect about 7 hours including visits to Ait Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate.

Is camel riding included on this Sahara tour?

Yes, both sunset and sunrise camel rides are included during your stay near Zagora dunes.

Do I sleep in a tent or hotel on this trip?

You’ll spend one night in a private Berber tent at a desert camp in the Zagora dunes.

Are meals provided during the tour?

Dinner and breakfast are included; lunch is available for purchase during stops like Ouarzazate.

What should I pack for this 2-day Sahara tour?

Bring comfortable clothes for hot days/cool nights, sunscreen, sunglasses, and maybe a scarf for dust or wind.

Is pickup from my hotel in Marrakech included?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are included if your accommodation is accessible by car.

Do we visit Ait Ben Haddou on this itinerary?

Yes, there’s free time to explore Ait Ben Haddou on day one before heading deeper into the desert.

Can anyone join or do I need special fitness?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels; camel rides are gentle but let staff know if you have mobility concerns.

What’s included

Your trip includes early morning hotel pickup in Marrakech by air-conditioned minibus, free time at UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou, sunset and sunrise camel rides through Zagora’s dunes, an overnight stay in a private Berber tent with dinner and breakfast served fireside—and drop-off back at your door when it’s all over.