Marrakech to Zagora: 2-Day Desert Camel Trek & Berber Camp

Summary

Ride camels in Zagora dunes, sleep under stars, explore Ait Ben Haddou

You’ll leave Marrakech behind for two days of real desert air: crossing Atlas mountain passes, wandering Ait Ben Haddou’s ancient streets with a local guide, riding camels through Zagora dunes at sunset, sharing dinner by firelight in a Berber camp, and waking early for quiet sunrise before heading home. It’s less about comfort than memory — you’ll feel every mile.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I was nervous about the whole “sleeping in the Sahara” thing. But leaving Marrakech behind that morning, watching the city fade into mountains and then into this wild, ochre landscape, something just loosened inside me. Our driver Khalid had this easy way of pointing out little things — almond trees in bloom, a shepherd waving from a distant hill. By the time we zigzagged up Tizi-n'Tichka Pass (I swear my ears popped twice), I’d stopped checking my phone for signal. The air up there is sharp and cold, even when the sun’s out.

Ait Ben Haddou looked like it grew straight out of the earth — all mud-brick towers and narrow alleys that echo your footsteps. Our local guide told us stories about old caravan routes; I tried to picture traders crossing here centuries ago. There was this faint smell of mint tea drifting from someone’s doorway. We kept moving through Draa Valley — so many tiny villages tucked behind palm groves I lost count. Sometimes you catch a glimpse of kids playing football next to these ancient kasbah walls and it just feels…timeless? Not sure how else to put it.

The camel ride into Zagora desert was awkward at first (my camel was called Bob Marley, which still makes me laugh), but after a while you get into this slow rhythm with the animal and the sand crunches quietly underfoot. Sunset came fast — one minute we’re squinting in harsh light, then suddenly everything’s gold and violet and everyone goes quiet for a bit. Dinner at camp tasted smoky and rich (I think it was lamb tagine?), eaten cross-legged around a fire while someone played drums off-beat. I barely slept that night but lying awake listening to wind move across the dunes felt strangely peaceful.

We woke up before sunrise — not my usual thing — but seeing that first pink light spill over Zagora made me glad I did. Breakfast was simple but hot, which mattered more than I expected after a chilly night. On the way back toward Marrakech we passed Ouarzazate and those same mountains again; they looked different somehow, like I’d left part of myself out there in the sand. Still can’t quite explain it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Marrakech to Zagora Desert Adventure

• Drive over Tizi N'Tichka Pass
• Visit Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou
• Traverse Draa Valley and photograph
• Ride camel at sunset in Zagora dunes
• Dinner at Berber camp under stars
• Overnight in desert camp

Day 2 — Zagora Desert to Marrakech Return

• Watch sunrise and have breakfast
• Return via Ouarzazate and Atlas Mountains

Top questions

How long is the drive from Marrakech to Zagora?

The drive takes most of the day with stops at Ait Ben Haddou and along Draa Valley.

Is hotel pickup included for this Marrakech to Zagora tour?

Yes, hotel pickup between 07:00 - 08:00h in Marrakech is included.

Do you sleep in tents during the Zagora desert trip?

Yes, overnight accommodation is provided in either standard or luxury tents at a Berber camp.

Are meals included on this 2-day Sahara tour?

Dinner and breakfast are included during your stay in Zagora desert camp.

Is there a camel ride on this tour?

Yes, a camel ride through Zagora dunes is part of the experience both days.

Can infants join this tour from Marrakech?

If traveling with an infant you need to bring your own infant seat.

What sites do you visit besides Zagora?

The tour includes stops at Tizi-n'Tichka Pass, Ait Ben Haddou (with licensed guide), Draa Valley villages, and Ouarzazate.

What’s included

Your journey covers hotel pickup and drop-off in Marrakech, all transportation by minibus or 4x4 with your local driver throughout both days, guided visit at Ait Ben Haddou with a licensed guide, camel rides across Zagora dunes at sunset and sunrise, overnight tent accommodation in either standard or luxury Berber camps depending on your choice, plus dinner under desert stars and breakfast before heading back home.