Marrakech to Zagora: 2-Day Desert Tour with Camel Ride & Berber Camp

Summary

Cross the Atlas to Zagora by minibus, camel ride at sunset, sleep in a Berber tent

You’ll leave Marrakech before sunrise, cross mountain passes with a local driver, explore ancient kasbahs like Aït Ben Haddou, ride camels into sunset near Zagora, then share dinner under desert stars in a Berber camp. Wake early for sunrise over sand dunes before heading home — it’s not polished or fancy but feels real all the way through.

What’s the experience like?

We were already a bit bleary-eyed when our driver, Youssef, greeted us outside our Marrakech riad — he waved like he’d known us for years. The van was quiet at first, just the low hum of the road and someone’s phone playing old Moroccan pop. I remember Youssef pulling over for mint tea somewhere in the Atlas mountains; steam curling up into the cold morning air, and he showed us how to pour it “from high up — for bubbles.” I tried it and spilled half on my shoe. He laughed but didn’t make me feel dumb.

The Kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou looked almost fake against that blue sky. Our guide Fatima pointed out where Game of Thrones filmed (she rolled her eyes a little), but she seemed more proud of her uncle’s café nearby. Lunch was lamb tagine with apricots — sweet and earthy — and I can still smell the cinnamon if I think about it. Later, driving through Ouarzazate and the Draa Valley, we watched kids waving from dusty doorways and endless palms flickering past. It felt like we were shrinking into the landscape.

By late afternoon, camels waited for us near Zagora. Mine was called Bob Marley (no idea why). The saddle was scratchy but after a while you stop noticing — there’s just this slow rhythm as you plod toward camp. Sunset made everything go coppery and quiet except for our group’s awkward giggles when someone tried to take a selfie and nearly dropped their phone in the sand. Dinner at camp was bread torn by hand, stew cooked over coals, voices echoing off tents while one of the Berber guys played a drum by firelight. I woke up once in the night because it was so silent — not even wind.

Next morning, sunrise came soft and pink over the dunes. We rode back on camels (my legs were sore but happy), stopping at Agdz to wander around an old kasbah with walls that looked like they might crumble if you breathed too hard. On the way back through Ouarzazate, Youssef stopped for photos without rushing us — he even bought oranges from a roadside stand and handed them out with a grin. We got back to Marrakech tired but kind of changed inside; hard to explain exactly how.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Marrakech to Zagora via Atlas and Kasbah

• Depart Marrakech at 7:30 AM
• Travel over Atlas Mountains
• Tour Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou
• Lunch at Kasbah cafes
• Visit Ouarzazate Movie Studio
• Drive through Dades Valley Oasis
• Explore Zagora town
• Camel ride to desert camp
• Dinner and overnight in Berber tents

Day 2 — Return from Zagora to Marrakech

• Optional early sunrise viewing
• Camel ride back to Zagora
• Meet driver for return trip
• Stop at Agdz fortified Kasbah
• Photo stop at Ouarzazate Kasbah
• Return over Atlas Mountains
• Arrive Marrakech around 7–8 PM

Top questions

How long does it take to get from Marrakech to Zagora?

The drive takes most of the day with stops along the way; expect around 7-8 hours including breaks.

Is there a camel ride included on this tour?

Yes, you get a camel ride (about 1.5 hours) both to and from the desert camp near Zagora.

Do we visit Ait Ben Haddou on this trip?

Yes, there’s time to explore Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah on day one before lunch.

What is included at the desert camp?

You get dinner, breakfast, accommodation in traditional Berber tents, plus music around the fire.

Are meals provided during this 2-day tour?

Dinner at camp and breakfast are included; lunch is available at cafés along the route but not included.

Is pickup from my hotel in Marrakech included?

Yes, pickup is included from your accommodation in Marrakech by minibus or van.

Is this tour suitable for families or kids?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels; infant seats are available if needed.

What should I pack for this desert trip?

Bring layers for cold nights in Zagora desert; comfortable shoes are helpful for walking around kasbahs.

What’s included

Your two days include pickup from your Marrakech hotel by air-conditioned minibus with a professional driver, guided visits at Aït Ben Haddou Kasbah and other stops along the way, camel rides both ways between Zagora town and your desert camp stay (one camel per person), overnight accommodation in traditional Berber tents with dinner cooked over coals plus breakfast before heading back toward Marrakech.