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

Summary

Atlas mountains villages kasbahs camel trek desert camp night

You’ll dash through Marrakech’s early chaos before crossing Atlas peaks toward ancient kasbahs and Berber villages. Taste tagine in Aït Ben Haddou, ride camels across Zagora’s quiet sands at sunset, then fall asleep beneath Saharan stars after music by the fire. Wake to desert silence and return via Ouarzazate’s storied walls—leaving city life behind for just long enough to remember it differently.

What’s the experience like?

We almost missed our pickup in Marrakech because I’d underestimated the Medina’s morning chaos — turns out, “just outside the riad” can mean a five-minute dash through winding alleys. Our driver Youssef just grinned when we finally tumbled into the van, a little out of breath and clutching our breakfast oranges. He said it happened all the time, which made me feel better right away. The drive out toward the High Atlas was longer than I expected (bring snacks!) but honestly, watching the sun flicker over those jagged peaks and tiny Berber villages made it hard to nap anyway.

The first real stop was Aït Ben Haddou. I’d seen photos before but standing there, dust swirling around my shoes and hearing our guide explain how families still live inside parts of the kasbah — that hit different. There’s this sharp smell of clay and mint tea from a nearby stall, and for a second I forgot about my phone entirely. Lunch was chicken tagine (I think every trip here comes with at least one), eaten in a shaded courtyard where two cats watched us like they owned the place. After that, the road got emptier as we crossed into Draa Valley — palm groves flashing by, then suddenly nothing but desert colors.

Zagora itself isn’t what you see on postcards — it’s quieter, less dramatic than Merzouga maybe, but riding camels out at sunset still felt surreal. My camel was called Bob Marley (Youssef swore he didn’t name him), and he kept stopping to sniff random bushes. The camp was simple: rugs everywhere, low tables set for dinner, stars overhead so clear you could actually see satellites moving. The local guys drummed after dinner; someone handed me a tambourine and I tried to keep up but mostly just laughed at myself. I still think about that silence after everyone went to bed — just wind and sand shifting somewhere nearby.

The next morning felt slow in a good way: bread warm from the fire, sweet coffee, everyone moving quietly so early light wouldn’t disappear too fast. On the way back we stopped at Kasbah Taourirt in Ouarzazate — more faded grandeur, more stories from Youssef about old movies filmed there (he loves talking cinema). We ate lunch wherever people agreed (I lost track), then drove back through mountain switchbacks until Marrakech started blinking back into view. It’s strange how quickly city noise feels foreign again after just one night out there.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Marrakech to Zagora via Ait Ben Haddou

• Depart Marrakech at 7:30am
• Cross High Atlas via Tizi N'Tichka pass
• Stop for breaks and photos
• Visit Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou
• Have lunch at Ait Ben Haddou
• Drive through Anti Atlas and Draa valley
• Arrive Zagora around 5pm
• Ride camels one hour into desert camp
• Dinner at desert camp
• Enjoy drums party around campfire

Day 2 — Zagora to Marrakech via Ouarzazate

• Breakfast at desert camp
• Drive to Ouarzazate
• Visit Kasbah of Taourirt
• Drive through Atlas Mountains and Berber villages
• Lunch in Ouarzazate or Agouim
• Arrive Marrakech around 6pm

Top questions

How long is the drive from Marrakech to Zagora?

The drive takes about 9 hours total each way with stops for breaks and sightseeing along the route.

Is camel riding included on this day trip from Marrakech?

Yes, an hour-long camel ride into the Zagora desert is included on this 2-day tour.

Do we visit Aït Ben Haddou during this tour?

Yes, you’ll stop at Aït Ben Haddou for a guided visit and lunch on day one.

Are meals provided during the Zagora desert trip?

Dinner and breakfast are included at the desert camp; lunch is at local restaurants en route.

What kind of accommodation is provided in Zagora?

You’ll stay overnight in a standard desert camp with shared facilities.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

Yes, hotel pickup is included—even if your hotel is outside Marrakech’s Medina area.

Can children ride camels on this tour?

Children can share a camel with their parents during the ride.

Is this tour suitable for pregnant travelers?

No, it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

Your two days include hand pickup from your hotel (even outside the Medina), air-conditioned transport with fuel and tolls covered, an English-, French-, or Spanish-speaking driver-guide throughout, guided visits of Aït Ben Haddou and Taourirt Kasbahs, an hour-long camel ride per adult (children share with parents), overnight stay in a standard Zagora desert camp with both dinner by campfire and breakfast included before returning to Marrakech in the evening.