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

Summary

Atlas mountains, kasbahs and a night under Zagora desert stars

You’ll cross the High Atlas mountains from Marrakech, visit Ait Benhaddou’s ancient kasbah with a local guide, ride camels through Zagora at sunset and sunrise, then sleep in a Berber camp under starry skies. Expect moments of quiet awe—and plenty of small surprises along the way.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what it really feels like to leave Marrakech behind and head for the desert? I didn’t know what to expect—just that we’d be crossing the High Atlas mountains, which sounded both dramatic and kind of intimidating. The minivan climbed slowly, twisting past little villages where kids waved at us from dusty roadsides. Our guide, Youssef, kept pointing out Berber words for things—he even taught me how to say “thank you” (shukran) but I’m pretty sure my pronunciation made him laugh. The air up there was so much cooler than I thought it would be, almost sharp, and every time we stopped for pictures you could smell woodsmoke drifting from somewhere nearby.

Ait Benhaddou was something else. You see photos online but standing in front of those mudbrick walls is different—the color shifts with the light, almost pinkish in late afternoon. Our local guide led us through narrow alleys and told stories about old movies filmed here (I spotted a Gladiator poster taped to a door). We wandered Ouarzazate too—honestly, I didn’t care much about the movie studios but the Kasbah of Taourirte had these heavy wooden doors that felt cool under my hand. Then came Zagora. By then I was tired but also weirdly alert—maybe just nerves about riding a camel for the first time.

The camel ride itself was… slower than I expected? There’s this gentle sway as you move across the sand and it gets quiet except for soft grunts from the camels and our guide singing under his breath. Sunset turned everything orange-gold—I tried taking photos but none really caught it. Dinner at camp was tagine eaten by lantern-light while someone played music on a battered drum. It got cold fast after dark; I remember pulling my scarf tighter around my neck and watching sparks float up into a sky stuffed with stars. Breakfast was simple bread and honey but tasted perfect after sleeping in a tent—you know that feeling when you wake up not quite sure where you are?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Atlas Mountains and Ait Ben Haddou visit

• Stop for pictures in High Atlas Mountains
• Meet local guide in Ait Ben Haddou
• Visit Kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou
• Stop in Ouarzazate city
• Optional visit to cinema studios and Kasbah of Taourirte

Day 2 — Desert camel ride and overnight stay

• Enjoy camel ride from Zagora
• Reach desert bivouac campsite
• Overnight stay in desert camp

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included in this 2-day Zagora desert tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included for this tour.

How long is the camel ride from Zagora to the campsite?

The camel ride lasts about one hour each way—from Zagora to your desert camp and back.

Do we visit Ait Benhaddou on this Marrakech desert tour?

Yes, you’ll stop at Ait Benhaddou for a guided visit of its famous kasbah with a local guide.

Are meals provided during the overnight desert trip?

You get dinner at camp plus breakfast in the morning; vegetarian options are available if requested when booking.

What kind of accommodation is included at Zagora?

You’ll stay overnight in a Berber tent at Tizi Camp or similar bivouac campsite.

Is this tour suitable for children or families?

Yes, children can join as long as they’re accompanied by an adult; infant seats are available if needed.

Do we visit Ouarzazate during this 2-day tour?

You’ll stop in Ouarzazate city; visiting film studios or Kasbah Taourirte is optional.

What’s included

Your two days include hotel pickup and drop-off from Marrakech, all transport by air-conditioned minivan, an overnight stay in a Berber tented camp near Zagora (Tizi Camp or similar), traditional Moroccan dinner beneath desert stars plus breakfast in the morning, two camel rides—one at sunset and another at sunrise—and guided visits along the way including Ait Benhaddou’s kasbah. Vegetarian meals can be arranged if you mention it when booking.