Located in southeastern Morocco, the golden dunes of the Zagora Desert are among the jewels in the country’s crown – and to discover them for yourself, we recommend this action-packed excursion from Marrakech.
Desert Camp at Zagora (Photo: J. Englrart via Flickr / CC BY 2.0)
Separated by 355 kilometres and a driving time of around 7 hours, a Zagora Desert tour from Marrakech is easily manageable over a couple of days. This 2-day private tour invites travellers to discover the desert’s distinctive landscape, as well as the many places of interest that you pass along the way, from mountains and valleys to local villages and ancient kasbahs – accompanied the entire time by an expert guide.
About the Company
Established more than a decade ago, Moroccan Tours is a family-run company committed to creating memorable journeys across Morocco for private groups. They boast a team of experienced drivers and multilingual guides – all of whom are local Berbers, the nation’s largest indigenous tribe, who are able to bring their unique insights and knowledge to the experience. The company uses modern, air-conditioned 4WD vehicles and minibuses for all of its tours, ensuring guests can travel in maximum comfort.
Full Tour Description
The tour begins with you and your private group meeting your driver and guide either at your place of accommodation, or at Marrakech Airport, depending on your preference and schedule. After making your introductions, and informing your guide of any specific requests, you’ll board your vehicle and begin your epic adventure in earnest.
The first place of interest you’ll encounter is Tizi n’Tichka, a picture-postcard mountain pass lying above the great Marrakesh plains. As you emerge from the mountains, you’ll pass through several authentic Berber villages before arriving at Ait Ben Hadou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved historic attractions anywhere in Morocco.
After taking a look around the kasbah, you’ll stop for lunch (not included) either here or in the city of Ouarzazate, located around a 30-minute drive southeast. Next, you’ll hop back aboard and continue on your way, passing through the Anti Atlas Mountains, along the Draa Valley – Morocco’s longest river – before arriving in Zagora with a good chunk of the day remaining.
You’ll use that time to embark on one of the most quintessential of desert activities – camel riding. After a brief tuition, you’ll climb aboard and gently trot along the sand dunes as the sun sets over the horizon. Afterwards, it’s time to wind down at the Sahara desert camp, where you’ll be treated to a traditional Moroccan dinner against a backdrop of live drums music. For anyone who still has the energy, there’ll even be an opportunity for dancing.
You’re likely to sleep well after all of those exertions – and you’ll need to, because your final day will be a busy one. First, after an early wake up, you’ll have the chance to enjoy a second camel ride during sunrise, before sitting down to a restorative breakfast. The city of Ouarzazate, often referred to as a gateway to the Sahara Desert, will be your first stop of the day, where you’ll visit the Taourirt Kasbah as well as the studios where several notable films, including Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia, were shot.
From here, you’ll return to Marrakech via the same route that you took to get to Zagora Desert, passing through Tizi Ntichka and the Atlas Mountains once more, with the tour concluding back at your accommodation, or the airport, complete with happy faces and memories to last a lifetime.
Practical info
The tour includes pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation, or if you prefer you can also meet your guide at Marrakech Airport at the start of the tour.
You will travel in a 4WD vehicle or minibus and your driver will be English / Spanish speaking.
The tour price includes one night in a luxury desert camp, plus one dinner and one breakfast. Lunches on days 1 and 2 will be at your own expense.
It is recommended that guests wear comfortable shoes and clothing for the entirety of the trip.
You can book this tour at Moroccan-Tour.com