Zagora Desert Main Gate

Duration
2 days
Location
Morocco Desert
Group Size
Up to 12 people
Transport
Private Vehicle
Difficulty
Medium
Best Season
All year round
This 2-day journey begins and ends in Marrakech, with the option to extend your holiday in the Atlas Mountains for a longer adventure. Travel along one of Morocco’s most scenic routes, offering astonishing views of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains, traditional Berber villages, and the dramatic transition into desert landscapes. This short but powerful experience takes you deep into the heart of southern Morocco, where the desert begins and history runs deep. The road winds through the High Atlas and eventually descends into Ouarzazate, known as the “Gateway to the Desert.” Here, you can stop to enjoy a local lunch and take in the unique architecture and desert atmosphere. Continuing across the barren Anti-Atlas mountains, you’ll arrive in Agdz, where the first date palm trees of the Draa Valley appear. The Draa is Morocco’s longest river, and its valley is famous throughout the country for its sweet dates and fortified villages. This lush green corridor cuts through the surrounding desert, creating a striking contrast in the landscape. As the day continues, you’ll reach Zagora, a town on the edge of the Sahara. Here, you’ll saddle up for a one-hour camel trek, travelling through the sands of the L’oued Drâa region. This area marks the first oasis once reached by caravans coming from Timbuktu after sixty days in the desert. It is a place filled with history, silence, and the legacy of those who once journeyed across it. At night, experience the immense solitude of the desert, where the stars shine brightly, and the sky is filled with constellations. It’s a moment of peace and reflection that leaves a lasting impression. This 2-day trip offers a memorable blend of mountain beauty, desert discovery, and cultural heritage, perfect for travellers short on time but looking to experience Morocco’s incredible variety.

Itinerary

  • Day 1: Marrakech – Tizi Ntichka pass 2660m – Ait ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Zagora Desert – Camel Trek to Nomadic Tent

    After the breakfest departure from Marrakech around 8:00 morning , crossig the High Atlas mountains via the Tizi n'Tichka pass towards Ait Benhaddou village, the fortified ksar with it’s beautiful Kasbahs, Ait Benhaddou has served as a natural decoration for many movies producers since 1960’s. Once you get to Ait Benhaddou village you take a walk to go on the top of the hill to dominate the whole village. Afterwards, you will head to Ouarzazate for lunch next to the famous Kasbah of Taourirt which presents the historical and cultural interest of Ouarzazate, You will continue through the lunar landscapes and the Pre-Sahara routes until you get to Zagora which is a small town, the native region of Saadian dynasty (Saadian tombs in Marrakech) who used to rule Morocco in the XVII century. 18 km further more you will arrive to Tamgroute, a small village where most of locals are pottery handicrafts, Tamgroute is also well know by it’s old Coranic school and library collecting the old books. The next five kilometres will let you see the first sand dunes of Zagora called Tinfou dunes and give you a taste of Sahara desert dunes, ride the camels at the sunset and get to a camp located in a Oasis ,overnight in nomad tents.

  • Day 2: Camel Trek back to Zagora – Breakfast – Ouarzazate – Tichka pass 2660m – Marrakech

    Morning sunrise on the dunes is something not to be missed. Camel trekking ride back to Zagora to reach your vehicle and start your trip back to Ouarzazate through the Draa valley and Agdz. In Ouarzazate you visit the Taourirt Kasbah and have lunch. Afternoon travel back to Marrakech.

What's included

What's not included

From £380 / Person