OVERVIEW OF 2 DAYS TOUR FROM OUARZAZATE TO ZAGORA DESERT

This 2-day tour from Ouarzazate to the Zagora Desert offers a compact yet deeply immersive introduction to southern Morocco’s extraordinary landscapes and cultural heritage. Designed for travelers with limited time, this experience blends architectural marvels, authentic local encounters, and breathtaking natural scenery into a memorable Saharan escape.

The journey takes you through the majestic Atlas landscapes and the legendary Draa Valley, where palm groves stretch endlessly along Morocco’s longest river. Along the way, you will encounter ancient kasbahs, fortified villages, and traditional Berber communities whose way of life has remained largely unchanged for centuries.

The highlight of the tour is a camel trek into the Zagora desert, where the vast silence of the Sahara and the warm hues of sunset create an unforgettable atmosphere. As dusk falls over the dunes, you will witness the transformation of the landscape beneath a sky gradually illuminated by countless stars. The experience concludes with sunrise over the desert horizon before returning through the scenic valleys and mountains.

Though brief in duration, this journey offers a remarkable contrast between lush green oases and the golden serenity of the desert.

 HIGHLIGHTS OF 2 DAYS TOUR FROM OUARZAZATE TO ZAGORA DESERT

• Spectacular panoramic views of the Atlas Mountains and the Draa Valley
• Visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah
• Exploration of Ouarzazate’s Atlas Film Studios and Kasbah Taourirt
• Camel trekking experience in the Zagora desert
• Watching the sunset over the desert dunes
• Overnight stay in a traditional Zagora desert camp
• Traditional Moroccan dinner followed by Berber music around the campfire

ITINERARY FOR: 2 DAYS TOUR FROM OUARZAZATE TO ZAGORA DESERT

DAY 1 – OUARZAZATE – DRAA VALLEY – ZAGORA DESERT

Your 2-day journey from Ouarzazate to Zagora begins in the morning with a private pick-up from your accommodation or a designated location within Ouarzazate city.

Departing southward, the road leads through the spectacular Draa Valley, renowned for its vast palm groves, ancient ksour (fortified villages), and adobe kasbahs that rise harmoniously from the surrounding earth. This region, shaped by centuries of caravan trade, offers some of the most striking landscapes in southern Morocco. Several stops will allow you to admire panoramic viewpoints and capture the beauty of the valley’s contrasting colors—deep greens against ochre mountains and clear blue skies.

Upon arrival in Zagora, located at the threshold of the Sahara, you will prepare for your camel trek. Accompanied by experienced camel guides, you will ride into the desert toward your camp. The slow rhythm of the camels allows you to fully absorb the tranquility of the surroundings as the sun gradually descends behind the dunes.

At sunset, the desert is transformed into a palette of gold, amber, and rose. After reaching the camp, you will be welcomed with traditional mint tea before settling into your comfortable desert tent. In the evening, a hearty Moroccan dinner will be served under the open sky. The night continues with traditional Berber drumming and music around the campfire, creating an authentic and convivial atmosphere before you retire to your tent for the night.

DAY 2 – ZAGORA DESERT – OUARZAZATE (OR MARRAKECH)

At dawn, you will have the opportunity to witness the magical sunrise over the desert dunes. As the first light touches the sands, the silence of the Sahara offers a moment of reflection and serenity.

After breakfast at the camp, you will ride camels back to Zagora, where your driver awaits. The return journey follows the scenic Draa Valley once more, offering a different perspective on its vast palm groves and traditional settlements.

Depending on your preference, the tour concludes either in Ouarzazate or continues toward Marrakech. If traveling to Marrakech, the route crosses the High Atlas Mountains via the impressive Tizi n’Tichka pass, where sweeping panoramic views reveal rugged peaks and Berber villages clinging to the hillsides.

Upon arrival at your chosen destination—hotel, riad, airport, train station, or central square—you will be dropped off at your convenience.

This marks the conclusion of your private Sahara desert tour from Ouarzazate. We sincerely hope this experience has offered you a meaningful insight into Morocco’s landscapes and traditions, and we wish you a pleasant onward journey or safe return home.