From Marrakech: 2-Day Desert Excursion

Marrakesh-Safi, Marrakech



Discover the beauty of the Atlas Mountains and the desert on a 2-day trip from Marrakech. Visit Ait Ben Haddou, watch the sunset on a camel ride, camp in the dessert and savor breakfast and dinner.

2-Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Ait Ben Haddou and Zagora

This 2-day trip from Marrakech suits travelers interested in desert landscapes, historic sites, and authentic Berber experiences.

Highlights

  • Visit Ait Ben Haddou, known for its film history and UNESCO status
  • Enjoy a camel ride at sunset over the dunes
  • Overnight stay in a traditional Berber tent with a family dinner
  • Explore the Draa Valley with its 11 million palm trees
  • Visit the kasbah of Taourirt in Ouarzazate

Description

Travel through valleys and the Atlas Mountains on this two-day adventure from Marrakech to Ait Ben Haddou, Ouarzazate, and Zagora. Experience the desert with an overnight stay in a desert camp, camel trekking, and regional cuisine.

Day 1:
Depart early from Marrakech in an air-conditioned vehicle, ascending 7,400 feet through scenic valleys and hills. Arrive at the ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and popular filming location for movies such as 'Lawrence of Arabia' and 'The Mummy.' Stop for lunch at a local restaurant, then continue to Ouarzazate, known for its film studios and sandstone architecture. Pass through the Anti Atlas Mountains and the lush Draa Valley en route to Zagora. End the day with a camel ride at sunset through the desert and an authentic Berber dinner at the camp.

Day 2:
Wake early to watch the sunrise, then freshen up and have breakfast. Return by camel to Zagora for pickup and drive back through the Draa Valley and Anti Atlas Mountains to Ouarzazate. Spend 40 minutes visiting the Kasbah of Taourirt or the cinema museum, followed by lunch. The tour ends with a return to Marrakech, arriving around 6:00 PM.

Includes

  • Transportation from Marrakech
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off (private option only)
  • Driver
  • 1 night in a desert camp
  • Dinner and breakfast
  • Camel trekking (one camel per person)

Excludes

  • Additional food and drinks
  • Local guide in Ait Ben Haddou
  • Tips

Important Information

  • Shared tours may include travelers of different nationalities and a multilingual driver
  • It is advisable to have a phone available in case of delays or issues
  • Children under 4 are not permitted on shared tours

Cancellation Policy

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

For best experience, bring comfortable walking shoes, layered clothing for temperature changes, and a camera. Morning departures are recommended to maximize sightseeing time.

Frequently Asked Questions

The tour includes visits to Ait Ben Haddou, a sunset camel ride, an overnight stay in a Berber tent with family dinner, exploration of the Draa Valley, and a visit to the Taourirt kasbah in Ouarzazate.
Transportation is provided by a guided vehicle that travels through the Atlas Mountains and valleys from Marrakech to desert sites like Ait Ben Haddou and Zagora.
Yes, the tour includes a camel ride at sunset over the desert dunes near Zagora.
You spend the night in a traditional Berber tent, experiencing local hospitality with a family dinner.
This tour involves travel through mountainous terrain and a desert camp stay, so it may be less suitable for very young children or travelers with mobility issues.
Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and layered clothing for cooler desert evenings are recommended for the tour.
Ait Ben Haddou is a UNESCO World Heritage site near Ouarzazate, famous for its historic kasbahs and film history, and is a key stop on the Marrakech desert tour.
The camel ride typically lasts around 1 hour during sunset over the desert dunes.
Yes, the tour includes a visit to the Draa Valley, known for its extensive palm groves and traditional Berber villages.
The tour can be taken year-round, but spring and autumn offer milder temperatures for desert and mountain travel.

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