If you only have a few days and want to sleep in the desert, Zagora is the closest option to Marrakech. In just two days you can cross the High Atlas, travel through the Draa Valley and spend a night in a Berber camp.
The Draa Valley
The road to Zagora crosses the Draa Valley, one of the longest palm groves in Morocco, with millions of date palms, adobe kasbahs and villages such as Agdz. It is one of the most beautiful landscapes in the south.
The night in the desert
On arrival, you will ride a camel to the camp, have dinner under the stars and listen to Berber music around the fire. At dawn, the silence of the desert is unforgettable.
Zagora or Merzouga?
It is the most common question. The main difference:
- Zagora: closer to Marrakech (about 7 hours) and can be visited in 2 days. Its dunes are smaller and the landscape is stony desert and palm groves.
- Merzouga: farther away (about 9-10 hours) and needs at least 3 days, but its Erg Chebbi dunes are much higher and more spectacular; it is the postcard Sahara.
If you have time, we recommend Merzouga. If you only have a weekend, Zagora is a great option.
Tips
- Bring warm clothes for the night.
- Pack a small backpack for the camp.
Recommended trips to the Zagora desert
- 2 days from Marrakech to the Zagora Sahara
- 6-day route from Marrakech to the desert
- 9 days from Marrakech via the desert
Travel with Vamos a Marrakech
We organize the 2-day trip to Zagora and longer routes to Merzouga from Marrakech. Take a look at our trips to the Zagora desert or write to us and we will plan a tailor-made trip for you.