5 Days Private Desert Tour from Marrakech to Zagora – 4 Nights in Luxury Desert Camp
Overview
Escape the bustle of Marrakech and immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of the Sahara on this 5-day private desert tour from Marrakech to Zagora, featuring 4 unforgettable nights in a luxury desert camp. This journey takes you across the majestic High Atlas Mountains, through the ancient Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, and into the heart of the Draa Valley — Morocco’s longest and most scenic valley. You’ll spend several days surrounded by the golden dunes of Zagora, enjoying camel rides, traditional Berber hospitality, and peaceful nights under a sky filled with stars. Perfect for travelers who want to truly experience the desert’s magic at a relaxed pace, this tour combines comfort, adventure, and culture in one unforgettable journey.
Itinerary
Day 1: Marrakech – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Draa Valley – Zagora
Your adventure begins early as your private driver picks you up from your riad or hotel in Marrakech. The road leads you through the spectacular High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 m), offering breathtaking views of valleys, small Berber villages, and terraced fields. The first major stop is the legendary Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Morocco’s most famous landmarks. After exploring the kasbah and enjoying lunch nearby, continue your journey to Ouarzazate, the “Hollywood of Africa,” where many international movies were filmed. You’ll then follow the beautiful Draa Valley, filled with palm trees, ancient ksours, and adobe villages. Arrive in Zagora by late afternoon, where your camel caravan awaits to take you across the dunes as the sun sets. After a warm welcome at your luxury desert camp, enjoy dinner by candlelight and relax under the sparkling Saharan sky while listening to traditional Berber drumming.
Dinner and overnight in luxury desert camp in Zagora.
Day 2: Explore Zagora Desert and Tamgroute Village
Wake up early to admire the peaceful sunrise over the dunes, followed by a delicious breakfast at the camp. Today is dedicated to exploring the cultural and natural treasures of the Zagora region. You’ll visit Tamgroute, an ancient village famous for its green pottery, traditional Koranic library, and underground kasbahs. Meet local artisans who still use centuries-old pottery techniques. Afterward, you’ll have time to wander through the palm groves of the Draa Valley or visit a local nomad family to experience the warm hospitality of the desert people. Lunch can be enjoyed in a local restaurant or at a small auberge. In the afternoon, return to your camp to relax or take a camel ride at sunset. Dinner will be served under the stars, followed by live Berber music and storytelling around the fire.
Dinner and overnight in luxury desert camp in Zagora.
Day 3: Adventure and Relaxation in the Desert
After breakfast, enjoy a day of leisure and discovery in the Zagora Desert. You may choose to explore further by 4×4, visiting remote dunes and small oases hidden in the desert. Alternatively, spend the day relaxing at the camp, reading, or taking short walks through the dunes. This day is perfect to connect with the silence and serenity of the Sahara — an experience of total peace. In the evening, another beautiful sunset over the dunes awaits, followed by a delicious dinner and an authentic Berber night around the campfire.
Dinner and overnight in luxury desert camp in Zagora.
Day 4: Nomadic Experience and Draa Valley Excursion
After breakfast, you’ll continue your adventure by exploring more of the Draa Valley. Visit nearby villages such as Tamegroute or Agdz, where traditional life continues unchanged for centuries. Meet local families, enjoy mint tea under the shade of palm trees, and learn more about the region’s traditions and crafts. You may also take a walk through the lush palm oases, a beautiful contrast to the surrounding desert. Return to your camp in the afternoon for relaxation. In the evening, you’ll enjoy your final night in the desert, with a farewell dinner and the gentle rhythms of Berber music under the stars.
Dinner and overnight in luxury desert camp in Zagora.
Day 5: Zagora – Draa Valley – Ouarzazate – Marrakech
After breakfast at the camp, ride your camel or take a short 4×4 transfer back to meet your driver. Begin your return journey through the stunning landscapes of the Draa Valley, passing ancient kasbahs and traditional Berber villages. You’ll stop for photos and perhaps a final tea with locals before continuing toward Ouarzazate, where you can visit Kasbah Taourirt or the film studios. After lunch, cross the High Atlas Mountains once again via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass. The scenery changes as you approach Marrakech, where you’ll arrive in the late afternoon. Your driver will drop you off at your accommodation, marking the end of your unforgettable desert journey.
Included
- Private transport in modern 4×4 or comfortable air-conditioned minivan
- Professional English / French / Spanish-speaking driver-guide
- 4 nights in luxury desert camp (private tent with ensuite bathroom)
- Camel rides in Zagora dunes (sunset and sunrise)
- 4 dinners and 4 breakfasts
- Bottled water during the tour
- Pick-up and drop-off at your Marrakech accommodation
Not Included
- Lunches and drinks
- Entrance fees to kasbahs or studios
- Tips and personal expenses
Good to Know
- The tour is private and customizable, with options to add visits to Ait Ben Haddou, Ouarzazate, or Tamgroute pottery village.
- Available all year round; best period is from October to April for pleasant temperatures.
- Camel rides can be replaced by 4×4 transfers for comfort.
- This tour is ideal for travelers who want to slow down, relax, and truly experience desert life while enjoying luxury accommodation.