Marrakech Desert Tours 2 Days

Overview of 2 Day Desert Tours from Marrakech

Exploring Morocco Trips offers a variety of Marrakech desert tours 2 days, specially designed for travelers who want to experience the authentic Moroccan desert even with limited time. These tours give you the chance to explore Morocco’s diverse landscapes, from the scenic roads of the Atlas Mountains, through lush oases and historic kasbahs, to the peaceful and enchanting desert atmosphere.

The agency provides three different options to suit all travel plans. The first option is a 2 days desert tour from Marrakech to Zagora, ideal for those looking for a short and nearby desert experience with beautiful views along the way. The second option is a 2 days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga and back to Marrakech, offering a full desert experience with high sand dunes, camel rides, stunning sunsets, and the quiet desert nights. The third option is a Marrakech to Fes desert tour 2 days, perfect for travelers who want to combine a desert adventure with a visit to a historic city like Fes, without returning to the starting point.

Exploring Morocco Trips ensures that these tours combine comfortable organization, well-planned routes, and authentic experiences, with careful attention to every detail to guarantee a smooth and enjoyable journey. These tours are designed to balance discovery, comfort, and adventure, leaving travelers with unforgettable memories of the Moroccan desert and its unique charm.

Gallery of 2 Days desert tours from Marrakech

First option: 2 days desert tour from Marrakech to Zagora

The 2 day desert tour from Marrakech to Zagora is a great choice for travelers looking for a short and accessible desert experience. This tour allows you to enjoy the peaceful desert atmosphere, a memorable camel ride, and an overnight stay in a traditional desert camp. Zagora is ideal for those who want a simple and relaxing desert experience, combining comfort, local culture, and the magic of a star-filled desert night, before returning to Marrakech the next day.

Daily details of the 2 days tour from Marrakech to Zagora

Day 1: Marrakech → High Atlas Mountains → Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah → Ouarzazate → Zagora Desert

Your adventure begins in the morning with a pick up from your hotel or riad in Marrakech around 8:00 a.m., starting your 2 days desert tour from Marrakech to Zagora. The trip takes you over the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2260 m), offering breathtaking views of the High Atlas Mountains and traditional Berber villages scattered along the mountain slopes. You will make a stop at a high viewpoint to take photos and admire the stunning landscape.

Next, arrive at Ait Ben Haddou, the famous fortified village listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which has been the backdrop for many international films such as Gladiator and The Mummy. You will have free time for lunch at a local restaurant amidst the historic and picturesque surroundings.

The tour continues through Ouarzazate, where you will visit the Atlas Film Studios, Morocco’s largest movie studio, before driving along the scenic Draa Valley, passing lush green oases and traditional Berber villages, until you reach the Zagora Desert.

In the late afternoon, embark on a camel trek to the desert camp, where you will be welcomed with a glass of mint tea. Enjoy the golden sunset over the dunes, a traditional Berber dinner with local music, and spend a magical night in a nomadic tent under a star-filled sky.

[Approximate distance: 367 km / 6 & 7 hours driving]

Day 2: Zagora Desert → Draa Valley → Taourirt Kasbah → High Atlas → Marrakech

Wake up early in the Zagora desert to witness a breathtaking sunrise over the dunes near your camp, a truly unforgettable experience. After breakfast and freshening up at the camp, ride your camel back to the starting point, where your driver will be waiting.

Begin your tour back to Marrakech through the scenic Draa Valley, home to countless palm trees and traditional Berber villages. Stop at panoramic viewpoints to admire the stunning landscapes and capture beautiful photos.

Next, visit Taourirt Kasbah in Ouarzazate, one of the most important historical landmarks in the region. Built in the 17th century by the Glaoui family, this impressive kasbah features traditional clay architecture, interconnected rooms, and defensive towers. It once served as the residence of local officials and an administrative center, and it has also been featured in several films and documentaries due to its unique design and historical beauty. You will have the chance to explore its corridors, towers, and rooms while learning about its rich history. After the visit, enjoy free time for lunch in Ouarzazate.

In the afternoon, continue your drive across the High Atlas Mountains, with stops to enjoy the panoramic views along the way. Arrive in Marrakech in the evening and be dropped off at your hotel or riad, marking the end of your unforgettable 2 day desert tour from Marrakech to Zagora.

[Approximate distance: 367 km / 6 & 7 hours driving]

Route Map: 2 Days Marrakech to Zagora Desert Tour

Second option: 2 days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga Desert

This 2 day desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga offers a complete experience that blends scenic landscapes, a sense of adventure, and the magic of the Sahara. In a short time, you will travel from the High Atlas Mountains to the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi in Merzouga and enjoy an overnight stay in the heart of the Merzouga desert, surrounded by an authentic Amazigh atmosphere. This tour is ideal for travelers who want to discover the Moroccan Sahara without a long tour.

Daily details of the 2 day desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga

Day 1: Marrakech to Merzouga Desert via High Atlas Mountains and Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah

Your 2 day desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga begins early in the morning in the heart of Marrakech, where your driver and guide will pick you up from your riad or hotel. The trip takes you across the Tizi n’Tichka Pass in the High Atlas Mountains, offering breathtaking views of the mountains and traditional Berber villages scattered along the way.

You will make short stops to capture photos and soak in the fresh mountain air. Next, arrive at the legendary Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site that has served as the backdrop for numerous international films. Take some time to explore the kasbah and snap memorable photos.

The adventure continues through Ouarzazate, before heading past Skoura Oasis, Dades Valley, and Boumalne Dadès, with a lunch stop in a small town near Tinghir.

In the afternoon, reach the Merzouga Desert, where your camel ride awaits to take you across the golden Erg Chebbi dunes, enjoying the magical sunset from the top of the sand dunes. Arrive at your Berber desert camp, where you will be welcomed with refreshing mint tea, enjoy a traditional dinner with Berber drumming around the campfire, and spend an unforgettable night under the star-filled desert sky.

[Approximate distance: 577 km / 8 & 9 hours driving]

Day 2: Merzouga to Marrakech tour via Tinghir and Kasbah Taourirt

You wake up early to witness the peaceful sunrise over the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, a magical moment that captures the true spirit of the Sahara. After a refreshing shower and breakfast at the desert camp, you return to Merzouga either by camel ride or in a 4×4 vehicle provided by the camp. From there, you begin the tour back to Marrakech, traveling through the diverse landscapes of southeastern Morocco as part of your 2 day desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga.

Along the way, you pass through towns and regions such as Rissani, Tinghir, and the Dades Valley, known for their dramatic rock formations and scenic views, with short stops for rest and photos.

The tour continues to Ouarzazate, where you enjoy a visit to the historic Taourirt Kasbah and stop for lunch. In the afternoon, you cross the High Atlas Mountains once again via the Tizi N’Tichka Pass, watching the landscapes and colors gradually change as your desert adventure comes to an end.

You arrive in Marrakech in the early evening and are dropped off at your riad or hotel, concluding an unforgettable 2 days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga, filled with lasting memories from the heart of the Moroccan desert.

[Approximate distance: 556 km / 8 & 9 hours driving]

Route Map: 2 Days Desert Trip from Marrakech to Merzouga

Third option: Marrakech to Fes desert tour 2 days

Experience the magic of the Moroccan desert on a 2 days tour from Marrakech to Fes, passing through the Atlas Mountains and the stunning Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga. The journey includes camel rides, desert camping, and stops at breathtaking natural viewpoints, offering a comfortable and scenic way to reach Fes, away from buses or trains. Check below to see what you will experience during this trip.

Daily details of the 2 day desert tour from Marrakech to Fes

Day 1: Marrakech → High Atlas Mountains → Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah → Merzouga → Desert Camp

Marrakech to Fes desert tour 2 days begins with your pickup from your riad or hotel in Marrakech early in the morning.

Leave the city behind as you head northeast toward the desert, enjoying the stunning views of the High Atlas Mountains and traditional Berber villages scattered along the way. Stop at a high viewpoint to take photos and admire the breathtaking scenery before continuing your journey.

Next, arrive at Ait Ben Haddou, the famous fortified village listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. This remarkable kasbah has been featured in many international films and TV series, including Babel and Game of Thrones.

Continue through Ouarzazate and some traditional villages, stopping for lunch at a local restaurant along the way.

Arrive in Merzouga, where your camels await to take you across the magnificent Erg Chebbi Dunes. Along the way to the desert camp, pause for a quiet moment to watch the golden sunset over the dunes.

Reach the camp in the middle of the desert after sunset, where the staff will welcome you and show you to your private tent to rest or freshen up before dinner. After a delicious meal, enjoy a traditional Berber music performance with drums and a bonfire, spending a magical night under the star-filled desert sky.

[Approximate distance: 577 km / 8 & 9 hours driving]

Day 2: Desert Camp → Merzouga → Ziz Valley → Middle Atlas Mountains → Cedar Forest → Ifrane → Fes

The Marrakech desert tour 2 days continues early in the morning after waking up in the desert. Enjoy the peaceful sunrise over the sand dunes before having breakfast at the camp. After that, we depart Merzouga and head north toward the city of Fes.

The trip takes you through the scenic Ziz Valley, known for its vast palm groves and beautiful natural landscapes. We stop along the way to enjoy panoramic views of the valley and take photos, then continue toward Midelt, where you will have time for lunch.

After lunch, the drive continues through the Middle Atlas Mountains, where the scenery gradually changes from desert landscapes to lush mountain forests. We arrive at the famous Cedar Forest, home to the Barbary macaque monkeys. Here, we stop for a short break to enjoy the natural surroundings, with the opportunity to see and feed the monkeys if you wish.

Next, you visit Ifrane, a clean and quiet town known for its European-style architecture and often referred to as the “Switzerland of Morocco.” You will have a short stop to walk around and take photos.

In the afternoon, you continue driving through the Middle Atlas Mountains toward Fes. Arrival is expected in the evening, where you will be dropped off at your hotel or riad, marking the end of Day 2 of the Marrakech to Fes desert tour.

[Approximate distance: 430 km / 7 & 8 hours driving]

Route Map: Marrakech to Fes via Desert (2 Days)

What's included and Not included in the tour

Included in the tour

Private car with a driver throughout the trip.
Fuel and driving expenses.
Pickup in Marrakech.
Visits to the places mentioned in the itinerary (depending on the program you choose).
Accommodation in the desert camp (luxury, standard, or basic, based on your choice).
Dinner in the desert.
Breakfast in the desert.
One camel per person.
Sunset viewing in the desert.
Sunrise viewing in the desert.
Transportation to any location you want in Marrakech or Fes (depending on the chosen program).

Not included in the tour

Prices of Marrakech desert tours 2 days

The prices of Marrakech desert tours 2 days vary depending on several factors, including the type of accommodation you choose, the travel dates, the number of participants, and any additional services included in the tour. Prices can start from around 100 euros per person, with adjustments based on the level of comfort and services you prefer. Our goal is to offer options that suit all travelers, whether you are looking for a budget-friendly experience or a luxurious stay in desert camps.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

2 day desert tours from Marrakech to Merzouga, whether returning to Marrakech or continuing to Fes, start early in the morning due to the long distance between Marrakech and the desert. Early departure is necessary to ensure a smooth journey and enough time to enjoy the stops along the way.
If your main goal is to spend one night in the desert and enjoy the camping experience, the first option, a 2 days desert tour from Marrakech to Zagora, is the best choice, as the distance is shorter and more comfortable compared to other tours that require long hours of driving to reach remote desert areas like Merzouga.
If you want to visit the Merzouga Desert and other attractions along the way and have more time, the 3 days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga is the ideal choice.
For a full desert adventure and visits to multiple sites with a 4×4 vehicle, the 4 days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga is the ideal choice.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Are Marrakech desert tours 2 days suitable for first-time travelers?

Yes, the Marrakech desert tours 2 days are suitable for all travelers, including first-time visitors to the desert. The tours are well organized and comfortable, with private transportation and experienced drivers and guides to ensure a smooth, safe, and enjoyable experience.

What’s the difference between the Zagora Desert tour and the Merzouga Desert tour?

The Zagora tour is shorter and easier, ideal for those who want to spend just one night in the desert without long hours of driving. The Merzouga tour, on the other hand, is longer, covering more remote desert areas, and features larger and more impressive sand dunes compared to Zagora.

Is the 2 days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga Desert tiring?

The 2 days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga is a bit long due to the distance, but it is designed to be comfortable with stops for rest, lunch, and photos.

Is camel riding necessary in the Moroccan desert?

Yes, to fully experience the desert, camel riding is the traditional way to reach the camp. However, if you are not comfortable riding camels, you can reach the camp by a 4×4 vehicle or by a quad bike, or a buggy for an even more adventurous experience. Please note that these alternatives are available at an additional cost.

What Our Travelers Say About Our 2 Days Desert Tours from Marrakech

Sarah J, United Kingdom

A Magical and Quick Desert Escape!

I only had a weekend in Morocco and my son and I really wanted to see the dunes. Booking a 2 days desert tour from Marrakech to Zagora turned out to be the perfect solution for our tight schedule. The drive through the High Atlas Mountains was breathtaking, and our driver was incredibly professional and safety-conscious. Riding camels at sunset and sleeping under the stars was a dream come true. I highly recommend this trip if your time is limited!

Markus & Elena, Germany

An Unforgettable Experience – Long Drive, But Totally Worth It!

We chose the 2 days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga because we had heard so much about the Merzouga desert and wanted to see it for ourselves, despite having a very short schedule. It was a long drive, but the moment we saw the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, all the tiredness vanished. Stopping at Ait Ben Haddou felt like stepping back in history.

The desert camp was comfortable, and the Berber music at night was the highlight of our trip. Exploring Morocco Trips organized everything perfectly!

David L, Canada

The Absolute Best Way to Travel from Marrakech to Fes!

Instead of taking a train or a bus, we decided to book the Marrakech to Fes desert tour 2 days with EMT, and it was a fantastic decision! We loved seeing the Ziz Valley and the Cedar Forest in Ifrane along the way. We saved time and enjoyed an incredible desert adventure all at once.

The organization was top-notch; special thanks to Ibrahim, who was so responsive and coordinated everything for us, and our driver Hussein, who was incredibly friendly. Thank you!

Important note:

The Marrakech Desert Tours 2 Days are fully customizable to suit your personal preferences. Whether you want to add extra days, change the destination, or tailor the trip to match your interests, we give you the freedom to design your desert experience exactly the way you want. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us via the form above, email, or WhatsApp.