What is the day-by-day itinerary for the Zagora desert tour?
The Zagora desert tour runs two days and 720 km, for 13 hours of driving. The first half of day one, as far as Ouarzazate, is identical to the Merzouga desert tour. It then runs on alone to the Drâa Valley, without the dunes of Erg Chebbi.
- Day 1
Marrakech → Tizi n’Tichka → Aït-Ben-Haddou → Ouarzazate → Agdz → Drâa Valley → Zagora
360 km6 h 30The Tizi n’Tichka pass, crossed within the first hour, climbs to **2,260 metres** on the N9 road between Marrakech and Ouarzazate. Past the Aït-Ben-Haddou ksar, the road runs through Agdz, the regional date-growing town of the Drâa. It then follows the Drâa Valley, the longest palm grove in Morocco, over 200 kilometres of oasis along the Drâa river. The Zagora camp welcomes travellers at sunset, after a camel ride.
Zagora
- Day 2
Zagora → Ouarzazate → Marrakech
360 km6 h 30The 'Timbuktu 52 days' sign marks the start from Zagora, a reminder of the camel caravans that once linked the Sahara to Mali. The road climbs back up the Drâa Valley to Agdz, then meets the Tizi n’Tichka again before Marrakech. No stop is planned before Ouarzazate, halfway through the return.
Evening return to Marrakech
- 2days
- 720 kmtotal distance
- 13 hof driving
What is included in the Zagora desert tour?
The €425 price in a 9-seater minibus covers the vehicle, the driver, fuel and tolls over the 720 km. It also covers the driver’s accommodation at Zagora. The travellers' camp stay in the Drâa Valley is not included.
Included
- 9-seater minibus with driver for the 2 days
- Fuel and tolls over the 720 km
- Driver’s accommodation at Zagora
- Fresh water on board for the 13 hours of driving
- Single overnight stop, at Zagora, before the return to Marrakech
Not included
- Travellers' camp stay in the Drâa Valley
- Meals for the 2 days
- Entry fees at the Aït-Ben-Haddou ksar
- Sunset camel ride
- Driver’s tip
How many hours of driving per day on the Zagora desert tour?
The tour splits 13 hours of driving over two equal days, 6 h 30 outbound and 6 h 30 on the return. The 360 km between Marrakech and Zagora run both ways along the same road, the N9 via Ouarzazate and Agdz.
How much does the Zagora desert tour cost?
The Zagora desert tour costs €425 in a 9-seater minibus for 2 days and 720 km. The price ranges from €350 in a 7-seater van to €650 in a long 15-seater Sprinter. It is billed per vehicle, not per passenger.
| Vehicle | Passengers | Total price |
|---|---|---|
| Mercedes Vito | 7 | €350 |
| Hyundai Staria | 9 | €425 |
| Mercedes Sprinter | 12 | €555 |
| Mercedes Sprinter long | 15 | €650 |
When is the best time for the Zagora desert tour?
The Zagora desert tour is best visited from March to May and from September to November. The Tizi n’Tichka pass, crossed twice during the tour, closes 2 to 5 days a year under snow between December and February. In Marrakech, July reaches 38 °C on average.
What is the route of the Zagora desert tour?
The Zagora desert tour forms a 720 km round trip between Marrakech and Zagora, over 13 hours of driving. The same road, via the Tizi n’Tichka, Ouarzazate and Agdz, serves the Drâa Valley on both the outbound and return legs.
Which routes and tours complete the Zagora desert circuit?
The direct Marrakech – Zagora route is broken down kilometre by kilometre on its dedicated page. The Merzouga desert tour, longer, reaches Erg Chebbi and its real dunes, unlike the palm groves of the Drâa. Our fleet runs the same 9-seater minibus for both tours.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Zagora desert have real sand dunes?
Zagora borders the Drâa Valley, a 200-kilometre palm grove, and a smaller erg than the one at Merzouga. The camp runs a sunset camel ride over these nearby dunes. The Merzouga desert tour stays the full sand-sea version of the Sahara.
How long does the whole Zagora desert tour take?
The tour runs 2 days for 720 km and 13 hours of driving. A single overnight stop happens at Zagora, in a camp on the edge of the Drâa palm grove. Leaving before 08:00 on the first day leaves enough time to reach Zagora before dark.
Does the Zagora desert tour suit a group of 9 people?
Yes, one 9-seater minibus is enough for a group of 9 people, at €425 for the two days. The 7-seater van suits smaller groups, at €350. Above 9 passengers, the 12-seater Sprinter takes over, at €555.
Can the Zagora desert tour combine with another tour?
Yes, the Merzouga desert tour starts from the same point as far as Ouarzazate. Beyond that, it runs on alone toward Erg Chebbi over two extra days. A combined quote is ready within 2 business hours for an extended 5-day tour in total.
Get a quote
Where are you going?
Send your dates and how many of you are travelling. You get a priced itinerary back — no commitment, no deposit.
- Phone
- +212 714 29 85 18
- Office
- Avenue Mohammed VI, Guéliz — 40000 Marrakech
- Hours
- Every day, 7:00 – 23:00 (GMT+1)