A Journey Through Zagora & The Draa Valley
Compared with the larger dunes of Erg Chebbi and Erg Chigaga, Zagora offers a gentler introduction to the Moroccan desert and is an excellent choice for families with children or travellers with limited time. The small dunes can be reached from Marrakech on a two-day trip, making this a convenient way to experience the desert without a longer journey into the Sahara.
The journey can be made even more rewarding by extending it to three days, with time to explore fascinating places such as Ouarzazate, the UNESCO-listed Ait Benhaddou or the beautiful Berber village of Telouet. On arrival in Zagora, your guide will meet you before you set off by camel along the palm-fringed Draa River Valley. Your camels carry the overnight luggage as you travel towards a traditional nomad camp among the dunes, where a delicious dinner is served beneath a spectacular canopy of stars.
This is a wonderfully accessible desert experience, combining camel trekking, traditional Berber hospitality and the peaceful beauty of the Draa Valley.
This desert trek runs all year round and can depart on any date of your choice.
We usually have several treks departing each week, which you are welcome to join. Please get in touch to discuss your preferred dates.
The Zagora trek can be booked independently, including transfers from Marrakech, or incorporated into a tailor-made Morocco holiday. We can create a complete itinerary combining your desert adventure with time in Marrakech, Essaouira, the Atlantic Coast or the Sahara Desert.
Our mountain and desert treks can also be combined with other Moroccan experiences, including visits to the Imperial Cities, the Sahara and the Atlantic coast, allowing us to create a memorable adventure designed around your interests and available time.
Pick Up & Drop Off
You will be picked up from your accommodation in Marrakech city, many riads don't have access via car so the driver will park nearby and come to get you.
You will be dropped off at the nearest point to your riad/hotel. Our driver can call your riad to meet you if needed.
Route Details
Day 01
Marrakech –Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou - Zagora
The tour departs from Marrakech at 9.00am in a comfortable, modern, air-conditioned minibus. We cross the spectacular High Atlas Mountains, enjoying magnificent views over the valleys and surrounding countryside as the road winds towards the historic Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou. The journey takes approximately three hours, with time to explore this remarkable fortified village and enjoy a break.
We then continue to Ouarzazate, around an hour away, where there is time to stop for lunch at one of the local cafés. After lunch, we follow the scenic Draa Valley towards Zagora, passing palm groves, traditional villages and striking desert landscapes along the way.
After a short break in Zagora, we meet our camels and set off on a memorable 1½-hour camel trek into the dunes. As the landscape changes from valley to desert, we make our way to our desert camp among the dunes of Nakhla, where you can relax and enjoy the unique atmosphere of the Sahara.
Day 02
Zagora - Marrakech
After a traditional Berber breakfast, just before sunrise, we set off on a 1½-hour camel ride to explore the desert surroundings and enjoy the early morning light. We then return to Zagora by camel. On arrival, there is time to freshen up before beginning our journey back through the Draa Valley and over the Atlas Mountains, with plenty of opportunities for photographs and a lunch stop along the way.
We usually arrive back in Marrakech between 17:00 and 18:00.
Note: out itinerary is just a guideline and subject to change to suit the local conditions.
Equipment
Please ensure you have packed all safety essentials. See the Equipment List here if you're unsure of what to bring. Our guides will conduct a final gear check in Imlil before we commence the ascent to the higher altitudes of the Toubkal massif.
Tour Rates
Flexible Pricing
1 person : 335€
2 - 3 people : 205€/person
4 - 7 people :145€/person
8 - 12 people : 125€/person
What Is Included?
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4x4 / mini-bus with english speaking driver
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1overnight camping on the Dunes of Naghla With dinner & breakfast
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Camel ride on the dunes.
What Is Not Included
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Travel insurance.
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Soft/alcoholic drinks
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Tips and personal expanses
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Lunches
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Entrance fee (Monuments visits)
Accommodation & Shelters
Accommodation will be in a nomad-style camp.
NB : If accommodation is required in the Atlas Mountains either before or after the trek, we can easily book you in at our Guesthouse Dar Adrar in Imlil or in our Eco-loge in Ouirgane
Clothing & Essential Equipment
Essential Equipment
Can Be Hired From Us
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Good trainers for valley treks
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Personnel First aid Kit
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Lightweight waterproof over-trousers / rain-pants
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Lightweight daypack
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Sunglasses
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Sunscreen
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Torch and batteries
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Towel & all personal toiletries
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Ask us to see what we have
What Is Appropriate Attire In Morocco?
Morocco is a conservative and religious country, which means you always need to be mindful of your clothing choices. This is especially true in the country’s more rural areas, which include the Sahara Desert and its surrounding villages. As a general rule of thumb, you should always attempt to cover body parts considered “private”. For women, this means covering the arms (or at least the shoulders) and the knees up. For men, it requires covering up the shoulders and above the knee.
High Energy Meals
Meals on the trek are cooked by the Berber muleteers. The food is fresh and healthy. Example meals:
Breakfast: Jam, bread, cookies, fruit, juice, butter, coffee, milkLunch: salad, tomatoes, carrots, lentils, beans, rice or pasta, fish (sardines, tuna), seasonal fruit
Dinner: Soup, classic Morooccan tajine, couscous, olives, nuts, fruit
Can my dietary requirements be catered to?
Absolutely. Just let us know about your catering preferences when you confirm your booking to ensure any dietary requirements are met. Please remind as well your guide and cook on first day of the trek.
Start Your Journey
Ready to explore the Atlas Mountains? Reach out to us for detailed trek inquiries, tailor-made itineraries, or any questions about our Berber-led adventure tours.
Email: aztat.trek@gmail.com
Phone: +212 668-760165
Location: Imlil, Morocco
Personal baggage, cooking equipment and food are carried by the mules, leaving you to carry only a rucksack with whatever you need close at hand for the day. NB: Left luggage or unnecessary luggage can be left safely in our storage in Imlil till you come back from the trek.