5 Excursions to the Zagora Desert in Morocco from Marrakech

Zagora is the name given to the city that serves as the gateway to the largest desert in Morocco: the Erg Chigaga Desert. Because of its proximity, many people call Erg Chigaga the Zagora Desert. As a tourist destination, it is less exploited than Erg Chebbi, but an alternative with extraordinary potential that you should consider adding to your list of things to do during your trip to Marrakech.

A sleeping tour in the Moroccan desert is a fascinating proposition on your visit to the Zagora desert. Luxury campsites are set up at the foot of the dunes, promising guests the experience of a night in the desert in the style of The Thousand and One Nights.

Accommodation

Most camps have a similar layout: in the centre is a lounge where you can relax on comfortable mattresses. Some include open tents with chairs, hammocks, puffs and sofas. The sleeping area will be made up of several private tents where the sleeping quarters are located, and inside you will find a variety of amenities: king-size beds, rugs, bedside tables, mirrors and armchairs.

Most campsites will have toilets, dressing rooms and laundry areas. However, due to water shortages, in some cases only buckets of water will be provided for personal hygiene. Don't forget to check in detail all the facilities that the excursions offer, as well as those that are not included in the package, so that you can make a realistic travel budget.

Useful information

• Price: You will find prices varying from €100 to €230 per person. This price usually includes not only an overnight stay in the desert but also transport to and from Marrakech, the accompaniment of a professional guide, dinner and breakfast.
• Duration of the excursion: Usually two days, as the excursions depart from Marrakech on the first day in the morning and arrive the following day in the afternoon. The total duration will depend on the activities in the desert in addition to the overnight camping.

To fully experience the Zagora desert, you should plan a camel ride in the dunes, a perfect way to enjoy the unique colours of the sunset on Moroccan soil.

The Tinfou Dunes, located in Erg Chigaga, are famous for their healing qualities. In fact, the Berber people claim that they are capable of curing diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. You can ask your guide to bury your body under the sand for a spa-like experience.

Useful information

• Price: The average price of this tour is between €20 and €40 per trip per person.
• Duration of tour: Varies depending on the tour you book, with tours ranging from 1 hour to a maximum of 3 hours including several stops.

You will have the chance to explore the Sahara desert up to the oasis of M'Hamid on board of a 4x4, a very original adventure.

M'Hamid is the last great oasis of the desert and a historical place very dear to the locals. It was also known as Bounou and was once home to several Berber tribes from the south (Ait Atta, Drawa and Hassani). Legend has it that caravans gathered here before setting off on their journeys to Timbuktu.

As well as enjoying the thrilling ride through the desert in a motor vehicle and the beautiful scenery of the Oasis, you can also enjoy a leisurely lunch in the desert under fantastic palm trees.

Useful information

• Price: An excursion to the Zagora desert by 4X4 with a visit to the M'Hamid Oasis usually costs on average €70 or more.
• Duration of the tour: The tour usually lasts one day, departing early in the morning until sunset.

Explore one of the most popular tourist attractions on Zagora desert tours by visiting the Draâ Valley. Originally known as the Valley of Olives until the 19th century, this is a settlement of great historical value that for long periods provided accommodation for desert caravans. Take the time to appreciate the beauty of the place by paying special attention to:

• The beautiful Draâ Valley Palm Grove: Gardens filled with date palms stretch for miles between the city and the river that makes up the Draâ Valley. More than 30 varieties of dates grow in this region and are harvested every year from September to November. The palms of this valley proved, in addition to offering shade and shelter to all who need it, to be a highly versatile commodity option used to make baskets, leaf mats and other utensils.
• The Draâ River itself: In this area you will find Morocco's longest river flowing from the High Atlas Mountains to the southeast. It stretches for 1,100 km, flows through Zagora and stops for proper management at a dam in Ouarzazate. Towards the south and during the summer, the river is usually full of water, so it is typical to see local children swimming and enjoying its waters.

Useful information

• Price: Guided excursions to the Draa Valley cost approximately €135.
• Duration of tour: This type of tour lasts 10 hours.

Kasbah is the Arabic term for both citadels and fortifications in the broadest sense of the word. Aït Benhaddou Kasbahs is an impressive architectural construction located in the city of Ouarzazate that became world famous in 1962 when it made its debut in the British film Lawrence of Arabia.

On your tour of Zagora you may hear more than once the term "see Ouarzazate and die", a sentiment often expressed by Moroccans that allows them to verbalise their respect and admiration for this magical city.

Where is Ouarzazate?

Ouarzazate is the main Berber city in the south and is world famous for its spectacular sunsets and its mountainous and desert landscapes. It is a 2.5 hour drive from Zagora. On a trip from Marrakech it is 4 hours by car.

The town's history is also fascinating, as it was once a crossing point for African traders seeking to reach the cities of northern Morocco and Europe.

Useful information

• Price: This tour costs from 35 €.
• Duration of the trip: It takes 12 hours from Marrakech.

There are several ways to get to the Zagora desert:

• Organised tours from Marrakech: The best alternative is an organised tour from Marrakech to Zagora. It includes a tour fully managed by expert guides who will take you through the most interesting spots and take care of your safety and well-being at all times.

• Rent a private vehicle in Marrakech: Recommended if you have experience on the route and want to go at your own pace, stopping at points of your choice. Fuel and tolls should be factored into your travel budget.

• By plane: If you're travelling from Marrakech you can't fly directly to Zagora, so a popular option is to fly to Ouarzazate and then take a 2.5-hour road section.

• By bus: This is a long and complex journey that can be tiring and I wouldn't recommend it if it's your first time in the country.

• Excellent for avoiding crowds: Ideal for avoiding crowds during busy tourist seasons. Very intimate and romantic.
• Ideal to avoid long journeys: If you leave from the city of Marrakech, Erg Chigaga offers you the advantage of being able to make a trip to the desert in only 2 days, with a maximum time of 8 hours of road including interesting stops.

• Fewer accommodation options: Compared to Erg Chebbi you will find fewer desert camps and fewer accommodation options. However, the existing offerings are just as comfortable and luxurious.
• The dunes: In my opinion, the biggest disadvantage is that the dunes of Erg Chigaga, having less sand accumulation and consequently less height, are less impressive.

The best time of year to visit the Zagora desert in Morocco is either around May or around October. In both periods, daytime temperatures are fairly mild and the days are less hot.

During the Saharan winter months, night-time temperatures often drop below freezing. If you are a person who is used to the cold and can handle such scenarios, you might consider visiting the desert in winter. In the summer months, on the other hand, the desert heat is particularly difficult to handle, with temperatures averaging around 45 degrees Celsius. In fact, some tours are forced to close for a couple of weeks during July and September.

Generally speaking, remember that Moroccans are a conservative culture. Try to dress according to their customs so as not to offend them. When trekking in the desert, wear cotton or linen clothing that is breathable. It is also useful to bring hats, caps and sunglasses, as well as a scarf to protect your face.

At night temperatures are very cold, so pack warm clothes and socks. Other useful items include a basic first aid kit, sunscreen, a portable charger (you can find some that charge with sunlight), fresh water and a high-protein snack.

Here's a post with suggestions for things to do on your trip to Marrakech and some tips based on experience that could make your trip more comfortable and enjoyable.

• Prices in Morocco are rarely fixed, so you'll need to put your haggling skills to good use on your trip.
• Try to agree taxi fares in advance before you get into the vehicle. Taxis are not metered here and you could end up paying more than expected if you don't negotiate the fare with the driver.
• If you're looking for cheap food in destinations such as Zagora, opt for street food rather than casual dining. As well as being cheaper, it's usually freshly made and 100% authentic Moroccan food.
• A sleeping tour in the Moroccan desert is on the list of the most fascinating activities you could do on your visit to the Zagora desert.
• When choosing a desert tour or any other activity, research in detail what is included and what is not before opting for the cheapest price on the list. On several occasions I have seen slightly more expensive tours that include really interesting add-ons such as food and transport to the hotel, so at the end of the day they end up being cheaper for the traveller.

If your stay in Morocco is long enough or you would simply like to know about other alternative excursions to fabulous Moroccan deserts, here is a list of desert destinations that might be of interest to you.

• Morocco Merzouga Desert Excursions
• Agafay Desert Excursions from Marrakech