7-Day Desert Safari Tour Overview
Complete Mountain Crossing & Desert Adventure with Wild CampingThe itinerary includes comfortable 4x4 transportation, cultural visits, camel trekking, and two nights of wild desert camping for an authentic Sahara experience.
The Marrakech to Zagora 7-day desert safari covers approximately 700 kilometers through Morocco's most dramatic landscapes. You'll cross the Tizi n'Tichka pass (2,260m) in the Atlas Mountains, explore the famous ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, travel through the stunning Draa Valley with its endless palm groves, and spend two nights experiencing the wild Sahara near Zagora.
This safari-focused itinerary is perfect for those who want to experience Morocco's desert wilderness authentically, with time for photography, cultural encounters in remote villages, and the magic of sleeping under the stars in the Sahara. For more information about the region, visit the Wikipedia page on Zagora.
7-Day Desert Safari Itinerary: Marrakech to Zagora
Detailed day-by-day itinerary of your mountain & desert adventureDay 1: Marrakech - High Atlas Mountains - Ait Ben Haddou
Atlas Mountains Crossing
Depart Marrakech after breakfast for the spectacular drive over the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n'Tichka pass (2,260m). Stop at panoramic viewpoints to photograph the dramatic landscapes and traditional Berber villages clinging to mountainsides.
Ait Ben Haddou Exploration
Arrive at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou, the most famous ksar in Morocco. Explore this ancient fortified village on foot with your guide, learning about its history and film industry connections. Check into your hotel with views of the kasbah.
Day 2: Ait Ben Haddou - Ouarzazate - Draa Valley - Zagora
Ouarzazate & Film Studios
Visit Ouarzazate, known as the "Gateway to the Sahara." Optional visit to the Atlas Film Studios where many famous movies were filmed. Then continue through the anti-Atlas mountains toward the Draa Valley.
Draa Valley to Zagora
Travel through the stunning Draa Valley, Morocco's longest river valley famous for its endless palm groves and traditional kasbahs. Stop at Agdz and Tansikht for photos. Arrive in Zagora in the late afternoon and check into your hotel.
Day 3: Zagora - Tamegroute - M'Hamid - Desert Camp
Tamegroute Village Visit
Explore Tamegroute village, famous for its ancient Quranic library, underground kasbah, and distinctive green pottery. Visit the library containing ancient manuscripts and learn about the village's historical significance as a center of learning.
M'Hamid & Camel Trek to Camp
Continue to M'Hamid, the last town before the desert. Meet your camels and Berber guides for a 1.5-hour camel trek into the dunes as the sun sets. Arrive at your first wild desert camp, set up in a secluded dune area. Evening: traditional dinner and stargazing.
Day 4: Full Day Desert Exploration - Nomadic Encounter
Sunrise & Desert Walk
Wake early to watch the sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast, take a guided walk to explore the surrounding desert landscape. Learn about desert survival, flora, and fauna from your Berber guide. Return to camp for lunch and relaxation during the hottest hours.
Nomadic Family Visit
Afternoon visit to a nomadic family settlement. Experience authentic desert hospitality, share mint tea, and learn about traditional nomadic life in the Sahara. This cultural exchange is a highlight of the desert experience. Return to camp for sunset.
Day 5: Desert - Erg Lihoudi - Zagora
Erg Lihoudi Dunes
After breakfast, camel trek or 4x4 transfer to Erg Lihoudi, smaller but beautiful dunes near Zagora. Enjoy sandboarding and photography opportunities. Experience the contrast between the wild desert and these more accessible dunes.
Return to Zagora
Return to Zagora for a hot shower and relaxation at your hotel. Evening at leisure to explore the town, visit the famous "Tombouctou 52 days" sign (referring to the old camel caravan time to Timbuktu), and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 6: Zagora - Ouarzazate - Skoura Oasis
Return through Draa Valley
Depart Zagora and travel back through the Draa Valley, stopping at different viewpoints and villages than on the outward journey. Visit a traditional kasbah and learn about date palm cultivation in the oasis.
Skoura Oasis & Kasbahs
Arrive at the Skoura Oasis, a lush palm grove dotted with traditional kasbahs. Take a guided walk through the oasis, visiting the well-preserved Kasbah Amridil. Check into your riad or hotel within the oasis for a peaceful night.
Day 7: Skoura - Atlas Mountains - Marrakech
Rose Valley (Seasonal)
If traveling during April-May, visit the fragrant Valley of the Roses on your way back to Marrakech. Visit a rose cooperative to learn about rose water and oil production. Otherwise, travel directly toward the Atlas Mountains.
Atlas Crossing & Return
Cross back over the High Atlas Mountains via Tizi n'Tichka pass, with final photo stops. Arrive in Marrakech in the late afternoon (around 5:00 PM), where you'll be dropped off at your accommodation, completing your 7-day desert safari adventure.
Desert Safari Highlights
Experience the best of Morocco's 7-day desert adventureAtlas Mountains Crossing
Spectacular drive over Tizi n'Tichka pass
Ait Ben Haddou
UNESCO World Heritage site exploration
Draa Valley Discovery
Morocco's longest river valley with palm groves
Wild Desert Camping
2 nights authentic camping in Sahara dunes
Nomadic Encounter
Visit traditional desert family settlement
Camel Trekking
Authentic camel rides at sunset and sunrise
What's Included / Not Included
Complete details for your 7-day desert safari tour package- Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Marrakech
- Transportation in comfortable 4x4 or minivan
- English-speaking driver/guide throughout
- 4 nights hotel accommodation (double rooms)
- 2 nights wild desert camping (tents)
- All meals during desert camping (2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners)
- Camel trekking in the desert (1.5 hours each way)
- Camping equipment (tents, sleeping bags, mats)
- Mineral water during transfers
- Drinks and personal snacks
- Entrance fees to monuments and museums
- Travel insurance (recommended)
- Tips for guides and camel handlers
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
- Lunches in restaurants (Days 1, 2, 6, 7)
Practical Details
Important information for your 7-day desert safari tourFrequently Asked Questions
About our 7-day Marrakech to Zagora desert safariWild desert camping means setting up camp in a remote dune area away from established tourist camps. Facilities are basic but comfortable: Berber tents with mattresses and blankets, shared bathroom tent with basic toilet facilities, communal dining area, and campfire space. There is no electricity (lighting by lanterns/candles) and no showers during camping nights. This authentic experience allows you to connect with the desert environment without modern distractions. We provide all camping equipment; you just need a sleeping bag liner for extra comfort.
This tour is moderately active but suitable for most fitness levels. The camel trekking involves riding camels for about 1.5 hours each way (to and from camp). You can walk beside the camels if preferred. Desert walks are optional and at a gentle pace. The main physical aspect is getting on/off camels and walking in soft sand. Most of the tour involves comfortable vehicle travel with frequent stops. We recommend basic mobility and ability to climb in/out of 4x4 vehicles. The tour is suitable for families with children (ages 5+ recommended for desert camping).
Essential packing includes: layered clothing (desert nights can be cold), comfortable walking shoes, sandals, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, high SPF sunscreen), headlamp or flashlight, reusable water bottle, personal toiletries (biodegradable recommended), sleeping bag liner, camera with extra batteries, power bank (limited charging in desert), and small day pack. Pack in soft luggage (no hard suitcases) for easier transport. A detailed packing list will be provided upon booking.
Desert camping nights follow this typical schedule: Arrive at camp before sunset, settle into tents, sunset photography, traditional dinner prepared by Berber cooks, campfire gathering with Berber music and storytelling, stargazing (Sahara has incredibly clear skies), and overnight in tents. Morning starts with sunrise viewing, breakfast, and preparation for the day. Evenings are magical with minimal light pollution. The camps are set up by our team before your arrival, so you just need to enjoy the experience.
Yes, solo travelers are welcome on this tour. We have many solo travelers who join our small group tours. If you're traveling alone, you'll be paired with another traveler of the same gender for room sharing (twin rooms) to avoid single supplements. If you prefer a private room, a single supplement charge applies. The small group size (2-8 travelers) creates a friendly atmosphere, and desert camping is a great communal experience. Many solo travelers find this tour perfect for meeting like-minded adventurers while experiencing Morocco's desert wonders.