05 Aug 2025
The wind was cool, the sky endless, and the sand beneath my feet still warm from the day. As I sipped sweet mint tea by the fire, under a sky blanketed with stars, I remember thinking — *this feels like a dream*. That moment alone was worth the journey from Marrakech to the quiet heart of Zagora.
I'm from the UK, and my friend and I had signed up for a *2 day desert trip from Marrakech* to Zagora without knowing exactly what to expect. But from the very beginning, it felt smooth and welcoming. Our driver, *Hassan*, picked us up from our riad right on time. The van was comfortable, air-conditioned (thankfully!), and we quickly bonded with the others in the group.
*Day 1* began with a long but beautiful drive through the *Atlas Mountains*. The road twisted and climbed through misty green valleys, and we paused briefly at the *Tizi n’Tichka Pass* — the views were unreal. Our guide, *Mustapha*, was full of stories and jokes, making the ride fly by.
We stopped at *Aït Ben Haddou*, a sand-colored kasbah that felt like a movie set — because it *literally is*. Walking through its narrow alleys and looking down over the clay roofs made me feel like I’d stepped into history. Lunch was tagine in a local place near Ouarzazate — simple, fresh, and flavorful.
By late afternoon, we reached *Zagora*, where a caravan of camels waited. Mine was called *Simo*, and he had a mind of his own, occasionally deciding to veer off-path for a snack. The *camel ride at sunset* was magical — golden light stretching over the flat desert, the crunch of sand under hooves, and the horizon blushing pink.
Our desert camp was basic but cozy. The beds in the tents were surprisingly comfy, and dinner (soup, chicken tagine, and oranges) was delicious. Afterward, we gathered around a fire, drums played, and strangers became friends. The sky was *unreal* — the Milky Way right above us. I forgot my scarf, and Mustapha kindly lent me his — a small kindness I’ll never forget.
*Day 2* started early. The sunrise was quiet and humbling — a wash of orange light spilling over the dunes. After a quick breakfast, we rode the camels back (my legs were *not* ready), and began the return drive, winding through the *Draa Valley* — palm trees, tiny villages, and a slower pace of life.
Returning to Marrakech, the city felt louder, faster — but I carried something quiet with me. This *Marrakech to Zagora 2 day desert tour* wasn't just sightseeing — it was a shift in rhythm, a chance to breathe.
This *2 day desert trip from Marrakech* was the highlight of our Morocco adventure — unforgettable.