Marrakech to Zagora: A Complete Review of the 2-Day Sahara Tour

So, you’re perhaps thinking of taking a Sahara Desert tour from Marrakech, more or less specifically, that 2-day trip to Zagora, maybe stopping at Ait Ben Haddou on the way? It’s almost a very tempting getaway from the hustle and the craziness of Marrakech, and getting out into that stark, stunning desert is, in some respects, a classic Morocco experience. That said, before you commit your funds and that precious travel time, you likely want that inside scoop, like is it worth it? This is almost a complete review based on that real experience, offering that look at what’s amazing, that downsides too, and really just some solid advice to aid you in planning.

Why Zagora? Deciding if the 2-Day Tour Is Right for You

That first question that pops up: Why Zagora, anyway? That shorter 2-day tour from Marrakech typically goes to Zagora because it’s the nearest, pretty accessible desert area. It might be a handy option when you are shorter on time than, for example, visiting that Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga (which involves that longer trip). What you get is like that small taste of the Sahara – think of rocky terrain which might be broken up with sandy areas – as that opposed to those vast, sweeping dunes you may picture. That distance from Marrakech really is a factor; you’ll definitely spend that good chunk of time traveling.

Arguably, one big draw, of course, is Ait Ben Haddou, the UNESCO World Heritage site, very much on the way to Zagora. So too it’s an old fortified village, also called a ksar, and just visiting there, by itself, may make that tour attractive. It’s pretty impressive and truly that cool look into that older way of life.

The Itinerary: What to Expect Each Day

Okay, let’s run down exactly what that 2-day trip normally involves.

Day 1: Marrakech to Ait Ben Haddou and Zagora

Arguably, that initial day probably starts fairly early – most tours often want to start picking folks up from their accommodations at maybe 7:00 or 8:00 AM. From Marrakech, that trip crosses the High Atlas Mountains. Now, this, by itself, really is that visual treat. You get that stunning glimpse of mountain landscapes and the cute little Berber villages hanging to that hillsides. Many tours also include some stops for photos plus that quick break for a snack and just maybe to stretch that legs a little.

Ait Ben Haddou really is that main destination for the morning. Usually, you will have some time to explore that ksar. This might be solo or also with that guide (likely, it really will depend on your tour). Think of wandering that winding alleys, scaling to that top for the view, and just imagining folks who lived there.

That lunch might happen around Ait Ben Haddou. Usually, your tour takes you to that local spot. Then you keep heading for Zagora. Just know, there may well be stops at that places selling argon oil or just other local goods – more or less, it is a pretty regular thing for that kind of tour.

You’ll arrive at Zagora probably late afternoon. Arguably, that famous camel trek generally follows. Keep in mind: That “desert experience” really involves maybe an hour’s ride, probably to that camp. Camps range; a few may be simpler tents, and others might have upgraded with amenities like that real beds. You’ll see that sunset, you get that dinner (normally, a tagine), maybe that Berber music jam, and that starry sky view – supposing, of course, the weather works with you.

Day 2: Zagora Back to Marrakech

Everyone definitely wakes up early to catch the sunrise, which can very much be quite amazing in that quiet desert. After a pretty quick breakfast at the camp, everyone hops back on those camels, making their trip back. After that, that’s usually a long ride back to Marrakech.

The trip mostly follows the way you went. Most tours might incorporate that other visit, potentially to that Atlas Film Studios right outside Ouarzazate, supposing that seems exciting to the group. Anyway, everyone will arrive in Marrakech at the end of the day; you are most likely tired following that many hours spent traveling.

What’s Included (and What Isn’t)

Figuring out what’s involved could save that hassle. In general, these packages typically cover:

Transportation: Usually, you’ll ride inside a minibus with other individuals. That might feel comfy, that mostly depends on that vehicle, the number of seats and those other people.
Accommodation: A tent located at that desert camp. That “level” might vary significantly based upon which tour you choose.
Camel Trek: Usually, like that short ride. Expect about one hour each way.
Meals: Almost all tours have dinners and breakfasts. That drinks are typically at that additional price. Lunches generally are not part of those included bits.

Think about what it typically excludes, which usually will be:

Lunch: Plan and carry a few cash, and that your tour driver can potentially steer people to that specific eateries which might be geared mostly towards visitors.
Drinks: During meals and perhaps at the desert camp.
Tips: You’ll definitely be tipped to people, for example, a driver or a camel guide.
Entrance Fees: Maybe those entry fees to that spots which includes Ait Ben Haddou (it actually is quite minor, yet something to keep in the mind).

Choosing a Tour Operator: Factors to Consider

There really is a huge load of tour outfits providing exactly this excursion. Therefore, what can help you filter to the right fit?

Reviews: Scour through that TripAdvisor, TourRadar, etc. Seriously get people commenting on whether or not it truly does live up to what had been advertised. Really watch that repetitive rave, it might just seem too amazing or perhaps like it wasn’t fully on the level.
Price: Lower prices always appear pretty tempting; make sure you compare that value. What would you compromise because of the cheaper option (maybe, it involves staying at basic camps or cramped vans)?
Group Size: Is everyone okay alongside that larger group, which can sometimes be less intimate, that however much cheaper? Perhaps you need a pretty small cluster setting in its place.
Language: Guarantee your guide really can speak languages, which, after all, does actually improve the experience in an immeasurable manner.
Inclusions: Crosscheck the details of what exactly you should obtain included within a fee.

Ait Ben Haddou: Is It Worth the Hype?

Yep, for nearly all individuals, it really is an easy “yes.” Ait Ben Haddou legitimately feels similar to going into those movie scenes – actually, since they also were utilized to filming that many movies. Those views definitely are stunning. Allow yourself around one to 2 hours really wandering and absorb it well.

That just few things that might affect the fun:

The Crowds: Expect visitors; sometimes everyone will crowd. Visit at an early stage as can be so it beats that maximum period.
The Hustle: Know shopkeepers tend to get reasonably excited. That actually is just an element that makes it exciting, though at times might seem daunting for many who do dislike that kind of awareness.

The Camel Trek and Desert Camp Experience: Reality vs. Expectations

Manage your goals! That camel trek could very well be that enjoyable memory yet hardly is it which long wandering deep at a real Sahara desert. Typically, It’s about around one hour (every direction) that only gives individuals who brief flavour.

Here is what you want to expect throughout that camp:

Basic Amenities: Camps mostly are basic: Consider sand between your feet, toilet which might be extremely fundamental, that maybe less water based sources.
The Vibe: Think star viewing; It may well be stunning in which this will be an uncluttered atmosphere. Most of all, anticipate fun from various individuals and workers around the campsite.

What do many travellers appear to overlook?

Desert “glamping” Does not Always Mean Glamour: Should you reserve that “luxury camp”, make perfectly sure you actually grasp exactly that includes. Often images show their most optimistic view!
Pack Appropriately: Carry things to suit the problems: defensive clothing coming from hot sun or freezing temperatures around night (it might occur!).

Is Zagora Worth It Compared to Other Sahara Options?

Arguably, this will likely be a common question: Exactly how could Zagora realistically compare towards somewhere such as Erg Chebbi (nearby Merzouga) or possibly Erg Chigaga when it comes to desert experiences? Listed below are a couple significant differences:

Dunes: Zagora’s sand hills commonly are not that remarkable such as those found in Erg Chebbi; Erg Chebbi comes with substantial sea dune surf stretching across those photo worthy vista’s one expects while conjuring their Sahara scenes.
Travel Time: Erg Chebbi asks around nine towards ten hour commutes one way from Marrakech in comparison with Zagora that can probably cut down approximately 6-7 hours.
Remoteness: Erg Chigaga, as an illustration, actually is remotely located providing extra single experience versus a couple tourist throngs close by different traveler locations such Zagora occasionally attracts throughout peak durations.

Okay, exactly who ought to just go just for it?

If maybe people actually are wanting schedule concerns and need the little “glimpse.”
Individuals really eager particularly mainly experiencing Ait Ben Haddou.

Tips for Making the Most of Your 2-Day Tour

Desiring making an already quite decent travels even nicer?

Pack Smart: Really cozy boots (primarily those treks through desert), sunlight protection (caps, sun glasses, lotion) or levels, so it does accommodates temp fluctuations and so forth, really are seriously valued right after one too quickly feels discomfort during each trip!
Stay Hydrated: Particularly during warmer seasons, keep using water with throughout you particularly particularly throughout treks; keep buying it any opportunity they present their-selves while on excursions.
Learn Basic Arabic Phrases: It will be a great way, displaying appreciate too and developing interaction opportunities including natives anyone comes into to contact.
Respect Local Customs: Garb nicely/sensibly (address policy significantly whenever at compact country sides in contrast metropolitan areas) showing courtesy constantly so improving total excursion fun for one, folks anyone may be communicating simultaneously by.
Bargain Respectfully: Whenever going for buying goods along those marketplace or simply in which other product sellers often stay patient although buying too – usually it actually is incorporated component in the cultural encounters there!

Review and rating From Marrakech 2 Day Sahara Tour to Zagora Ait Ben Haddou.

Given the mix of historical exploration at Ait Benhaddou, coupled with that brief desert exposure near Zagora, there’s something for lots of folks about. That said, it isn’t that full-on, stunning Sahara experience many may dream about. Time spent traveling will be considerable, however potentially it seems like worthwhile cost-benefit in order people quick perhaps to schedule breaks through hectic travels perhaps. If I was ranking this, arguably I’d present which close 3.5 out 5 – a decent excursion, specifically which someone seeking combination tour locations whenever limited.