2 Days Trip from Marrakech to Sahara Desert: Camel Ride & Desert Camp
Cross the High Atlas, ride a camel and sleep under the stars
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Tour at a Glance
Duration
2 days and 1 night
Tour Type
Private tour for your group only
Starts and Ends
Marrakech, with pick-up early in the morning
Overnight
A starry desert camp in the middle of the dunes
Highlights
High Atlas, Ouarzazate, Todra Gorges, Sahara dunes and a camel ride
Price
On request. Contact us for a free quote
A Fast Escape to the Sahara Desert
This 2 days trip from Marrakech to Sahara desert is the quickest way to reach the golden dunes of Merzouga if you are short on time. In two days you cross the High Atlas over the Tizi n’Tichka pass (about 2,260 metres), pass through Ouarzazate, the “Hollywood of Africa”, follow the Roses Valley and the Dades Valley, visit the Todra Gorges and arrive in the Sahara for a camel ride, a sunset and a night in a starry desert camp. On the second day you watch the sunrise, visit Rissani, drive through the Draa Valley and return to Marrakech in the late afternoon.
Because the Sahara is a long way from Marrakech, this itinerary involves a lot of driving on both days. It is a great choice if your time is limited. If you prefer a more relaxed pace, with more time in the dunes and along the way, see our 3-day tour or our 4-day tour from Marrakech to the Sahara.
Tour Highlights
- Cross the High Atlas Mountains over the Tizi n’Tichka pass
- See Ouarzazate, the Hollywood of Africa
- Cross the Roses Valley and the Dades Valley
- Visit the Todra Gorges
- Drive through the Oases of Tafilalet
- Reach the Sahara sand dunes
- Ride a camel into the dunes
- Watch the sunset and sunrise by the dunes
- Spend the night in a starry desert camp
- Drive through the Draa Valley with its palm trees
- Cross the Anti-Atlas Mountains
Day-by-Day Itinerary
This itinerary can be modified and designed according to your requirements and needs. Contact us to adapt it.
Day 1
Marrakech, High Atlas, Ouarzazate, Roses Valley and the Sahara
Your driver picks you up early in the morning in Marrakech, and you start the trip by crossing the High Atlas Mountains over the Tizi n’Tichka pass, at around 2,260 metres, with panoramic views of the mountains, Berber villages and colourful landscapes. You continue through Ouarzazate, the “Hollywood of Africa”, and follow the Roses Valley and the Dades Valley, on the road known as the “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs”. You visit the Todra Gorges, then drive through Erfoud and the Tafilalet oasis to reach the magnificent Sahara sand dunes. In the evening you ride a camel into the dunes for the sunset and spend the night in a starry desert camp.
Stops on Day 1
- Tizi n’Tichka pass and the High Atlas
- Ouarzazate
- Roses Valley and Dades Valley
- Todra Gorges
- Erfoud and the Tafilalet oasis
- Sahara dunes, camel ride and desert camp
Day 2
Sahara Desert, Draa Valley, Ouarzazate and Marrakech
After a night under the stars in the middle of the dunes, you wake for the sunrise, then head back and start the drive to Ouarzazate. On the way you pass through Rissani, a traditional market town that was the origin of Morocco’s ruling family and a meeting place of the trading caravans, with its souk under red arches and many ksour. The road continues through Alnif, Nkob and other Berber villages to the Draa Valley, one of the longest river valleys in Morocco, lined with palm groves. You cross the Anti-Atlas Mountains, return through Ouarzazate, cross the High Atlas again and reach Marrakech in the late afternoon.
Stops on Day 2
- Sunrise over the dunes
- Rissani and its souk
- Alnif, Nkob and Berber villages
- Draa Valley and the Anti-Atlas
- Ouarzazate and back to Marrakech
What Is Included
Included
- Pick-up and drop-off in Marrakech
- Private vehicle for the whole trip
- Camel ride into the dunes
- Night in a desert camp, with dinner and breakfast
Not Included
- Lunches and drinks
- Entrance fees to monuments
- Tips
- Travel insurance and anything not listed under “Included”
Contact us to confirm the details for your dates and group size.
What to Bring
- Warm layers, as desert nights can be cold in winter
- Sun protection, sunglasses and a scarf for the dunes
- Comfortable shoes and a small overnight bag
- Cash for lunches, drinks and tips
- A camera and a power bank
Is This Tour Right for You?
This trip suits travellers who are short on time and want to see the High Atlas, the valleys of the south and the Sahara in two days. Expect long days on the road, with winding mountain roads.
If you would like a slower pace, choose our 3-day or 4-day tour, or the Morocco desert tour from Marrakech.
More Sahara Tours from Marrakech
Want more time in the desert? Compare our longer tours.
Cross the High Atlas, visit Ait Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate, then take a camel ride in the desert.
Drive south over the Tizi n’Tichka pass (2,260 m) to Ouarzazate and on to the Sahara.
After a short stay in Marrakech, cross the High Atlas and pass heritage sites and the “Hollywood of Morocco” on the way to the desert.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the tour start?
We pick you up early in the morning in Marrakech and return in the late afternoon of the second day. We confirm the exact times when you book.
Where do we sleep?
You spend the night in a desert camp in the middle of the dunes, under the stars. See our page on accommodation in Morocco for what to expect.
Is the camel ride part of the tour?
Yes. Camel riding is part of the trip and takes you into the dunes for the sunset and the night in the desert camp.
What should I bring?
Warm layers for the desert nights, sun protection, comfortable shoes, a small overnight bag, cash and a camera. Read our tips in the Morocco FAQ.
Can I start the tour from a different city or add days?
Yes. The itinerary can be modified according to your requirements, and we can start from any airport, hotel, town or city in Morocco. Tell us what you need on our contact page.
When is the best time to go?
The tour runs all year. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable, summer is very hot in the desert, and winter nights are cold, so bring warm clothes.
How do I book or get a price?
Fill in the form at the bottom of this page or email travelstomorocco@gmail.com with your dates and the number of people, and we will reply with a free quote.
Plan Your Trip
Helpful pages before you book:
Ready for Your Sahara Adventure?
Tell us your dates and group size, and we will send you a free quote for this trip.
Ask for Prices
Please fill in the form below or contact us directly by email at travelstomorocco@gmail.com, and we will answer you as soon as possible. Include your tour date and the number of people.