How to Plan Your Marrakech: 2-Day Zagora Desert & Kasbah Ait Benhaddou Tour

Are you planning a trip to Marrakech and looking for a unique and unforgettable experience? Look no further than the 2-Day Zagora Desert & Kasbah Ait Benhaddou Tour. This tour takes you through the stunning landscapes of the Atlas Mountains, visits the UNESCO World Heritage site of Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, and allows you to experience the life of a Berber at a desert camp in the Sahara.
Here’s how to plan your Marrakech: 2-Day Zagora Desert & Kasbah Ait Benhaddou Tour:

Step 1: Check Availability and Pricing

The first step in planning your tour is to check availability and pricing. You can book your tour online at GetYourGuide and choose between an overnight in either a standard or luxury tent. The cost of the tour varies depending on which option you choose.

Step 2: Plan Your Accommodation

As this is an overnight tour, you will need to plan your accommodation for the night. The tour includes a stay in a private tent at the Zagora dunes, with both standard and luxury options available.

Step 3: Plan Your Outfit and Essential Items

Proper clothing and essential items are crucial for a comfortable and enjoyable tour experience. Be sure to pack comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for hiking and a camel ride. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun. Additionally, you may want to bring a camera to capture the stunning landscapes you’ll encounter along the way.

Step 4: Prepare for the Journey

The tour takes approximately 31.5 hours, with the majority of the journey being spent on the road. Pick-up from your Marrakech hotel or riad is included, so be sure to provide your location and contact details when booking.

Step 5: Experience the Tour

Now that you have planned and prepared, it’s time to experience the tour. You’ll begin your journey by heading to the Atlas Mountains, taking in the stunning scenery before arriving at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou. Here, you’ll enjoy a guided tour sightseeing the kasbah before heading to Ouarzazate for lunch.

Next, you’ll head to Zagora, where you’ll embark on a camel ride to reach the desert campsite. Here, you’ll savor an authentic Moroccan dinner under the stars, experience desert camp activities, and admire the sunset before staying overnight in a private tent.

On day two, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the picturesque village of Agdz before heading back to Ouarzazate, where you’ll have free time to explore before heading back to Marrakech.

What You’ll Experience

The Marrakech: 2-Day Zagora Desert & Kasbah Ait Benhaddou Tour is an unforgettable experience that offers:

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou

One of the highlights of this tour is the guided tour sightseeing in the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You’ll get to explore this stunning fortress village and learn about its rich history from your guide.

Taste an Authentic Moroccan Dinner Under the Stars at a Bedouin Camp

Experience the magic of Morocco by savoring a traditional Moroccan dinner under the stars at a Bedouin camp.

Experience the Life of a Berber at a Desert Camp in the Sahara

You’ll spend a night in a private tent at the Zagora dunes, experiencing the life of a Berber in the Sahara desert.

Admire Spectacular Landscapes of the Atlas Mountains

En route to Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, you’ll pass through the stunning landscapes of the Atlas Mountains, a perfect photo opportunity.

Conclusion

The Marrakech: 2-Day Zagora Desert & Kasbah Ait Benhaddou Tour is a must-do for anyone visiting Marrakech. By following these simple steps to plan and prepare for the journey, you can enjoy a unique and unforgettable experience that you’ll remember for a lifetime.

An Insider’s Guide to Marrakech: Beyond the Touristy Spots

Marrakech is a vibrant and bustling city in Morocco that offers a heady mix of culture, history, and tourism. While most visitors tend to flock to the well-trodden paths, there are plenty of hidden gems and secret corners that are just awaiting discovery. Here’s our insider’s guide to Marrakech, with some unique and fresh perspectives that will help you explore the city like a local.

Local Attractions Beyond the Obvious

Yes, the Medina, the Jardin Majorelle, and the Saadian Tombs are stunning. But if you want to get off the beaten path, explore the lesser-known corners of the city. Wander around the quiet alleys of the Mellah (Jewish Quarter), where you’ll find traditional Moroccan houses and shops selling exotic spices, oils, and perfumes. Stroll through the Art Deco neighborhood of Gueliz, which features some of the city’s most stylish cafes and boutiques. Or check out the Bahia Palace, once the home of the former vizier of Marrakech, which showcases stunning Islamic architecture.

Delicious Dining Spots

Moroccan cuisine is exotic and full of flavor, and Marrakech has some of the best dining options in the country. Make sure to try the local dishes like tagines (slow-cooked stews), couscous, pastilla (a savory pie), and mechoui (roast lamb). For a truly authentic experience, head to street food vendors like Haji Abderrazzak, who sells the city’s best grilled meats, or sit down at a cozy local cafe like Cafe Des Epices, which offers a great selection of teas and pastries. If you’re feeling adventurous, try Calèche, which serves Moroccan-style sushi, or Le Jardin, a stunning restaurant set in a lush garden.

Authentic Cultural Experiences

Marrakech is a melting pot of cultures and traditions. To experience the city at its finest, visit during one of its many festivals, such as the Marrakech International Film Festival, the Sacred Music Festival, or the Marrakech Biennale. Discover the rich history of the city by visiting the Museum of Moroccan Arts, which showcases traditional Moroccan arts and crafts. Attend a Gnawa music performance, which combines African, Arabic, and Berber musical traditions or take a cooking class to learn how to make tagines and pastilla like a local.

The Fascinating Local History

Marrakech has a long and storied history that is full of fascinating stories. For instance, did you know that the city was once home to one of Morocco’s most powerful dynasties, the Almoravids? Or that the Saadian tombs were hidden for centuries before being rediscovered in the early 20th century? Dive deeper into the city’s past by exploring lesser-known places like the El Badi Palace, the Morrocan Photography Museum, or the Madrasa Ben Youssef, a stunning example of Islamic architecture.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

If you’re looking for a truly unique and unforgettable experience, then we suggest embarking on a two-day tour of the Zagora Desert and Kasbah Ait Benhaddou. Drive through the stunning Atlas Mountains, admire the stark beauty of the desert, and visit traditional Berber villages along the way. Spend a night under the stars in a traditional nomad’s tent and watch the sunrise over the dunes. Or opt for a hot air balloon ride that will give you a bird’s eye view of the city’s stunning architecture and landscape.

In conclusion, Marrakech is a city that is full of surprises and hidden treasures. By exploring the lesser-known corners of the city, sampling the local cuisine, experiencing the culture in-depth, and delving into the fascinating history, you will be rewarded with an unforgettable and authentic journey that will make you fall in love with this exotic city.