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Circuit Desert Zagora & M'hamid : the Sahara Authentic
The Zagora 2-day / 1-night circuit's the shortest desert circuit from Marrakech, from £280 per person. It crosses the Draa Valley, Morocco's longest palm grove, and reaches the Chigaga dunes, wilder and less touristy than Merzouga.
Zagora. Where the Sahara truly begins. If Merzouga is the desert everyone knows, Zagora is the one connoisseurs prefer. No crowds: just the Draa Valley, Morocco's longest palm grove, the green pottery of Tamgroute, and the spectacular Chigaga dunes, as vast as they are wild. At night, in the M'hamid bivouac, the silence is so profound you can hear sand sliding over the dunes. The Sahara as you dreamed it.
Day 1 — The Draa Valley: A Ribbon of Life in the Arid Landscape
Departure from Marrakech via the Tichka Pass, through Ouarzazate, then the road plunges into the Draa Valley. It's Morocco's longest oasis: 200 km of date palms, rammed-earth villages and perched kasbahs. The colours are extraordinary — the ochre of the earth, the green of the palm groves, the deep blue of the sky. Arrival at Zagora in the late afternoon, where a legendary sign reads "Timbuktu — 52 days". Check-in at the hotel, dinner and night.
Day 2 — Tamgroute, M'hamid and the dunes of Chigaga
In the morning, visit Tamgroute, a place steeped in history: its Koranic library holds manuscripts from the 13th century, and its workshops produce the famous green pottery found throughout Morocco. After Tagounite and Ouled Driss, the landscapes become increasingly sandy. M'hamid, the "gateway to the desert", marks the end of the paved road. Lunch in a nomad tent, then a camel trek towards the fine sand dunes all the way to the great Chigaga dunes. Spectacular sunset. Berber dinner and night at the bivouac under the stars.
Day 3 — Ait Benhaddou and the return at the riad
Sunrise in the desert — a moment of absolute gratitude. Breakfast at the bivouac, then return via Ouarzazate and the Ait Benhaddou Kasbah (UNESCO). Arrival at Riad Vendôme in the late afternoon.
Why choose Zagora ?
Zagora is the choice for travellers seeking authenticity. Less touristy than Merzouga, this region offers wilder desert, encounters with the last nomadic families of the Sahara, and a more contemplative atmosphere.
Rates
| Package | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| All included | 5 days/4 nights — 3 nights Riad + 2 days/1 night Zagora | 280 £ / pers. |
| Private 4×4 | Zagora 3 days/2 nights en Land Cruiser | 390 £ / 2 guests |
WhatsApp +212 600 608 608 — Quote en 3:00.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Merzouga and Zagora ?
Merzouga offers the highest dunes in Morocco (Erg Chebbi, 150 m) in a setting touristique well organised. Zagora is more sauvage, with the dunes of Chigaga, the valley of the Draa and of the rencontres with nomades. Zagora is also more proche of Marrakech (360 km vs 560 km).
What is Tamgroute ?
Tamgroute is a village between Zagora and M'hamid, famous for sa zaouia soufie, sa library de manuscrits anciens and sa fabrique de poteries vertes. It is an stop culturel unique included in our circuits Zagora.
Can you see nomads in the desert?
La region de M'hamid is still inhabited by of families nomades Berber. Depending on the season, it is possible de croiser of the camps and partager a mint tea. It's one of the charmes of Zagora.
The circuit Zagora is it the shortest ?
Yes, Zagora is the destination desert the nearest of Marrakech (360 km). The circuit minimum is de 2 days / 1 night, contre 3 days minimum for Merzouga. Ideal if you manquez de temps.
Le Riad Vendôme is classified by the Moroccan Ministry of Tourism.