Zagora: Sleeping in the Sand Dunes

Bite-sized trip

Itinerary:
Zagora & Bedouin Tent
Duration:
4 days / 3 nights
Price:
from £ 189.- per adult (excluding flights)
from £ 129 - per child (up to 11 years)

Experience the Sahara Desert like a true Bedouin, hobbling on a camel through its vast orange sand dunes. Don your Bedouin head scarf and walk single file on your camel through the sand, step by step toward the horizon. Surrounded by nothing but sand, you'll sleep like a nomad in a tent with camels standing guard. In the evening, savour a traditional tagine meal, sip sweet mint tea, and listen to Berber songs around the campfire. This is a family experience to remember!

This Moroccan adventure is suitable for children aged six and older, as the desert camp is simple with few facilities, and the camel ride can be bumpy.

Day 1 – Arrival Zagora

Today, you drive deeper inland to the immense Sahara Desert, passing through fertile areas with small villages and bright green palm. This journey takes you through the vast Draa Valley, one of the largest in Morocco, where lush trees and shrubs stand out against brown-red rocks. Along the way, locals sell sweet dates at roadside stalls. After about a three-hour drive from Ait Benhaddou, you’ll reach Zagora, a medium-sized town that serves as the starting point for your camel trekking adventure. Tonight, you’ll stay in a family room overlooking a garden full of flowers and palms around the pool.

Day 2 – Into the desert

This morning, you can explore Zagora or take a dip in the pool before heading out in the afternoon. Pack an overnight bag with the essentials and the rest of your luggage can be left at the hotel. Water and tea are provided in the desert, but feel free to bring any other drinks you wish. Climb onboard your awaiting camel and set off into the Sahara. Children aged seven and older can ride a camel alone, as the camels walk slowly and are easy to hold on to. Younger children can ride with their parents.

After about an hour and a half you’ll arrive at your tented camp in the middle of the desert. While the kids play in the sand, relax with a cup of mint tea and climb a sand dune for a breathtaking sunset.

As the sun sets your guides will prepare a traditional meal which you can enjoy under the stars. After dinner, join in as your hosts play drums and sing songs around the campfire before heading off to bed in your Bedouin tent.

Day 3 – Back to Zagora

Early in the morning, climb one of the nearby dunes for a stunning view as the sun rises and transforms the colours of the desert. After a simple breakfast and a cup of mint tea, you’ll mount your camel again and return to M’Hamid. Wave your camel goodbye before driving back to Zagora, where you’ll arrive around lunchtime.

You’ll stay at the same hotel as before. Spend the afternoon relaxing in the palm garden, taking a dip in the pool or exploring the town. Several restaurants are located nearby.

Day 4 – Departure from Zagora

Today you’ll leave Zagora, visit a hidden Berber valley or head straight to the Atlantic coast for a stay in the fishing town of Essaouira, where you can enjoy fresh fish and stroll through the narrow souks.