Zagora Desert from Marrakech — 2-Day Shared Tour

Zagora is the closest desert overnight to Marrakech, and that is the entire reason to choose it. The route runs over the Tizi n'Tichka pass, past Aït Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate, into the Draa Valley palm groves, then a camel ride into the dunes for dinner, drumming and a night at camp. Day two returns the same way. Roughly 360 km and about 8 hours each way.

Be honest with yourself about the dunes before booking. Zagora's are small — nothing like the 150-metre walls at Erg Chebbi — because Zagora is a desert town with sand rather than a great erg. That is the trade you are making for a trip that fits in two days instead of three or four. People who go expecting Lawrence of Arabia are disappointed; people who go knowing this is the short version enjoy it.

At €85 per person for two or more it is the cheapest desert night we run. Travelling alone costs €105, because you have a camp tent to yourself. You travel in an air-conditioned minibus with up to sixteen others and an English- or French-speaking driver. The deposit is €17 per person, or €21 travelling alone. Included: transport, the camp night, dinner and breakfast, and the camel ride.

Not included: lunches, drinks, tips and entry fees — Aït Ben Haddou in particular has a charge at the site. Budget for those separately so the day does not surprise you.

If you have three or four days, Merzouga and Erg Chebbi are the better desert. If you have two days, or you would rather spend the difference elsewhere in Morocco, this does the job honestly: a real night under canvas in the south, at a price that leaves the rest of your trip intact.