Desert Tour From Casablanca to Marrakech

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Overview

Experience the essence of Morocco on this 4-Day Desert Tour from Casablanca to Marrakech via Fes, blending the vibrant culture of the imperial cities with the tranquility of the Sahara Desert.
From the modern capital Rabat to the ancient medina of Fes, through Ifrane’s alpine beauty and the golden dunes of Merzouga, this journey offers a perfect balance of history, landscapes, and authentic desert adventure.

Ride camels across the Erg Chebbi dunes, explore UNESCO sites like Ait Benhaddou, and spend a night under the stars in a luxury desert camp. Whether you’re a first-time traveler or a returning explorer, this 4-day journey delivers the ultimate Moroccan experience.

Please note: This itinerary is just a suggested program. If it doesn’t fully match what you’re looking for, feel free to contact us. We’ll be happy to design a customized itinerary tailored to your preferences, travel dates, and duration of stay. We specialize in creating personalized tours and experiences across Morocco.

Pricing: The cost of the tour varies depending on the number of travelers, the more people joining, the lower the price per person. Since transportation is a fixed cost, it will be divided among participants. Prices also depend on the category and quality of accommodation selected.
Please contact us for an exact quote based on your group size and travel preferences.

Trip Highlights

Explore Rabat, Meknes, and Fes — Morocco’s imperial gems.
Drive through the scenic Middle Atlas Mountains and Ziz Valley.
Visit Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Walk through the majestic Todra and Dades Gorges.
Ride a camel across the Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset.
Spend a night in a luxury Sahara desert camp under the stars.
Visit Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Africa.”

Itinerary

Day 1 – Casablanca → Rabat → Meknes → Fes

Your journey begins with pick-up from your Casablanca hotel.
Travel to Rabat, Morocco’s political capital, to visit the Hassan Tower, Royal Palace, and the Kasbah of Oudayas.
Continue to Meknes, the former imperial city of Sultan Moulay Ismail, where you’ll admire Bab el-Mansour Gate and the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail.
Stop at Volubilis, the best-preserved Roman ruins in Morocco, before reaching Fes for dinner and overnight stay in a charming riad.

Day 2 – Fes → Azrou → Midelt → Ziz Valley → Merzouga Desert

After breakfast, depart Fes for a scenic drive through the Middle Atlas Mountains, passing Ifrane, nicknamed “the Switzerland of Morocco.”
Stop in Azrou’s cedar forest to meet friendly Barbary monkeys, then enjoy lunch in Midelt.
Continue along the Ziz Valley, famous for its palm groves and mountain views, before arriving in Merzouga — the gateway to the Sahara.
Trade your vehicle for a camel and embark on a sunset trek through the golden Erg Chebbi dunes.
At camp, enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner, Berber drumming, and a magical night under the desert sky.

Day 3 – Merzouga → Rissani → Todra Gorges → Dades Valley

Wake early to witness the sunrise over the dunes — an unforgettable highlight of your journey.
After breakfast, ride your camel back to Merzouga and continue toward Rissani, known for its authentic souks and fossil crafts.
Drive through Erfoud to visit a fossil workshop, then head to Todra Gorges, where towering cliffs rise 300 meters above a crystal-clear river.
After lunch, journey through the Dades Valley, known for its red cliffs and winding roads, and spend the night in a Kasbah surrounded by dramatic scenery.

Day 4 – Dades Valley → Skoura → Ouarzazate → Marrakech

After breakfast, follow the road through the Valley of Roses and the lush Skoura palm oasis, dotted with historic kasbahs.
Arrive in Ouarzazate, the “Hollywood of Africa,” where you’ll visit the Cinema Studios and Taourirt Kasbah.
Continue to the legendary Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and filming location for Gladiator and Game of Thrones.
After lunch, cross the High Atlas Mountains via the scenic Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2260m) before arriving in Marrakech, where your tour concludes.

What's included

Private transfer in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle
Professional English-speaking driver/guide
Pick-up from Casablanca & drop-off at your Marrakech accommodation
Guided visit to Ait Benhaddou Kasbah
Visit to Ouarzazate’s Cinema Studios
2 nights in traditional riads or Kasbahs (Fes & Dades Valley)
1 night in a luxury desert camp at Erg Chebbi (private ensuite tent)
Breakfasts and dinners during the tour (vegetarian options available)
Camel trekking during sunset and sunrise
Private bathroom with hot shower & toilet in your desert tent
Free time to explore landmarks and take photos

What’s Not Included

Know Before You Go

Camel ride duration: approximately 1–1.5 hours each way.
Warm clothing recommended for desert nights (October–March).
Upgrade options available for 5★ hotels or private 4x4 transfers.
Suitable for couples, families, or small groups seeking an authentic desert experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long is the drive from Casablanca to Merzouga?

The journey from Casablanca to Merzouga is divided over two days, with scenic stops in Fes, Midelt, and the Ziz Valley. The total driving time is about 9–10 hours, but it’s comfortably broken up with sightseeing and rest stops.

2. Can I start this tour from Marrakech instead of Casablanca?

Yes! This tour can be customized to start or end in Marrakech, Casablanca, or Fes — depending on your travel plans.

3. What kind of accommodation is included in the desert camp?

You’ll stay in a luxury Berber desert camp with private ensuite tents, hot showers, real beds, and private toilets. Traditional music, dinner, and breakfast are also included.

4. Is the camel ride mandatory?

No — if you prefer not to ride a camel, a 4×4 transfer can take you to and from the camp at no extra cost.

5. What should I pack for the desert?

We recommend bringing comfortable clothes, a hat or scarf, sunscreen, warm layers for the night, and closed shoes suitable for sand and walking.