6-Day Desert Trip from Casablanca to Marrakech via Fes
Tour from
Casablanca
Duration
6 days
Min people
1 person
Destination
Marrakech
This 6-day journey from Casablanca to Marrakech is a captivating Moroccan adventure that blends imperial cities, dramatic landscapes, and Sahara desert experiences. Explore Casablanca, Fes, Merzouga, Dades Valley, Todra Gorges, Rose Valley, Ait Ben Haddou, and the High Atlas Mountains. Highlights include camel trekking in the Erg Chebbi dunes, overnight stays in a Berber desert camp, and visits to historic kasbahs and UNESCO heritage sites. Perfect for travelers seeking culture, adventure, and breathtaking scenery in one unforgettable trip.
- Explore Casablanca, including Hassan II Mosque and the Corniche.
- Discover the cultural and historic city of Fes and its famous Medina.
- Visit Ifrane, the “Little Switzerland” of Morocco, and Azrou Cedar Forest with Barbary monkeys.
- Travel through the Middle Atlas Mountains and the scenic Ziz Valley.
- Experience the Erg Chebbi dunes with camel trekking at sunrise and sunset.
- Stay overnight in a luxury desert camp and a nomadic Berber family home.
- Explore Rissani and its traditional markets.
- Hike and photograph the dramatic Todra Gorge and Dades Valley, including the “Monkey Fingers” rock formations.
- Drive through Rose Valley and Skoura oasis, visiting historic kasbahs.
- Visit Ouarzazate and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou.
- Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass.
Arrive in Marrakech, the Red City, with free time to explore the vibrant Medina.
Tour Details
Day 1: Casablanca – City Highlights – Fes
Upon arrival in Casablanca, you will be greeted by your English-speaking driver. If your flight arrives in the morning, start the day with a visit to Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest and most impressive mosques in the world. Continue to the Corniche, a lively seaside promenade lined with cafes, hotels, and restaurants.
Afterward, drive to Fes, the spiritual and cultural heart of Morocco. In the evening, explore the famed Bab Boujloud gate and stroll through the atmospheric streets of the Medina, soaking up the ancient architecture.
Overnight in a riad in Fes.
Day 2: Fes – Ifrane – Azrou – Midelt – Merzouga (Erg Chebbi)
Depart Fes around 8:00 am for the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. Stop in Ifrane, a charming town known as the “Little Switzerland of Morocco.” Pass through the cedar forests of Azrou, where you can see Barbary monkeys in their natural habitat.
Stop for lunch in Midelt, the apple capital of Morocco, before continuing through the Middle Atlas Mountains. Drive through the spectacular Ziz Valley, famous for its lush palm groves and scenic gorges, and pass through Erfoud, known for its marble, fossils, and annual date festival.
Arrive in Merzouga in the afternoon and embark on a camel trek into the dunes of Erg Chebbi, timed perfectly for sunset. Check into a luxury desert camp with private bathroom facilities. Enjoy dinner around the campfire, accompanied by traditional Berber music, and spend the night under the star-studded desert sky.
Day 3: Desert Exploration – Nomad Experience
Wake early to witness a spectacular sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast, enjoy time relaxing amid the sand and camels. Take a camel ride to a hidden desert oasis, where you can enjoy lunch and climb the tallest dunes for panoramic photos. Optional sandboarding is available for thrill-seekers.
Later, visit a nomadic Berber family, share tea, learn about their lifestyle, and spend the night in a traditional nomadic guest room. Dinner is served under the desert stars, accompanied by local music.
Day 4: Merzouga – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley
After sunrise and breakfast at the camp, ride camels back to Merzouga. Begin the journey to Dades Valley, stopping first at Rissani to explore its bustling traditional markets. Continue through picturesque Berber towns toward the Todra Gorge, a stunning canyon perfect for short hikes and photographs.
Travel further to the Dades Valley, including the famous “Monkey Fingers” rock formations. Stop along the way to admire the dramatic landscapes before checking into your hotel for the night.
Day 5: Dades Valley – Rose Valley – Skoura – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Marrakech
After breakfast, drive through the scenic Dades Valley, passing the Rose Valley with its fragrant fields and traditional kasbahs. Stop in Skoura to explore the 17th-century kasbah and its lush palm groves. Continue to Ouarzazate for lunch before visiting Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site and iconic backdrop for numerous international films.
Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, enjoying multiple stops to admire the breathtaking views. Arrive in Marrakech in the evening and check into your accommodation in the Medina.
Day 6: Marrakech – Departure
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and free time to explore Marrakech depending on your flight schedule. You will be transferred to either Marrakech or Casablanca Airport for your onward journey.