6 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech To Casablanca
Duration: 6 Days/5 Nights Distance: 1625 km
Start: Marrakech End: Casablanca
Type: Private Tour
Highlights at a Glance
- Scenic drive through the High Atlas Mountains via Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 m)
- Explore the UNESCO site Aït Ben Haddou, filming location of Gladiator & Game of Thrones
- Visit Ouarzazate, the “Hollywood of Africa” & Atlas Film Studios
- Pass through Kalaat M’Gouna, the City of Roses
- Walk through the dramatic Todra Gorges (300 m cliffs)
- Sunset camel trek into the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi
- Overnight in a luxury Sahara desert camp under the stars
- Meet desert Berber nomads & enjoy live Gnawa music in Khamlia
- Discover the lush Ziz Valley, the Cedar Forest with Barbary macaques & alpine Ifrane
- Guided sightseeing tour of Fez Medina – Al Quaraouiyine University & Bou Inania Madrasa
- Stroll through the blue-washed alleys of Chefchaouen, the Blue City
- End the journey in Casablanca, home to the iconic Hassan II Mosque & Atlantic Corniche
Tour Program
Day 1 : Marrakech – High Atlas Mountains – Aït Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Dades Valley
Distance: 323km Time on the road: 5h 30min
Your tour begins with a pick-up by your local guide from your Riad or any preferred location in Marrakech. From there, we head toward the Dades Valley, our destination for the first night.
Our adventure begins with a scenic drive through the Tizi n’Tichka Pass in the High Atlas Mountains. This winding mountain road offers breathtaking views of dramatic landscapes and traditional Berber villages. We’ll make our first stop at the highest point of the pass—an altitude of 2,260 meters—where you can take in the panoramic views and capture unforgettable photos.
Our first major stop is the famous Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its beautiful Kasbahs and fortified architecture. This iconic Ksar has been featured in many films and series, including Game of Thrones, Lawrence of Arabia, and Gladiator. Your guide will lead you on a short walk across the river and up through the narrow alleys to the top of the hill for a stunning view of the Ounila Valley.
After lunch in the village, we continue to Ouarzazate, often called the “Hollywood of Africa” due to its film studios and cinematic landscapes. Here, you will also have the chance to visit the famous Atlas Film Studios, where many international movies and TV series such as Gladiator, Game of Thrones, and Lawrence of Arabia were filmed. We then pass through Kalaat M’Gouna, known as the “City of Roses,” famous for its annual Rose Festival held each April.
The day ends in the Dades Valley, where you’ll enjoy dinner and a peaceful night at your Riad.
Day 2 : Dades Valley – Todra Gorges – Tinjdad – Sahara Desert
Distance: 253km Time on the road: 3h 45min
After enjoying a traditional Moroccan breakfast at your Riad in Dades, we begin our journey to one of Morocco’s most iconic destinations – Merzouga and the Sahara Desert.
We’ll travel along the famous Road of a Thousand Kasbahs, passing through the scenic Berber villages of the Dades Valley toward Tineghir. This area is known for its lush palm groves stretching over 15 kilometers, leading to the dramatic Todra Gorges, towering nearly 300 meters high. Here, you’ll have time to take a short walk through the canyon, surrounded by breathtaking rock formations and traditional Berber life.
After the visit, we continue our drive, with the option to stop for lunch in either Tinjdad or Touroug, depending on your preference and your hunger.
In the afternoon, we arrive at the Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara Desert. Your camels will be waiting to take you on a magical ride across the golden dunes at sunset—a truly unforgettable desert experience. Meanwhile, your luggage will be transported to the camp in a 4×4 vehicle.
Upon arrival at your luxury desert camp, the staff will welcome you and show you to your private tent, where you can enjoy a shower and relax. In the evening, enjoy a delicious traditional Moroccan dinner followed by Berber music and drumming under the stars—a perfect end to an unforgettable day in the Moroccan Sahara.
Day 3 : Desert Sightseeing
Distance: 50km Time on the road: drive off road
After breakfast, your journey continues around the spectacular Erg Chebbi dunes, one of Morocco’s most breathtaking desert landscapes. Here you will find the country’s highest sand dune, rising over 250 meters, once part of the legendary Paris-Dakar rally route that stretches towards the Algerian border.
We will follow a path that leads to a traditional nomad camp, where you will have the chance to discover the lifestyle and customs of desert nomads. After spending some time with them, we will stop at a scenic viewpoint offering a panoramic view of the entire Erg Chebbi desert.
The tour continues to the village of Khamlia, famous for its vibrant Gnawa music. Enjoy a cup of mint tea while listening to a live performance of these spiritual desert rhythms.
Afterwards, return for lunch at a local restaurant before heading to your hotel near the dunes. The afternoon is yours to relax, take a refreshing swim, or simply enjoy the tranquility of the Sahara. Dinner and overnight stay at your desert hotel.
Day 4 : Desert – Ziz Valley – Cedar Forest – Ifrane – Fez
Distance: 462km Time on the road: 7h 30min
Begin your day with an unforgettable sunrise over the golden sand dunes of the Sahara. After breakfast, the journey to Fez takes you through some of Morocco’s most beautiful landscapes. Pause at the breathtaking Ziz Valley for photos, continue across the dramatic Atlas Mountains, and stroll through the peaceful Cedar Forest, home to the famous Barbary macaque monkeys. On the way, discover Ifrane, often called the “Switzerland of Africa” for its alpine charm. Arrive in Fez in the evening and settle into your hotel.
Day 5 : Fez Sightseeing – Chefchaouen
Distance: 197km Time on the road: 3h 45min
After breakfast, discover the rich history of Fez with a local guide on a half-day tour. Visit the world-renowned Al Quaraouiyine University, considered the oldest operating university in the world, and explore the beautiful Bou Inania Madrasa, a historic Quranic school. Stroll through the bustling medina and soak in the vibrant atmosphere before departing for the famous Blue City of Chefchaouen. Upon arrival in the evening, enjoy a relaxing walk through its charming blue-washed streets before checking in to your hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 6 : Chefchaouen – Casablanca
Distance: 340km Time on the road: 5h
After breakfast, we depart directly from Chefchaouen toward Casablanca, Morocco’s largest and most cosmopolitan city. Arrive in the evening and settle into your hotel, ready to explore the famous sights of Casablanca such as the Hassan II Mosque and the vibrant Corniche the next day.
Accommodations
| Category 1 | |
|---|---|
| Dades | Hotel Babylon Dades Gorges |
| Desert Night 1 | Sahara Desert Luxury Camp |
| Desert Night 2 | Riad Dar Hassan |
| Fez | Riad Tahra |
| Chefchaouen | Riad Hicham |
| Category 2 | |
|---|---|
| Dades | Riad Dades Paradise |
| Desert Night 1 | Caravanserai Luxury Desert Camp |
| Desert Night 2 | Riad Chebbi |
| Fez | Palais Houyam |
| Chefchaouen | Dar Echchaouen |
| Category 3 | |
|---|---|
| Dades | Eden Boutique Hotel |
| Desert Night 1 | Desert Luxury Camp |
| Desert Night 2 | Desert Luxury Camp |
| Fez | Palais Faraj |
| Chefchaouen | Lina Ryad & Spa |
*In case the listed hotel is fully booked, we will provide a similar option of the same category and inform you accordingly.
What’s included in our Morocco desert tours
- Included:
- Transport in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle
- Professional English-speaking driver/guide (or request other preferred language)
- Dinners and breakfasts throughout the tour
- Camel ride experience in the Sahara Desert
- Overnight stay in a Merzouga desert camp
- Accommodation in carefully selected hotels and traditional riads
- Sandboarding
- Not Included:
- Lunches and beverages
- Personal expenses and optional activities
* Final price depends on the accommodation category selected and the group size
- Map Marrakech to Casablanca
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