5 Days Desert Tour from Casablanca to Marrakech

Spend 5 amazing days and 4 nights exploring Morocco. Your journey starts in Casablanca, where you’ll visit top spots in the city, including the famed mosque and Corniche. Next, see the ancient Roman ruins at Volubilis, then head to Meknes, once the Ismaili capital. Along the way, take in the culture of Fes. Traveling south, visit Ifrane, often called Morocco’s Switzerland, and walk among the cedar trees. You’ll also stop in Midelt, pass the scenic Ziz Valley, and see the traditional market of Rissani plus the fossil town of Erfoud. In Merzouga, you’ll experience the Sahara desert, ride camels, and stay in a luxury camp beneath desert stars. Watch unforgettable sunsets and sunrises in the dunes. Continue to the dramatic Todra and Dades gorges and visit the famous Kasbah at Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO site. Cross the High Atlas Mountains and the winding Tizi-n-Tichka pass before finishing your adventure in Marrakech.

Highlights of the 5-Day Tour from Casablanca to Marrakech:

Take the most direct route from Casablanca to Marrakech
Discover Marrakech and its main sights
Cross the High Atlas Mountains and the Tizi-n-Tichka pass
Visit the UNESCO-listed Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou
Explore Dades Gorges
Walk through Todgha Gorges and drive across Erfoud to the Sahara
Ride camels in Merzouga and watch the sunset
Sleep in a luxury Erg Chebbi camp under the stars
Drive through the scenic Ziz Valley to Fes

Day 01 :

Arrive in Casablanca

Your 5 day trip from Casablanca begins as we pick you up at the airport or your hotel in Casablanca, Morocco’s largest city and its economic hub. The first stop is the Hassan II Mosque, the country’s largest mosque, situated on a point overlooking the Atlantic. You’ll have lunch at your own pace before exploring more of the city, including its lively Corniche. Overnight stay is in a hotel.

Day 02 :

Casablanca – Volubilis Ruins – Meknes – Fes

After breakfast, we leave Casablanca and drive to Volubilis. Wander among well-preserved Roman ruins and colorful mosaics. Next, make the short trip to Meknes, once the seat of the Ismaili dynasty. Sights here include Bab Al-Mansour gate, the Sahrij Souani basin, Royal stables, and the mausoleum of Moulay Ismail. In the afternoon, continue on to Fes where you’ll sleep in a traditional riad.

Day 03 :

Fes – Ifrane – Cedars Forest – Midelt – Ziz Valley – Merzouga Sahara

After breakfast, we head south past Imouzzer to Ifrane, known for its Alpine-style houses and cold winters. Stroll through the cedar forest, home to Barbary monkeys, and feel free to feed them. After a lunch stop in Midelt, we drive over the Tizi-n-Tilghmt pass and along the lush Ziz Valley, making stops for photos and views. By afternoon, we reach the edge of the Sahara in Merzouga. Here, you’ll swap wheels for camel saddles and ride through the sand to your luxury camp. Watch the sunset from a tall dune. Settle in for Berber music, dance by the fire, and enjoy a starry sky. Dinner and overnight at camp.

Day 04 :

Merzouga – Rissani – Erfoud – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley

Start early to catch the sunrise over the Sahara, then enjoy breakfast before heading back to Merzouga by camel. We drive to Rissani, once the capital of Tafilalet and still an important market town. Walk through its bustling souks, then head to Erfoud and stop by a fossil workshop. Continue through palm-filled Touroug and Tinjdad to reach Todra Gorges, where the river has carved a canyon with towering cliffs. Walk among the rocks and take in the views. After lunch, we head to Dades Valley by way of Boumalne Dades, stopping to see the “monkey fingers” rock formation and classic views of the valley. Dinner and overnight stay at a local hotel.

Day 05 :

Dades Valley – Rose Valley – Skoura Palms – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – High Atlas Mountains – Marrakech

On the last day, we visit Rose Valley, famous for its annual spring festival and rose products. We drive through Skoura’s palm groves to Ouarzazate, where many films were made. Next, we visit the fortress village of Ait Ben Haddou, another UNESCO World Heritage site and film location for blockbusters and TV shows. The trip wraps up by crossing the High Atlas via the Tizi-n-Tichka pass, with stops for photos and lunch. We arrive in Marrakech late in the day and transfer you to your hotel or the airport. End of your 5 days in Morocco.

Places to see on your 5 Days desert tour in Morocco from Casablanca to Marrakech

Morocco’s Imperial cities: Fes, Marrakech, Rabat and Meknes

Morocco’s four imperial cities—Marrakech, Fez, Meknes, and Rabat—each served as a past capital and show off the country’s rich history. Walk their old streets and you’ll see grand palaces, busy markets, and ancient city walls that have stood for centuries. These cities still play a big role in Morocco’s culture and daily life.

Merzouga Sahara and Erg Chebbi dunes

Merzouga sits in the middle of the Sahara and calls out to anyone looking for adventure. Ride a camel over huge orange dunes, try sandboarding, or catch a show of traditional music under the stars. Locals welcome you with mint tea, and every sunrise feels like a fresh start. If you’ve dreamed of desert life, Merzouga delivers an experience you won’t forget.

High and middle atlas mountains

The High and Middle Atlas mountains stretch across central Morocco, bringing cooler weather and a break from city heat. Their green valleys, rugged peaks, and Berber villages attract hikers and curious visitors year-round. You’ll find snow in winter and wildflowers in spring, making this region full of surprises for nature lovers.

Historical Kasbahs and Stunning Valleys

Stunning valleys stretch between rugged mountains, covered with green fields and dotted with rivers. Old kasbahs rise above the landscape, their thick walls and towers telling stories from centuries ago. Each village feels quiet yet alive with history, offering a real sense of Morocco’s past.

Fez Medina

Fes’s old medina feels like a step back in time, with its narrow alleys and colorful markets packed with energy. Small shops sell spices, leather goods, and crafts that locals have made for generations. Even in the busiest spots, you’ll find calm moments in shaded courtyards or quiet corners. The mix of sound, scent, and color makes every visit feel new.

Marrakech things to do and see

Stroll through the lively Jemaa el-Fnaa Square for street food and live shows. Wander the narrow alleys of the Medina packed with shops selling spices, rugs and pottery. Visit the Majorelle Garden for bold colors and quiet paths or step into the peaceful courtyards of Bahia Palace. Every corner of Marrakech offers a new mix of sights, sounds and tastes you won’t forget.

FAQ

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Is the Morocco 5 day tour private or shared?

The 5-day Morocco tour is a private trip. Only the guests who book will join, and no others will be added. The focus is on delivering a personalized trip, which is why private tours are the main offering.

How long is the Cemel ride? And can I skip riding camels?

The camel ride lasts from 40 minutes up to 90 minutes, depending on the camp selected. If you prefer not to ride a camel, the camp can arrange a ride by 4×4 for both guests and luggage. ATVs are also available for an extra fee.

Does the desert camp have showers and bathrooms?

At the luxury camp, each tent is private and comes with its own bathroom and hot shower.

What Happens to your luggage When you do the Camel Ride ?

While on the camel ride, you should take only what you need for that part of the journey. The rest of your luggage will be brought to the camp by 4×4 and will be waiting for you upon arrival.

When is the best time to visit Morocco?

The best times to visit Morocco fall in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) because the climate is comfortable in most areas. Winter is another good season, especially for trips to the south and the desert.

What type of vehicles are used for the trips?

Trips use either SUVs or minivans, both with air conditioning. The main SUV is the Land Cruiser Prado which seats up to four guests. Minivans, such as the Mercedes Vito Tourer or Ford Tourneo Van, carry up to eight. For groups larger than eight, a minibus seating up to eighteen can be arranged.