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Private tour · Casablanca to Marrakech

6-Day Casablanca to Marrakech Desert Tour via Fes and Merzouga

The 6-day Casablanca to Marrakech desert tour is a private one-way journey of five nights: two in a riad in Fes, two in a desert camp in the Erg Chebbi dunes at Merzouga, and one in the Dadès Gorges, ending in Marrakech on day six.

Duration6 days · 5 nights
Starts · endsCasablanca → Marrakech
StylePrivate, with driver-guide
Desert2 nights, Erg Chebbi camp

Private Morocco Tour from Casablanca to Marrakech in 6 Days

This private Morocco tour from Casablanca runs six days and five nights, through Fes and the Sahara to Marrakech, where it ends; it does not return to Casablanca.

It brings imperial cities and Sahara dunes into one route: brief stops in Casablanca, Rabat, Meknes and Volubilis on the way to Fes, a guided day in the medina, two nights in the Erg Chebbi dunes with a full desert day, the Todra and Dadès gorges, and Aït Ben Haddou before Marrakech. Day one is very full, so each stop on it is short.

Six-Day Morocco Desert Itinerary: Jump to a Day

The route runs Casablanca to Fes, a day in Fes, Fes to Merzouga, a desert day, Merzouga to the Dadès, and the Dadès to Marrakech.

Book a 6-Day Casablanca Desert Tour

To book, send us your travel dates and group size through the form, and we'll reply with a private tour proposal and quote.

To check availability for your dates, please include:

  • Your travel dates
  • Number of travellers, and the ages of any children
  • Room preferences (double, twin, family or single rooms)
  • Your arrival details in Casablanca, and whether you need to end somewhere other than Marrakech
  • Any changes you'd like to the itinerary

You can also email culture.moroccotours@gmail.com, call/WhatsApp +212 662 178 227, or use our contact page.

Send your trip details

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Casablanca to Merzouga Desert Tour: Day-by-Day Itinerary

The itinerary covers Casablanca, Rabat, Meknes and Fes on days 1–2, the Erg Chebbi desert on days 3–4, and the gorges and High Atlas on days 5–6, ending in Marrakech.

Day1
Longest day

Casablanca to Fes via Rabat, Meknes and Volubilis

Day 1 is a very long drive from Casablanca to Fes, with short stops in Casablanca, the capital Rabat, the imperial city of Meknes and the Roman ruins of Volubilis.

Rabat and Meknes are both UNESCO World Heritage cities (Rabat listing). UNESCO describes Volubilis as

"an important outpost of the Roman Empire"— UNESCO World Heritage Centre, Archaeological Site of Volubilis

Most stops today are short, exterior visits; admission to Volubilis and any monuments is paid separately. You reach Fes in the evening.

Key stops: Casablanca, Rabat, Meknes, Volubilis
Overnight: Riad in Fes

Day2

Guided tour of Fes

Day 2 is a guided morning in the medina of Fes, followed by lunch in the medina and a panoramic view over the city.

UNESCO notes that Fes has kept its status as

"the country's cultural and spiritual centre."— UNESCO World Heritage Centre, Medina of Fez

You visit the Mellah (the old Jewish quarter), the courtyard outside the Royal Palace, the tanneries, and the Qarawiyyin, founded in the 9th century, which is seen from outside. The afternoon is free.

Key stops: Mellah, Royal Palace (exterior), tanneries, Qarawiyyin (exterior)
Overnight: Riad in Fes (dinner and breakfast)

Day3
Long travel day

Fes to Merzouga and a night in the Erg Chebbi dunes

Day 3 is the drive from Fes across the Middle Atlas to Merzouga, followed by a camel trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes and a night at a desert camp.

You pass Ifrane and Azrou, known for its cedarwood crafts, and have lunch in Midelt. The Moroccan National Tourist Office calls Merzouga

"one of the gates of the Sahara"— Moroccan National Tourist Office (Visit Morocco), Errachidia-Midelt-Merzouga

Dinner is a Berber meal at camp.

Key stops: Ifrane, Azrou, Midelt, Erfoud, Erg Chebbi
Overnight: Desert camp (nomad tent), Erg Chebbi

Day4

A day in the Merzouga desert

Day 4 is a full desert day: a visit to Khamlia and its Gnawa community, then an afternoon camel ride deeper into the Erg Chebbi dunes and a second night at camp.

In Khamlia you learn about Gnawa music and the village's way of life. An experienced camel guide leads the afternoon ride, and dinner is served outside your tent.

Key stops: Khamlia, Erg Chebbi
Overnight: Desert camp, Erg Chebbi (second night)

Day5
Long travel day

Merzouga to the Dadès Gorges via Rissani, Tinghir and the Todra Gorge

Day 5 is the drive west from Merzouga to the Dadès Gorges, with an optional one-hour walk and lunch in the Todra Gorge.

You pass Rissani and Tinghir before the Todra Gorge, then continue to the Dadès Valley and its rock formations known locally as 'monkey toes'.

Key stops: Rissani, Tinghir, Todra Gorge, Dadès Valley
Overnight: Guesthouse in the Dadès Gorges

Day6
Long travel day

Dadès Gorges to Marrakech via Kelaat M'Gouna and Aït Ben Haddou

Day 6 is the drive from the Dadès to Marrakech, where the tour ends, via Kelaat M'Gouna in the Valley of Roses, Aït Ben Haddou and the Tizi n'Tichka pass.

UNESCO describes Aït Ben Haddou as

"a striking example of the architecture of southern Morocco."— UNESCO World Heritage Centre, Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou

The road then crosses the High Atlas to Marrakech.

Key stops: Kelaat M'Gouna, Aït Ben Haddou, Tizi n'Tichka
Overnight: None — tour ends in Marrakech

Riads, Guesthouse and Two Nights in the Erg Chebbi Camp

You spend five nights with dinner and breakfast: two in a riad in Fes, two in a desert camp in the Erg Chebbi dunes, and one in a guesthouse in the Dadès Gorges.

Both desert nights are at the camp, not in a hotel near the dunes. Exact properties are confirmed with your quote; tell us your room preferences when you enquire. More about camps on our Merzouga desert page.

Casablanca Morocco Tour Package: What's Included

The tour includes a private air-conditioned vehicle with driver-guide, pickup in Casablanca and drop-off in Marrakech, riad and guesthouse accommodation, two desert-camp nights, the camel rides, and dinners and breakfasts; flights, lunches, drinks and entrance fees are not included.

Included

  • Private tour in an air-conditioned vehicle
  • Private driver-guide throughout
  • Pickup in Casablanca; drop-off in Marrakech (a return transfer to Casablanca can be requested separately)
  • 2 nights in a riad in Fes and 1 night in a guesthouse in the Dadès
  • 2 nights in desert tents at a camp
  • Camel rides in the Erg Chebbi dunes
  • Dinners and breakfasts

Not included

  • Flights to and from Morocco
  • Lunches and drinks
  • Entrance fees to museums and attractions

Why Choose This Casablanca to Marrakech Desert Tour

This Casablanca to Marrakech desert tour combines a guided day in Fes and two nights in the Erg Chebbi dunes in six days, ending in Marrakech rather than doubling back.

From Fes heritage to Sahara scenery

A guided medina day in Fes, then two nights in the dunes.

More time to experience Merzouga

Two camp nights and a full day with Khamlia's Gnawa community.

From Atlantic city to desert dunes

Casablanca and Rabat on day one, Erg Chebbi by day three.

Meaningful stops between city and Sahara

Volubilis, the Todra Gorge and Aït Ben Haddou.

Scenic travel through the Atlas Mountains

The Middle Atlas cedar forests and the Tizi n'Tichka pass.

A private journey from Casablanca to Marrakech

Only your group; customize your six-day desert tour.

Six-Day Morocco Desert Tour: Driving and Pace

Days 1, 3, 5 and 6 are long drives, day 1 especially, while days 2 and 4 are spent in Fes and around Merzouga.

Where does the tour end?

The tour ends in Marrakech; it is a one-way journey and does not return to Casablanca.

How many nights are in the desert?

Two nights are in the desert, both at a camp in the Erg Chebbi dunes, with a full desert day in between.

How much time is there at each stop on day one?

Day one allows only short stops in Casablanca, Rabat, Meknes and Volubilis, mostly exterior views, because the whole day ends in Fes.

Can the itinerary be customized?

Yes, the itinerary can be customized: request a custom Morocco itinerary, for example adding a night in Rabat to slow down day one.

Sources and further reading

Heritage and destination facts on this page are supported by UNESCO and the Moroccan National Tourist Office, neither of which endorses any tour operator.

  1. Rabat, Modern Capital and Historic City — UNESCO World Heritage Centre
  2. Historic City of Meknes — UNESCO World Heritage Centre
  3. Archaeological Site of Volubilis — UNESCO World Heritage Centre
  4. Medina of Fez — UNESCO World Heritage Centre
  5. Errachidia-Midelt-Merzouga, between Atlas and desert — Moroccan National Tourist Office
  6. Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou — UNESCO World Heritage Centre

6-Day Casablanca to Marrakech Tour FAQs

This tour is private, starts in Casablanca, ends in Marrakech, and includes two nights in a camp in the Erg Chebbi dunes.

Is this a private tour?

Yes, this is a private tour. Only your group travels in the vehicle, with your own driver-guide.

Does the tour return to Casablanca?

No, the tour ends in Marrakech on day six. A transfer back to Casablanca can be requested separately.

Where do you stay each night?

You stay two nights in Fes, two in a desert camp at Erg Chebbi, and one in the Dadès Gorges.

Is the Fes visit guided?

Yes, day two is a guided tour of the Fes medina. Entrance fees are paid separately.

Are the camel rides included?

Yes, the camel rides in the Erg Chebbi dunes are included. Tell us when you enquire if you'd prefer not to ride.

Which meals are included?

Dinners and breakfasts are included. Lunches and drinks are not.

What language does the guide speak?

This tour does not list a driver language, so tell us your preferred language when you enquire.

How do I book this tour?

You book by sending the form with your dates and group size. You can also email or WhatsApp us; we'll reply with a quote.

Plan Your Private Sahara Journey

Send your travel dates, number of travellers, room preferences, arrival details, where you'd like the tour to end, and any changes, and we'll send a quote for your private six-day tour.