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A solitary tree in the Moroccan desert at sunset with mountains on the horizon
Camel resting at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset
Workers processing hides in the Chouara tanneries of Fes el-Bali
A wild Barbary macaque among the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas
Palm oasis valley with a road winding through the grove on the approach to the Sahara
Luxury Berber desert camp panorama with candle lanterns at night
Travellers watching the Sahara sunrise from the dune crest
Travellers and their guide waving from a rocky outcrop at the Todra Gorge
Dades Valley river gorge bathed in golden hour light
The Monkey Fingers rock formations in the Dades Valley at sunset
Two travellers waving in front of the UNESCO Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou at sunset
Travellers browsing the colourful souks of Marrakech medina

8 Day Merzouga Desert Tour from Casablanca

5 • 10 traveller reviews

Route

Casablanca → Fes → Merzouga → Dades Valley → Marrakech

Duration

8 Days

Experience an 8-day Morocco tour from Casablanca to Marrakech through Rabat, Fes, Ifrane, the Ziz Valley, Merzouga Desert, Todgha Gorge, Dades Valley and Ait Ben Haddou. A private, unhurried journey combining imperial cities, Middle Atlas landscapes, a luxury Sahara desert camp and guided cultural experiences in Fes and Marrakech.

We believe the best journeys feel personal — with the flexibility to tailor everything from activities and accommodation to pacing and the route itself.

Highlights

Begin in Casablanca and continue via Rabat toward Fes — Morocco's oldest imperial city and your first night on the journey.

A full day in Fes el-Bali with a private guide — the tanneries, Al-Qaraouine University and the ceramic quarter.

Cross the Middle Atlas through Ifrane, pause to watch Barbary macaques in the cedar forests, then descend into the dramatic Ziz Valley on the road to Merzouga.

Ride into the Erg Chebbi dunes on camelback at sunset and spend the night in a luxury Berber camp under a blazing desert sky.

Discover the Todgha Gorge and Dades Valley — with a slower day of gentle hiking, rest at a comfortable hotel and a traditional lunch with a Berber family.

Continue via Ouarzazate and the UNESCO Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou to Marrakech, then conclude with a full guided day in the Red City and an airport transfer timed to your flight.

The Experience

More than just the destinations

Every itinerary is carefully curated to balance Morocco's most unforgettable landscapes, culture, and experiences — whilst still allowing the flexibility to customise the journey around your own pace, interests, and travel style.

Day 1

Casablanca and Rabat to Fes

Arrive in Casablanca and meet your private driver-guide. Continue to Rabat — Morocco's capital on the Atlantic coast — for a first encounter with the country's royal and coastal character. Drive onward through the foothills to Fes, arriving by late afternoon. Dinner and overnight in your riad.

Day 2

A Full Day in Fes el-Bali

A full day in Fes el-Bali with your private guide. Begin at the Royal Palace, then the Jewish Mellah and the Al-Qaraouine University. Walk through the leather tanneries and the ceramics quarter, ending with a panoramic view over the entire medina. Overnight in your riad.

Day 3

Fes to the Erg Chebbi Desert via Ifrane and the Ziz Valley

Head south through Ifrane — Morocco's alpine-style mountain town — and into the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas. Pause to watch Barbary macaques among the ancient cedars, then continue east through the dramatic Ziz Valley gorges towards Merzouga. Arrive at the dunes in time for a sunset camel ride into the Erg Chebbi. Luxury Berber camp: traditional dinner, live music and an extraordinary night sky.

Day 4

Sahara Sunrise, Todgha Gorge and the Dades Valley

Rise before dawn for the Sahara sunrise from the dune crest. After breakfast, ride back from camp and begin the journey west to the Todgha Gorge — a dramatic canyon of sheer limestone cliffs. Walk the gorge in the afternoon, then continue to the Dades Valley for dinner and overnight.

Day 5

A Gentle Day in the Dades Valley

A slower, more intimate day in the Dades Valley. A gentle morning hike through the valley's sculpted gorges and terraced fields, then time to rest at your comfortable hotel. Later, share a traditional lunch with a Berber family — one of the most genuine encounters of the journey. Dinner and overnight in the Dades Valley.

Day 6

Ouarzazate, Ait Ben Haddou and On to Marrakech

Depart the Dades Valley and drive through Ouarzazate — the gateway to the southern kasbahs — stopping at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Ben Haddou for a guided walk through one of Morocco's most iconic fortified villages. Cross the High Atlas via the Tizi n'Tichka pass and arrive in Marrakech by evening. Overnight in your riad.

Day 7

A Full Guided Day in Marrakech

A full guided day in Marrakech: the Saadian Tombs, Bahia Palace, Majorelle Gardens and the Djemaa el-Fna square. Explore the labyrinthine souks of the medina with your guide.

Day 8

Departure Day

Your final day is timed to your flight — a private transfer to Marrakech Menara Airport whenever you are scheduled to depart.

Inclusions

Half-board accommodation

Luxury accommodation with breakfast & dinner

Private air-conditioned Mercedes 4x4 transportation

Hotel pick-up & drop-off

All airport and road transfers

Professional multilingual driver-guide (English & Spanish)

Camel ride

Freshly prepared Moroccan dinner

Traditional Berber tent experience

Exclusions

International flights

Lunches & beverages

FAQ

Common questions about this tour

Ready to customize this tour?

Speak with us directly to personalise the journey around the kind of Morocco experience you're looking for — from small adjustments to fully custom trips.

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