Morocco Casablanca Desert Tour 5 Days

Your 5-day desert trip begins in Casablanca, Morocco’s largest city and business hub. Upon arrival at the airport, port, or your accommodation, you’ll be transferred to start the day with a visit to the stunning Hassan II Mosque, Africa’s second-largest mosque.

After admiring this architectural masterpiece, enjoy an authentic Moroccan lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, we’ll explore Casablanca’s famous Corniche, where you can stroll along the scenic waterfront and savor the breathtaking sunset over the Atlantic Ocean. 

We’ll conclude the evening with dinner at another local restaurant before settling into your hotel for an overnight stay in Casablanca.

After breakfast, the second day starts with a scenic drive from Casablanca to the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis. 

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its well-preserved mosaics, grand columns, and archways. Following your exploration of Volubilis, our trip will continue to the imperial city of Meknes, the Ismaili capital. 

Here, you’ll visit iconic sites such as the Bab Al-Mansour Gate, Sahrij Souani Basin, Royal Stables, and the Moulay Ismail Mausoleum. In the late afternoon, you’ll head to Fes, where you’ll spend the night in a traditional Riad.

On the third day, the journey takes you south through the breathtaking landscapes of Morocco. The day kicks off with a visit to Ifrane, a picturesque town often referred to as the Switzerland of Morocco for its alpine-style architecture and cool climate. 

Next, we will venture into the Cedar Forest, home to playful Barbary macaques. You will get the chance to interact with these friendly monkeys as you explore the tranquil forest. 

We’ll continue our journey to Midelt, where you’ll have time for a leisurely lunch. Our drive will take you through the scenic Ziz Valley, with its lush palm groves and stunning views.

 In the afternoon, we arrive at Merzouga, the iconic gateway to the Sahara Desert. Here, we’ll trade your vehicle for camels and embark on an unforgettable trek across the golden dunes. 

You will witness the magical sunset over the Sahara before reaching your luxury desert camp. You will spend the night under the stars, complete with traditional Berber music, dancing around a campfire, and a delicious dinner.

The fourth day of the trip starts at sunrise. After breakfast, we return on camels to Merzouga, where your driver awaits. 

The journey continues to Rissani, the ancient capital of Tafilalet and a trading center. You will get to explore the traditional souk, where local goods and crafts abound.

Next, we head to Erfoud, renowned for its fossilized marble workshops. We travel through the picturesque Touroug and Tinjdad palm groves, arriving at the breathtaking Todra Gorges. 

The towering red cliffs provide a stunning backdrop for exploration, and rock climbers will find the gorges particularly inviting. 

After lunch, we continue to the Dades Valley, known for its unique “monkey fingers” rock formations and panoramic views. As the day draws to a close, you will enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in a cozy hotel in the heart of the valley.

On the final day of your tour, we’ll journey through the beautiful landscapes of Kalaat M’Gouna, a city known for its Rose Valley. In May, the region hosts an annual Rose Festival, celebrating the blooms with an array of rose-infused products. 

We’ll continue our adventure through the palm groves of Skoura, reaching Ouarzazate, often referred to as the “Hollywood of Africa” for its film studios. 

Many famous movies have been filmed here, and you’ll have the opportunity to explore this cinematic hub. Your next stop is the iconic Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a fortified village that has appeared in numerous films and TV shows, including Gladiator and Game of Thrones. 

You will get the chance to wander through its winding alleyways and take in the stunning views. Finally, we’ll cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi-n-Tichka Pass, making stops for lunch and photo opportunities along the way. 

Our journey concludes in Marrakech, where you will get to explore the bustling medina or relax in the city’s tranquil gardens.