12 Days Morocco Desert Tour from Casablanca

12 Days Morocco Desert Tour
from Casablanca

Imperial cities, the blue streets of Chefchaouen, golden Sahara dunes, kasbah valleys and the High Atlas, a complete private journey through the heart of Morocco.

🗓 12 Days / 11 Nights 🚐 Private Vehicle & Driver 🏜 Merzouga Sahara 🕌 Imperial Cities

Your Route at a Glance

A loop that starts and ends in Casablanca: north to Rabat and the Blue City, east through Fes and the Atlas, deep into the Sahara, then back west via the kasbah road to Marrakech, with a day in the High Atlas.

Casablanca→ Rabat→ Chefchaouen→ Fes→ Ifrane→ Midelt→ Ziz Valley→ Merzouga→ Todra Gorge→ Dades Valley→ Roses Valley→ Ouarzazate→ Ait Ben Haddou→ Marrakech→ Imlil→ Marrakech→ Casablanca
12days
1night in Chefchaouen
2nights in Fes
2nights in Merzouga
3nights in Marrakech

12 Days Morocco Desert Tour from Casablanca: Overview

This private 12-day journey starts and ends in Casablanca and links Morocco's imperial cities, the blue streets of Chefchaouen, the golden dunes of Merzouga, the kasbah road and the Atlas Mountains in one unhurried loop.

Tour Highlights

  • Hassan Tower and the Kasbah of the Udayas in Rabat
  • Evening and morning in the blue medina of Chefchaouen
  • Guided medina tour of Fes and the Chouara tannery
  • Sunset camel trek and a night in the Sahara
  • Todra Gorge, Dades Valley and the Roses Valley
  • Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage ksar
  • Guided tour of Marrakech and Jemaa el-Fna
  • Day trip to Imlil in the High Atlas

Tour Details

Duration

12 days and 11 nights

Start and End

Casablanca, with airport pick-up and drop-off

Tour Style

Private tour with driver and local guides

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day1

Arrival in Casablanca & Drive to Rabat

Casablanca → Rabat · about 90 km · 1.5 hours

Welcome to Morocco! Your driver meets you at Mohammed V International Airport and helps with your luggage. After a little rest, set off along the Atlantic coast to Rabat, the elegant capital of the kingdom. Need extra transfers? See our private driver in Casablanca service.

Drive≈ 1h 30
OvernightHotel or riad in Rabat

Day Highlights

  • Airport meet & greet: your private driver waits with a name sign; welcome water and a short briefing on the trip.
  • Scenic drive north: follow the coastal road toward Rabat, passing Mohammedia and the Bouregreg valley.
  • Hotel check-in: freshen up and relax after your flight.
  • Evening stroll: walk along the Bouregreg riverfront or the Oudayas quarter at sunset, then enjoy a first Moroccan dinner.
Tip: If you land early and have energy, ask your driver to stop at the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, one of the largest mosques in the world, set right on the ocean.
Day2

Rabat Visit & Drive to Chefchaouen, the Blue City

Rabat → Chefchaouen · about 250 km · 4 hours

Spend the morning exploring Rabat's royal and historic highlights, then head north through green farmland toward the Rif Mountains and the famous blue-washed town of Chefchaouen.

Drive≈ 4 h + stops
OvernightRiad or hotel in Chefchaouen

Day Highlights

  • Hassan Tower & Mausoleum of Mohammed V: the unfinished 12th-century minaret and the beautiful royal tomb with its guards on horseback.
  • Kasbah of the Udayas: blue-and-white lanes, Andalusian gardens and a view over the Atlantic and the river mouth.
  • Drive north: leave the coast behind and climb into the green hills of the Rif foothills, with tea or coffee stops along the way.
  • Arrival in Chefchaouen: check in to your accommodation in or near the medina.
  • Evening in the blue medina: wander the blue lanes at golden hour, browse the small shops and relax in the main square, Outa el Hammam.
Tip: Chefchaouen is a walking town with many steps and cobbled lanes. Comfortable shoes and a camera are a must.
Day3

Chefchaouen Morning & Drive to Fes

Chefchaouen → Fes · about 200 km · 4 to 5 hours with stops

Enjoy a relaxed morning in the Blue City while the lanes are still quiet, then drive south to Fes, the spiritual and cultural capital of Morocco.

Drive≈ 4–5 h with stops
OvernightRiad or hotel in Fes

Day Highlights

  • Early medina walk: the best light and the fewest visitors, ideal for photos of the blue doorways and stairways.
  • Kasbah and Outa el Hammam square: a 15th-century fortress with a peaceful garden and a small museum beside the main square.
  • Ras el-Maa spring: the small waterfall and stream at the edge of the medina, where locals gather.
  • Optional viewpoint: a short walk uphill to the Spanish Mosque for a panorama over the town and the mountains.
  • Drive to Fes: travel south through farmland and olive groves, with an optional stop at Volubilis or Moulay Idriss if time allows.
  • Arrival in Fes: check in and rest, then an evening stroll or a relaxed dinner nearby.
Tip: Leave Chefchaouen early to keep time for the drive. Stops at the Roman ruins of Volubilis add about 1.5 hours.
Day4

Fes City Tour with Official Guide

Full day in the world's largest car-free medieval medina

Today you walk through more than a thousand years of history with a licensed local guide. Fes el-Bali is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with around 9,000 alleys, and a guide makes sure you see the best of it without getting lost.

ActivityGuided walking tour
OvernightFes

Day Highlights

  • Royal Palace gates and Mellah: admire the brass doors and tiled arches, then walk through the old Jewish quarter.
  • Bou Inania Madrasa: a masterpiece of carved cedar, zellige mosaics and stucco.
  • Al-Qarawiyyin area: the exterior of the oldest continuously operating university in the world.
  • Chouara Tannery: watch leather being dyed in stone vats the same way it has been done for centuries.
  • Artisan workshops: pottery, weaving, brass and woodwork, plus lunch in a traditional restaurant.
  • Panoramic viewpoint: end with a sunset view over the medina from the Merenid Tombs hill.
Tip: Wear comfortable shoes. The medina has many steps, and the leather smell at the tannery is strong, so bring a mint leaf, which locals offer for exactly this reason.
Day5

Fes – Ifrane – Midelt – Ziz Valley – Merzouga

Fes → Merzouga · about 460 km · 8 to 9 hours with stops

Today the landscape changes completely. You climb into the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas, cross the High Atlas foothills and follow the palm-filled Ziz Valley until the first orange dunes appear on the horizon.

Drive≈ 8–9 h with stops
OvernightDesert camp or kasbah in Merzouga

Day Highlights

  • Ifrane: the "Little Switzerland of Morocco," with alpine-style roofs, tidy parks and fresh mountain air.
  • Cedar forest near Azrou: a chance to meet the wild Barbary macaques along the road.
  • Midelt: lunch stop in the apple-growing town between the Middle and High Atlas.
  • Ziz Gorges & Ziz Valley: dramatic red cliffs, a long ribbon of date palms and ksour (fortified villages), plus a stop at the Source Bleue de Meski if time allows.
  • Arrival in Merzouga: reach the dunes of Erg Chebbi in the late afternoon.
  • Camel trek at sunset: ride into the dunes, climb for the view, then spend the night in a Berber desert camp with dinner, drums and stars.
Tip: Pack a small overnight bag for the camp. Bigger luggage can stay in the vehicle. Evenings in the desert get cool, even in warm months.
Day6

Merzouga Discovery Jeep Tour

A full day exploring the Sahara's people, villages and landscapes by 4x4

Wake up to a Sahara sunrise over the dunes, then spend the day discovering the life and culture of the south-east with a local 4x4 driver who knows the tracks.

Activity4x4 jeep tour
OvernightMerzouga

Day Highlights

  • Sunrise at the dunes: watch the sand turn from pink to gold, then have breakfast.
  • Khamlia village: meet the Gnawa community and hear their music, which came to Morocco with their ancestors from sub-Saharan Africa.
  • Nomad families: visit a Berber nomad tent and share mint tea.
  • Fossil workshops and the old mining area: Merzouga is famous for fossils from an ancient sea.
  • Rissani & Merzouga Lake: the historic gateway town and its market, plus the seasonal lake that draws flamingos and other birds after rain.
  • Free afternoon: relax, try sandboarding or a quad ride (optional), and enjoy a Sahara sunset.
Tip: Bring sunglasses, a scarf or light shawl to cover your face and a hat. Sun and wind are strong in the desert.
Day7

Merzouga – Todra Gorge – Dades Valley

Merzouga → Dades Valley · about 300 km · 5 to 6 hours with stops

Leave the dunes behind and travel along the "Road of a Thousand Kasbahs," through oases, canyons and rock formations that look like they belong on another planet.

Drive≈ 5–6 h with stops
OvernightKasbah hotel in Dades Valley

Day Highlights

  • Erfoud & Tinghir: drive through palm groves and the date-producing oases of the Tafilalet.
  • Todra Gorge: walk between limestone walls up to 300 metres high, a favorite for photos and rock climbers.
  • Tinghir Palm Grove: a green valley of palms and small farms, ideal for a short walk.
  • Dades Valley: reach the "Monkey Fingers" rock formations and the winding mountain road known as the Dades Gorges.
  • Evening: relax in a kasbah-style hotel with valley views, and have dinner.
Tip: Ask your driver for a stop at a local women's cooperative for argan oil, rugs and Berber crafts.
Day8

Dades – Roses Valley – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Atlas – Marrakech

Dades → Marrakech · about 400 km · 8 to 9 hours with stops

A big day of famous sights: the rose-scented valley, Morocco's "Hollywood," a UNESCO-listed earthen fortress, and finally the High Atlas pass before arriving in the Red City.

Drive≈ 8–9 h with stops
OvernightRiad or hotel in Marrakech

Day Highlights

  • Roses Valley (Vallée des Roses): villages around Kelaat M'Gouna known for rose water and rose products. The harvest is in spring, but the valley is scenic all year.
  • Skoura oasis: a quick look at the palm grove and its kasbahs.
  • Ouarzazate: the film capital of Morocco. Visit Taourirt Kasbah or the Atlas Studios area.
  • Ait Ben Haddou: a UNESCO World Heritage ksar, featured in many famous films. Cross the river and climb to the top for the view.
  • High Atlas crossing: drive over the Tizi n'Tichka pass (about 2,260 m) through Berber villages and sweeping mountain views.
  • Arrival in Marrakech: check in, then enjoy dinner or a first look at Jemaa el-Fna square in the evening.
Tip: It is a long driving day, so we start early. Carry snacks, water and a light jacket for the mountain pass.
Day9

Marrakech City Tour with Local Guide

A full day among palaces, gardens, souks and the famous square

Discover Marrakech with a local guide who brings its history, architecture and daily life to life, from royal palaces to the lively souks. Explore more Marrakech tours or the UNESCO-listed medina.

ActivityGuided city tour
OvernightMarrakech

Day Highlights

  • Koutoubia Mosque: the 12th-century minaret that dominates the skyline.
  • Bahia Palace: painted ceilings, tiled courtyards and orange-scented gardens.
  • Saadian Tombs & El Badi Palace: royal tombs hidden for centuries and the ruins of a once-grand palace.
  • Majorelle Garden: a cobalt-blue garden full of cactus and bamboo, loved by artists and photographers.
  • Souks of the medina: spices, lanterns, leather, carpets and ceramics, with time to shop and bargain.
  • Jemaa el-Fna at night: food stalls, storytellers, musicians and the famous orange juice carts.
Tip: Bargaining is part of the fun. Start at around half of the first price and stay friendly. Your guide can recommend trusted shops.
Day10

Day Trip to Imlil in the High Atlas

Marrakech → Imlil → Marrakech · about 65 km each way · 1.5 hours each way

Escape the city for a day in the Atlas Mountains. Imlil is a peaceful Berber village at the foot of Mount Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa at 4,167 m, with walking trails, walnut trees and fresh mountain air. Read more about the Imlil day trip from Marrakech.

Drive≈ 1.5 h each way
OvernightMarrakech

Day Highlights

  • Morning departure: leave Marrakech after breakfast and drive south into the High Atlas foothills.
  • Asni and the Ait Mizane valley: a scenic road through villages, terraced fields and river valleys, with photo stops along the way.
  • Imlil village: arrive at the base of the Toubkal massif, around 1,740 m above sea level.
  • Village walk: an easy walk through Imlil and neighboring Berber hamlets such as Aremd, with a local guide or by mule if you prefer.
  • Tea with a Berber family: visit a traditional mountain home, taste mint tea and homemade bread, and learn about village life.
  • Optional waterfall walk: a short hike toward a small waterfall for more mountain views, depending on your pace and the season.
  • Return to Marrakech: drive back in the late afternoon, with time for an evening in the medina.
Tip: Bring a light jacket and sturdy shoes. Mountain weather changes quickly, and it can be much cooler than Marrakech, especially in winter.
Day11

Marrakech to Casablanca

Marrakech → Casablanca · about 240 km · 3 hours

After a relaxed breakfast, drive back to Casablanca on the modern highway. Spend the afternoon discovering the country's largest city before your final evening.

Drive≈ 3 h
OvernightHotel in Casablanca

Day Highlights

  • Morning at leisure: last-minute shopping or a walk in the Marrakech gardens before departure.
  • Highway to Casablanca: a comfortable ride through the plains of the Atlantic region.
  • Hassan II Mosque: the landmark mosque on the ocean, with its 200 m minaret. Guided interior visits are available.
  • Corniche & Habous quarter: a seaside walk and the Art Deco–meets–Moroccan architecture of the new medina.
  • Farewell dinner: a seafood or Moroccan dinner to celebrate your journey.
Tip: Casablanca is the best place to buy last-minute gifts such as pottery, spices and argan oil in fixed-price shops.
Day12

Transfer to the Airport

Casablanca → Mohammed V International Airport

After breakfast, your driver takes you to Mohammed V International Airport in time for your flight. We hope you leave with wonderful memories and a promise to come back.

TransferPrivate, hotel to airport
End of servicesAirport drop-off
Tip: Plan to arrive at the airport about 3 hours before an international flight. Tell us your flight time and we will schedule the pickup accordingly.

What's Included & What's Not

A general guide to what is covered in this private tour. Your final quote will confirm the details.

Included

  • Private air-conditioned vehicle with professional driver for all 12 days
  • Airport pick-up on arrival and airport transfer on the last day
  • 11 nights in riads, hotels, a kasbah and a desert camp
  • Official local guides in Fes and Marrakech
  • Camel trek at sunset and Merzouga 4x4 discovery tour
  • Day trip to Imlil in the High Atlas
  • Fuel, tolls and parking

Not Included

  • International flights
  • Entrance fees to monuments, unless stated
  • Tips for guides and driver
  • Travel insurance
  • Optional activities such as quad biking or sandboarding
  • Guide or mule in Imlil, if you choose to add one
  • Personal expenses and shopping

Best Time to Take This Tour

This route crosses the coast, the mountains and the Sahara, so the weather changes a lot from day to day. Spring and autumn give the most comfortable conditions everywhere.

Spring

March to May

Mild days, green countryside and warm but comfortable desert evenings. The Roses Valley is at its best around April and May, and the Atlas trails around Imlil are clear.

Best overall

Autumn

September to November

Clear skies and warm days, with the desert cooling down nicely from October. A great season for the dunes and for photography.

Excellent

Summer

June to August

Very hot in Marrakech, the Sahara and the south, with daytime temperatures often above 40°C. Possible, but plan early starts and keep the afternoons slow. Imlil and the mountains stay cooler.

Hot

Winter

December to February

Sunny but cool days and cold desert nights. Rain is possible in Chefchaouen and Fes, and snow can fall in the Atlas, around Ifrane and above Imlil. Bring warm layers.

Cool, fewer crowds
Our pick: April to May and October to early November for the best balance of weather, scenery and comfort on every leg of the trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to the questions travelers ask most before booking.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. You travel with your own private vehicle and professional driver, so the pace and stops can be adapted to your group. Browse more Morocco desert tours.

How long are the driving days?

Most days are 1.5 to 5 hours. The two longest days are Day 5 (Fes to Merzouga) and Day 8 (Dades Valley to Marrakech), each around 8 to 9 hours including stops for sights, photos and breaks.

What is the desert camp like?

You spend the night in a Berber-style camp in the dunes of Merzouga, after a sunset camel trek. Camp comfort varies from simple tents to deluxe camps with private bathrooms, so tell us which level you prefer.

Can the itinerary be changed?

Yes. Dates, hotels, the order of visits and the number of nights can be adjusted to suit your interests, your budget and the season.

Is the Imlil day trip difficult?

No. It is an easy village walk at around 1,740 m with no climbing required. Climbing Mount Toubkal is a separate multi-day trek and is not part of this itinerary.

Is the tour suitable for children and older travelers?

Yes, with some preparation. The long driving days and the camel ride suit most ages, but the medinas and Chefchaouen have many steps. Tell us the ages in your group so we can plan the pace.

Do I need a visa for Morocco?

Many nationalities, including citizens of the US, UK, EU countries and Canada, can enter visa-free for up to 90 days. Rules depend on your passport, so please check the current requirements before you travel. General travel information is available from the Moroccan National Tourist Office.

What should I pack?

Comfortable walking shoes, light layers and a warm jacket for evenings, sunglasses, a hat and scarf, sunscreen, a small overnight bag for the desert camp, and modest clothing for religious sites.

How do I book this tour?

Send us your travel dates, group size and preferred hotel level, and we will prepare a personal quote and confirm the details with you. Use our contact page or the details at the end of this page.

Related Tours & Useful Links

Explore more private tours and read trusted travel information before you go.

Ready to Book This 12-Day Journey?

Send us your travel dates, group size and preferred hotel level. We will prepare a personal quote and adapt the itinerary to your plans.

Private tours across Morocco. Itinerary is a guide and may be adjusted for weather, road conditions and local events.

Camel trek on the Merzouga Sahara dunes at sunset during a 12-day Morocco tour