Best 6 days desert tour from Fes to Casablanca

Overview:

A 6-day desert tour from Fes to Casablanca takes you on an epic one-way route through the Middle Atlas Mountains, the vast golden dunes of the Sahara Desert, rugged canyons, and the cinematic landscapes of the south before concluding in Morocco’s economic capital.

Highlights:

Depart Fes early and climb into the Middle Atlas Mountains. Stop in Ifrane, a clean town featuring European-style alpine architecture.

Stop at the Azrou Cedar Forest to spot native wild Barbary macaques. Continue driving through the lush palm groves of the Ziz Valley.

Arrive at the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi in Merzouga. Mount a camel for a sunset trek across the sand. Sleep in a luxury desert camp with traditional Berber music around a campfire.

Exploring the Merzouga Sahara: Morning: Wake up early to catch a breathtaking sunrise over the dunes. Eat a traditional nomad breakfast at camp.

Take a 4x4 excursion around the dunes. Visit Khamlia village to listen to authentic Gnawa spiritual music, and meet local nomad families.

Spend a second, relaxed night at a desert resort or auberge on the edge of the dunes to fully absorb the Sahara's peace.

Merzouga to Todra Gorge & Dades Valley: Morning: Leave the desert behind and stop at the traditional market town of Rissani.

Arrive at the spectacular Todra Gorge, walking through a massive limestone canyon with sheer walls towering 300 meters high.

Drive along the "Road of a Thousand Kasbahs" into the vibrant Dades Valley. Check into a local riad overlooking the red rock canyon formations.

Dades Valley to Ait Ben Haddou & Marrakech: Drive through the Valley of Roses to Ouarzazate, known as the Hollywood of Morocco. Optional quick tour of Atlas Film Studios.

Tour the spectacular Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage fortified clay village featured in Gladiator and Game of Thrones.

Wind through the High Atlas Mountains via the panoramic Tizi n'Tichka Pass (2,260m elevation). Arrive in vibrant Marrakech for the night.

Marrakech to Casablanca: Dedicate the morning to a rapid highlights tour of Marrakech, including the bustling Jemaa el-Fnaa square and the intricate Bahia Palace.

Board your private vehicle for the smooth 2.5-hour highway drive to Casablanca.

Complete your tour with a visit to the jaw-dropping architectural masterpiece, the Hassan II Mosque, perched right over the Atlantic Ocean before your final drop-off at the airport or your hotel.

Day 1: Fès — Midelt — Azrou — Ziz Valley — Merzouga.

After breakfast, leave Fes and travel to Merzouga, passing through Ifrane before reaching the cedar forests of Azrou, where wild monkeys can be found.

It will be a good opportunity to take photos of the wilderness in Morocco.

Lunch in a small Berber village of Zaida.

We continue through the Atlas Mountains, enjoying the landscapes of Midelt before reaching the small town of Rich and then Erfoud, where we begin to feel the influence of the Saharan oasis of Tafilalet.

And then we continue to Merzouga.

Overnight in a traditional riad with dinner and breakfast included.

Day 2: 4×4 (Off-road) Desert Safari — Nomad Villages — Black Desert.

We start the trip at 10:00 AM in the direction of Gnawa music, in a village of people originally from Mali and Sudan.

After listening and dancing, our adventure will continue along the route of the Paris-Dakar Rally, crossing the desert track in the direction of the Mefes mines.

After 30 minutes, we will drive through desert stones. It will be fantastic.

At midday, we stop the car for tea and lunch of Berber pizza in nomad land.

You will experience how people can live in the desert, with sandstorms in the summer and very warm weather. After lunch, we will come back to your hotel.

Ride camels for an overnight stay at the camp in a private tent with a private bathroom and enjoy Berber music.

On your way to the camp, you will stop to enjoy the sunset over the dunes.

Overnight in a traditional camp with dinner and breakfast included.

Day 3: Merzouga — Berber Villages — Ouarzazate.

After breakfast and taking a shower in your camp, we start our journey to Ouarzazate through the Berber villages of the Atlas Mountains, including Tinjdad, Tinghir, Todra Gorges and Boumalene-du-Dades.

We arrive in Ouarzazate in the evening/night.

Overnight in a traditional riad with dinner and breakfast included.

Day 4: Ouarzazate — Back to Marrakech through Tizi-n-Tichka.

Leaving Ouarzazate in the morning, we will visit the majestic Atlas Mountains and Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou.

Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the highest road pass in Morocco, Tizi n’Tichka, 2,260m high, offering impressive views of valleys, mountains and many Berber villages nearby.

Arrive in Marrakech in the evening.

Overnight in a traditional riad with breakfast included.

Day 5: Marrakech – Marrakech.

Tour with a local guide in Marrakech.

Visit and explore the old Medina.

After breakfast at 10:30 AM, you will meet your local guide.

Explore the Real Marrakech with a Local Guide!

Marrakech is a city that’ll get under your skin, and your local guide will show you the hidden gems. Dive into the Medina, explore the souks, and experience the local life.

Must-See Attractions:

1. Jemaa el-Fnaa Square: The heart of Marrakech, vibrant and alive with energy.

2. Bahia Palace: A stunning example of Moroccan architecture, a must-visit.

3. Koutoubia Mosque: The iconic mosque, a symbol of Marrakech.

4. Saadian Tombs: A hidden gem, rediscovered in 1917, and a glimpse into the city’s rich history.

Souk Adventures:

– Get lost in the narrow alleys, explore the souks, and haggle for treasures.

– Visit the Spice Market, a sensory delight.

– Discover local artisans and watch them craft beautiful handmade goods.

Local Experiences:

– Enjoy a traditional Moroccan lunch with delicious tagines and couscous.

– Explore the Majorelle Garden, a peaceful oasis created by French artist Jacques Majorelle.

Overnight in a traditional riad, with free time for dinner. Breakfast included.

Day 6: Marrakech – Casablanca Airport.

We will pick you up from your accommodation and transfer you to Casablanca Airport.