This journey is designed to show you the full picture of Morocco. Our 5 days desert tour from Casablanca to Marrakech begins differently than most. We start on the coast and travel north first, into the quiet of the Rif Mountains. Our first destination is the blue town of Chefchaouen, a calm and beautiful place to begin your time with us.
From the blue hills, our path turns toward the ancient city of Fes. After a day in its timeless medina, the road trip south begins. We guide you over the Middle Atlas, past the cedar forests, and into the first golden views of the Sahara. The quiet camel ride into the sand and the night at our desert camp is the peaceful heart of the trip.
The final part of this Morocco itinerary 5 day takes us through the dramatic canyons and old kasbahs of the south. The journey finishes with the spectacular drive over the High Atlas Mountains, bringing you to the warm light of Marrakech.
Approximate Driving Time: 4.5 Hours
Your grand Moroccan adventure begins with a personal pickup from your hotel or the airport in Casablanca. We then begin our scenic drive north, journeying into the beautiful Rif Mountains.
In the afternoon, we arrive at one of the world’s most magical towns, Chefchaouen. After checking into your charming Riad, you will have time to stroll through the famous blue-painted alleys of the medina.
You can visit the historic Kasbah and its Ethnographic Museum, see the Great Mosque in the bustling Outa el Hammam Square, and relax at traditional cafes with beautiful mountain views.
Accommodation: Riad Tassili Chaouen
Approximate Driving Time: 3.4 Hours
After a peaceful breakfast, we take a scenic drive from Chefchaouen to the Imperial City of Fes. Upon arrival, you will meet your local guide to begin your exploration.
Our guided walking tour starts at the magnificent golden gates of the Royal Palace. We will then explore the historic Jewish Quarter (Mellah) before driving up to the South Tower for a stunning panoramic viewpoint of the entire ancient city. Your guide will then lead you through the Fes El Bali Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you will discover traditional artisan workshops and see the ancient Al Bou Inania Madrasa.
Accommodation: Riad Sara
Approximate Driving Time: 7.5 Hours
Today we leave the world of the Fes medina behind and begin our drive south. The first part of our journey takes us high into the Middle Atlas, where the air grows cool and clean. We’ll make a brief stop in Ifrane, a town that feels more like a Swiss village, before heading into the quiet of the Cedar Forest to see the wild Barbary monkeys who live there.
After the mountains, the landscape opens up completely. We’ll find a good place for lunch in Midelt, a town sitting right where the mountains give way to the desert plains. From there, we follow the path of the Ziz Valley, a long, green ribbon of palm trees that cuts through the dry land. We have a special viewpoint we like to stop at, looking down on the whole oasis.
You will know we are close when the first golden dunes of Erg Chebbi appear on the horizon. It’s a long but beautiful part of this 5 day Morocco itinerary.
Here, at the edge of the Sahara, the noise of the road fades away. Your camel will be waiting to carry you into the quiet of the sand. We time the walk for the setting sun, arriving at our desert camp just as the first stars begin to show. A warm dinner will be waiting for you there.
Accommodation: Luxury Oasis Camp
Approximate Driving Time: 5 Hours
The best way to start the day is by watching the sunrise. The light comes up slowly, spreading a soft color across the dunes and showing the desert in its quietest moment. After a simple breakfast at the camp, we will bring you back to Merzouga to meet your driver.
Today is a day of beautiful contrasts. We leave the dry sea of sand and begin our journey west. If it’s a market day in Rissani, we can make a brief stop to see the lively local souk before we continue. Our main destination is the Todra Gorge, a place that shows the power of water in the desert. You will have time for a walk along the small river that carved this huge canyon, feeling the cool air on your skin. It’s a peaceful break after the open sun of the Sahara.
The rest of our drive follows the “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs.” You will see how the green of the oases follows the path of the water. We finish our day in the beautiful Dades Valley, Just before we reach our hotel for the night, the road offers one last surprise: the strange rock formations known as the “Monkey Fingers.” They are the perfect final view before we settle in for the evening.
Accommodation: Hotel Babylon Dades
Approximate Driving Time: 6.4 Hours
Our last day on the road is a beautiful one, full of history. After breakfast, we make the short drive to Ouarzazate, a city known for its connection to cinema. If you’re curious, we can visit the Atlas Film Studios, or take a look at the historic Kasbah Taourirt.
The real heart of the day, however, is our walk through Ait Ben Haddou. It’s a village built entirely from red earth, a quiet place of narrow lanes that climb a hill toward an old granary. The view from the top is worth the short walk, looking out over the dry riverbed and the green palms beyond. We’ll find a good place for lunch in the new village nearby before we begin our final drive.
The last part of our Morocco desert tour 5 day is the spectacular crossing of the High Atlas Mountains. The road winds its way up through the Tizi n’Tichka pass, with views that change around every corner. We will arrive in the city in the early evening, where your guide will bring you right to the door of your riad.
The cost for this private 5 days desert tour from Casablanca to Marrakech is flexible and designed to offer fair value. The price is set per person and depends mostly on the size of your group. Since the main costs are for your private vehicle and personal guide, the price for each person is lower when those costs are shared among a larger family or group of friends.
The final price can also be adjusted based on the style of riads you prefer for your stay. The easiest way to get a clear number is to send us a quick message with your travel dates and how many people are in your party. We will get right back to you with a detailed quote for your specific trip, with no pressure to book.
The primary advantage is its comprehensive scope. This is our ultimate Moroccan road trip, seamlessly connecting the country’s most iconic northern and southern destinations: Tangier, Chefchaouen, Fes, the Sahara Desert, and Marrakech. It’s the most efficient and spectacular way to see the full diversity of Morocco in one journey.
The sunset camel trek to the camp is approximately 1 to 1.5 hours. If you prefer not to ride a camel, you can absolutely skip it. We can arrange for a comfortable 4×4 vehicle to transfer you directly to the camp at no extra cost.
For the camel ride, it is best to wear long, comfortable pants (like jeans, leggings, or loose trousers) to protect your legs from rubbing against the saddle. Closed-toe shoes (like sneakers) are also recommended to keep the sand out. Don’t forget your sunglasses and a scarf to protect your face from the sun and any blowing sand.
Yes, Morocco is generally a safe country for solo female travelers. Taking a private tour is a great option as you will have a trusted driver/guide with you for the entire journey, which adds an extra layer of security and comfort. As in any country, it is wise to be aware of your surroundings, avoid walking alone late at night in unfamiliar areas, and dress modestly to respect the local culture.
Booking is easy. We require a small deposit to confirm your tour, which can be paid securely online. The final balance is due on the first day of your tour and can be paid in cash (Euros, USD, or Dirhams) directly to your guide.
