5-day desert tour from Casablanca to Marrakech.

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5-Day Tour of the Merzouga Desert from Casablanca

Tour summary:

Duration

5 days - 4 nights

Arrival

Casablanca

Salid

Casablanca

Type of tour

Private or Shared

This 5-day tour from Casablanca combines the imperial cities, spectacular landscapes, and the magic of the Sahara Desert. The journey begins in Casablanca and continues on to Marrakech before crossing the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, one of Morocco’s most breathtaking mountain passes.

Along the way, you’ll discover historic kasbahs such as Telouet and the famous Aït Ben Haddou, travel along the legendary Route of a Thousand Kasbahs, and visit the breathtaking Todra Gorge before reaching the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi in Merzouga. There, you’ll enjoy the unforgettable experience of a camel ride, a desert sunset, and a night in a Berber camp under the stars.

The return journey winds through the spectacular Draa Valley before ending in Marrakech, completing a tour that showcases the best of southern Morocco in just five days.

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Highlights

Transfer to Marrakech and first night in the Red City.
Jemaa el-Fna Square: the heart and soul of Marrakech, filled with storytellers, musicians, and fragrant scents.
Crossing the High Atlas via Tizi n’Tichka: Morocco’s most spectacular route.
The Kasbah of Telouet: living history in the heart of the mountains.
Kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Hollywood film location.
The Route of a Thousand Kasbahs: Skoura, the Valley of Roses, and dreamlike landscapes.
Dades Valley: rock formations sculpted by nature.
Todra Gorge: A 300-meter-deep vertical canyon flanked by dizzying cliffs.
Arrival in Merzouga: the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi at the edge of the Sahara.
Camel ride at sunset: the magical light over the desert dunes.
A night at a Berber camp: traditional dinner and endless stars.
Sunrise in the desert: the first light on the dunes—an unforgettable moment.
Draa Valley: endless palm groves and centuries-old kasbahs on the way back.

Tour categories:

Tour Itinerary: 5 Days from Casablanca

Day 1: Casablanca – Marrakech

Upon your arrival at Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca, our team will meet you and begin your transfer to Marrakech. Depending on your arrival time, you’ll enjoy a first taste of the city with a visit to the lively Jemaa el-Fna Square, surrounded by souks, cafés, and street performers. Overnight stay in a traditional riad or hotel.

🛣️ Distance	Approx. 240 km
⏱️ Driving time	Approx. 2.5–3 hours
🌅 Activities	Arrival, transfer, first glimpse of Jemaa el-Fna

Day 2: Marrakech – Kasbah de Telouet – Aït Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Valle del Dades

After breakfast, we left Marrakech and headed south, crossing the spectacular High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 m), with panoramic views and Berber villages dotting the landscape.

Our first stop is the historic Kasbah of Telouet, followed by a visit to the famous Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Morocco’s most iconic kasbahs. We continue on to Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Morocco,” where we can admire the Kasbah Taourirt and the nearby film studios.

After lunch, we’ll travel along the legendary Route of the Thousand Kasbahs, passing through the Skoura Oasis and Kelaat M’Gouna, the heart of the Valley of Roses. We’ll arrive in Boumalne Dades, where we’ll have dinner and spend the night at a hotel overlooking the Dades Valley.

🛣️ Distance	Approx. 335 km
⏱️ Driving time	Approx. 5–6 hours (including stops)
🌅 Main stops	Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 m), Kasbah of Telouet, Kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou, Ouarzazate, Valley of the Roses

Day 3: Dades Valley – Todra Gorges – Merzouga Desert

After breakfast at the hotel, we headed toward the stunning Todra Valley, passing through Tinghir, where lush palm groves line the riverbanks. We arrived at the spectacular Todra Gorges, where we enjoyed a short walk among the imposing limestone canyons, which rise up to 300 meters.

We continue through Tinjdad and Touroug, stopping for lunch, before arriving in Erfoud, the gateway to the Saharan oasis of Tafilalet. As evening falls, we reach Merzouga, at the foot of the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi.

From here, we set off on a camel ride into the heart of the Sahara, stopping at the top of the dunes to watch the magical sunset, take photos of the landscape, or go sandboarding. We arrive at the Berber camp, where we are welcomed with mint tea, dinner, traditional drum music around the campfire, and an unforgettable night in a nomadic tent under the stars.

🛣️ Distance	Approx. 270 km
⏱️ Driving time	Approx. 4–5 hours
🌅 Main stops	Tinghir, Todra Gorge, Tinjdad, Touroug, Erfoud
🐪 Camel ride	Approx. 1.5 hours to the campsite

Day 4: Merzouga – Alnif – Tazarine – Agdez – Marrakech

We get up early to watch a breathtaking sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes, one of the highlights of the Merzouga Desert. After breakfast at the camp, we return to the village by camel or 4×4.

We continue our journey to Marrakech, passing through Alnif, Tazarine, Agdez, and the picturesque Draa Valley, famous for its palm-tree oases and traditional Berber villages. We stop in Ouarzazate for lunch and to take photos of the iconic Kasbah Taourirt, before crossing the High Atlas Mountains once again. Arrival in Marrakech in the evening. Overnight stay.

🛣️ Distance	Approx. 550 km
⏱️ Driving time	Approx. 8–9 hours (including stops)
🌅 Main stops	Sunrise in the Dunes, Alnif, Tazarine, Agdez, Draa Valley, Ouarzazate
🏨 Accommodations	Riad or hotel in Marrakech (breakfast included)

Day 5: Marrakech – Casablanca – Transfer to Airpor

After breakfast, we’ll depart from Marrakech and head to Casablanca to take you to Mohammed V International Airport, where this 5-day journey through the heart of Morocco comes to an end.

🛣️ Distance	Approx. 240 km
⏱️ Driving time	Approx. 2.5–3 hours
✈️ Recommendation	Departure 3 hours before the flight

100% Customizable Itinerary

This itinerary can be fully tailored to your preferences and travel style. The price varies depending on the accommodation category, the number of travelers, and the duration of the trip.
Contact us and we’ll send you a personalized proposal with no obligation.
If this itinerary doesn’t quite match what you’re looking for, our team will design a tailor-made trip through Morocco for you, taking care of every detail so you can enjoy a unique experience.

What's included:

Private tour (just your group, no other participants)
Pickup at the Casablanca airport or at your hotel
Return transfer to Casablanca Airport
Transportation in a 4x4 vehicle or minivan with air conditioning
Spanish-speaking driver/guide throughout the tour
Fuel, tolls, and all transportation-related expenses
4 nights accommodation on a half board basis (dinner and breakfast)
Berber festival in the Sahara Desert
Camel ride (one person per camel) to the camp
Bottled water (one bottle per person per day)

Does not include:

Gallery

Tour Route:

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I customize the itinerary or book a private tour?

Yes, all our tours are 100% customizable. Would you like to spend more time in a particular city? Start or end your trip somewhere else? Are you traveling with your family and need a more relaxed pace? Just ask us for a customized quote, and we’ll create a trip tailored to your style—at no extra cost for the customization.

How do I handle my luggage during the camel ride in the desert?

It’s very simple: on the day you arrive in Merzouga, you’ll leave your large suitcase in the vehicle. You’ll only bring a small backpack with the essentials for the night at the camp (warm clothes, camera, toiletries). The vehicle will be waiting for you the next day with all your luggage intact.

Do I need experience to ride a camel? Is it safe?

No experience necessary. The camels are docile, used to travelers, and the ride is very smooth. Our guide will help you mount and will walk alongside the group. It’s safe for all ages. If anyone prefers not to ride, they can ride in the support vehicle while the group rides the camels.

What is a night like in the desert camp?

A magical experience with all the comforts. You arrive by camel at sunset. A traditional Moroccan dinner awaits you, along with Berber music around the campfire and comfortable tents equipped with mattresses, blankets, and bedding. The camp has shared bathrooms and hot showers. In the morning, the sunrise over the dunes is spectacular.

What exactly do the tours include? Are there any unexpected extra costs?

Our prices include: private transportation, driver-guide, fuel, accommodations as per the itinerary (always with breakfast, and dinner in the desert and rural areas), a camel ride, and water every day.

Not included: flights, lunches, admission to attractions, drinks, and tips. Everything is clear from the start—no surprises.

Is it safe to travel through Morocco with Haya Viajes?

Absolutely. We’ve been organizing trips for travelers from all over the world for over 12 years. Our driver-guides are experienced professionals who know every route and ensure your safety and comfort at all times. We use modern, air-conditioned vehicles that are fully licensed. You can travel with peace of mind.

Can I leave my large luggage in Marrakech if the tour ends in Fez or Tangier?

It depends on the tour:

If the tour ends in another city (Fez, Tangier, Casablanca), you must take all your luggage with you because you won’t be returning to Marrakech.
If the tour returns to Marrakech, you can leave your suitcase at the hotel and travel with just the essentials.

Check each itinerary and we’ll confirm it for you.

What happens if my flight leaves on the same day we return to Marrakech?

Important: If the last day of the tour involves a long journey (from the desert, Fez, or Chefchaouen), arrival in Marrakech will be between 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM. We recommend taking flights departing after 8:00 PM or, better yet, the following day.

If your tour ends in Marrakech with no activities on the last day (just a transfer to the airport), there’s no issue with the schedule. Please contact us with your specific situation.

How can I book the tour?

You can book directly through our website or by sending us a message on WhatsApp.
💬 Contact us on WhatsApp and we’ll send you all the information about availability, prices, and personalized options.

Request a Reservation

+212 658 860892

Woul you prefer a quick response? Contact us directly on WhatsApp and we'll help you right away

What our customers say

excellent

We just got back from our trip, and we couldn't be happier with the experience. Everything was perfectly organized, which allowed us to enjoy ourselves to the fullest without worrying about a thing.

The dromedary excursions in the desert and the quad rides were among the most exciting and fun activities of the trip. In addition, the accommodations exceeded all our expectations: comfortable, clean, charming and located in spectacular locations.
The value for money was excellent. We felt we got much more than we expected.
But what really made this trip special was our guide, Hassan. From the very beginning, he was approachable, friendly, and very professional. He was always looking out for us, making sure we were comfortable, safe, and having a good time at all times. It was a real treat to have someone like him with us!

We recommend this experience 100%. Morocco is an incredible country, and living it with such a careful organization and with a guide like Hassan really makes the difference. Thank you for everything!

We had an unforgettable trip in Morocco with Hassan as our driver and guide. We were a group of five friends touring Tangier, Chefchaouen, Fez, Casablanca, Essaouira and Marrakech, and the whole experience was perfectly organized thanks to him. Hassan was much more than just a driver. He took us to excellent local restaurants, always negotiating fair prices on our behalf and making sure we enjoyed authentic Moroccan cuisine without worrying about overpaying. His knowledge of each city, its culture and history greatly enriched the trip, and he was always willing to explain details and answer all our questions. What we valued most was her flexibility and constant attention. She adapted the itinerary to our needs, to our rhythm and to the group dynamics, always with a professional and close attitude. At all times we felt safe, comfortable and very well cared for. If you are planning to travel Morocco and are looking for a reliable driver, an excellent guide and a person who really cares about making your trip a special experience, we can't recommend Hassan enough.

Hassan and his team are excellent. They were recommended to us by friends and were fantastic. Like all operators, they took a little while to resolve the problem, but Hassan was very flexible with his range of services. He accommodated my needs rather than insisting on doing everything on a high budget. This was very different from others and optimized my budget. The car and driver (Hamid) were first class and the accommodation in the riad and camp was very comfortable. 5 stars.

We have just returned from an incredible trip organized by Haya Viajes and we could not be more grateful for the unique experience we had in Morocco. From the very first moment, the organization was impeccable: every detail was carefully planned, which allowed us to enjoy ourselves to the fullest without worrying about anything. We traveled as a family—two couples with four children—and Hassan made sure that each of us felt comfortable and enjoyed every moment. We discovered the most authentic side of Morocco, exploring traditional villages, bustling markets, and spectacular landscapes. However, the most magical part was undoubtedly our experience in the desert dunes. Spending the night under a starry sky, riding a dromedary, and feeling the immensity of the Sahara was something we will never forget. The children were fascinated, and we were amazed by the beauty and tranquility of the place.

Hassan is not only an excellent organizer, but also a charming person, always willing to share his culture and make us feel at home. If you are looking for an authentic adventure in Morocco, we highly recommend trusting him, a trip that will remain forever in our hearts!

It was the first time a friend and I had travelled to Morocco, and we didn’t know where to start. We got Hassan’s contact details and from the very first moment he helped us with everything. He picked us up at the airport and took us to our first riad, where we received a very warm and welcoming reception. The next morning we set off for the desert with Hassan, who accompanied us throughout the tour, explaining each place and making us feel very comfortable at all times. We visited the kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, continued on to the Dades Gorges and ended the day in the desert of Merzouga with a camel ride and a magical night in a Berber camp under the stars. At dawn on the third day we went on a quad bike excursion in the desert, an experience we would recommend to everyone, and then we continued on to Ouarzazate and finally Marrakech. With many meals included and others free to enjoy at the places where we stopped, it has been one of the trips where I have felt most relaxed, enjoying every moment without a care in the world. Undoubtedly, an unforgettable experience.