Casablanca to Marrakech Private Desert Tour & Camel Trek

Summary

Morocco Multi-Day Itinerary with Local Guides & Berber Camp

This is your chance to cross Morocco from Casablanca to Marrakech with real local insight—wander Chefchaouen’s blue lanes, explore Fes’ ancient medina with a guide, ride camels into the Sahara for a night under desert stars, and visit Berber villages along dramatic valleys. Every stop offers something unique you won’t find anywhere else.

What’s the experience like?

We kicked off our week in Morocco right in Casablanca, where the city’s hum felt strongest near the Hassan II Mosque. The call to prayer drifted over the rooftops as we wandered the plaza—our guide explained how this mosque sits partly over the Atlantic. Later, winding through the Rif Mountains, I noticed how the air changed—crisper, carrying hints of pine. Chefchaouen’s blue-washed walls looked almost unreal in the late afternoon light, and we found ourselves sipping mint tea at a tiny café just off the main square while locals chatted nearby.

The next morning was slow and easy; I strolled through Chefchaouen’s market where vendors sold everything from woven baskets to fresh bread that smelled warm and earthy. The drive to Fes took us past olive groves and roadside fruit stands. In Fes, our local guide led us through twisting alleys of the medina—donkeys squeezed by with loads of leather goods, and every turn seemed to reveal another mosaic doorway or hidden courtyard. We even stopped at a ceramic workshop where I tried my hand at painting a tile (not as easy as it looks!).

Heading south toward Merzouga, we passed through Ifrane—locals call it “the Switzerland of Morocco” for good reason: tidy streets, red-roofed houses, even a chill in the air. In Azrou’s cedar forest, wild monkeys darted between trees while we snapped photos from a safe distance. By sunset we reached the edge of the Sahara; sand underfoot felt cool at first but quickly warmed up as we climbed onto camels for our trek into camp. That night in a Berber tent, music drifted from a drum circle under more stars than I’ve ever seen.

The last stretch took us through Todra Gorge’s sheer cliffs—echoes bounced off stone as climbers called out to each other above us—and then along Dades Valley where roses grew wild by the roadside. We made stops at old kasbahs like Ait Ben Haddou (our guide pointed out spots from famous films), before finally rolling into Marrakech with its rush of scooters and bright market lights. Each day brought something new—a different taste or sound or face—and honestly, I still catch myself daydreaming about those desert sunsets.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Casablanca to Chefchaouen

• Pick up from hotel or airport
• Visit Hassan II Mosque
• Drive to Chefchaouen, explore medina
• Visit Ras El Maa waterfall

Day 2 — Chefchaouen to Fes

• Morning in Chefchaouen, drive to Fes
• Explore Medina of Fes on your own

Day 3 — Fes sightseeing

• Guided tour of Fes: palace, medina, Jewish quarter
• Overnight in riad

Day 4 — Fes to Sahara Desert

• Drive to Ifrane and Azrou, see wild monkeys
• Photo stop for monkeys
• Lunch stop
• Drive through Ziz Valley canyon
• Visit fossil site
• Arrive desert, enjoy sunset
• Overnight in hotel

Day 5 — Explore Merzouga area

• Visit nomads and wild mines
• Visit flamingo lake (seasonal)
• Lunch with Berber pizza
• Camel trekking to desert camp
• Enjoy sunset

Day 6 — Merzouga to Todra Gorges

• Visit traditional market and donkey parking
• Stop at fortified village
• Visit Todra Gorge and Berber cooperative
• Overnight in hotel

Day 7 — Dades Valley to Marrakech

• Explore Roses Valley, stop for photos
• Visit Amridil Kasbah
• Visit Ait Benhaddou Kasbah
• Panoramic views at Tizi-n'Tichka Pass
• End tour in Marrakech medina and square

Top questions

Is this private desert tour suitable for families with kids?

Yes, families are welcome! The itinerary is flexible and there are options for prams or strollers plus specialized infant seats if needed.

How long is the camel trekking part in Merzouga?

The camel trek usually lasts about 1-2 hours each way between Merzouga village and your desert camp—plenty of time to enjoy sunset views.

Are meals included during this multi-day tour?

Breakfasts are included most days; some dinners are not included so you can try local restaurants on your own in places like Chefchaouen and Fes.

Is transportation accessible for wheelchairs?

Yes, vehicles used on this route are wheelchair accessible and all main sites can accommodate mobility needs. Just let your guide know ahead of time.

What’s included

Your trip covers hotel pickup in Casablanca plus comfortable transport throughout Morocco with knowledgeable local guides at key stops like Fes and Ait Ben Haddou. You’ll stay in riads or hotels most nights—with one unforgettable night in a Berber desert camp after your camel trek—and breakfasts are provided along with plenty of chances to sample regional food on your own. Wheelchair access is available throughout, so everyone can join in on this adventure.