Marrakech Day Trip from Casablanca: Camel Ride & Medina Tour

Summary

Winding alleys, camel rides and the pulse of Marrakech’s old city

You’ll wind through Marrakech’s legendary medina with a local guide from Casablanca, ride camels beneath palm trees, and pause for traditional Moroccan lunch. Expect laughter over language stumbles and moments of quiet awe inside tiled palaces. This day trip is less about checking sights off a list — more about feeling Marrakech pulse around you.

What’s the experience like?

First thing I noticed stepping out in Marrakech was the air — somehow spiced, even before we hit the souks. Our driver from Casablanca had been joking about “Marrakchi madness” during the three-hour ride, but nothing really prepares you for that first swirl of color and sound. The guide — Youssef, who knew everyone by name it seemed — waved us down a street that looked too narrow for two people, let alone a whole group. There was this moment where I nearly tripped on uneven stone, distracted by a woman selling mint bunches and the call to prayer echoing off pink walls. I kept thinking, how do people not get lost here?

The camel ride in Palmeraie was actually calmer than I’d expected. The camels themselves were just… slow and slightly grumpy, with these long eyelashes that made them look bored with tourists. My friend tried to snap a selfie and almost dropped her phone when her camel shifted — we laughed so hard the handler started laughing too. Afterwards, back in the city, Youssef pointed out the Koutoubia Mosque (you can only see it from outside), then Bahia Palace with its cool tiled floors that felt good under tired feet. He told us stories about sultans and secret gardens; honestly I probably mixed up half the names but the feeling stuck.

I didn’t expect lunch to be such a pause — tagine heavy with cumin, bread still warm from some tiny bakery nearby. There was this little moment when someone at another table tried to teach me how to say “thank you” in Darija (I butchered it; everyone laughed). Later we wandered Jemaa el-Fna square: orange juice stands everywhere, snake charmers doing their thing (not my favorite), women offering henna with practiced hand gestures. The medina itself is chaos but kind of beautiful if you let yourself drift along instead of fighting it.

By late afternoon I was wiped but weirdly happy — maybe it was all those colors or just being somewhere that felt so alive. On the drive back to Casablanca there was this dusty sunset over olive trees and I kept thinking about that first rush of sound in Marrakech’s medina. Still not sure if I could ever find my way back through those alleys without Youssef though.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Marrakech day trip from Casablanca

• Travel from Casablanca to Marrakech
• Pass by Hassan II Mosque
• Enjoy free camel ride in palm grove
• View Majorelle Garden exterior
• See Koutoubia Mosque exterior
• Visit The Secret Garden in Medina
• Pass by Mellah old Jewish quarter
• Tour Bahia Palace interior
• Explore Jemaa el-Fna square
• Walk through Marrakech Medina markets
• Return to Casablanca

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Casablanca to Marrakech?

The total duration includes about 3 hours each way by car between Casablanca and Marrakech.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

Yes, city center hotel pickup and drop-off in Casablanca are included.

Do I need to book tickets for Majorelle Garden separately?

If you want to visit Majorelle Garden, let them know in advance as ticket fees are not included.

Is lunch provided on this day trip?

A typical Moroccan lunch is included during your time in Marrakech.

Can infants join this tour? Are seats available?

Yes, infants can join; free infant seats are available if requested when booking.

What attractions will we see in Marrakech?

You’ll visit or pass by Koutoubia Mosque (exterior), Bahia Palace, Jemaa el-Fna square, Medina streets, Palmeraie for camel ride, plus optional Majorelle Garden.

Is there a local guide during the tour?

A registered historian guide will accompany you throughout your time in Marrakech.

Are drinks included?

Bottled mineral water is provided during the tour; other drinks may be extra.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Casablanca city center, all transport by air-conditioned vehicle with Wi-Fi, bottled water along the way, a registered historian local guide throughout Marrakech’s old city and palaces, a complimentary camel ride experience in Palmeraie’s palm groves, plus a traditional Moroccan lunch before heading back home at sunset.