Morocco: 7-Day Desert Tour Casablanca to Marrakech, Camel Trek & Chefchaouen

Summary

Chefchaouen blue streets, Sahara camel trek, Fes medina and Marrakech

You’ll step into Chefchaouen’s painted lanes, get lost (in a good way) inside Fes’ ancient medina, ride camels over Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset, and share music around a desert campfire under stars. With private transport and local guides throughout, each day brings new tastes, sounds, and small surprises you’ll carry home.

What’s the experience like?

I blinked awake in Chefchaouen, not quite believing the walls could be that blue — but they really are. The air smelled faintly of soap and mint as we wandered through the medina with our guide Youssef, who seemed to know everyone. He steered us past a group of kids playing football (the ball bounced off a wall and nearly hit me — I laughed, they didn’t even notice), then up toward Ras el-Maa waterfall. My shoes got a bit wet on the stones but honestly, I didn’t mind. It felt good after the drive from Casablanca.

Fes was next — I’d heard stories about getting lost in the old medina and yeah, it’s true. Our local guide led us through alleys so narrow my shoulders brushed both sides. The smell changed every few steps: leather, spices, something sweet I couldn’t name. At one point he pointed out the world’s oldest university (Al Karaouine) like it was just another doorway. We ate lunch in a riad where the tilework made me dizzy if I stared too long.

The day we reached Merzouga still feels half-dreamed. After hours winding through cedar forests (we stopped for monkeys — one tried to grab my bag), we hit sand that went on forever. Camel trekking into Erg Chebbi at sunset was quieter than I expected; just hoofbeats and wind and that weird feeling you get when you realize you’re actually here. Dinner by firelight at the luxury desert camp tasted smoky and sweet — maybe because of the music or maybe just because I was tired in a good way.

We crossed Todra Gorge (I kept craning my neck to see the cliffs), then spent a night in Dades Valley where dinner came with laughter from our hosts — can’t remember what started it but it stuck with me. Ouarzazate flashed by with its movie studios; Ait Ben Haddou looked unreal against the sky, all mud-brick golds and shadows. Marrakech was a rush: Bahia Palace glittered in morning sun, Jamaa el Fna pulsed with drumming after dark, and our guide somehow found quiet corners even there. Hard to sum up seven days like this… but sometimes I still hear those desert drums when things go quiet back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Casablanca to Chefchaouen blue city

• Meet driver-guide in Casablanca
• Drive to Chefchaouen
• Walk in blue medina and markets
• Overnight in hotel

Day 2 — Chefchaouen to Fez historic medina

• Breakfast in Chefchaouen
• Drive to Fez
• Meet local guide in Fez
• Walk historic medina streets
• Visit palace, university, fountains, mausoleum
• Overnight in riad

Day 3 — Fez to Merzouga desert via Ifrane

• Breakfast in Fez
• Drive to Ifrane and Azrou
• Stop at cedar forest to see monkeys
• Lunch in Midelt
• Drive through Ziz valley and Berber villages
• Visit Erfoud fossil market
• Arrive Merzouga desert
• Camel ride to see sunset dunes
• Dinner and music at desert camp
• Overnight in luxury desert camp

Day 4 — Merzouga sunrise and Dades Valley

• Sunrise in desert dunes
• Breakfast in dunes
• Camel ride back to Merzouga
• Drive to Todgha Gorge
• Walk through Todgha Gorges and kasbahs
• Continue to Dades Valley
• Dinner and overnight in kasbah

Day 5 — Dades Valley to Marrakech via Ait Ben Haddou

• Breakfast in Dades Valley
• Drive through Dades Valley
• Visit Ouarzazate movie studios and kasbah
• Tour Ait Ben Haddou Ksar UNESCO site
• Drive Tichka Pass to Marrakech
• Arrive Marrakech afternoon
• Overnight in hotel

Day 6 — Explore Marrakech with local guide

• Breakfast at riad
• Visit Bahia Palace and Koutoubia mosque
• Tour Jamaa el Fna Square and Ben Youssef Madrasa
• Walk through souks
• Evening at Jamaa el Fna square
• Overnight in hotel

Day 7 — Marrakech to Casablanca airport transfer

• Breakfast at hotel
• Optional visit Hassan II mosque
• Transfer to Casablanca airport

Top questions

How long is the drive from Casablanca to Chefchaouen?

The drive from Casablanca to Chefchaouen is about 330 km and usually takes around 5-6 hours depending on stops.

Is camel trekking included in this Morocco tour?

Yes, camel trekking across Erg Chebbi dunes is included as part of the tour experience.

Are meals provided during the 7-day desert tour?

Dinners are included on four nights along with breakfasts; vegetarian options are available too.

What kind of accommodation is provided?

You’ll stay in authentic Moroccan riads, a luxury desert camp with private facilities, traditional kasbahs, and hotels.

Does this tour include pickup from my hotel or airport?

Yes, pickup and drop-off at your hotel or Casablanca Airport are included for your convenience.

Can infants join this Morocco desert tour?

Yes; infants can join—prams/strollers are welcome and specialized infant seats are available upon request.

Is there an option to end this tour in Marrakech instead of Casablanca?

Yes; you can choose to end your trip either in Marrakech or return to Casablanca airport for departure.

Will we have local guides in Fes and Marrakech?

Local guides will lead you through both Fes’ medina and Marrakech’s main sites for deeper cultural context.

What’s included

Your week includes private air-conditioned transport with pickup from your hotel or airport in Casablanca, all guided walks through Chefchaouen’s blue city streets, Fes’ historic medina, camel rides into Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset plus an overnight stay at a luxury desert camp with private shower and toilet. Authentic Moroccan riads or kasbahs host you each night; four dinners are included (vegetarians welcome), along with all breakfasts before your return transfer—ending either back at Casablanca airport or optionally in Marrakech if you prefer.