Morocco: Private tour from Casablanca with desert camp

Summary

Seven days wandering Morocco’s cities, kasbahs & desert

On this private Morocco tour from Casablanca you’ll cross mountains, wander ancient kasbahs, ride camels into Merzouga’s desert dunes and sleep under Saharan stars. With local guides leading you through Marrakech’s souks and Fes’s winding alleys — plus nights in traditional riads and Berber tents — you’ll collect moments that linger long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

We were already weaving through Marrakech’s old streets when I realized how much I’d underestimated the city’s energy. Our guide, Youssef, kept us moving — past a man selling mint tea (the steam smelled sweet and sharp), into the Bahia Palace where sunlight bounced off painted ceilings. In Jemaa el-Fna square, I lost track of time watching a snake charmer and then got distracted by the sound of drums somewhere behind us. Dinner that night was tagine in a tiled riad; I tried to eat with just bread like Youssef did but gave up halfway through.

The next morning we left for Ouarzazate — the road twisting up into the Atlas Mountains. It was colder than I expected at the top; my hands went numb holding my camera out the window. We stopped at Aït Ben Haddou, this ancient mud-brick fortress that looked almost unreal against the sky. There was a kid selling dates near the gate who grinned when I tried my rusty French. By evening we reached Todra Gorges, and honestly, standing between those cliffs made me feel tiny in a good way. The air there is different — cooler, echoing with birdsong and distant voices from climbers.

Merzouga came after another long drive — sand everywhere, golden even before sunset. Camel rides are bumpier than they look (my thighs still remember). Our Berber hosts set up dinner under stars so bright it felt like cheating. Someone played music on a drum by the fire; I didn’t understand all the words but it didn’t matter. That night in the desert camp was quieter than any hotel room back home — except for wind brushing against the tent now and then.

The route north took us through palm valleys and little towns like Midelt (where apples are everywhere — even in juice). In Fes, our driver pointed out old city gates and explained how his grandmother used to shop in these same souks. Chefchaouen was last: blue walls everywhere you look, cats sleeping on steps, mountain air that smells faintly of soap and dust. We ended back in Casablanca after Rabat — tired but sort of changed by all of it. Still not sure if I preferred sunrise over Erg Chebbi or getting lost in Fes’s alleys more.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Casablanca to Marrakech Tour

• Visit Jamaa El Fan Square and Souks
• Tour Bahia Palace

Day 2 — Marrakech to Ouarzazate

• Visit Kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou
• Explore Casbah of Taourirt and Film Studios

Day 3 — Ouarzazate to Todra Gorges

• Visit Roses Valley
• Explore Todgha Gorges

Day 4 — Todra Gorges to Merzouga

• Visit Moulay Ali Cherif Mausoleum
• Camel ride and overnight in Merzouga Desert

Day 5 — Merzouga to Fes

• Visit Valley of Ziz and Errachidia
• Lunch stop in Midelt
• Visit Ifrane city

Day 6 — Fes to Chefchaouen

• Visit Ouazzane town

Day 7 — Chefchaouen to Casablanca

• Visit Rabat city

Top questions

How many days is this Morocco tour?

This private Morocco tour lasts 7 days and 6 nights.

Does the tour include a camel ride in Merzouga?

Yes, a camel ride in Merzouga is included along with one night in a Berber tent camp.

Are airport transfers included?

Yes, airport arrival and departure transfers are included as part of your booking.

What kind of accommodation is provided?

You’ll stay 6 nights in hotels or traditional Moroccan riads; one night is spent in a luxury desert camp.

Is lunch or dinner included during the tour?

Dinner is included; lunches are at your own expense so you can try local specialties along the way.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with health issues?

This tour isn’t recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnancy or poor cardiovascular health.

Which cities will we visit on this trip?

You’ll visit Casablanca, Marrakech, Ouarzazate, Todra Gorges, Merzouga (desert), Fes, Chefchaouen and Rabat.

Is WiFi available during travel?

Yes, fresh bottled water and WiFi are available on board while touring between destinations.

What’s included

Your week includes private transportation with pickup from your hotel or airport in Casablanca or Rabat; an English-speaking local driver/guide throughout; six nights’ accommodation split between hotels or traditional riads plus one memorable night in a private Berber tent (with its own toilet and shower) out in Merzouga’s desert; daily bottled mineral water; WiFi on board; dinner each evening; all transfers between cities including camel ride into camp; plus drop-off at your final hotel or airport after Rabat or Casablanca.