10-Day Morocco Desert Tour from Marrakech

10-Day Morocco Desert Tour from Marrakech

Experience the magic of Morocco’s deserts, mountains, and imperial cities on this unforgettable journey. Highlights include Marrakech’s vibrant souks, the Sahara Desert’s golden dunes, the blue streets of Chefchaouen, and the cultural treasures of Fes.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech

Our driver will pick you up from Marrakech Airport and transfer you to your riad/hotel.

  • Explore the medina’s bustling Jemaa el-Fnaa square, Koutoubia Mosque, and Bahia Palace.
  • Evening stroll through the Jardin Majorelle.
  • Overnight in Marrakech.
Day 2: Marrakech to Dades Valley

Our driver will pick you up after breakfast for a scenic drive through the High Atlas Mountains.

  • Cross Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m) and visit the UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou kasbah.
  • Stop in Ouarzazate, the "Hollywood of Morocco," and tour Atlas Studios.
  • Continue to the Dades Valley via Skoura palm grove.
  • Overnight in a kasbah-style hotel.
Day 3: Dades Valley to Merzouga (Sahara Desert)

Our driver will pick you up for a journey through the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs.

  • Hike through Todra Gorge’s dramatic cliffs.
  • Stop in Erfoud, known for its fossil workshops.
  • Arrive in Merzouga and embark on a camel trek into the Sahara.
  • Sunset over the dunes, followed by a Berber dinner and music under the stars.
  • Overnight in a luxury desert camp.
Day 4: Sahara Desert Adventure

Our driver will pick you up after breakfast for desert exploration.

  • Optional activities: 4x4 dune bashing, quad biking, or visit a nomadic Berber family.
  • Drive to Rissani to explore its historic market.
  • Return to Merzouga for a relaxed evening.
  • Overnight in Merzouga.
Day 5: Merzouga to Fes

Our driver will pick you up for a scenic drive to Fes via the Ziz Valley.

  • Stop at the palm-fringed Ziz Gorges and Midelt (lunch).
  • Traverse cedar forests and see Barbary macaques near Azrou.
  • Arrive in Fes, Morocco’s spiritual and cultural capital.
  • Overnight in Fes.
Day 6: Fes Cultural Tour

Our driver/guide will pick you up for a guided medina tour.

  • Visit Al Quaraouiyine University (world’s oldest), Bou Inania Madrasa, and the Chouara Tannery.
  • Explore the Jewish Quarter (Mellah) and Royal Palace gates.
  • Evening free to wander the medina’s labyrinthine streets.
  • Overnight in Fes.
Day 7: Fes to Chefchaouen

Our driver will pick you up for a drive to the Blue City.

  • Stop in Volubilis to explore Roman ruins (UNESCO site).
  • Continue to Chefchaouen, nestled in the Rif Mountains.
  • Free afternoon to explore blue-washed streets, Ras El Maa waterfall, and local markets.
  • Overnight in Chefchaouen.
Day 8: Chefchaouen to Rabat

Our driver will pick you up for a coastal drive to Rabat.

  • Visit the Hassan Tower, Mohammed V Mausoleum, and Kasbah of the Udayas.
  • Evening stroll along the Bou Regreg River.
  • Overnight in Rabat.
Day 9: Rabat to Marrakech via Casablanca

Our driver will pick you up for a return trip to Marrakech.

  • Stop in Casablanca to see the Hassan II Mosque (optional visit).
  • Continue to Marrakech via the coastal road.
  • Free evening to relax or revisit Jemaa el-Fnaa.
  • Overnight in Marrakech.
Day 10: Departure

Our driver will pick you up from your riad/hotel for transfer to Marrakech Airport.

  • Transport: Private air-conditioned 4x4/vehicle with fuel and tolls.
  • Driver: Professional English-speaking driver (10+ years experience).
  • Accommodation: 9 nights in riads/hotels (3*/4*) and 1 night in a luxury desert camp.
  • Meals: Daily breakfasts, dinners in the Sahara camp, and remote areas.
  • Activities:
    • Guided tours in Fes, Volubilis, and Ait Ben Haddou.
    • Camel trek in the Sahara Desert.
    • Berber music/dinner in the desert camp.
     
  • Entrance Fees: Ait Ben Haddou, Volubilis, Fes medina monuments.
  • Flights: International flights to/from Marrakech.
  • Visa Fees: Check requirements for your nationality.
  • Tips: For driver/guides (€5–10/day/person recommended).
  • Travel Insurance: Mandatory for emergencies/cancellations.
  • Optional Activities: Quad biking, dune bashing, or hot-air balloon rides.
  • Lunches: Most lunches are not included (flexible stops for local eateries).
  • Personal Expenses: Souvenirs, extra drinks, etc.

FAQ

1. What’s the best time to visit Morocco?

  • March–May (spring) and September–November (fall) offer mild weather. Summers (June–August) are hot in cities/deserts; winters (December–February) can be chilly in the Sahara.
 

2. Do I need a visa?

  • Check with your local Moroccan embassy. Many nationalities (EU, US, UK, Canada) get visa-free entry for 90 days.
 

3. Is the tour suitable for solo travelers?

  • Yes! Solo travelers can join group tours or book private trips.
 

4. What should I pack?

  • Light clothing for daytime, warm layers for evenings/deserts, sturdy shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a scarf for sand. Modest attire for visiting religious sites.
 

5. Are meals halal/vegetarian-friendly?

  • Most meals are halal. Vegetarian options are widely available (tagines, salads, couscous). Notify us in advance for dietary needs.
 

6. Is the Sahara Desert safe?

  • Absolutely! Our drivers/guides prioritize safety. Desert camps are secure, and camels are well-trained.
 

7. Can I charge devices in the desert camp?

  • Yes, luxury camps have solar-powered electricity.
 

8. How much cash should I carry?

  • Dirhams (MAD) are needed for tips, meals, and small purchases. ATMs are available in cities but not in remote areas.
 

9. Do I need travel insurance?

  • Yes, it’s required for emergencies, cancellations, or medical issues.
 

10. Can I customize the itinerary?

  • Yes! Adjust days, add activities, or swap destinations (e.g., swap Chefchaouen for Essaouira).