Overview
Embark on an extraordinary 11-day journey through the diverse landscapes and rich cultural tapestry of Morocco. This comprehensive tour takes you from the bustling streets of Marrakech to the serene Sahara Desert, traversing imperial cities, mountain ranges, ancient medinas, and breathtaking natural wonders.
- Duration: 11 days/10 night
- Start: Marrakech
- End: Marrakech
- Tour Style: Private
Highlights of the 12 Days Morocco Desert Tour from Marrakech
- Explore the architectural marvels of Casablanca's Hassan II Mosque
- Discover the blue-painted streets of Chefchaouen
- Immerse yourself in the medieval world of Fez's historic medina
- Experience a magical camel ride and overnight stay in the Merzouga Desert
- Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou
- Cross the dramatic landscapes of the Middle and High Atlas Mountains
- Wander through the vibrant streets and gardens of Marrakech
Why private 12 Days Morocco Desert Tour from Marrakech
This meticulously crafted journey offers an immersive experience of Morocco’s incredible diversity. From the cosmopolitan streets of Casablanca to the serene Sahara Desert, from mountain villages to ancient Roman ruins, you’ll witness the country’s most extraordinary landscapes and cultural treasures.
itinerary
Arrive in Marrakech and transfer to your riad. Begin your exploration of the vibrant city, with a first taste of its energy at the famous Djemaa el Fna square.
Day 1: Marrakech
Dive deep into Marrakech’s historical treasures. Explore the Koutoubia Mosque’s iconic minaret, visit the Saadian Tombs, and wander through the Bahia Palace. Experience the magical atmosphere of Djemaa el Fna, with its array of performers and traders.
Highlights: Historical sites, Koutoubia Mosque, Medina exploration
Day 2: Marrakech
Your journey begins with a highway trip to Casablanca, where you’ll marvel at the magnificent Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest and most impressive religious structures in the world. Continuing to Rabat, you’ll explore the city’s historical treasures, including the Oudayas Alcazaba, the Mohammed V Mausoleum, and the iconic Hassan Tower.
Travel distance: 350 KM
Highlights: Hassan II Mosque, Rabat historical sites, Royal architecture
Day 3: Marrakech ⇢ High Atlas ⇢ Ait Ben Haddou ⇢ Ouarzazate
Journey through the High Atlas Mountains, crossing the Tizi-N’Tichka pass. Stop to appreciate panoramic views and Berber villages. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou, a stunning fortified city featured in numerous films.
Travel distance: 350 KM
Highlights: Mountain crossing, Ait Ben Haddou, film location sites
Day 4: Dades Valley ⇢ Todra Gorges ⇢ Merzouga Desert
Travel through the spectacular Dades Valley and Todra Gorges. Arrive at Merzouga in the evening for a magical sunset camel ride into the Erg Chebbi dunes, followed by dinner and an overnight stay in a nomadic tent.
Travel distance: 280 KM
Highlights: Todra Gorges, desert sunset, nomadic camp
Day 5: Merzouga Desert
Wake up for a sunrise over the dunes. Explore the Erg Chebbi region, visit a nomadic settlement, and experience the village of Khamlia. Enjoy a traditional Gnawa music performance and immerse yourself in desert culture.
Travel distance: 50 KM
Highlights: Desert sunrise, nomadic culture, Gnawa music
Day 6: Merzouga ⇢ Ziz Valley ⇢ Middle Atlas ⇢ Fez
Journey through the Tafilalet palm grove and Ziz Valley. Cross the Middle Atlas, stopping at the cedar forest and Ifrane (known as “Moroccan Switzerland”). Arrive in Fez in the evening.
Travel distance: 460 KM
Highlights: Mountain landscapes, cedar forest, Ifrane
Day 7: Fez
Explore Fez’s incredible medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the royal palace, Jewish quarter, and navigate the medieval city’s labyrinthine alleys, experiencing centuries-old crafts and traditions.
Highlights: UNESCO medina, historical crafts, ancient city
Day 8: Fez ⇢ Meknes ⇢ Volubilis ⇢ Chefchaouen
Visit Meknes and its historic gates, explore the Roman ruins of Volubilis, then journey to the blue city of Chefchaouen.
Travel distance: 320 KM
Highlights: Roman ruins, Meknes historical sites, blue city
Day 9: Chefchaouen ⇢ Rabat ⇢ Casablanca
Travel to Rabat, visiting the Kasbah of Oudaya and Hassan Tower. Continue to Casablanca for an overnight stay.
Travel distance: 350 KM
Highlights: Rabat historical sites, Hassan Tower, coastal journey
Day 10: Casablanca ⇢ Marrakech
Drive back to Marrakech via highway, enjoying the changing landscapes.
Travel distance: 250 KM
Highlights: Highway travel, return to Marrakech
Day 11: Marrakech ⇢ Essaouira
Visit Essaouira, the “Pearl of the Atlantic,” exploring its historic medina and unique coastal atmosphere.
Travel distance: 190 KM
Highlights: Coastal city, UNESCO medina, Atlantic views
Day 12: Essaouira ⇢ Marrakech Airport
Transfer to Marrakech airport, concluding your remarkable Moroccan adventure.
Travel distance: 190 KM
Highlights: Final journey, departure
Inclusive and Exclusive of the tour
Inclusive
- Pick-up at your Hotel or Riad.
- Comfortable, air-conditioned 4x4, van/minibus.
- Driver/guide speaking English
- Exciting camel trekking
- Experience through the Erg Chebbi dunes
- 11 Dinners
- 11 Breakfasts
Exclusive
- Lunches
- Beverages
- Entrance fees, when needed
- Tips (optional)
- Anything not in inclusive
Places to See in Your12 Days Morocco Desert Tour from Marrakech tour
- Casablanca's Hassan II Mosque
- Rabat's historical monuments
- Chefchaouen's blue medina
- Fez's medieval city
- Merzouga Desert and Erg Chebbi dunes
- Todra Gorge
- Ait Ben Haddou UNESCO site
- Marrakech's historic gardens and palaces
Price of 12 Days Morocco Desert Tour from Marrakech
Map of the tour
Book this tour now
Know Before You Go
When making your reservation, please be sure to communicate any dietary restrictions such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free preferences. Rest assured, we are committed to accommodating your specific meal preferences during your trip to ensure an enjoyable dining experience.
Throughout the desert tour, your guide will recommend lunch stops at local restaurants offering fresh, healthy options. However, if you have a particular restaurant in mind, feel free to inform your guide, and they will gladly assist in making it part of your journey.
For those seeking an added thrill, consider exciting activities like quad biking or buggy driving in the stunning Erg Chebbi Dunes. If you’re interested in these exhilarating desert experiences, just let your guide know, and they’ll help arrange the perfect adventure to enhance your trip.
If you’re limited on time, a 4-day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga might be a great option. This 7-day desert tour offers a perfect balance of exploration and adventure, giving you ample time to explore the Merzouga desert and its surroundings.
For those with only three days to spare, our 5-day desert tour from Marrakech provides a faster yet fulfilling experience. Please note, however, that this option includes just one night in the desert, ideal for travelers with limited time who want to experience Morocco’s desert landscapes without the extended driving.
If you have an even tighter schedule, the 3-day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga is an excellent choice. Although shorter, it still provides a glimpse into the magic of the desert, with the highlights of Merzouga and the Sahara dunes.
No matter your choice, our goal is to provide you with an unforgettable desert adventure tailored to your interests and schedule.
Food Alergies
Please inform us of any allergies or dietary restrictions you may have. We provide helpful information for vegans and vegetarians and will do our utmost to accommodate your needs, ensuring this information is communicated to your driver and hotels.
However, please be aware of the following considerations: We cannot guarantee the absence of allergen traces in containers, bags, or kitchens, as Morocco’s food standards may differ from those in your country. If any member of your tour has severe allergies, it is advisable to bring appropriate food items. Additionally, we cannot control potential insect encounters.
We recommend exercising extra caution in any uncertain situations.
FaQ
What type of vehicles are used for the trip ?
What a great inquiry! “Private desert trips” require comfortable transportation. For groups bigger than 8, we employ Land Cruiser TXs, Ford 8-seater vans, Mercedes Bens Sprinter minibuses, and a variety of other comfortable vehicles.What a great inquiry! “Private desert trips” require comfortable transportation. For groups bigger than 8, we employ Land Cruiser TXs, Ford 8-seater vans, Mercedes Bens Sprinter minibuses, and a variety of other comfortable vehicles.
How far in advance should we book this tour ?
Making your vacation plans as soon as you can is encouraged because the early bird gets the worm.
How to pay for the tour ?
Initially, we ask that a small deposit be given to our account via PayPal during the booking procedure. Second, the balance must be paid in cash and should be handed to our driver/guide on the first day of the tour in euros, dollars, or the equivalent in dirhams.
How do i take my luggage to the camp?
At the start of your camel trek, a 4×4 vehicle will convey your luggage. As a result, your bags will be there when you arrive at the camp.
Is it possible to have vegetarian food or vegan food?
Serving vegan or vegetarian food is possible. On the first day of your trip, please email me or let your driver/guide know as soon as you can.
I don’t want to ride camels to the camp, how i do I reach the camp?
If you don’t want to ride a camel, we can transport you to the camp in a 4 × 4 vehicle.
