Experience the “Grand Loop” of Morocco with this 5-Day Desert Tour from Casablanca. Designed for travelers who want to maximize their time, this journey takes you from the modern Atlantic coast to the ancient silence of the Sahara and back.
Your adventure begins with the imperial grandeur of Meknes and the alpine forests of the Middle Atlas Mountains. The highlight awaits in Merzouga, where you will trek by camel across the golden Erg Chebbi dunes and sleep under the stars in a luxury desert camp. You will then traverse the dramatic Todra Gorges and the “Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs” to reach the Hollywood-famous city of Ouarzazate. After exploring the UNESCO heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou and the vibrant streets of Marrakech, you return to Casablanca, having experienced the very best of the Kingdom in just five days.
Included
Not Included
Your grand Moroccan adventure begins with a pick-up from your hotel or the airport in Casablanca. We head inland to Meknes, one of Morocco’s four Imperial Cities. Here, you will admire the gigantic Bab Mansour Gate, known for its intricate mosaic work, and explore the historic medina walls.
Leaving the imperial plains, we ascend into the Middle Atlas Mountains. We stop in Azrou, a Berber town famous for its ancient cedar forests. Here, you will have the chance to see and photograph the friendly Barbary Macaque monkeys in their natural habitat. As the road winds through lush mountain landscapes, we arrive in Midelt, the apple capital of Morocco, where you will settle in for dinner and your first overnight stay.
After breakfast, we head south towards the desert, driving through the spectacular Ziz Valley. This vast canyon is carved through volcanic rock and lined with endless groves of date palms and fortified Kasbahs. We will stop at panoramic viewpoints to capture the dramatic contrast between the arid cliffs and the lush green oasis.
By afternoon, we reach Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara. The highlight of your trip begins here: you will mount your camel for a peaceful sunset trek across the golden Erg Chebbi dunes. As the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sands in shades of orange and pink, you will arrive at your Luxury Desert Camp. The evening is filled with traditional Moroccan cuisine, Berber drum music around the campfire, and a magical night sleeping under a sky full of stars.
We recommend an early wake-up to witness the breathtaking sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast and a shower at the camp, you will ride your camel back to the village (or take a 4×4) to meet your driver. We travel through Erfoud, famous for its fossil workshops, before reaching the Todra Gorges.
At Todra, you will walk beneath towering vertical limestone cliffs rising 300 meters high—a paradise for climbers and nature lovers. We continue along the “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs” through the scenic Dades Valley to reach Ouarzazate. Known as the “Hollywood of Africa,” this city is home to famous film studios. You will spend the night here, surrounded by cinema history.
After breakfast, we visit the legendary Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a stunning example of earthen clay architecture and has served as the backdrop for blockbusters like Gladiator, The Mummy, and Game of Thrones.
From here, we begin our ascent of the High Atlas Mountains, crossing the winding Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m). The drive offers spectacular views of terraced Berber villages and mountain peaks. We descend into the Haouz plains and arrive in Marrakech, the “Red City,” in the late afternoon. You will check into your Riad and enjoy dinner, perhaps taking a first look at the bustling Jemaa el-Fnaa square.
On your final day, you can enjoy a morning exploring Marrakech’s iconic landmarks (depending on your departure time). Highlights include the towering Koutoubia Mosque, the vibrant atmosphere of Jemaa el-Fnaa, and the serene Majorelle Garden.
In the afternoon, we take the highway back to the Atlantic coast. We will drop you off at your hotel or the airport in Casablanca, marking the end of your unforgettable 5-day journey through the landscapes and legends of Morocco.
Our multi-day Morocco tours include comfortable transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, an English-speaking professional driver-guide, accommodation in riads or desert camps depending on the itinerary, pickup and drop-off from your hotel or riad, and breakfasts throughout the tour. On Sahara desert tours, camel trekking and sunset/sunrise in the dunes are also included.
Optional activities, lunches, personal expenses, and entrance fees to monuments are not usually included unless stated in your specific Morocco tour itinerary.
Yes—Exclusive Morocco Travel specializes in private and customizable Morocco tours. You can adjust the itinerary, duration, departure city (Marrakech, Fes, Casablanca, or Tangier), accommodation level (standard, luxury, or mix), and add extra activities such as quad biking, hot-air ballooning, or guided medina tours.
The best time to enjoy a Morocco desert tour is from March to June and September to November, when temperatures are pleasant both during the day and at night. Summer (July–August) is hot, especially in the Sahara, but tours are still available with early-morning and late-afternoon activities. Winter is great for travel as well, but nights in the desert can be cold—warm clothing is recommended.
Whatever the season, our team ensures a comfortable and safe Morocco travel experience.
For some off-road sections especially around Merzouga dunes, Dades Gorges, and Atlas mountain regions a 4×4 vehicle is highly recommended. All our Morocco desert tours already include the appropriate vehicle and an experienced driver familiar with local desert roads and mountain passes.
You don’t need to worry about driving yourself; we handle transportation so you can relax and enjoy the scenery.
Yes, our Morocco tours are ideal for families, couples, friends, and solo travelers. We adapt pacing, accommodation type, room configuration, and activities according to your needs. Family-friendly Morocco tours can include gentler camel rides and shorter driving distances, while honeymoon tours may include luxury desert camps and private dinners under the stars.
Solo travelers also enjoy our private Morocco tours thanks to safety, flexibility, and local guidance.
