10 Days Morocco Desert Trip from Marrakech

• Marvel at panoramic vistas of the High Atlas Mountains.
• Explore UNESCO World Heritage sites like Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah.
• Ride camels across the golden dunes of the Merzouga Sahara.
• Witness unforgettable desert sunsets and star-filled nights.
• Sleep in traditional Berber tents and enjoy local music around a campfire.
• Discover the Dades and Todra Gorges’ dramatic landscapes.
• Guided sightseeing in Fes, Chefchaouen, Rabat, and Casablanca.
• Visit local markets, historic mosques, and artisan workshops.

Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech

Your Moroccan adventure begins with a transfer from Marrakech Menara Airport to your hotel or riad. After settling in, spend your first day exploring the city’s highlights. Wander through the lively Jemaa el-Fna square, alive with storytellers, snake charmers, and street performers. Visit the magnificent Koutoubia Mosque, admire the beautiful palaces, and shop for spices, textiles, and handicrafts in the traditional souks. For a contrast between old and modern, stroll through the Gueliz district, where cafés and boutiques line the streets, or relax in the serene Menara Gardens. End the day with a traditional Moroccan dinner before retiring for the night.

Day 2: Marrakech – High Atlas Mountains – Ait Ben Haddou – Dades Valley

After breakfast, depart Marrakech and drive through the awe-inspiring High Atlas Mountains. Ascend the winding Tizi N’Tichka Pass, which at 2,260 meters offers breathtaking panoramas of snow-capped peaks, terraced valleys, and scattered Berber villages.

Your first major stop is the iconic Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the ancient earthen architecture, narrow alleys, and watchtowers of this historic fortified village. This kasbah has been featured in many famous films and TV shows, adding to its cinematic allure.

Continue through the Roses Valley, renowned for its fragrant rose gardens and annual festival. The day ends in the dramatic Dades Valley, famous for its rock formations, winding roads, and scenic landscapes. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in a local hotel.

Day 3: Dades Valley – Todra Gorges – Erfoud – Merzouga Desert

After breakfast, venture toward the Todra Gorges, a canyon carved from towering cliffs that rise nearly 300 meters. Stroll along the gorge and marvel at the rugged beauty that attracts hikers and climbers from around the world.

Continue through the fertile Ziz Valley, dotted with palm groves and small villages. Stop in Erfoud, a town famous for its fossils, and visit a local fossil workshop where you can see and purchase unique pieces. Explore Rissani’s bustling market, where spices, crafts, and traditional goods create a colorful tapestry of local life.

From Rissani, journey to the Merzouga dunes. Mount a camel for a scenic ride into the heart of the Sahara, witnessing the dunes glow under the setting sun. Arrive at a desert camp to enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner, Berber drumming, and music under the stars. Overnight in desert tents.

Day 4: Full Day in Merzouga Desert

Wake up early to witness a magical sunrise over the Sahara dunes. Spend the day exploring the desert by 4×4 or camel, discovering hidden oases, nomadic settlements, and the striking landscapes of Erg Chebbi. Try sandboarding down the soft dunes or simply take in the vastness of the desert.

Visit Khamlia village, home to the Gnawa people, and enjoy their traditional music while sipping fresh mint tea. In the late afternoon, take another camel ride to a scenic viewpoint and watch a fiery sunset over the desert. Return to the camp for a dinner accompanied by live music and spend another night under the Sahara sky.

Day 5: Merzouga – Erfoud – Ziz Valley – Midelt

Begin the day with an early sunrise camel ride back to your hotel. After breakfast, depart Merzouga and travel through Rissani and Erfoud, revisiting the Ziz Valley with its palm-lined scenery.

Continue the journey to Midelt, a small town nestled between the Middle and High Atlas Mountains. This area is known for its natural beauty, apple orchards, and mountainous landscapes. Overnight stay at a local hotel, with time to enjoy the serene mountain surroundings.

Day 6: Midelt – Azrou Cedar Forest – Ifrane – Fes

After breakfast, drive through the Middle Atlas Mountains toward Azrou, famous for its cedar forests and Barbary macaque monkeys. Stop for a walk amidst the tall, fragrant cedar trees and enjoy the cool mountain air.

Continue to Ifrane, often referred to as “Little Switzerland” due to its alpine-style architecture, clean streets, and beautiful parks. The journey then takes you to Fes, one of Morocco’s most historic and culturally rich cities. Overnight stay in Fes at a local riad or hotel.

Day 7: Fes Guided Tour

Today is dedicated to exploring Fes with a knowledgeable local guide. Walk through the medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and explore its labyrinth of alleys, artisan workshops, and historic monuments. Visit the Ennajarine Fountain, Moulay Idriss Mausoleum, and the Karawiyyin Mosque. Discover the traditional tanneries and ceramics cooperatives to see Morocco’s craft traditions in action. Enjoy a traditional lunch in the medina and continue exploring until evening. Overnight stay in Fes.

Day 8: Fes – Chefchaouen

Depart Fes and travel north to Chefchaouen, the enchanting “Blue Pearl” of Morocco. Nestled in the Rif Mountains, the town is famous for its blue-painted streets, charming alleys, and relaxed atmosphere. Explore the medina, visit local markets, and enjoy the surrounding scenic landscapes. Dinner and overnight stay in Chefchaouen.

Day 9: Chefchaouen – Rabat – Casablanca

Leave the Rif Mountains and head to Morocco’s capital, Rabat. Visit its historical and modern attractions, including the Kasbah of the Udayas, Hassan Tower, and the Royal Palace. Continue south to Casablanca, the country’s largest city, where you can admire the impressive Hassan II Mosque and stroll along the Corniche waterfront. Overnight stay in Casablanca.

Day 10: Casablanca – Marrakech

Spend the morning exploring more of Casablanca before returning to Marrakech. Visit local neighborhoods or relax in cafés before concluding your 10-day journey. Arrive in Marrakech by evening, where the tour officially ends.