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9 Day Tour from Marrakech to Casablanca via the Sahara Desert
Overview
This 9-day journey takes you from Marrakech through the High Atlas Mountains via Ouarzazate. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Benhaddou, visit Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Africa”, tour the Atlas Studios, and see the historic Taourirt Kasbah. Travel through the scenic Roses Valley and Dades Valley down to the Merzouga Desert for camel trekking and an overnight stay in Berber tents among the dunes.
Continue toward Fes, passing through Erfoud, Ziz Valley, Midelt, Azrou, and Ifrane (Moroccan Switzerland) in the Middle Atlas Mountains. Spend a full day in Fes, the old imperial city, and visit the Berber Roman ruins of Volubilis, Meknes, and Rabat, before returning to Casablanca to conclude your tour.
- Duration: 9 days/8 nights
- Start: Marrakech
- End: Casablanca
- Tour Style: Private & Small group
- Price: Check it below
Highlights of the 9 Day Tour from Marrakech to Casablanca via the Sahara Desert:
- Explore Marrakech Medina and Jemaa el-Fnaa Square
- Visit the Koutoubia Mosque, Ali Ben Youssef Koranic School, Saadian & Bahia Palaces, and Majorelle Gardens
- Drive through the High Atlas Mountains via Tizi N’Tichka Pass
- Explore the Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou (UNESCO World Heritage)
- Travel along the Valley of Roses
- Walk through Todra Gorges and visit Erfoud fossil workshops
- Experience a camel trek across Erg Chebbi dunes
- Visit Khamlia village and meet Nomad families
- See the sunrise and sunset over the Sahara desert
- Drive via Ziz Valley, Midelt, Azrou cedar forest, and Ifrane
- Explore the old Medina of Fes, Jewish Quarter, tanneries, and Al Karaouine University
- Discover Volubilis Roman ruins and Meknes Medina
- Visit Rabat: Kasbah of Udayas, Hassan Tower, and Mohammed V Mausoleum
- End tour in Casablanca, see Hassan II Mosque, United Nations Place, and Corniche
Itinerary of the 9 Day Tour from Marrakech to Casablanca via the Sahara Desert:
Day 1: Arrival at Marrakech – Transfer to Hotel/Riad
Upon arrival at Marrakech Airport, you will be met by your driver and transferred to your riad, located in the heart of the Medina, the historical center of the city. Take the rest of the day to relax and explore the vibrant atmosphere of the “Red City.” Overnight in Marrakech.
Day 2: Full Day to Visit Marrakech
After breakfast, enjoy an optional private guided tour of Marrakech with an official local guide. Visit the famous Koutoubia Mosque, the Medina, and its colorful souks. Continue to explore Marrakech’s hidden gems such as Ali Ben Youssef Koranic School, the Saadian Tombs, the Bahia Palace, and the stunning Majorelle Gardens. Overnight at a riad in the Medina.
Day 3: Marrakech → Ait Benhaddou → Ouarzazate → Dades Valley
This morning, begin your 9 Days Tour from Marrakech to Casablanca, traveling through the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi N’Tichka Pass (2,260 m altitude). Stop to admire the breathtaking views and traditional Berber villages before reaching the iconic Kasbah Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and filming location for movies such as Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia. Continue through the Valley of Roses, famous for its annual Rose Festival, and arrive at Dades Valley for dinner and overnight at your hotel.
Day 4: Dades Valley → Todra Gorges → Erfoud → Merzouga Desert
After breakfast, depart the Dades Valley and drive to Todra Gorges through Tinghir, stopping to capture the dramatic canyon views. Enjoy lunch in Touroug, then continue toward Erfoud, known for its local fossil workshops. Finally, reach Merzouga, the gateway to the Erg Chebbi dunes. After a short rest, embark on a camel trek across the golden dunes to your desert camp. Witness a breathtaking sunset over the Sahara, followed by dinner, Berber drum music, and a night under the starry sky.
Day 5: Merzouga → Khamlia → Erg Chebbi Dunes
Wake up early to catch the magical sunrise over the desert, then ride your camels back to meet your driver. Spend the day exploring the Merzouga region, visiting Nomad families, and the Gnaoua village of Khamlia, where you’ll enjoy traditional African rhythms. Savor a Berber Pizza lunch before returning to your accommodation for a relaxing evening. Overnight in Merzouga.
Day 6: Merzouga → Rissani → Erfoud → Midelt → Azrou → Ifrane → Fes
After breakfast, depart for Rissani to visit its lively traditional market. Continue through Errachidia, Aoufous, and the Ziz Valley, stopping for panoramic views of the lush oases. Drive across the Tizi N’Talghemt Pass to Midelt for lunch. In the afternoon, travel north through the Middle Atlas Mountains, passing Azrou’s Cedar Forest, where you may spot Barbary apes, and the alpine-style town of Ifrane, often called the “Switzerland of Morocco.” Arrive in Fes and check into your riad. Overnight in Fes.
Day 7: Full Day to Visit Fes – Old Imperial City
Today, explore the cultural and historical wonders of Fes, Morocco’s oldest imperial city, with a professional local guide. Visit the Royal Palace Gate, the Jewish Quarter (Mellah), and the ceramics cooperative to see traditional Moroccan craftsmanship. Wander through the narrow streets of the Medina, visit the Tanneries, and discover landmarks such as the University of Al Quaraouiyine, the world’s oldest existing university. In the afternoon, enjoy a panoramic view over the old city before returning to your riad. Overnight in Fes.
Day 8: Fes → Volubilis → Meknes → Rabat → Casablanca
After breakfast, depart Fes for the Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to the 3rd century BC. Continue to Meknes, the imperial city of Moulay Ismail, and visit Bab Mansour Gate and El Hedim Square. After lunch in Rabat, Morocco’s administrative capital, visit the Kasbah of the Udayas, Hassan Tower, and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V. After exploring Rabat, continue to Casablanca for your overnight stay.
Day 9: Casablanca – Airport
After breakfast, depending on your departure time, enjoy a short Casablanca city tour. Visit the impressive Hassan II Mosque, the United Nations Square, and the scenic Corniche Seaside Promenade. Later, transfer to Casablanca Airport for your flight.
End of the 9 Days Tour from Marrakech to Casablanca.
Gallery
Inclusive and Exclusive of the tour
Price Includes:
- Private transportation by air-conditioned 4×4, minibus, or bus
- Multilingual driver/guide
- Fuel for the vehicle
- 7 nights in hotels or riads (dinner and breakfast included)
- 1 night in a desert camp (dinner and breakfast included)
- Camel ride in the desert
- Sandboarding activity
Price Excludes:
- Drinks
- Lunches
- Dinner in Marrakech, Fes, and Casablanca
- Flight tickets
- Entrance fees to monuments
Map of the tour
tour price:
The pricing for This tour starts at €160 per person. Please note that the cost can vary based on factors such as the number of travelers, your choice of accommodations, and the time of year. Larger groups benefit from lower per-person rates.
The €160 per person rate applies to groups of 17 or more.
For smaller groups, such as 2 travelers, the price starts at €269 per person.
For personalized pricing tailored to your group, please contact us using the form below. Our team will provide the rates that best match your needs.
Booking
Please use the form below to email us at compassmoroccotours@gmail.com, and we will respond as fast as possible. You can also send a WhatsApp message or call us at +212 676-594706. We look forward to hearing from you!
REVIEWS
Reviews
★★★★★
Our 7-day Morocco tour with Compass Morocco Tours was simply incredible! From Marrakech to the Sahara, everything was perfectly organized. Our driver Youssef was knowledgeable and friendly, and the desert camp in Merzouga was beyond amazing. Highly recommend this company for anyone visiting Morocco!
★★★★★
We had such a wonderful experience with Compass Morocco Tours! The team was professional, our guide was patient and informative, and the landscapes were breathtaking. The camel ride and night under the stars in the Sahara were unforgettable moments for my family.
★★★★★
Compass Morocco Tours made our trip seamless and stress-free. The itinerary covered so much — from the bustling souks of Fes to the peaceful dunes of Erg Chebbi. The vehicle was super comfortable, and we felt safe and well cared for the entire journey.
★★★★★
Traveling through Morocco with Compass Morocco Tours was a dream come true. Every detail was thought out — beautiful riads, delicious food, and amazing hospitality. Our driver Hassan shared so much about Moroccan culture and history. A truly authentic experience!
★★★★★
I can’t say enough good things about Compass Morocco Tours! The desert night was magical — luxury tents, great music, and friendly Berber hosts. It felt like a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, and I’d absolutely do it again.
★★★★★
What a fantastic journey! Compass Morocco Tours made sure everything ran smoothly from start to finish. The views through the Atlas Mountains and the sunset over the dunes were simply breathtaking. Thank you for an unforgettable experience!
★★★★★
Amazing experience with Compass Morocco Tours! The driver was very kind and flexible, always making sure we were comfortable. The tour was well-balanced between cultural visits and time to relax. Morocco completely stole my heart!
★★★★★
Our 5-day desert tour was outstanding. The Compass Morocco Tours team handled everything perfectly — great communication before the trip, comfortable hotels, and a driver who became like a friend. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to see the real Morocco.
★★★★★
This was one of the best travel experiences I’ve ever had. Compass Morocco Tours exceeded all expectations. The camp in Merzouga was so peaceful, and waking up to the sunrise over the dunes was just magical. Merci for such wonderful memories!
★★★★★
Compass Morocco Tours provided excellent service throughout our journey. The tour was well-paced, full of local insights, and every stop felt meaningful. Morocco is beautiful, and this company made it even more special.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to pay for the tour?
Our payment process is simple and flexible. To confirm your booking, we ask for a small deposit, which can be paid through PayPal, bank transfer, or Wise. The remaining balance can be settled in cash on the first day of your tour directly with your driver or guide. We accept euros, US dollars, or the equivalent in Moroccan dirhams.
What is the best desert tour from Marrakech?
The best desert tour from Marrakech depends on how much time you have. The 3-day Marrakech to Merzouga desert tour is the most popular, as it allows you to experience the majestic dunes of Erg Chebbi, ride camels, and sleep in a luxury desert camp under the stars. If you have more time, the 4-day or 5-day desert tours offer a deeper and more relaxed exploration of Morocco’s desert landscapes and kasbahs.
Can I skip the camel ride to the camp?
Yes, absolutely. If you prefer not to ride a camel, we can take you to the camp in a comfortable 4×4 vehicle instead
How far is the desert from Fes?
The desert is around 500 km (about 311 miles) from Fes, which takes roughly 7 and a half hours to drive.
What type of vehicles are used for this trip?
Your comfort is our top priority. At Compass Morocco Tours , we provide modern and comfortable vehicles suited to every group size. Depending on your needs, you’ll travel in vehicles such as a Toyota Prado Land Cruiser TX, Ford Tourneo Custom, or a Mercedes Benz Sprinter minibus for larger groups. We believe that a smooth and comfortable journey makes your entire travel experience more enjoyable.
Does the camp have private bathrooms?
Certainly. All the camps we offer are luxury desert camps, designed to provide maximum comfort and equipped with private en-suite bathrooms for your convenience.
Can you do a day trip to the desert from Marrakech?
Technically, you cannot reach the real Sahara Desert on a day trip from Marrakech because it is too far away. However, you can take a day trip to the Agafay Desert, located just 40 minutes from Marrakech. Agafay offers a desert-like experience with rocky landscapes, camel rides, quad biking, and stunning views of the Atlas Mountains.
Is it worth going to the Sahara Desert in Morocco?
Absolutely! A visit to the Sahara Desert is one of the most unforgettable experiences in Morocco. Watching the sunset and sunrise over the vast dunes, riding camels across the golden sands, and spending a night in a luxury desert camp under the starry sky create truly magical memories that stay with you forever.
What is the closest desert to Marrakech?
The Agafay Desert is the nearest desert to Marrakech, located about 30 to 40 km southwest of the city. Unlike the Sahara, it’s a rocky desert with rolling hills and arid landscapes, but it provides a perfect short getaway for travelers looking to experience a desert atmosphere without the long journey.
Is the Sahara Desert close to Marrakech?
Not exactly. The Sahara Desert lies about 560 km from Marrakech. Traveling to the Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga takes approximately 8 to 10 hours by road. Most tours break up the journey over two days, with an overnight stay in either the Dades Valley or Ouarzazate to make the trip more comfortable and enjoyable.
How far in advance should we book this tour?
It’s always a good idea to book your tour as early as possible to guarantee your preferred dates and ensure availability — after all, the early bird gets the best experience!
How long does it take to get to the desert from Marrakech?
The journey to Merzouga, home of the famous Sahara dunes, takes around 8 to 10 hours by road. Most desert tours divide the trip into several days to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to explore breathtaking sites such as the High Atlas Mountains, the Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, and the stunning Dades Gorges.
How do I get from Marrakech to the desert?
The easiest and most comfortable way to reach the desert is by joining a private or small-group tour from Marrakech. Your driver-guide will take you on a scenic journey across the Atlas Mountains, passing through picturesque valleys and historic kasbahs before arriving in the Sahara Desert. While renting a car is also an option, a guided tour provides local insight, stress-free travel, and a richer overall experience.
Where is the best desert in Morocco?
The Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga are widely regarded as the best desert experience in Morocco, known for their breathtaking golden sand dunes and genuine desert ambiance. Another excellent choice is Erg Chigaga, located near M’Hamid, offering a more remote and untouched landscape—ideal for travelers in search of adventure, peace, and an authentic off-the-beaten-path experience.