Best Casablanca Desert Trips

Rating: 5.0/5 (based on 6 reviews)
Price: $1,164.80 per person
Duration: Approximately 6 days
Location: Casablanca, Morocco
Supplier: Sahara Holiday Tours

Introduction

Taking a trip through Morocco’s most iconic sights and landscapes in just six days might seem ambitious, but this private tour from Casablanca offers a well-balanced mix of history, culture, and adventure. It’s perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive yet intimate experience — with the luxury of private transportation and guided insights along the way.

What we love about this tour:

• The opportunity to visit famous landmarks like Hassan II Mosque and Ait-Ben-Haddou with ease and comfort.
• The authentic desert experience, including camel trekking and overnight stays in Berber camps.
• The knowledgeable guides, often praised for their friendliness and local expertise, which enhances the entire journey.

One thing to keep in mind is that this tour includes admission tickets as extras, so budgeting for those is wise. This experience suits those looking for a well-organized, culturally immersive journey with a good dose of adventure — especially if you’re eager to see Morocco’s diverse landscapes in a relatively short time.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary covering major Moroccan highlights from Casablanca to Marrakech
• Private transport with air-conditioning ensures comfort during long drives
• Authentic experiences like camel trekking and exploring UNESCO World Heritage sites
• Guided insights from knowledgeable guides who are well-reviewed for their friendliness and expertise
• Flexible and private format, only your group participates, offering personalized attention
• Cost analysis suggests good value for a 6-day, all-inclusive adventure with iconic sights

The Full Breakdown of the 6-Day Morocco Tour

Day 1: Casablanca to Rabat via Hassan II Mosque and Hassan Tower

Starting in Casablanca, the first stop is the Hassan II Mosque, one of the world’s largest mosques. While the tour does not include admission tickets, the exterior views alone are breathtaking, with intricate Moroccan craftsmanship visible even from outside. This iconic site is a photographer’s dream, especially with the Atlantic Ocean as a backdrop.

Next, the group heads to Rabat, Morocco’s capital, to see the Hassan Tower. This 12th-century minaret offers a glimpse into the country’s Islamic architecture and history. Reviewers mention having free time to explore the area, making it a great chance to soak in the atmosphere or grab a quick coffee. Spending an evening in a traditional Riad, complete with breakfast, offers a cozy, authentic Moroccan stay.

Day 2: From Volubilis to Meknes and onto Fes

A highlight of the trip is the visit to the Site Archéologique de Volubilis, a sprawling Roman ruin complex that conjures images of ancient grandeur. Travelers mention the well-preserved mosaics and sprawling ruins, which are a fascinating step back in time.

After exploring, the tour moves to Meknes, a city often overshadowed by Fes but packed with history. The medina of Meknes lets travelers walk through lively markets, and landmarks such as Bab el-Mansour and Moulay Ismail’s shrine provide insights into Morocco’s 17th-century heritage.

In the afternoon, the journey continues to Fes, where the evening is spent in a traditional riad. The pace allows for a relaxed evening after a full day of sightseeing.

Day 3: Discovering the Ancient Medina of Fes

This day is entirely dedicated to exploring Fes, one of Africa’s oldest cities. From the Royal Palace gate to the first Mellah (Jewish quarter), the city’s layers of history unfold as you walk its narrow streets.

Key sites include Al-Qarawiyyin University, often claimed as the oldest university in the world, the famous Tanneries, the Attarine Museum, and the Mausoleum of Moulay Idriss. Travelers highlight the cultural richness, with guides ensuring you see all the essential spots.

Post-lunch, you’ll visit a tiles cooperative to see traditional craftsmanship, followed by a panoramic view of the Medina — a favorite among reviewers for the memorable photo opportunities.

Day 4: The Desert Adventure Begins – Merzouga and Camel Trekking

Leaving Fes behind, the tour heads towards the Merzouga Desert, passing through scenic mountain views and cedar forests where local monkeys are often spotted. The drive includes notable stops in Ifrane, dubbed Morocco’s “Little Switzerland,” and Azrou.

The journey also takes you through Ziz Valley and Errachidia, culminating in Erfoud, known for fossil products. Here, some travelers enjoy exploring fossil factories before heading to the desert.

The highlight is riding camels to a Berber desert camp in Erg Chebbi. The camel ride lasts around 30 minutes, providing a true taste of desert life. The experience is often described as magical, with dinners served under starry skies and a night spent in tents that feel worlds away from everyday life.

Day 5: Sunrise, Rissani, and the Gorge

An early wake-up for desert sunrise is a common highlight, with the tranquil beauty of the dawn over the dunes often described as “breathtaking”. After breakfast, the group departs for Rissani, a lively market town.

From there, the tour progresses to the Todra Gorge, where a walk through the narrow canyon offers spectacular views and a chance to stretch legs after days on the move. Afterwards, the journey continues to Boumalne Dades, where guests spend the night in a cozy riad or hotel, completing a day packed with natural beauty and local culture.

Day 6: From Dades Gorges to Marrakech via Ouarzazate and Ait-Ben-Haddou

The final stretch takes you through the Valley of Roses and the road of a thousand kasbahs, with a stop at the Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou. This UNESCO World Heritage site features traditional Moroccan earthen fortifications with stunning architecture, often used as a film set for movies like Gladiator.

The trip concludes with a drive through the Tichka pass via the Atlas Mountains to Marrakech, arriving late afternoon. An optional stop at the Atlas Film Studio offers a quick peek behind the scenes of Moroccan cinema. The tour ends with drop-off at your hotel, leaving you with a treasure trove of memories.

Transportation, Guides, and Value

Throughout the journey, travelers ride in private, air-conditioned vehicles, making the long drives comfortable and stress-free. The guides are consistently praised for their friendliness, knowledge, and ability to enrich the experience with cultural insights — reviewers like those who traveled with Youssef, Mohammad, and Yaakoub, mention how their stories and local tips made the trip more meaningful.

The tour’s price includes five breakfasts and two dinners, which adds to the overall value — you won’t need to worry about meal planning every day. Admission tickets are not included, but most sites are free to explore or inexpensive, and the flexibility allows you to tailor your visit.

Budget Considerations

At $1,164.80 per person, this tour offers good value for an all-inclusive experience covering Morocco’s highlights. Private transport, guided tours, camel rides, and authentic accommodations make it a comprehensive package. Remember, tickets to attractions are extra, so plan accordingly.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is ideal for travelers who want a balanced mix of cultural exploration, natural beauty, and adventure. It’s perfect if you prefer the comfort and intimacy of a private guide while experiencing Morocco’s diverse landscapes. Those interested in history, architecture, and desert scenery will find this tour packed with unforgettable moments.

If you’re after a relaxed, well-organized journey with knowledgeable guides and authentic experiences, this is a great choice. However, be prepared for some long drives and early mornings, especially for the desert sunrise.

The Sum Up

This 6-day private Morocco tour from Casablanca offers a fantastic introduction to the country’s varied attractions, from ancient medinas to vast desert dunes. The inclusion of camel trekking and nights in a Berber camp add a unique touch that many travelers cherish. With knowledgeable guides and private transport, you’ll experience Morocco comfortably and intimately.

For those looking to tick off major sites without the hassle of planning every detail, this tour provides structure and flexibility. It suits couples, families, or solo travelers eager for a mix of history, culture, and adventure, all wrapped in a manageable schedule.

While the price might seem steep at first glance, the comprehensive itinerary, personalized service, and authentic experiences make it a worthwhile investment for a memorable Moroccan adventure.

FAQ

Are airport transfers included?
The tour starts at Avenue des FAR in Casablanca, so you’ll need to arrange your own transfer to the meeting point unless specified otherwise.

Is this tour suitable for all age groups?
Most travelers can participate, and the tour is designed to be accessible. However, due to long drives and walking in markets and ruins, it’s best for those in good health and with comfortable mobility.

Do I need to pay admission fees separately?
Yes, admission tickets are not included in the price. You should budget for these additional costs at sites like Hassan II Mosque, Al-Qarawiyyin University, and the Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou.

What meals are included?
Breakfast is provided on five mornings, and dinner on two nights. Lunches are not included, so you’ll have the chance to explore local eateries or pack snacks.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Since this is a private tour, there’s flexibility to tailor some parts of the itinerary to your interests, within the framework of the scheduled stops.

What should I bring for the desert stay?
Bring comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, a hat, and a light jacket for cooler desert evenings. Don’t forget your camera for those incredible sunrise and sunset views!

This Morocco desert tour combines comfort, adventure, and cultural richness in a way that’s both manageable and incredibly rewarding. Whether it’s your first trip or a return visit, you’ll find plenty to love in this thoughtfully curated journey.