Casablanca Desert Tour: 5 Days Casablanca to Fes & Sahara Desert

This morning, your private guide and driver will meet you at your Casablanca hotel between 08:00 and 08:30. You will then leave the bustling commercial hub and enjoy a smooth, 1.5-hour drive north along the Atlantic coast to Rabat, the historic imperial capital.

In Rabat, first, visit Hassan Tower, a famous UNESCO site in Rabat. This 12th-century masterpiece was meant to be the world's biggest minaret. Although unfinished, the 44-meter-high red sandstone tower and its many stone pillars look absolutely stunning.

Next, walk to the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, a symbol of modern Moroccan independence housing King Mohammed V and his sons. Visitors can admire the pristine white marble exterior, intricate Zellige mosaics, and the ceremonial Royal Guards standing watch in their iconic traditional uniforms.

Then, explore the Kasbah of the Udayas, a 12th-century Almohad fortress perched where the Bou Regreg River meets the Atlantic. Guarded by the grand Bab el-Kébir gate, this UNESCO site offers spectacular sunset views overlooking the ocean.

In the afternoon, relax during the scenic 3-hour drive inland, watching the landscape shift into the rolling green hills of the Saïss plain.

Arrive in Fes by late afternoon. Overnight in Fes.

Today, spend the day walking in Fes, the oldest of Morocco’s imperial cities and a living UNESCO medieval museum. This foremost of Morocco's four Imperial Cities boasts a completely car-free medina, leading travelers through a historic labyrinth of 9,000 winding alleyways and ancient souks.

Start your journey into the old town through Bab Boujloud, a famous gateway. Admire its classic Moorish design and the iconic two-colored tiles—blue for Fes and green for Islam—before walking straight onto the bustling main market streets.

Then, walk to Bou Inania Madrasa, Fes’s most magnificent Islamic college. This architectural masterpiece seamlessly blends Berber roots with Andalusian elegance. Walk through its serene courtyard to admire Morocco’s finest craftsmanship, where intricate stucco, detailed cedarwood, and vibrant Zellige mosaics create a timeless sanctuary.

Next, visit Al-Quaraouiyine, founded in 859 by Fatima al-Fihri and recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s oldest active university. Often called the "Oxford of the Islamic world," this spiritual center allows non-Muslims to admire its stunning green-tiled roofs and intricate Zellige courtyard from the entrance.

Then, witness Chouara Tannery, one of the world's oldest operating tanneries. Holding a fresh sprig of mint to mask the intense aromas, you’ll look down upon a breathtaking sea of multi-colored stone dye pools where local craftsmen continue an unchanged 11th-century tradition.

After that, drive up to the 14th-century Marinid Tombs for the ultimate panoramic view of Fes. Perched on a northern hill, these historic ruins of royal mausoleums offer an open, fence-free area where you can wander freely, capture stunning photos, and watch a breathtaking sunset over the sprawling medina below.

Overnight in Fes.

Optional: Moroccan brass engraving

This 3-hour workshop starts at 9:30 AM. Using a compass and ruler, you will master geometric layout—finding the center, drawing circles, and dividing them into precise segments. Clear steps make it effortlessly easy to follow.

Highlights: Alpine Landscapes, Cedar Forests & Barbary Macaques, Sahara Desert Gateway, Sunset Camel Trek or 4x4 Off-Road Drive, Traditional Berber Campfire Night.

Today, you will have epic journey south as the landscapes of Morocco transform dramatically before your eyes, taking you from alpine peaks to the rolling golden dunes of the Sahara.

Ifrane (The Switzerland of Morocco): Depart Fes and ascend into the crisp air of the Middle Atlas Mountains. Your first stop is Ifrane, a charming town that feels worlds away from the rest of Morocco. Built during the French protectorate era, it surprises travelers with its clean alpine architecture, sloped red roofs, and leafy parks.

The Ancient Cedar Forest: A short drive from Ifrane brings you into a majestic, ancient cedar forest. Here, you will pause to stretch your legs and spot families of wild Barbary macaques (local mountain monkeys) playing among the treetops.

Transition to the Dunes: Continue your drive through the rugged Ziz Valley, stopping in the town of Midelt. As the afternoon unfolds, watch the mountain greenery melt away into vast, raw desert horizons. By late afternoon, you will arrive at Merzouga - the golden gateway where the asphalt roads end and the massive Erg Chebbi sand dunes begin.

Into the Sahara (Choose Your Adventure): At the edge of the dunes, leave your main vehicle behind and choose how you wish to enter the deep desert wilderness:

Option A (The Classic Nomad Route): Embark on a peaceful, 1-to-2-hour Camel Trek as the sun dips lower, riding across waves of liquid-gold sand.

Option B (The Adrenaline Route): Hop into a rugged 4x4 vehicle for an exhilarating off-road drive across the crests of the dunes directly to your camp.

Under the Desert Stars: Savor a traditional Tagine dinner at your Comfort Desert Camp (private tents and bathrooms). Gather around a crackling bonfire for live Berber drumming under a spectacular canopy of stars.

Optional Upgrades: Khamlia Village for spiritual Gnawa music; Luxury Desert Camp with a swimming pool.

Highlights: Desert Sunrise, Authentic Rissani Market, Ancient Irrigation Engineering, 19th-Century UN-Awarded Mud Village, Majestic Todra Gorges, Panoramic Cliffside Stay.

Wake up early for an optional Sahara Sunrise and Sandboarding.

After leaving the dunes, visit Rissani, the historical cradle of the ruling dynasty. If traveling on market days (Tue/Thu/Sun), explore its vibrant donkey and spice markets.

Ancient Oasis Engineering: Drive to Tinejdad to see the Khettara, an ancient underground irrigation marvel. Nearby, explore Ksar El Khorbat, a beautifully preserved 19th-century mud-brick village named a UN "Best Tourism Village." Browse its Oasis Museum before lunch.

The High Canyons: Descend into the breathtaking Todra Gorges, where massive limestone walls rise 300 meters straight up. Continue to the Dades Gorges to admire the iconic serpentine Hairpin Bends as children play in the cool mountain streams.

Peaceful Cliffside Stay: To bypass the noise and vendors of the town center, check into your boutique hotel or Kasbah-style boutique guesthouse perched high on the cliffs of Boumalne Dades, featuring a panoramic sunset dinner.

Highlights: Valley of the Roses, Skoura Palm Groves, Hollywood of Africa (Film Studios), UNESCO Aït Ben Haddou, High Atlas Tizi n'Tichka Pass.

Rose Valleys & Green Oases: Depart Boumalne Dades and pass through the fragrant Valley of the Roses in Kelaa Megouna (Optional Spring Add-on: April-May Rose Festival & distillery visit). Next, enjoy a 10-minute deep-breath break in the lush Skoura Oasis, home to the famous Kasbah Amridil.

The Hollywood of Africa: Arrive in Ouarzazate (UNESCO) to tour legendary film studios where cinematic masterpieces like Gladiator and Game of Thrones were shot. Admire the historic Kasbah Taourirt, the former palatial residence of the Glaoui family.

The Golden Fortress: Explore the spectacular earthen citadel of Aït Ben Haddou (UNESCO). Wander through its clay labyrinth and climb to the summit for an unforgettable panoramic view of the ancient valley.

Crossing the Atlas: Navigate the dramatic bends of the High Atlas Mountains via the legendary Tizi n'Tichka Pass (2,260m), passing red-earth Berber Villages.

Arrive at your hotel or Riad in Marrakech by evening (estimated 8:30 PM – 9:30 PM).

Note: Occasional mountain road maintenance may cause brief, temporary pauses.

Service ends here in Marrakech, Morocco. For your next trip, consider adding Marrakech, Tangier, Chefchaouen, and Meknes into your Morocco tour for a complete experience. Asia Odyssey Travel is always ready to help you plan your next custom getaway. We look forward to welcoming you back for your next adventure!