7-Day Desert tour from Essaouira to Casablanca

Do you want to explore the real desert of Morocco? If so, this 7-day desert tour from Essaouira is a great choice.

During the trip, you will visit many beautiful places. First, you will explore Marrakech with a local guide and discover its old city and main sights. Afterwards, you will cross the Atlas Mountains, passing Berber villages and historic kasbahs, including Aït Ben Haddou.

Next, the journey continues to the desert, where you will enjoy a camel ride and spend a night under the stars. Finally, you will visit the historic city of Fes before ending the tour in Casablanca.

• Ride camels across the sand dunes of the Merzouga Desert.
• Cross the Atlas Mountains and enjoy beautiful views along the way.
• Spend a special night in the desert under the stars.
• Visit Todra Gorges, Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, and the town of Ifrane.
• Explore the main sights of Marrakech.
• Discover the historic city of Fes.
• Visit the Hassan II Mosque.

Day 1: Essaouira – Marrakech

On the first day of our 7-day journey, we leave Essaouira and drive to Marrakech, Morocco’s most famous tourist city. Upon arrival, a professional local guide will welcome you and lead you on a walking tour through the old Medina, where many of the city’s main attractions are located.

First, we visit the Koutoubia Mosque and its beautiful 12th-century minaret, the tallest in Marrakech. Afterwards, we continue to the lively Jemaa El-Fna Square, where you will see musicians, storytellers, street performers and food stalls.

Next, we explore the narrow streets of the Medina and visit the historic Ben Youssef Madrasa. We also discover the impressive Bahia Palace and El Badi Palace, both known for their remarkable architecture.

Later, we drive through modern Marrakech to visit the peaceful Majorelle Garden. Finally, we drop you off at your hotel or riad. In the evening, you can return to Jemaa El-Fna and experience its vibrant nighttime atmosphere.

Day 2: Marrakech – Ait Benhaddou – Ouarzazate – Dades Gorges

After breakfast, we leave Marrakech and travel through the High Atlas Mountains. Along the way, we cross the scenic Tizi n’Tichka Pass at 2,260 metres, stopping to admire the mountain views and take photographs.

Next, we visit Aït Ben Haddou, Morocco’s most famous fortified village and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once an important stop for desert caravans, it has also appeared in productions such as Gladiator and Game of Thrones. Here, you can explore the kasbah and climb to the top for panoramic views.

Afterwards, we continue to Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Africa,” where you may visit Atlas Film Studios. Finally, we travel through Skoura Oasis and the Rose Valley before reaching Dades Gorges for the night.

Day 3: Dades Gorges – Todra Gorges – Merzouga – Camel Trek & Desert Camp

After breakfast, we continue towards the Sahara along the famous Road of a Thousand Kasbahs, passing traditional Berber villages and beautiful landscapes.

First, we stop in Tinghir to explore the spectacular Todra Gorges. Here, you can walk beside the river between the towering canyon walls. Afterwards, we continue to Erfoud, a town famous for fossils, where you may visit a local workshop.

Later, we arrive in Merzouga and begin a camel ride across the golden dunes. Along the way, we pause to watch the sunset before reaching the desert camp.

At the camp, you will enjoy a traditional dinner and Berber music around the fire. Finally, you can climb the nearby dunes and admire the stars before spending the night in your private tent.

Day 4: Merzouga Desert Discovery

We recommend waking up early to watch the sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast, you can enjoy another camel ride or begin your desert excursion directly by 4×4.

First, we drive across the dunes and black desert to visit a local nomadic family. Here, you can learn about their traditional lifestyle and share a cup of tea.

Next, we visit the historic Mifiss mines before continuing to Khamlia village. There, you will enjoy traditional Gnawa music and may try the famous Berber pizza for lunch.

Finally, we visit the oasis of Hassi Labied before returning to your hotel. The evening is free to relax or enjoy an optional quad-biking adventure.

Day 5: Merzouga – Rissani – Ziz Valley – Cedar Forest – Ifrane – Fes

After breakfast, we travel north towards Fes, Morocco’s cultural capital. First, we stop in Rissani, a historic trading town known for its traditional market. On Sunday, Tuesday or Thursday, you can experience its lively market day.

We then continue through the beautiful Ziz Valley, where thousands of palm trees create impressive scenery. After stopping for photographs, we travel through Midelt and the Middle Atlas Mountains.

Next, we visit the Cedar Forest, home to Barbary macaques. Afterwards, we stop in Ifrane, known as “Little Switzerland” for its European-style architecture and clean streets.

Finally, we arrive in Fes and drop you off at your hotel or riad for the night.

Day 6: Guided Tour of Fes

After breakfast, we begin a guided tour of Fes, one of Morocco’s oldest imperial cities. First, we visit the impressive Royal Palace gate before continuing to the historic Jewish Quarter, known as the Mellah.

Next, we explore the ancient Medina and visit important attractions such as the Chouara Tanneries, the Al Attarine Madrasa and Al Quaraouiyine University.

Later, you will have free time to explore the Medina at your own pace. Finally, return to your hotel or riad for another night in Fes.

Day 7: Fes to Casablanca

After breakfast, we leave Fes and travel to Casablanca. Upon arrival, we visit the magnificent Hassan II Mosque, known for its towering minaret, detailed mosaics, and beautiful oceanfront location.

If time permits, we will also explore the Corniche, a lively coastal area with cafés, shops, and Atlantic Ocean views.

Finally, we drop you off at your accommodation or Mohammed V International Airport, marking the end of our 7-day tour.