The Merzouga desert is one of Morocco’s most impressive and fascinating destinations. If you have five days available to explore from Casablanca, this itinerary will take you through some of the country’s most iconic cities and stunning landscapes. From the modern avenues of Casablanca to the golden vastness of the desert dunes, this trip will allow you to experience Morocco’s unique diversity.
Departure from Casablanca: The Modern City
We begin the tour in Casablanca, Morocco’s economic capital. Although known for its modernity, the city also offers interesting historical attractions. In Casablanca, we highlight:
The Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world, partially built over the sea. Its 210-meter minaret is the tallest in the Islamic world.
Mohamed V Square, where the Royal Palace is located, surrounded by gardens and colonial buildings.
The Corniche, a coastal area perfect for a walk along the Atlantic Ocean.
After our visit to Casablanca, we head to Rabat, the administrative capital of Morocco. In Rabat, we tour:
The Hassan Tower, a tall minaret and the most iconic structure in the city.
The Mausoleum of Mohamed V, where the remains of Monarchs Mohamed V and Hassan II are laid to rest.
The Kasbah of the Udayas, offering beautiful views of the Bou Regreg River.
We end the day with a visit to Meknes, one of Morocco’s four imperial cities, famous for its impressive walls and gates. Overnight stay in Meknes.
Exploring the History of Volubilis
On the second day of the tour, we leave early for Volubilis, an archaeological site of great historical importance. Volubilis was a Roman city that flourished in the 3rd century BC and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Highlights include:
Roman mosaics that are perfectly preserved throughout the site.
Columns and arches that still stand, offering a journey back in time to the Roman era.
Next, we head to Ifrane, a charming town in the Atlas Mountains, known as the “Switzerland of Morocco” for its cool climate and European-style architecture. In Ifrane, we can enjoy alpine scenery and stroll through its beautiful gardens.
We continue to Midelt, a small town located in the heart of the Atlas Mountains. Here we will make a brief stop to rest and enjoy the peaceful mountain landscape. Overnight stay in Midelt.
Heading to the Merzouga Desert
The third day is dedicated to the fascinating journey toward the Merzouga Desert, one of Morocco’s most iconic destinations. We travel through the Ziz Valley, a spectacular landscape where palm trees stretch for miles along the Ziz River.
In Erfoud, a small town known for its fossils, we make a stop to visit the local market and a fossil workshop, where unique pieces from the Jurassic period are on display.
Finally, we arrive in Merzouga, a small village at the edge of the desert, where we prepare for the most unique experience of the trip: a night in the desert. After a camel ride through the dunes of Erg Chebbi, we will enjoy a magical sunset over the golden dunes and stay in a Berber camp. Traditional dinner and night under the stars.
The Desert and Its Magic
We wake up early to enjoy the sunrise in the desert, when the dunes come to life with the first rays of sunlight. After a traditional breakfast at the camp, we head back to Merzouga, from where we continue west.
We visit the Todra Gorges, an impressive canyon with rock walls up to 300 meters high, ideal for a walk along its cool, rocky ground. This spot is perfect for nature and photography lovers.
After lunch, we continue to the Dades Valley, known for its spectacular landscape of mountains, valleys, and unique rock formations. Along the way, we will have the chance to stop at several panoramic viewpoints to enjoy breathtaking views.
Overnight stay in the Dades Valley.
From the Mountains to the Heart of Marrakech
On the final day of our tour, we leave early for Ouarzazate, known as the gateway to the desert. In Ouarzazate, we highlight:
The Taourirt Kasbah, one of the best-preserved kasbahs in Morocco.
The Ouarzazate film studios, where numerous Hollywood movies have been filmed.
From Ouarzazate, we head to Ait Ben Haddou, a fortified village declared a World Heritage Site. Ait Ben Haddou is famous for its stunning kasbahs and is one of the most photographed places in Morocco.
Finally, we cross the Atlas Mountains through the Tizi n’Tichka pass and arrive in Marrakech, our final stop of the trip. Here the tour ends, and you will have time to explore the city at your own pace or catch a flight back home.