Day 1: Casablanca – Rabat – Meknes – Fes

5 days Morocco Sahara desert tour departure: Start your journey in Casablanca with a visit to the Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest and most stunning mosques in the world. After exploring Casablanca, drive to Rabat, Morocco’s capital, where you’ll visit landmarks like the Royal Palace, Hassan Tower, and Mausoleum of Mohammed V.

Continue to the imperial city of Meknes, where you can explore the impressive Bab Mansour Gate and Heri es-Souani granaries. Finally, arrive in Fes, the cultural capital of Morocco, where you’ll enjoy dinner and spend the night in a traditional riad.

Day 2: Fes – Ifrane – Cedar Forest – Midelt – Merzouga (Erg Chebbi Dunes)

After breakfast, depart Fes and travel through the Middle Atlas Mountains. Stop in Ifrane, known as the “Switzerland of Morocco,” and then visit the Cedar Forest near Azrou, where you may see Barbary macaque monkeys.

Continue through Berber villages and scenic landscapes to Midelt, where you’ll stop for lunch. In the afternoon, pass through the lush Ziz Valley, with its palm groves and dramatic gorges, before reaching Merzouga at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes. Enjoy dinner and relax in a desert riad or hotel.

Day 3: Merzouga – Camel Trek – Desert Camp

Start your day with breakfast and explore the surrounding desert region. Visit Khamlia, a village known for its Gnawa music, and stop by a traditional Berber nomad camp to learn about their way of life. You can also enjoy optional activities like sandboarding or quad biking in the dunes.

In the late afternoon, embark on a camel trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes, watching the sun set over the golden sands. Arrive at your desert camp, where you’ll enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner, live Berber music, and a night of stargazing. Overnight in a standard or luxury desert camp.

Day 4: Merzouga – Todra Gorge – Dades Valley

Wake up early to witness a magical sunrise over the dunes, followed by breakfast at the camp. Return to Merzouga by camel or 4×4 and drive to the dramatic Todra Gorge, where you can take a short walk along the towering cliffs.

Continue through Berber villages and scenic landscapes to the Dades Valley, known as the “Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs.” Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at a guesthouse or hotel in the valley.

Day 5: Dades Valley – Valley of Roses – Aït Benhaddou – High Atlas Mountains – Marrakech

After breakfast, travel through the picturesque Dades Valley and the fragrant Valley of Roses, famous for its rosewater products. Stop at Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Morocco’s most iconic ksars, known for its traditional mudbrick architecture and film appearances.

After lunch, cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, with opportunities for photo stops along the way. Arrive in Marrakech in the late afternoon, where the 5 days Sahara desert trip concludes.