Four days runs coast to coast at a brisk pace, linking a run of Morocco’s headline places between Casablanca and Marrakech: the cultural city of Fes, the Middle Atlas, and the Sahara at Merzouga.
The tour opens with a brief stop in Casablanca, where you can see the Hassan II Mosque or take a short walk along the Corniche before heading inland to Fes, the cultural capital, with time for its history and medina. From there you cross the Middle Atlas by way of Ifrane, the Switzerland of Morocco, and the cedar forests of Azrou, where you may spot wild monkeys, on the way to the Sahara at Merzouga for a camel ride and a night in a luxury desert camp. The last day works back through the Todra and Dades gorges, past Ait Ben Haddou, and over the High Atlas by the Tizi n’Tichka pass to Marrakech, where the tour ends.
Your journey begins with a pick-up from the airport or your accommodation in Casablanca, Morocco’s economic capital. You start with a visit to the iconic Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest and most impressive mosques in the world.
After the visit, you travel inland to the imperial city of Fes. On arrival there is a short stop at the Royal Palace Gate, then the evening is free to explore the medina or relax in your riad.
Approx. 3.5 hours driving · Overnight: Traditional riad in Fes
After breakfast you leave Fes and drive south through Imouzzer toward the alpine town of Ifrane, often called the Switzerland of Morocco for its European-style architecture and cool climate. You continue through the cedar forest of Azrou, where you may come across wild Barbary macaques. Later you stop in Midelt for lunch before crossing the scenic Tizi n’Tilghmt pass and the Ziz Valley, with photo stops along the way.
By late afternoon you reach the Merzouga Sahara and ride camels across the golden dunes, pausing on a high dune for the sunset before continuing to your luxury desert camp, which blends traditional nomadic style with modern comfort. Dinner is followed by live Berber music and stargazing under the wide desert sky.
Approx. 7 hours driving · Overnight: Luxury camp in Merzouga
After breakfast you leave the desert to visit Rissani, the former capital of the Tafilalet region and a lively trading centre, exploring its traditional souk, which is especially busy on market days (Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays). You continue to Erfoud, known for its fossil workshops, then drive through the palm groves of Touroug and Tinjdad.
You reach the dramatic Todra Gorge, where the Todra river has carved towering canyons into the mountains, with time to walk through the gorge and have lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon you continue to the Dades Valley via Boumalne Dades, stopping at the famous “monkey fingers” rock formations and a scenic viewpoint over the valley.
Approx. 5 hours driving · Overnight: Riad in the Dades Valley
After breakfast you set off for Kalaat M’Gouna, in the heart of the Rose Valley, known for its annual Rose Festival in May and its locally made rose products. You travel through the Skoura palm grove, then reach Ouarzazate, often called the Hollywood of Africa, and visit the famous film studios where films such as Gladiator and The Mummy were shot. Next you explore the UNESCO-listed Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a beautifully preserved fortified village featured in Game of Thrones and Gladiator.
In the afternoon you cross the High Atlas by the Tizi n’Tichka pass, with stops for photos and lunch, reaching Marrakech in the late afternoon. This is the end of the tour.
Approx. 6 hours driving
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It is a private experience: only the travellers who make the enquiry take part, with no one else joining. Our focus is on high-quality, personalised trips, which is why we mainly run private tours.
The camel ride runs from 40 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on which camp you stay in. If you’d rather not ride, the camp has a 4×4 that carries people and luggage in and out. ATVs can also be arranged at extra cost.
The tent at the luxury camp is private and has a private bathroom with hot running water.
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are the best, with mild, pleasant weather across most regions. Winter is good too, especially in the south and the desert.
Either an SUV (4×4) or a minivan, both air-conditioned. The 4×4 is a Land Cruiser Prado (up to 4 passengers); minivans are a Mercedes Vito Tourer, Ford Tourneo, or similar (up to 8 passengers). For groups larger than 8, a minibus for up to 18 can be provided.