an unforgettable expedition through Morocco, Casablanca to Sahara: Explore Morocco’s Best in 16 Days, starting from the iconic city of Casablanca and culminating in the breathtaking Sahara Desert. Explore the bustling streets of Marrakech, traverse the tranquil Atlas Mountains, and immerse yourself in the rich history of ancient kasbahs. Experience the warmth of Moroccan hospitality as you journey through vibrant souks, majestic palaces, and hidden oases. With comfortable accommodations, English-speaking guides, and authentic cultural experiences included, let us take you on a journey of discovery across this enchanting land. Casablanca to Sahara: Explore Morocco’s Best in 16 Days.
- Discover Morocco on a unique 16-day off-the-beaten-path adventure
- Explore the vibrant Imperial City of Marrakech with a local guide
- Join a traditional Moroccan cooking workshop
- Drive the spectacular Tizi n’Test Pass through the High Atlas Mountains
- Visit the historic walled city of Taroudant, known as “Little Marrakech”
- Explore the granite landscapes and painted rocks of Tafraoute
- Hike through the beautiful Ameln Valley
- Discover the ancient oasis village of Icht and its centuries-old heritage
- Wander through the palm groves and ksars of Tata
- Visit the stunning Aït Mansour Gorge
- Cross the dramatic landscapes of Foum Zguid and the Anti-Atlas
- Experience the untouched beauty of the Erg Chigaga Desert
- Enjoy a camel ride, sunset, and overnight stay in a luxury desert camp
- Watch an unforgettable Sahara sunrise over the dunes
- Discover Zagora, the gateway to the Draa Valley
- Visit Tamegroute, famous for its traditional green pottery and ancient library
- Explore the lush Draa Valley Oasis and historic kasbahs
- Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Ben Haddou
- Discover the magnificent Kasbah of Telouet
- Travel through authentic Berber villages, oases, mountains, and desert landscapes
Itinerary – 16 Days Grand Morocco Discovery
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN CASABLANCA – TRANSFER TO MARRAKECH
Merhaba (welcome) in Morocco! Casablanca to Sahara Explore Morocco’s Best in 16 Days
The first day of this trip through Morocco will be used to arrive in Marrakech and get acquainted with the city and the country. Our English-speaking driver will pick you up at the airport of Casablanca to transfer you to Marrakech, to your beautiful accommodation, located in in the medina of Marrakech. From then until the time of your night’s rest, you will enjoy as much free time as your flight arrival
time allows
Accommodation: Riad Passali
DAY 2: VISIT MARRAKECH
Today is devoted entirely to an Imperial City declared World Heritage by Unesco. We are talking about Marrakech, a major tourist destination in the country for its many attractions, both
monumental and popular. After breakfast, a guide will take you for half a day through the most emblematic places of the ‘Red City’, so called because of the predominant color of its monuments. For example, the Kutubia Mosque, whose minaret is one of the most photographed elements of Marrakech and served as inspiration for other great monuments, such as the Giralda of Seville.
But the beauty of this city is also in its interiors, such as the Saadian Tombs, the Ben Youssef Madrasa or the Bahia Palace. Any self-respecting tour cannot overlook the souks and artisan neighborhoods of the medina, nor the Jemaa el-Fna Square, whose bustle of vendors and passersby was itself declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The afternoon can be an ideal time to stroll and browse around, or to visit the
Marrakech Museum, the Majorelle Gardens, the El Badi Palace or other cultural sites in the center.
Accommodation: Riad Passali
DAY 3: MARRAKECH
Today you have another day to walk around in Marrakech or to visit the area around Marrakech. Visit the Menara Gardens, relax at a traditional hammam or spa or explore the historic Ben Youssef Madrasa. A lot to see and to explore in Marrakech and surroundings!
In the morning, we will organize a delicious cooking workshop! Learn how to prepare a nice tajine! Overnight at your riad in the medina of Marrakech.
Accommodation: Riad Passali
DAY 4: MARRAKECH – TAROUDANT
After breakfast, journey through the tranquil Atlas Mountains, through varied landscapes and
villages, leading to Taroudant. You drive via the stunning and scenic Tizi-n-Test Road.
Tizi-n-Test is a small pass in the High Atlas mountains. A road crosses the pass, connecting Marrakech and Taroudant. The pass is at 2,093 metres, where a commemorative plaque
certifies that the road was laid between 1926 and 1932. You then arrive at Taroudant, with its vibrant soukhs, huge city walls and some really nice historical
landmarks. Overnight at a very cozy Riad nearby.
Accommodation: Dar Zitoune
DAY 5: TAROUDANT – TAFRAOUTE
Today, you can first take some time to stroll around the city of Taroudant. You then will be heading towards the nice city Tafraoute. On your journey, you will explore the unique painted rocks and landscapes. Take your time to enjoy the magnificent landscapes and views!
Arrival in Tafraoute and overnight at your riad.
Accommodation: Hotel El Malara
DAY 6: TAFRAOUTE
Today you will be exploring the city of Tafraoute with a guide. He will explain you everything about
the history of this interesting city.
After the city, you go back into nature to explore the Ameln Valley. Ameln Valley is an amazing pla0ce for hiking! So if you want, we can make a hike over here.In the late afternoon, back to the riad to take some rest.
Accommodation: Hotel El Malara
DAY 7: TAFRAOUTE – ICHT
Today you continue to Icht. Icht is a very old village, near an oasis, because there is an underground river from the mountains of the High Atlas. It is a small village with many alleys and corridors. A lot of the corridors are so built that there is no daylight. In Icht, the 1st mosque was already there in 973, made of clay. Later in 1427 it was refurbished, also of mud, but destroyed by severe weather. Since
2006 there is a new, more solid mosque.
You sleep at a lovely riad in the area.
Accommodation: Borj Biramane
DAY 8: ICHT – TATA
The trip continues to Tata. Explore Tata’s oasis and ancient Ksar. The landscape on the way are
magnificent, authentic and so quiet!
Overnight at a riad in Tata.
Accommodation: Dar infiane
DAY 9: TATA
Time to explore the nearby palm groves today and the stunning landscapes! If you want, we can also visit the Ait Mansour Gorge. A magnificent road provides access to the Aït Mansour Palm Grove. The crossing of these gorges with lush vegetation is done by car or on foot (2 hours). This place will mark you and will remain a highlight of your stay. You enter an oasis that stretches the length of a torrent, framed by impressive boulders. In the autumn months, the palm trees collapse under the dates. Ideal for recharging your batteries because the gorges are rarely visited and are absolutely calm.
Back to Tata for your overnight.
Accommodation: Dar infiane
DAY 10: TATA – FOUM ZGUID
Foum Zguid is a beautiful village that serves as the main starting point for excursions in the south of Souss Massa Region for good reason: it is located on the only easy route that allows crossing Jbel Bani, the natural border between the Anti-Atlas and the desert. More than just a stopover, the Foum Zguid region encourages trekkers to participate in a thrilling journey and a one-of-a-kind human experience as they go through oases, dunes, and
Kasbahs. Overnight at Foum Zguid.
Accommodation: Kasbah Hotel Bab Rimal
DAY 11: FOUM ZGUID – ERG CHIGAGA DESERT CAMP
Ready for your next adventure? Today you go to the quiet and beautiful desert! Sense of peace that can only be experienced in a desert like this! Enjoy the view of the striking dunes, the vibrant tones of sand and the calm atmosphere. The voyage will transport you to an enchanted oasis situated in the heart of the desert, which is geared with tents, blankets, and cooking provisions. Upon arrival, your guide will demonstrate the art of preparing traditional Berber tea and serve a local dessert
delicacy for your dinner.
Accommodation: Aladdin Desert Lodge
DAY 12: ERG CHIGAGA DESERT CAMP – ZAGORA
At 6 o’clock in the morning, your guide will wake you up to ascend a tall dune, from where you can
view the sunrise. We also included a camel walk during your stay in the desert. After breakfast, you head towards Zagora. Zagora is a city well-known for its dates and of course the ‘green pottery’ in the area. Overnight at Zagora.
Accommodation: Riad Lamane
DAY 13: ZAGORA – TAMEGROUTE – ZAGORA
Today you will explore Tamegroute, the area of the famous Moroccan green pottery and ceramics! Enjoy the handicraft! We will look to include a pottery workshop.
Overnight at Zagora.
Accommodation: Riad Lamane
DAY 14: ZAGORA – AGDZ
From Zagora, the trip continues to Agdz. Due to its strategic position, at the southern exit of Agdz, and located on the road of the caravans going from Marrakech to Timbuktu, the Tamnougalt ksar had a defensive function, in order to protect the Draa valley against the invasions of looters. Explore today the Draa Valley Oasis, the Tinfou Dunes and the many historic Kasbahs. Overnight at Agdz, in a nice ecolodge.
Accommodation: Ecolodge Bab el Oued
DAY 15: AGDZ – AIT BEN HADDOU – TELOUET – MARRAKECH
From Agdz we will move to to the ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, a fortified village that fans of Game of
Thrones will recognize for having served as a setting for some chapters of the third season. It was also declared a World Heritage Site thanks to its spectacular nature and history, as it was a key stop on the caravan routes connecting Marrakech and Timbuktu. It is a fortified citadel of earthen dwellings enclosed by towering walls. “Once a wealthy family’s residence, it’s now inhabited by only seven families in a basic, waterless, and electricity-free lifestyle.” Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a film location for famous international films, Ait Ben Haddou offers breathtaking views from its top. Located in the High Atles, the Kasbah of Telouet was the residence of El Glaoui family until the independence. This historic home is an architectural marvel, particularly inside.
Although the Kasbah of Glaoua is not ancient, it is one of Morocco’s most significant castles during the Protectorate era. Various buildings were added next to an older Kasbah in the early 1900s, due to the growing wealth and influence of the El Glaoui family. This more recent section can still be visited, including two impressive and decorated rooms that bear witness to El Glaoui family’s lavish lifestyle. You continue to Marrakech for your last night in beautiful Morocco!
Accommodation: Riad Passali
DAY 16: MARRAKECH – AIRPORT CASABLANCA
Breakfast and some more time to relax in your riad or stroll again through the magical city of
Marrakech. You then have a transfer to the airport of Casablanca for your flight back home.
Unfortunately, this is the end of your wonderful journey through Morocco! No doubt you will have a lot of great memories from this fantastic road trip!
a 16-day adventure from Casablanca to the Sahara Desert. Explore Marrakech, traverse the Atlas Mountains, and experience authentic Moroccan culture. Book your journey now!
Casablanca to Sahara: Explore Morocco’s Best in 16 Days
Including:
- 11 nights in Riads, hotels or lodges – breakfast included
- 1 night in a luxury tent camp – breakfast included
- 5 x dinner included
- 1 x lunch included in the desert
- jeep: 4×4 during the whole trip, with English-speaking driver, gasoline included, all transfers
- visit of Tafraoute with English-speaking guide ½ day
- visit of Marrakech with English-speaking guide ½ day
- camel ride in the desert
- cooking workshop in Marrakech
- pottery workshop in Tamegroute area
Not Including:
- International flights
- tips
- Lunches
- Tickets
Tour Map
Is this a private tour?
Yes. This is a fully private tour with your own English-speaking driver, private vehicle, and personalized itinerary.
What makes this itinerary unique?
Unlike classic Morocco tours, this journey explores the country’s lesser-visited southern regions, including Tafraoute, Icht, Tata, Foum Zguid, and the remote Erg Chigaga Desert.
Is the desert experience included?
Yes. You’ll spend one unforgettable night in a traditional desert camp in Erg Chigaga, including dinner, breakfast, and a camel ride.
Will we visit Erg Chebbi?
No. This itinerary focuses on Erg Chigaga, Morocco’s wildest and most remote dune system, offering a more authentic Sahara experience.
Are guided tours included?
Yes. A guided tour of Marrakech and Tafraoute is included, along with a Moroccan cooking workshop.
What type of accommodation is provided?
You’ll stay in carefully selected riads, boutique guesthouses, eco-lodges, and a traditional desert camp.
How much driving is involved?
This is a road-trip style itinerary featuring scenic drives through the High Atlas, Anti-Atlas, oases, valleys, and desert landscapes, with regular sightseeing stops.
Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes. The itinerary is suitable for couples, families, and small groups who enjoy cultural experiences and nature.
What should I pack?
Pack comfortable walking shoes, light clothing, a warm jacket for cool desert evenings, sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, and a small daypack.
When is the best time to travel?
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) provide the most comfortable temperatures, although the tour is available year-round.
Can this itinerary be customized?
Absolutely. The itinerary can be adapted to your travel dates, interests, accommodation preferences, and activity level.
Are entrance fees included?
Entrance fees to monuments, museums, and optional attractions are generally not included unless specifically mentioned in your booking.
Are optional activities available?
Yes. Optional experiences include hiking in Ameln Valley, spa and hammam treatments, pottery workshops in Tamegroute, additional desert excursions, and cultural visits along the route.
