12-Day Morocco Desert Tour from Ouarzazate to Merzouga Desert
Overview:12-Day Morocco Desert Tour from Ouarzazate to Merzouga Desert
Discover Morocco on a 12-day private journey from Ouarzazate to the Sahara Desert and through some of the country’s most fascinating cities and landscapes. Travel through the Dades and Todra Gorges, explore the ancient Ait Ben Haddou kasbah, and experience the golden dunes of Merzouga with a camel trek and overnight stay in a luxury desert camp.
The journey continues through the Middle Atlas Mountains, with stops in Azrou and Ifrane, before reaching Fes for a guided exploration of its historic medina, traditional tanneries, souks, and cultural landmarks. From there, discover the blue streets of Chefchaouen, the coastal city of Tangier, and the historic capital Rabat before continuing to Casablanca and Marrakech.
With private transportation, local guides, carefully selected accommodation, and time to experience Morocco’s diverse landscapes and cultures, this itinerary combines the Sahara, mountains, historic cities, and Atlantic coast in one extended Moroccan adventure.
Highlights of 12-Day Morocco Desert Tour from Ouarzazate to Merzouga Desert
- Visit the UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou
- Explore the Skoura Oasis and Rose Valley
- Discover the dramatic Dades and Todra Gorges
- Ride camels across the Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset
- Spend two nights in a luxury desert camp in Merzouga
- Visit Khamlia and experience traditional Gnaoua music
- Explore the local market of Rissani
- Travel through the Middle Atlas Mountains
- Visit Azrou’s cedar forests and see Barbary macaques
- Explore the historic medina of Fes with a local guide
- Visit the Roman ruins of Volubilis
- Discover the blue streets of Chefchaouen
- Explore Tangier, Rabat, Casablanca, and Marrakech
- Enjoy private transportation throughout the journey
Itinerary: 12-Day Morocco Desert Tour from Ouarzazate to Merzouga Desert
Day 1: Arrival in Ouarzazate
Welcome to Morocco. Upon arrival at Ouarzazate Airport, your private driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel or riad.
After settling in, enjoy some free time to relax or begin exploring Ouarzazate, often known as the “Hollywood of Africa” because of its film studios and spectacular surrounding landscapes. Depending on your arrival time, you may visit Taourirt Kasbah or take a walk through the city center.
Enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner at your accommodation or a local restaurant.
Overnight in Ouarzazate.
Day 2: Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Skoura – Rose Valley – Dades
Depart Ouarzazate in the morning and travel toward the famous Ait Ben Haddou, one of Morocco’s best-preserved fortified villages and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore its narrow streets, traditional earthen architecture, and hilltop viewpoints. The site has also appeared in major film and television productions.
Continue along the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs toward the Skoura Oasis, known for its palm groves and historic kasbahs. Continue through the Rose Valley, an important region for the production of rose water and other rose-based products.
In the afternoon, travel through the Dades Valley and enjoy its dramatic landscapes before reaching your accommodation.
Overnight in Dades.
Day 3: Dades – Todra Gorge – Tinjdad – Rissani – Merzouga
After breakfast, continue toward the Sahara Desert. Your first major stop is Todra Gorge, where towering limestone cliffs rise dramatically above the valley near Tinghir.
Continue through the changing landscapes of southern Morocco, passing palm-filled oases, traditional villages, and old kasbahs. As you approach Merzouga, the landscape gradually transforms into the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi.
Arrive at your desert camp and enjoy time to relax and take in the Sahara sunset.
Overnight in Merzouga desert camp.
Day 4: Merzouga – Khamlia – Rissani – Camel Trek
Wake early to experience sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes before breakfast. Later, explore the surrounding desert region, including Rissani and its traditional market.
Continue to Khamlia village, known for its Gnaoua musical traditions. Enjoy a live performance and learn more about the community’s cultural heritage.
In the late afternoon, begin your camel trek into the Sahara. Ride across the golden dunes as the sun sets, accompanied by a local camel guide.
Return to your luxury desert camp for Moroccan mint tea, dinner, traditional music, and a campfire beneath the stars.
Overnight in a luxury desert camp in Merzouga.
Day 5: Merzouga – Erfoud – Midelt – Azrou – Ifrane – Fes
Wake early for another spectacular Sahara sunrise before breakfast. After some time to freshen up, begin the journey toward Fes.
Travel through the Ziz Valley and continue toward Midelt, where you can stop for lunch. From there, cross the Middle Atlas Mountains toward Azrou and its famous cedar forests, where Barbary macaques can often be seen.
Continue to Ifrane, known for its alpine-style architecture and often called the “Switzerland of Morocco.” Later in the afternoon, continue to Fes.
Overnight in Fes.
Day 6: Fes City Tour
After breakfast, meet your official local guide and begin exploring Fes, Morocco’s historic cultural capital.
Enter the ancient medina through its traditional gates and explore its narrow streets, historic buildings, souks, and artisan workshops. Visit the famous tanneries, the Bou Inania Madrasa, Al Quaraouiyine, Nejjarine, and other important landmarks.
Discover traditional Fassi craftsmanship, including pottery and woodwork, and explore the vibrant souks filled with spices, textiles, and handmade products.
After the guided tour, return to your hotel or riad for a relaxing evening.
Overnight in Fes.
Day 7: Fes – Volubilis – Chefchaouen
Leave Fes and travel toward the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis. Explore the archaeological site and its remarkably preserved remains, including columns, ancient buildings, and colorful Roman mosaics.
Continue toward Chefchaouen in the Rif Mountains. Arrive in the afternoon and enjoy free time to explore the famous blue-painted streets, small squares, local shops, and scenic viewpoints.
Overnight in Chefchaouen.
Day 8: Chefchaouen – Tangier
Leave Chefchaouen and continue toward Tangier, a historic city overlooking the meeting point of the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea.
Visit Cap Spartel and its lighthouse, where the two bodies of water meet. Continue to the Caves of Hercules, a famous natural and archaeological site associated with local mythology.
Later, explore Tangier’s historic Kasbah and its narrow streets. Enjoy time to discover the city’s cultural atmosphere before returning to your accommodation.
Overnight in Tangier.
Day 9: Tangier – Rabat – Casablanca
Depart Tangier and travel south toward Rabat, Morocco’s capital city.
Explore some of Rabat’s important landmarks, including the Hassan Tower, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, and the Kasbah of the Udayas. Enjoy time to discover the historic atmosphere of the capital before continuing to Casablanca.
Arrive in Casablanca in the afternoon and settle into your accommodation.
Overnight in Casablanca.
Day 10: Casablanca – Marrakech
Begin the day by exploring Casablanca, Morocco’s largest city. Visit Mohammed V Square and continue to the impressive Hassan II Mosque, one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks.
After lunch, explore more of Casablanca, including the old medina and the Atlantic Corniche. Later, depart for Marrakech.
Arrive in Marrakech and enjoy the evening at leisure.
Overnight in Marrakech.
Day 11: Marrakech City Tour – Ouarzazate
Begin the day with a guided exploration of Marrakech’s historic landmarks. Visit the Koutoubia Mosque, Saadian Tombs, Bahia Palace, and other important sites.
Continue to the famous Jemaa el-Fna square and explore the surrounding medina and souks. Browse traditional craft shops and discover the colors, aromas, and atmosphere of Marrakech’s historic heart.
Later, depart Marrakech and travel back toward Ouarzazate.
Overnight in Ouarzazate.
Day 12: Ouarzazate Departure
Your 12-day Morocco journey comes to an end. Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy some free time in Ouarzazate for a final walk or souvenir shopping.
At the agreed time, your private driver will transfer you from your hotel or riad to Ouarzazate Airport.
End of the tour.
Map
What is Include
- Private air-conditioned transportation throughout the tour
- Fuel and driver expenses
- Experienced English-speaking driver/guide
- Airport transfers
- Hotel and riad pickup and drop-off
- 24/7 support during the trip
- Official local guides in Fes and Marrakech
- 11 breakfasts
- 5 dinners
- 2 nights’ accommodation in Ouarzazate
- 1 night’s accommodation in Dades
- 2 nights in a luxury desert camp in Merzouga
- 2 nights’ accommodation in Fes
- 1 night’s accommodation in Chefchaouen
- 1 night’s accommodation in Tangier
- 1 night’s accommodation in Casablanca
- 1 night’s accommodation in Marrakech
- Camel trek in the Merzouga desert
- Professional camel guide
- Sandboarding in the Sahara
- Desert campfire and traditional music
- Free time to explore selected sites, kasbahs, valleys, and canyons
- Highway and parking fees
What is Exclude
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Tips and gratuities
- Optional activities not listed in the itinerary
- Visa fees, where applicable
12-Day Morocco Desert Tour from Ouarzazate to Merzouga Desert
Is the camel trek in Merzouga included in the tour?
Yes. The tour includes a camel trek across the Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset, accompanied by a local camel guide. The experience is followed by an overnight stay at a luxury desert camp.
How many nights do you spend in the Sahara?
The itinerary includes two nights in the Merzouga desert area, with accommodation at a luxury desert camp. This gives you enough time to experience the dunes, local communities, camel trekking, and the Sahara landscape.
Does the tour include guided visits in Fes and Marrakech?
Yes. Official local guides are included for the city tours in both Fes and Marrakech, allowing you to explore the major historic landmarks and medinas with local insight.
Can this 12-day Morocco tour be customized?
Yes. Because this is a private tour, the itinerary can be adapted to your travel preferences, pace, accommodation level, and interests, subject to availability and the feasibility of the requested changes.
Customize your Tour
Our experienced guides, comfortable transportation, and personalized itineraries ensure you’ll experience Morocco like never before. Get in touch now to start planning your dream Moroccan adventure!
