10-Day Morocco: Imperial Cities to Merzouga Desert Tour
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
10 days (multi-day tour)
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers in average fitness; must be able to handle several short walks, staircases in medinas, and a sunrise camel ride.
Overview
Cross medieval medinas, ride camels over towering Erg Chebbi dunes, and drive alpine passes between ancient kasbahs on this private 10-day Morocco loop. Expect long scenic drives, cultural deep dives in Fez and Marrakech, and a true desert night under the stars.
10-Day Morocco: Imperial Cities to Merzouga Desert Tour
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You step out of the van at dusk and the Sahara greets you with a curved horizon of gold—dunes that seem to breathe as the wind redraws their faces. That first night, a nomad camp offers coffee, a Berber drum, and a sky so thick with stars the city lights of Casablanca feel a world away. Over ten days you move between contrasts: ocean-facing modernity, labyrinthe medinas, cedar forests of the Middle Atlas, and the raw, geological theater of the High Atlas and Erg Chebbi dunes.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Prepare for long drives
Several days include 5–8 hour transfers over highways and mountain passes; bring snacks and motion-sickness remedies.
Desert temperature swings
Daytime can be very hot while nights drop sharply; pack layers and a warm sleeping layer for the camp.
Sunscreen and water
High sun exposure in the desert and on high passes makes SPF and at least 2 liters of water per day essential.
Cash for small purchases
Bring small-denomination dirhams for tips, local vendors, and remote stops where cards are not accepted.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Barbary macaque in cedar forests (rare sightings)
- Migratory birds in coastal Rabat and inland oases
History
The route links four imperial cities—Rabat, Meknes, Fez, and Marrakech—that were capitals under different dynasties; Ait Benhaddou recalls a strategic caravan era on the southern trade routes.
Conservation
Travel through fragile ecosystems like the High Atlas and Sahara requires minimal-impact practices: stick to trails, avoid single-use plastics when possible, and respect local grazing areas to reduce erosion.
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Adventure Hotspots in Casablanca
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sturdy walking shoes
Good soles for cobbled medina streets, rocky gorges, and uneven desert sand.
Lightweight layers and a warm jacket
Temperatures vary greatly from daytime heat to cold desert nights and high mountain passes.
Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, SPF)
Critical for long midday drives and exposed dune crossings.
summer specific
Daypack with water reservoir
Keeps essentials handy during walking tours, hikes to waterfalls, and market visits.