10-Day Private Tour of Morocco’s Imperial Cities & Merzouga Desert
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
10 days
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers with average fitness who can manage multiple short walks, uneven ground in medinas, and a camel ride or dune hike.
Overview
From Casablanca’s Atlantic edge to the wind-sculpted dunes of Merzouga, this private 10-day tour stitches Morocco’s imperial cities with desert nights, cedar forests, Roman ruins and oasis valleys. Expect long drives, intimate medina walks, and a luxury camp under the stars.
10-Day Private Tour of Morocco’s Imperial Cities & Merzouga Desert
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You arrive in Casablanca beneath a low, late-afternoon light; the Hassan II Mosque throws a lattice of shadows across the Atlantic and your guide slides open the car window to let seawind carry the smell of frying fish and mint. Over the next ten days the landscape will change like chapters — coastal boulevards, blue alleys clinging to the Rif, Roman stones dressed in morning dust, cedar forests where macaques argue from the branches, and finally the dunes of Merzouga rising like an ocean of sand.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Expect long drives
Several full-day transfers (including an 8-hour crossing to Merzouga) are part of the itinerary — bring neck support and plan for breaks.
Layer for temperature swings
Desert mornings can be near-freezing in winter while afternoons warm rapidly; pack light insulating layers.
Cash for souks and tips
Small vendors and some remote services accept only cash — carry Moroccan dirhams for purchases, tea, and tipping guides.
Shoes for medinas and dunes
Sturdy walking shoes for cobbles and a pair of sandals for the camp and village visits will keep you comfortable.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Barbary macaque (Middle Atlas cedar forests)
- Fennec fox and desert birds around the Merzouga dunes
History
The route links Morocco’s medieval and imperial eras — Roman Volubilis and the Marinid foundations of Fez connect to caravan-era ksour that shaped Saharan trade.
Conservation
Water is scarce across southern Morocco; support local economies by buying regional products and follow guides’ directions to avoid disturbing fragile dune systems and oases.
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Adventure Hotspots in Casablanca
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sturdy walking shoes
Good grip for cobbled medina streets and rocky canyon trails.
Light insulating layer or fleece
Useful for cool desert mornings and evenings.
fall specific
Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, SPF)
Long sun exposure across plains and dunes makes protection vital.
summer specific
Small daypack with water reservoir
Keeps water, camera, and layers handy during walking tours and desert treks.
spring specific