Travel from Casablanca through Rabat and Fes to the Sahara: Roman ruins, ancient medinas, and camel-led nights under the dunes. This multi-day private tour combines cultural immersion with desert bivouac experiences.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You arrive at Mohamed V airport and the city air shifts from Atlantic salt to sun-baked stone as the coach begins its cross-country arc. Streets of Casablanca give way to the slow, honeyed pace of Rabat and the maze of Fes, then to cedar hills and finally to the ochre sweep of the Sahara where dunes rise like slow-moving waves.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
8–11 days
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness recommended: able to tolerate long vehicle transfers, short hikes, and camel rides; not strenuous but requires mobility for uneven medina streets.
Wildlife
History
This route follows imperial centers that rose under Roman, Berber, and Islamic dynasties; Volubilis preserves Roman mosaics while Fes retains medieval craft quarters still active today.
Conservation
Desert camps and local guides increasingly prioritize low-impact practices like solar lighting and waste removal; travelers should avoid disturbing dune vegetation and pack out trash.
Reserve your spot on the Morocco Explore Imperial Cities & Sahara Desert today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Pack layers for desert nights
Temperatures can drop dramatically after sunset in Merzouga — bring a warm jacket and thermal base layer for the bivouac.
Carry local currency
ATMs exist in major towns but small villages and market vendors prefer cash; bring Moroccan dirhams for purchases and tipping.
Protect against sun and sand
Sunglasses, a wide-brim hat, and a buff or face scarf will block sun and wind during dune walks and camel transfers.
Plan for long drives
Several days feature 6–8 hour transfers — bring snacks, motion-sickness meds, and download offline maps or content.
Sturdy walking shoes
Support and traction for cobbled medina lanes and rocky viewpoints.
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
Essential for long daylight transfers and exposed desert terrain.
summer
Warm layer or down jacket
Desert nights and high-elevation passes get cold after sunset.
fall
Reusable water bottle with filter
Keeps you hydrated on long drives and reduces plastic waste.
summer