Travel Morocco from Casablanca and Marrakech to the Sahara in eight days: imperial medinas, UNESCO kasbahs, High Atlas passes and a night under desert stars. This private tour mixes guided city walks with scenic drives and an overnight in a desert camp.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Dawn finds your convoy on the Tizi n'Tichka pass, wind pushing grit across ochre switchbacks as the High Atlas drops away toward sun-baked plains. You move from slate-red mountain villages into a corridor of fortified kasbahs, then into the hollow silence of the dunes where camels steady you through rippling sand.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
8 days
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers with average fitness; long vehicle transfers with short guided walks, optional camel rides and light hikes in gorges.
Wildlife
History
The route links Morocco’s imperial cities — Marrakech, Fez, Meknes and Rabat — whose architecture reflects Berber, Arab-Andalusian and French protectorate eras; Ait Ben Haddou preserves traditional earthen architecture.
Conservation
The Sahara’s dunes are ecologically fragile and camps are moving toward low-impact practices; conserve water, avoid disturbing vegetation, and choose operators who support local communities.
Reserve your spot on the 8 Days Tour Imperial Cities and Desert today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Layer for temperature swings
Days in the sun can top 30°C while desert nights drop sharply — pack a lightweight insulating layer and a windproof shell.
Protect against the sun
Wide-brim hat, high-SPF sunscreen and sunglasses are critical for long drives and exposed dune crossings.
Carry local cash
Small vendors, market stalls and tipping are often cash-only — keep Moroccan dirham on hand for purchases and guides.
Choose comfortable footwear
Sturdy, broken-in shoes or light hiking boots will make medina alleys and rocky gorges easier on your feet.
Sturdy walking shoes
Protects feet on cobbled medina streets, rocky gorges and during short dune approaches.
Reusable water bottle with filter
Keeps you hydrated during long drives and reduces single-use plastic in fragile desert environments.
all
Sun hat and UV sunglasses
Critical for daytime exposure on the plains and when traversing dunes.
summer
Light insulating layer (fleece or down jacket)
Helps with cold desert nights and early-morning mountain passes.
winter