Sandy Beaches to Desert Dunes 8 days from Casablanca” is a travel itinerary that takes you on a captivating journey through Morocco. Starting from the vibrant city of Casablanca, this eight-day adventure offers a diverse range of experiences, from relaxing on sandy beaches to exploring the enchanting desert dunes.
The trip begins in Casablanca, where you can explore the city’s modern architecture, visit the iconic Hassan II Mosque, and immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere. From there, you’ll head towards the coastal town of Essaouira, known for its picturesque beaches, historic medina, and vibrant arts scene. You can indulge in water sports, stroll along the sandy shores, and savor delicious seafood.
Continuing your journey, you’ll venture inland to Marrakech, a city renowned for its vibrant souks, stunning palaces, and lively atmosphere. Here, you can visit the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa square, explore the colorful markets, and immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Morocco.
Casablanca,Morocco (Google Map)
8h30 From Yourt Accommodation in Casblanca
Leaving the city behind, the next destination is the stunning Atlas Mountains. You’ll have the opportunity to hike through breathtaking landscapes, visit traditional Berber villages, and witness the majestic beauty of the region.
The highlight of the trip is the Sahara Desert, where you’ll experience the magic of the dunes. You’ll embark on a camel trek, traversing the golden sands, and spend a night in a desert camp under a star-studded sky. This unique experience allows you to witness the tranquility and beauty of the desert.
Finally, you’ll make your way back to Casablanca, concluding the journey with memories of sandy beaches, bustling markets, majestic mountains, and the awe-inspiring Sahara Desert.
Overall, “Sandy Beaches to Desert Dunes 8 days from Casablanca” offers a diverse and captivating experience, combining the coastal charm of Essaouira, the cultural richness of Marrakech, the natural beauty of the Atlas Mountains, and the enchantment of the Sahara Desert.
Begin your journey with a relaxed introduction to the captivating cities of Casablanca and Marrakech. We warmly greet you at Casablanca Airport or your accommodation in the early morning. After refreshing or enjoying a delicious breakfast, embark on a tour of the exquisite Hassan II Mosque, marveling at its ornate interior and exterior. For lunch, savor a delightful meal with a view of the Atlantic Ocean on the Corniche or indulge in the ambiance of ‘Rick’s Café,’ inspired by the famous movie. Later, we will transfer you from Casablanca to Marrakech, where you will arrive in the late afternoon or early evening. The activities of the day will be tailored to your arrival arrangements. Enjoy an overnight stay in Marrakech with dinner and breakfast included.
Embark on a full-day guided tour of Marrakech’s historic and culturally significant sites. After breakfast at your accommodation, meet with a knowledgeable local Marrakech guide. Begin with a captivating walk around the Koutoubia Mosque, taking in its architectural splendor. Explore the grand Bahia Palace, once home to the Sultans’ Harem, and visit the intricately decorated Ben Youssef Madrasa. Discover the vast ruins of the El Badi Palace and the stunning Saadian Tombs adorned with mosaics. For lunch, immerse yourself in the bustling Medina or dine in the iconic Jemaa el Fnaa square. Delve into the enchanting labyrinth of souks within the Medina, offering an Aladdin’s cave of treasures. Dinner tonight is not included, giving you the flexibility to explore a city restaurant of your choice. Enjoy an overnight stay in Marrakech with breakfast included.
Embark on a scenic road trip through the majestic High Atlas Mountains. After breakfast at your accommodation, we will meet and begin our adventure. Traverse the breathtaking Tichka Pass, the highest mountain pass in North Africa, as you take in the stunning landscapes. Optionally, visit a rural Argan Oil Co-operative to learn about this valuable local product. Explore the remote kasbah of Telouet and discover the UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou, a captivating ancient fortress. Enjoy a traditional lunch in the atmospheric Ait Ben Haddou area. As you drive through the picturesque Dades Valley and charming Berber villages, take the opportunity to capture photographs and make refreshing stops along the way. Arrive in Boumaine ed-Dades in the late afternoon or early evening for an overnight stay, including dinner and breakfast.
Experience the mesmerizing beauty of glowing red gorges, Saharan villages, and the vast desert. After breakfast at your accommodation, embark on a short walking tour of the spectacular Todra Gorge, renowned worldwide for its natural splendor. Indulge in a Saharan pizza, a local specialty, for lunch in the spice market town of Rissani. Journey to the Saharan town of Merzouga, where you will meet your camel and camel guide. Enjoy an approximately one-hour camel ride into the Luxury Desert Camp, where you will witness a captivating sunset over the dunes. Optionally, climb the towering dunes for an even more breathtaking view. In the evening, experience the magic of a star-filled night, complete with campfires, a traditional dinner, live Saharan music, and warm hospitality. Overnight accommodation at the Erg Chebbi Luxury Desert Camp includes dinner and breakfast.
Embark on a spectacular journey through post-Sahara landscapes and remote mountain Berber villages. After breakfast at the desert camp, enjoy a one-hour camel ride back to Merzouga. Transfer into a comfortable 4×4 vehicle for a different route out of the Sahara, taking you along the stunning Anti-Atlas Mountain range. Visit the remote village of Nqob, known for its appearance in the film “Babel,” which featured Brad Pitt. Stop for lunch in Nqob or at a Kasbah in the Berber Carpet town of Agdz. Take a walking tour of Agdz Kasbah, offering panoramic views of the surroundings, and savor refreshing drinks from the rooftop café. Capture photographs and take additional breaks as desired during the journey. Arrive in Agdz in the mid to late afternoon for an overnight stay, including dinner and breakfast.
Discover the home of the international film industry in Morocco. After breakfast at your accommodation, optionally visit the ‘Atlas Film Studios’ to witness the magic of movie-making. Explore an herbal and spice emporium in Ouarzazate and photograph the sprawling Kasbah Taourirt. Enjoy a scenic lunch in the picturesque High Atlas Mountains. Capture photographs and make refreshing stops along the way. Arrive in Marrakech in the late afternoon or early evening for an overnight stay, including dinner and breakfast.
Experience a change of scenery as you immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the sea. After breakfast at your accommodation in Marrakech, we will meet and embark on a journey to Essaouira. Arrive in Essaouira around mid-day and visit a local fish market to select your catch of the day for lunch. Enjoy a meal prepared for you in a local restaurant or café. In the afternoon, meet with a private guide and explore the relaxed medieval Medina and vibrant souks of Essaouira. Alternatively, you may choose to spend your free time on the beautiful beach. Dinner is not included tonight, giving you the opportunity to dine at a local restaurant of your choice. Overnight accommodation in Essaouira includes breakfast.
Today’s activities will be determined by your departure flight or onward journey. Please allow sufficient time for transportation to the airport. If departing from Casablanca Airport, allow approximately six hours of travel time, plus a minimum of two and a half hours before your flight. If departing from Menara Airport in Marrakech, allow 45 minutes of travel time, plus a minimum of two and a half hours before your flight. If departing from Essaouira Airport, allow 45 minutes of travel time, plus a minimum of two and a half hours before your flight.
This is a relaxed trip that is mostly cultural exploration with a dash of activity. The camel trek, though a little uncomfortable, is easy and fun for most travelers. Any other hiking is optional and entirely up to whether you want to join or not.
you’ll stay in a beautiful riad – a traditional Moroccan house with an interior garden or courtyard. The exact riad you stay in will be confirmed nearer the time based on availability and group size. All are chosen for their excellent reputation, location, beautiful decor, and welcoming service.
The Berber camp provides permanent carpeted tents with beds, or, if you prefer, blankets for sleeping under the stars.
Sure But you will pay the Total of 2 people if there is no more Bookings.
The desert can get quite hot, with daytime temperatures averaging 15 – 40°C from March to October, and 5 – 20°C from November to February. Nighttime temperatures drop significantly and can even approach freezing in the winter. As much as 10mm of rain can fall in any month, particularly from October to January, but generally the desert is dry.
In the summer (June, July, August), daytime temperatures have been known to approach 45°C on occasions in the desert and in the towns and cities on this trip, so please ensure that you come prepared with sun protection, light and airy clothing and electrolytes/rehydration solutions if travelling at this time of year. If it becomes unsafe to camp in the desert due to extreme summer temperatures, your host will accommodate you in a nearby hotel instead.
our trip is led by carefully curated local hosts and expert guides. See here for more info about the guides we work with.
