Explore Morocco’s Desert: Best Desert Tours from Casablanca
Author:
Alyssa Faraji
Published:
Embark on an unforgettable adventure from the bustling city of Casablanca and uncover the hidden gems of the Moroccan desert. With diverse tour options, immerse yourself in Berber culture, marvel at breathtaking landscapes, and create lasting memories on a once-in-a-lifetime journey.
Top 5 Short Casablanca Tours in the Desert (1-3 days)
Here, we present the top 5 short Casablanca desert tours that span between 1 to 3 days, offering you an opportunity to explore the enchanting Moroccan desert without consuming too much of your time.
Erg Chebbi Dunes: A One-Day Tour
The Erg Chebbi dunes are a must-visit destination for those seeking an authentic desert experience. Located near the town of Merzouga, these majestic dunes are the perfect spot for a one-day tour from Casablanca. As you journey to the dunes, you will pass through breathtaking landscapes, including the Middle Atlas Mountains and the lush Ziz Valley.
Once you reach the dunes, you can take part in various activities such as camel trekking, sandboarding, or simply enjoying the magical sunset. To make the most of your trip, consider staying overnight in a traditional Berber camp under the starlit sky.
Zagora Desert: A Two-Day Tour
For a more immersive desert experience, the Zagora Desert is an excellent choice for a two-day tour from Casablanca. The journey to the desert involves traversing the magnificent High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka pass and visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Aït Benhaddou, an ancient fortified village.
Upon reaching the desert, you can embark on a camel trek to a Berber camp, where you will spend the night. The following day, witness a breathtaking sunrise before heading back to Casablanca.
Agafay Desert: A One-Day Tour
Situated just 30 kilometres from Marrakech, the Agafay Desert is a fantastic option for those with limited time. A one-day tour from Casablanca will take you through the diverse landscapes of the Marrakech countryside, stopping at various Berber villages along the way.
The Agafay Desert offers a unique experience with its moon-like landscape of stone and sand. Once there, you can partake in activities such as camel riding, quad biking or simply relax and take in the striking scenery.
Merzouga and Todra Gorges: A Three-Day Tour
A three-day tour from Casablanca to the Merzouga desert and Todra Gorges allows you to explore the best of Morocco’s desert landscapes. On the first day, journey through the Middle Atlas Mountains, stopping at the town of Midelt before reaching the stunning Todra Gorges. Spend the night at a hotel in the Dades Valley.
The following day, continue to Merzouga and the Erg Chebbi dunes for a camel trek and an overnight stay at a Berber camp. On the third day, make your way back to Casablanca, passing through the Draa Valley and the city of Ouarzazate.
Ouzoud Waterfalls and Bin El Ouidane: A Two-Day Tour
For those who prefer a mix of desert and lush landscapes, a two-day tour from Casablanca to the Ouzoud Waterfalls and Bin El Ouidane is an ideal choice. The first day entails visiting the Ouzoud Waterfalls, the highest in North Africa, where you can take a dip in the refreshing pools or hike around the area.
The second day involves a trip to the Bin El Ouidane reservoir and a visit to a traditional Berber village. The combination of desert and verdant landscapes provides a unique experience that showcases the diverse beauty of Morocco.
Top 5 Medium Casablanca Desert Tours (4-6 days)
or travellers who have a little more time to spare, medium-length desert tours ranging from 4 to 6 days provide a more in-depth experience of Morocco’s diverse landscapes and rich culture. Here, we present the top 5 medium Casablanca desert tours that allow you to discover the beauty of the Moroccan desert while also exploring other captivating aspects of the country.
The Classic Imperial Cities and Sahara Tour: 4 Days
This four-day tour combines the best of Morocco’s imperial cities with the majestic Sahara Desert. Begin your journey in Casablanca and visit the iconic Hassan II Mosque before heading to Rabat, the capital city, to explore the Royal Palace and Kasbah of the Udayas.
Next, make your way to Meknes and Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before arriving in the ancient city of Fes. On the fourth day, travel to the Merzouga Desert, where you can enjoy a camel trek and an overnight stay in a Berber camp.
Grand Southern Morocco and Desert Tour: 5 Days
Explore the stunning landscapes and vibrant cultures of southern Morocco on this five-day tour from Casablanca. Journey through the High Atlas Mountains and visit the fortified village of Aït Benhaddou before reaching the desert town of Ouarzazate.
Continue to the Draa Valley, which boasts picturesque palm groves and ancient kasbahs. The highlight of the tour is the Erg Chegaga dunes, where you will embark on a camel trek and spend the night in a traditional desert camp. On the way back to Casablanca, explore the coastal city of Essaouira and its charming medina.
Fes, Sahara Desert and Marrakech Adventure: 6 Days
This six-day tour offers the perfect blend of cultural exploration and desert adventure. Begin in Casablanca and travel to Fes, where you can spend a day discovering the city’s rich history and architectural gems. From Fes, journey to the Merzouga Desert, passing through the Middle Atlas Mountains and the scenic Ziz Valley.
After a camel trek and overnight stay in a Berber camp, continue to the Todra Gorges and Dades Valley for some stunning natural scenery. The tour concludes in Marrakech, where you can explore the vibrant medina and famous landmarks like the Koutoubia Mosque and Bahia Palace.
Atlantic Coast and Sahara Desert Tour: 5 Days
Discover the beauty of Morocco’s Atlantic coast and desert landscapes on this five-day tour from Casablanca. Visit the coastal cities of El Jadida, known for its Portuguese influence, and Essaouira, with its historic medina and vibrant arts scene.
The tour then takes you inland to Marrakech before venturing to the Agafay Desert for a unique desert experience. On the way back to Casablanca, stop at the enchanting Ourika Valley in the High Atlas Mountains.
Desert, Mountains and Berber Villages Morocco Tours: 6 Days
Experience the diverse landscapes and culture of Morocco on this six-day tour from Casablanca. Travel to the Middle Atlas Mountains and visit the charming town of Ifrane, often referred to as the “Switzerland of Morocco”. Continue to the Merzouga Desert and Erg Chebbi dunes for a camel trek and overnight stay in a Berber camp.
Next, journey to the High Atlas Mountains and spend two days exploring the traditional Berber villages of the region, such as Aït Ben Haddou and Telouet. As you immerse yourself in the local culture, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about the Berber way of life and participate in traditional activities like bread-making and carpet weaving.
A Morocco tour from Casablanca offers an opportunity to experience the authentic Moroccan culture. The tour will take you through the heart of Morocco, where you will witness the rich culture and traditions of the Moroccan people.
You will visit the bustling markets, known as souks, where you can interact with the locals and purchase traditional handicrafts, spices, and textiles and stop in a Sahara Camp.
Explore the Stunning Sahara Desert
One of the main highlights of a desert tour from Casablanca is the opportunity to explore the stunning Sahara Desert. You will embark on a thrilling adventure through the desert, where you will witness the breathtaking landscapes, including the towering sand dunes and the vast expanse of the desert.
You can also take a camel ride through the desert and experience the traditional way of traveling through the desert.
Get to Know the Friendly Berber People
During your Morocco tour from Casablanca, you will have the opportunity to get to know the friendly Berber people. The Berbers are the indigenous people of Morocco, and they have a unique culture and traditions that are worth experiencing.
You will visit Berber villages and interact with the locals, where you can learn about their way of life, customs, and traditions.
Tips for Booking a Morocco Desert Tour from Casablanca
Choose a Reputable Tour Operator
When booking a Morocco desert tour from Casablanca, it is important to choose a reputable tour operator. Look for a company that has been in business for several years and has a good reputation.
Check if the company is registered with the Moroccan Ministry of Tourism and has a valid license. A reputable tour operator will provide you with a detailed itinerary, clear pricing, and excellent customer service.
Check Reviews and Ratings
Before booking a Morocco desert tour, it is essential to check reviews and ratings from previous customers. You can find reviews on the tour operator’s website, social media, or travel review websites. L
Look for reviews that mention the quality of the tour, the professionalism of the tour guides, and the overall experience. If the tour operator has mostly positive reviews and high ratings, it is a good sign that you will have a great experience.
Ask About Inclusions and Exclusions
When booking a Morocco tour, it is essential to ask about inclusions and exclusions. Inclusions are the activities, meals, and accommodations that are included in the tour price, while exclusions are the activities, meals, and accommodations that are not included in the tour price.
Make sure you understand what is included and what is not included in the tour price. Some tour operators may offer optional activities that you can add to your itinerary for an additional fee, most should be included in a private desert tour.
Private tours should offer a twist of luxury and give you access to areas not always available on a group tour or when travelling on your own. A private Morocco tour can be expensive but a little luxury on your Casablanca itinerary.
FAQs on Casablanca tours
What is the closest desert to Casablanca?
The closest desert to Casablanca is the Agafay Desert. Located approximately 30 kilometres southwest of Marrakech and about 200 kilometres from Casablanca, the Agafay Desert is easily accessible and offers a unique desert experience.
Although not a typical sandy desert, the Agafay Desert’s rocky and arid landscape provides a stark contrast to the vibrant city of Casablanca, making it an ideal destination for a short day trip or an overnight adventure in a traditional Berber camp.
How do you get from Casablanca to Sahara Desert?
To get from Casablanca to the Sahara Desert, you have a few options, including organised tours, private car hire, or public transport. The most popular and hassle-free way is to book an organised tour (private tour or group tour) with a reputable company like Enjoy Desert Tours that will take care of all the logistics, including transportation, accommodation, and activities in the desert.
