A practical 5-day Morocco itinerary from Casablanca to Marrakech, with the Sahara included, distances, tips and how to adapt it.
Written by the Highlights Morocco Tours team in Marrakech
The short answer
A 5-day Morocco itinerary can run from Casablanca to Marrakech through Chefchaouen, Fes, a night in a Sahara desert camp at Merzouga, the Dades Valley and Ait Ben Haddou. It covers a lot of road, so it suits travellers who want the highlights in a short time. You can also do it in reverse, from Marrakech to Casablanca.
Five days is short for Morocco, but it can work if you accept long driving days and you choose the route carefully. This itinerary links the north, the imperial city of Fes, the Sahara and the south in one line, without repeating roads.
It is a typical route, not a fixed script. At Highlights Morocco Tours we build it around your dates and pace, and we can reverse it, shorten it or add a night to slow it down. If you have more time, our 7-day and 10-day itineraries give you a calmer pace.
The 5-day Morocco itinerary at a glance
| Day | Route | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Casablanca to Chefchaouen | Leave Casablanca after seeing the Hassan II Mosque and drive north to Chefchaouen, the blue mountain town of the Rif. Walk its lanes in the evening. |
| Day 2 | Chefchaouen to Fes | Enjoy the blue streets in the morning, then continue to Fes and settle in for the evening. |
| Day 3 | Fes to Merzouga | Drive south through Ifrane, the Middle Atlas and the Ziz Valley to the Erg Chebbi dunes. Ride a camel at sunset and sleep in a desert camp. |
| Day 4 | Merzouga to the Dades Valley | Watch the sunrise, then drive past the Todra Gorges to the Dades Valley, with its rock formations and kasbahs. |
| Day 5 | Dades Valley to Marrakech | Visit Ait Ben Haddou, cross the High Atlas by the Tizi n'Tichka pass and arrive in Marrakech. |
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Day by day
Day 1: Casablanca to Chefchaouen
Leave Casablanca after seeing the Hassan II Mosque and drive north to Chefchaouen, the blue mountain town of the Rif. Walk its lanes in the evening. See more: Casablanca to Chefchaouen.
Day 2: Chefchaouen to Fes
Enjoy the blue streets in the morning, then continue to Fes and settle in for the evening. See more: Chefchaouen to Fes.
Day 3: Fes to Merzouga
Drive south through Ifrane, the Middle Atlas and the Ziz Valley to the Erg Chebbi dunes. Ride a camel at sunset and sleep in a desert camp. See more: Fes to Merzouga.
Day 4: Merzouga to the Dades Valley
Watch the sunrise, then drive past the Todra Gorges to the Dades Valley, with its rock formations and kasbahs. See more: Merzouga to the Dades Valley.
Day 5: Dades Valley to Marrakech
Visit Ait Ben Haddou, cross the High Atlas by the Tizi n'Tichka pass and arrive in Marrakech. See more: Dades Valley to Marrakech.
Best time to follow this itinerary
| Season | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Spring (March to May) | Warm days and mild nights. One of the best seasons for the whole route. |
| Summer (June to August) | Very hot in Marrakech, the desert and Fes. The coast and the mountains are cooler. |
| Autumn (September to November) | Warm days, cooler nights, another very good season. |
| Winter (December to February) | Mild days, cold nights, especially in the desert. Quiet season with fewer crowds. |
Ramadan dates change every year and can affect opening hours and transport. Tell us when you plan to travel and we adapt the plan.
Tips for this itinerary
- Distances are long. Plan the longest days for the road and keep museum visits for the shorter ones.
- Bring light layers and a warm jacket for the desert night, and modest clothes for villages and religious sites.
- Carry some dirham in cash for markets, drinks and tips.
- Stay in riads in the medinas: they are part of the experience.
- Tell us if you want to slow down: we can add nights or remove a city.
Ready to plan your Morocco trip?
Send us your dates and we reply with a free, no-obligation quote.
5-day Morocco itinerary: frequently asked questions
Is 5 days enough for Morocco?
Five days is enough to see the highlights, but it means long days on the road. With one or two more days you get a much more relaxed trip. We can show you a 7-day or a 10-day option.
What is the best 5-day Morocco itinerary?
A popular 5-day itinerary goes Casablanca, Chefchaouen, Fes, Merzouga, the Dades Valley, Ait Ben Haddou and Marrakech. It avoids repeating the same road and includes a night in the Sahara.
Does the 5-day itinerary include the Sahara?
Yes. It includes a night in a desert camp at Merzouga, with a camel ride at sunset in the Erg Chebbi dunes.
Can I change the cities in the itinerary?
Yes. We tailor the route to your dates and interests. We organise tours from Marrakech, Casablanca, Fes, Rabat, Tangier and Errachidia.
How much driving is there on a 5-day Morocco tour?
Distances in Morocco are long. We plan stops for lunch and rest, and we can add nights to slow down.
Is a private tour better than a group tour?
A private tour with a driver and a local guide saves time on long distances and in the medinas, and you can change the route as you go. We only run private tours.
How much does a 5-day Morocco tour cost?
The price depends on your dates, the number of travellers, the accommodation and the cities. We quote on request, and quotes are free and come with no obligation.
How do I book a 5-day Morocco itinerary with Highlights Morocco Tours?
Send us your dates and number of travellers with the contact form, by WhatsApp or by email. We reply with a free, no-obligation quote and, when you are happy with it, we confirm the booking.
Plan your Morocco itinerary with us
Tell us your dates, who is travelling and what you would like to see. We reply with a free, no-obligation quote.
