TRAVEL GUIDE
Morocco
10 days from the Sahara dunes to the blue streets of Chefchaouen
10 Days
Moderate
Quick Facts
Trip Length
10 Days
Difficulty
Moderate
Destinations
Morocco
Key Statistics
10 days total · 7 cities covered · ~1,600km driven · 1 desert camp under the stars · 2 mountain passes crossed · countless glasses of mint tea.
Who This Trip Is For
You’re a good fit if…
You don't mind long driving days if the stops in between are worth it. You want a real mix of landscapes, from deserts and mountains to medinas and the coast, all in a single trip. You're comfortable staying flexible in case a road closure or border town changes your route.
Consider modifying or avoiding if…
You want a slower trip that stays in one place for several days. This route moves to a new city every day or two. You'll also need to be comfortable with long stretches of driving through remote areas. If you're traveling during Ramadan, expect quieter days and some restaurants to close until sunset.
Route Overview
This loop starts and ends in Marrakech, taking you south through the High Atlas Mountains to the kasbahs of Ait Ben Haddou. From there, you'll continue into the Sahara Desert for a night under the stars before heading north to Fes. The route then winds through the blue streets of Chefchaouen, down the Atlantic coast through Rabat, and back to Marrakech for a final day exploring the souks.
Route Steps
Fly into Marrakech and settle in for the night. Cross the High Atlas Mountains, stopping at Ait Ben Haddou. Continue into the Sahara for a night in a desert camp near Merzouga. Push north to Fes, then on to the blue medina of Chefchaouen. Loop back down the coast through Rabat to Marrakech for souks and a final night.
Before You Go
Book your Sahara camp and rental car well in advance, especially during peak season. Bring cash, as many riads, guides, and smaller restaurants don't accept cards. If you're traveling during Ramadan, expect quieter days and livelier evenings, with some restaurants staying closed until sunset.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
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Day 1
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Day 1
Crossing the High Atlas to Ait Ben Haddou
Left Marrakech early and spent the morning climbing through the High Atlas Mountains before dropping down to the kasbahs of Ait Ben Haddou.
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The switchback mountain road, and golden hour light on the kasbah's mud-brick towers.
Ait Ben Haddou, Morocco
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Day 2
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Day 2
Into the Sahara
A long drive east to Merzouga, then a camel or 4x4 transfer into the dunes to a desert camp for the night.
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elev. loss
Camel silhouettes at sunset, and a genuinely dark sky full of stars after dinner.
Merzouga, Morocco
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Day 3
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Day 3
Fes to the Blue Streets of Chefchaouen
A long drive north to Fes, then on to the blue-washed medina of Chefchaouen the next afternoon.
Distance
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elev. loss
Walking Chefchaouen's blue medina in the quiet of early morning, before the day-trippers arrive.
Chefchaouen, Morocco
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No itinerary days added yet.
Getting There & Around
Renting a car is the easiest way to complete this route. Trains and buses connect the major cities, but places like Ait Ben Haddou, the Sahara camp, and many mountain roads are much easier to reach by car. Avoid driving through the Atlas passes after dark, and try to plan mountain driving during daylight hours.
Food & Water
Stick to bottled water outside the major cities. Tagines and fresh bread are available almost everywhere, and the best meals are often found in small local spots rather than tourist restaurants. Mint tea is served constantly, so don't be surprised if you're offered a glass almost everywhere you go.
Gear & Packing List
Layers & Clothing
Daily Carry
Documents & Extras
Camera & Creator Notes
From the director
Notes & tips
The Sahara camp is one of the highlights of the trip, so arrive before sunset if you want the best light. Stay out after dark for incredible night skies. Bring an ND filter for the harsh midday sun, and expect to spend plenty of time stopping for photos along the way.
Budget Summary
Expect to spend roughly $900-$1,200 for an 8-day trip, excluding international flights. That includes around $250 for domestic flights, about $200 for a rental car, roughly $150 for fuel and tolls, around $150 for a Sahara camp, and $400-$500 for riads and hotels throughout the trip.
Safety & Difficulty
This is primarily a road trip, not a trekking expedition. The biggest challenges are long driving days, winding mountain roads, and keeping an eye on your belongings in busy medinas. If you're traveling solo, especially as a woman, consider hiring a driver or joining a small group for the desert portion of the trip.
Alternatives & Contingencies
If the Atlas passes are closed due to weather, taking the coastal route through Essaouira is a great alternative. If Sahara camp availability is limited, consider visiting the dunes near Zagora instead. It's a shorter experience but still well worth it.
Personal Review
Ki’s take
Morocco was one of the countries that surprised me the most! Some parts of the trip were definitely uncomfortable (like moving through sandstorms or having to challenge meals that you're not used to) but it's safe to say I came out of it feeling like a changed person! Such a beautiful country with so many different landscapes to see as well.
AI Personalization Prompt
Using this Morocco guide as a base, help me adjust the itinerary for [your trip length] with a focus on [photography / food / relaxation]. My budget is [budget] and I'm traveling with [who]. Suggest which days to trim or extend.
Ready to start planning?
This guide is Kiely’s personal account. Every route was walked, every hotel was stayed in.
Kiely Mizumoto
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