Casablanca in 6 Days for Friends - Explore the Ourika Valley and Lalla Takerkoust near Marrakech
In Collaboration with Morocco Travel Shara. Updated on February 14, 2026.
6 Days tour from Casablanca to Marrakech, Best Morocco tour from Casablanca including a visit to Rabat, Fes, Ifrane, Ziz Valley, Sahara Desert and much more. Private transport, local guide in Fes, hotel/riad pickup and breakfasts included. Lunch, drinks and monument entrance fees excluded.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Morocco Travel Shara, inspired by the tour Private 6 Days Desert Tour from Casablanca to Marrakech. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Explore the Ourika Valley and Lalla Takerkoust near Marrakech
- Visit Rabat and the imperial city of Fes
- Cross Ifrane and the Middle Atlas landscapes
- Drive the Ziz Valley to reach the Sahara dunes at Merzouga (Erg Chebbi)
- Overnight experience in the Sahara and visit Dades Valley on the return
Itinerary
Day 1
Pickup from Casablanca and full-day excursion across the High Atlas foothills to the Ourika Valley area; follows the agenda items provided (Lalla Takerkoust, Moulay Brahim, Tahanaout, Siti Fatma / Ourika). End the day with arrival and check-in in Marrakech.
Pickup in Casablanca
Private vehicle and driver meet you at your Casablanca hotel or Mohammed V Airport and begin the transfer toward the Marrakech/Ourika region.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm exact pickup location (hotel name or terminal) the evening before departure.
- Keep passports and any travel documents easily accessible for brief stops at checkpoints.
- Pack a small day bag with water and sun protection for outdoor stops during the day.
Lalla Takerkoust (artificial lake)
Visit Lalla Takerkoust dam and lake for lakeside views and a rest stop at the water's edge surrounded by High Atlas foothills.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring a light jacket—mornings near the lake can be breezy even in spring.
- There are small food stalls nearby; carry local currency for snacks and tea.
- Use the car park area as a meeting point if the group splits for photos or short walks.
Moulay Brahim plateau & panoramic views
Drive through cereal fields and Berber villages to Moulay Brahim for panoramic views of the Toubkal massif and surrounding Berber countryside.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear comfortable walking shoes for short viewpoint trails; surfaces can be uneven.
- Carry a hat and sunscreen—the plateau gets strong sun in spring afternoons.
- Respect local villages: ask before photographing people and their homes.
Tahanaout & route toward the Ourika Valley
Pass through Tahanaout and follow the mountain road toward the Ourika valley, watching changing colors of red earth and green terraces along Oued Ourika.
Tips from local experts:
- Keep hydration available—mountain roads can be hot when sun is strong.
- Expect short roadside stops for photos; stay with the vehicle and follow the guide's instructions.
- If you have motion sensitivity, sit where you feel most comfortable for winding roads.
Siti Fatma / Ourika 7 waterfalls area
Visit the village of Siti Fatma, the gateway to the Ourika valley waterfalls; short hikes to the first waterfalls are possible (time permitting). Return to Marrakech at the end of the day.
Tips from local experts:
- If planning to walk to waterfalls, bring sturdy shoes and expect rocky paths.
- Carry small change for local vendors and small entry fees where applicable.
- Plan for 1–2 hours for a short waterfall walk; longer hikes require extra time and energy.
Arrival and overnight in Marrakech
Drive back to Marrakech for evening check-in. Evening free to explore the medina or rest at your accommodation.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm your riad/hotel name and approximate arrival time with the driver.
- If you plan to visit Jemaa el-Fnaa in the evening, keep valuables secure and be mindful of crowds.
- Ask the driver or guide for recommended nearby restaurants if you prefer not to walk far.
Day 2
Transfer from Marrakech region toward the Atlantic coast and imperial city of Rabat, then continue east toward Fes. Long driving day with regular stops for comfort and photos.
Depart Marrakech for Rabat (road transfer and rest stops)
Long morning transfer with planned comfort stops en route to Rabat.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring snacks and water for the long transfer; driver will stop for breaks.
- Use restroom and stretch legs at scheduled stops to avoid fatigue.
- Travel time can vary with traffic; keep flexible expectations for arrival.
Short visit: Rabat (exterior viewing and short walk)
Brief stop in Rabat to see key waterfront and imperial quarter exteriors. Time allocated for photos and a short walk.
Tips from local experts:
- This stop is a short orientation; monument entries are not included unless requested separately.
- Wear comfortable shoes for a short walk along the waterfront or kasbah exterior.
- Keep an eye on personal belongings in busier viewpoints and parking areas.
Drive Rabat toward Fes (afternoon transfer)
Continue the drive east toward Fes with evening arrival and hotel check-in in Fes.
Tips from local experts:
- Expect arrival in Fes in the early evening; plan any dinner reservations accordingly.
- If you feel travel fatigue, let the driver know; short breaks can be added.
- Keep a small light jacket—evenings in the inland plains can be cool in spring.
Arrival & overnight in Fes
Check in at your Fes accommodation. Evening free for a short walk in the medina or rest.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm your riad/hotel name and exact meeting point with your driver before arrival.
- If you plan to enter the medina in the evening, use a guide or well-lit main streets.
- Keep cash handy for small purchases in the medina; some places do not accept cards.
Day 3
Full day in and around Fes with local guide included (city orientation and transfer toward the Middle Atlas later).
Guided orientation in Fes (morning)
Local guide meets you for orientation highlights in Fes (medina exterior, key viewpoints). Note: monument entrance fees are excluded.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear comfortable shoes—the medina has narrow, uneven streets.
- Carry small change for water, small purchases, and local toilets.
- If you want entry to specific monuments, request these in advance to arrange timings and pay required fees.
Drive toward Ifrane and Middle Atlas (afternoon transfer)
Depart Fes after lunch and drive through cedar forests to the mountain town of Ifrane, known for its alpine-style architecture.
Tips from local experts:
- Expect cooler temperatures in Ifrane—bring a layer for mountain air.
- Short cedar forest stops may include viewing Barbary macaques; observe them from a distance.
- Roads through the Middle Atlas have bends—take motion-sickness precautions if needed.
Evening drive toward Midelt area (overnight)
Continue eastward after Ifrane toward the Midelt region to position for the drive through the Ziz Valley the next day.
Tips from local experts:
- Accommodation in this belt is practical for early starts; expect basic but comfortable hotels.
- If you need medication or specific food items, pick them up in Fes before departing for remote stretches.
- Charge electronic devices at the hotel—power can be limited in remote areas.
Day 4
Drive from the Midelt/Mid-Atlas area through the Ziz Valley toward the Sahara (Merzouga / Erg Chebbi). Arrive in the late afternoon for dune activities and an overnight in the desert area (dinner included).
Drive through Ziz Valley toward Merzouga
Scenic route through the Ziz Valley with panoramic viewpoints, palm groves and typical desert landscapes toward the Merzouga area.
Tips from local experts:
- Carry sunglasses and sunscreen; the valley and desert sun are strong even in spring.
- Short stops allow photos of palm groves and river oases—keep to the group schedule for transfers.
- Have some local currency available for small purchases in roadside towns along the valley.
Arrive Merzouga / Erg Chebbi and short rest
Arrival at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga. Time to rest and prepare for late-afternoon dune activities.
Tips from local experts:
- Freshen up before the camel trek; desert camps typically provide a place to change.
- If you have any neck or back issues, inform the guide before a camel ride; camels can be bumpy.
- Bring a lightweight scarf to protect face and neck from sand during dune walks or rides.
Dune walk / short camel ride and sunset (late afternoon)
Short dune walk or camel ride to watch sunset over Erg Chebbi. Evening spent near/accommodation in the desert area with dinner included.
Tips from local experts:
- Sunset is a popular time—arrive a bit early for the best viewpoints and photos.
- Wear closed shoes for dune walks to keep sand out, and bring a headscarf against windblown sand.
- Keep valuables secured; desert camps provide luggage storage but bring essentials with you.
Day 5
Depart the Merzouga/Sahara area after sunrise (optional) and travel west through desert roads toward Dades Valley. Dinner and overnight in Dades Valley area (dinner included as noted).
Sunrise option in the dunes and depart Merzouga
Optional early sunrise in the dunes (short walk or camel) then depart Merzouga after breakfast en route to Dades region.
Tips from local experts:
- Sunrise is early—confirm pickup time with your driver if you choose this option.
- Layer clothing—temperatures rise quickly after sunrise in the dunes.
- Keep your camera charged; battery drain can increase in cold mornings.
Drive Merzouga to Dades Valley (via desert roads and scenic passes)
Full transfer day across desert and atlas foothills toward Dades Valley with photo stops and short breaks.
Tips from local experts:
- This is a long driving day—take motion-sickness medication if prone to travel sickness.
- Stop frequently for short walks and to stretch; ask the driver to pause as needed.
- Purchase snacks and water in larger villages before long stretches without services.
Evening in Dades Valley (dinner and overnight)
Check in to accommodation in the Dades Valley area and enjoy an included dinner. Evening at leisure.
Tips from local experts:
- Dades Valley accommodations may be set in remote areas—confirm arrival time if delayed.
- Evenings can be cool; request extra blankets if needed.
- If you have dietary requirements, notify the host in advance when possible.
Day 6
Return drive from Dades Valley across the High Atlas toward Marrakech. End of tour in Marrakech where the tour concludes with drop-off at your Marrakech hotel or agreed city point.
Depart Dades Valley toward Marrakech (via High Atlas passes)
Morning departure with scenic mountain driving across the High Atlas, regular stops for photos and short walks where safe.
Tips from local experts:
- Road sections over the High Atlas can be winding—sit where you feel most comfortable.
- Check weather early—mountain passes can have variable conditions in spring.
- Keep your phone and camera accessible for panoramic photo stops at viewpoints.
Arrival and drop-off in Marrakech (end of tour)
Arrive in Marrakech and be dropped at your Marrakech hotel, riad or agreed city point. Tour concludes on arrival in Marrakech.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm your preferred drop-off address in Marrakech with the driver before arrival.
- If you plan to continue sightseeing in Marrakech, ask the driver for a recommended central meeting point.
- Keep local currency for any final tips or small purchases on departure.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 6 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Friends |
| Transfers | 8 |
| Restaurants | - |
| Total Activities | 13 |
| Total Places | 21 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Outdoor, Hotel, Attraction, Culture, Break, Experience |
