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10, 12 & 14 Days In Morocco Itinerary From Marrakech (Epic!)

By Jessie Festa | Updated on May 27, 2026

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Are you dreaming of the perfect Morocco itinerary but feel overwhelmed by all the options?

You’re in the right place!

I’m recently back from this beautiful country, where I spent my days wandering ancient medinas, climbing 500-foot Saharan sand dunes, and trekking through the High Atlas mountains — including summiting Mount Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa!

When planning your Morocco trip, you’ll quickly realize there are endless possibilities. Luckily, with 10+ days in the country, you can pack a lot in.

To help you narrow it down, I’ve designed a completely modular 14-day itinerary that you can easily customize to fit your schedule and interests. I’ve also shared exactly how I would adjust this route for 10 or 12 days, as well as the perfect non-hiking swap if you’d prefer the ocean over the altitude.

On that note, keep reading to learn how to spend 10, 12, or 14 unforgettable days in Morocco!

✈️ Short on time? Here are some quick recommendations:

🚗 Tour Company/Driver: Toubkal Guide
🎉 Best Days Tours:
–3-Hour Walking Food Tour (Marrakech)
–Souk Tour and Traditional Home Cooking Class (Fes)
–Merzouga Dunes: Private Quad & Sandboarding Adventure (Sahara)
📲 eSIM: Airalo
☔️ Travel Insurance: SafetyWing (with the “Adventure Sports” add-on if you’re summiting Mount Toubkal)
✨ Free Planning Resources: Get my free Travel Planning Toolkit with budget calculator, Google Maps, planning cheat sheets, and more

Table of Contents

Morocco Travel Logistics

Where is Morocco?

Morocco is located in the northwestern corner of Africa where the Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Sahara Desert meet. It is the westernmost country in North Africa and is separated from Spain by only 8 miles (13 kilometers) across the Strait of Gibraltar.

Getting to Morocco

Most international travelers arrive to Morocco via the Casablanca Mohamed V International Airport (CMN) of the Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK), with Royal Air Maroc offering direct flights between Casablanca and major hubs like New York and Montreal.

If you are coming from Europe, you can find many affordable flights, or even take a high-speed ferry across the Strait of Gibraltar from Algeciras, Spain into Tangier, Morocco.

An eye-level shot capturing a vibrant alleyway shop in the Marrakech Medina, Morocco, filled with traditional handicrafts. The cobblestone pathway leads past an open-front storefront with pink stucco walls and a black-and-white checkered tile floor inside, its shelves tightly packed with colorful ceramics, cups, and pottery. Hanging prominently around the doorway and a neighboring wooden pillar are numerous hand-woven decorative baskets and platters showcasing bold, geometric star patterns in neon pink, green, blue, yellow, and red. In the right foreground, several glazed ceramic tagines adorned with painted details sit on a draped woven blanket, while a glimpse of a woodworking shop with wooden utensils is visible down the narrow corridor in the background.
Wandering the Marrakech Medina. Photo via Jessie Festa.

Getting around Morocco

🚊 Train. For traveling between major hubs like Casablanca, Fes, and Marrakech, the ONCF train network can be a more budget-friendly way to get around, though many reviews note that it is uncomfortable and unclean. For the itinerary I’ve laid out below, it’ll be much easier to rent a car or have a private driver.

Note: Their official website is currently not working, but you can view train schedules here.

🚌 Bus. For major hubs as well as destinations not reached by train like Essaouira and Chefchaouen, the CTM and Supratours bus lines can be a comfortable option with reclining seats and air conditioning.

🚗 Ride share. While there are no Ubers in Morocco, you can use the InDrive app to book rideshare services.

🚕 Taxis. In Morocco, there are Petit Taxis, which travel within city limits, and Grand Taxis, which can travel farther distances beyond city limits. With Grand Taxis, you can choose to pay for one seat and wait for the car to fill up, or buy out all six seats to have a private car.

🚘 Rent a car. Driving in Morocco is generally considered safe for confident and experienced drivers. Just remember you’ll first need to get an International Driving Permit from AAA. You can use Discover Cars to quickly compare your rental options and save up to 70%!

🚖 Private driver. This is how I got around Morocco, and how I recommend you get around for this itinerary, as the route isn’t easy to do via public transportation. I hired a fantastic driver named Ibrahim via Toubkal Guide.

📍Tour Company. Toubkal Guide also organized my entire trip. I used their services for 10 days of the itinerary. For 2 people, it cost $1,800 per person, which included hiking guides, trekking permits, drivers, accommodation (including private riads outside of the hike), most meals, and more.

A high-angle panoramic view overlooking a winding mountain pass and a terraced village in Morocco's High Atlas Mountains. In the foreground, a steep slope of reddish-brown dirt and rocks is densely dotted with green juniper trees and shrubs. Below, a small mountain village of traditional earthen houses clusters along a dirt road adjacent to vibrant green, stepped agricultural terraces built into the hillside. In the distance, layers of arid mountain ridges roll toward a horizon where a thick blanket of low white clouds settles into the valleys, with a few faint, snow-capped peaks rising above the cloud line under an overcast sky.
Gorgeous views while hiking in Morocco’s High Atlas Mountains. Photo via Jessie Festa.

Morocco Itinerary Overview & Map

Here is a quick overview of the stops on this Moroccan itinerary:

  • Marrakech (2 nights)
  • Ousertik Valley (1 night)
  • Imnane Valley (1 night)
  • Imlil (1 night)
  • Mount Toubkal Refuge (1 night)
  • Mount Toubkal Summit + Return To Imlil (1 night)
  • Dadès Gorge (1 night)
  • Merzouga, Sahara Desert (2 nights)
  • Fes (2 nights)
  • Casablanca (1 night)

To help give you a lay of the land, this Morocco travel map has everything pre-plotted:

🥾 Route Note: This specific route includes a 5-day trekking circuit through the High Atlas Mountains (Stops #2-6). It’s an epic hike that gives you a chance to see some of Morocco’s most stunning scenery, stay in remote Berber villages, and visit places most tourists miss.

If you aren’t a hiker, don’t worry—you can easily swap these days for more time in Marrakech or Fes, or a coastal trip to Essaouira, which I outlined below.

Detailed 14-Day Morocco Itinerary

📍Stop #1) Marrakech (2 Nights)

About Marrakech

Known as the ‘Red City’ or ‘Ochre City’ due to the reddish color of its buildings and ancient ramparts, Marrakech (also spelled Marrakesh) is where history blends with modern civilization. You can visit museums and art galleries, stay at luxury hotels, and unwind in luxe spas, as well as walk the narrow alleys of the 11th-century walled medina, passing stalls of silk and spices and discovering hidden courtyard gardens.

Things to do in Marrakech

🚶‍♀️Tip: All of these attractions aside from the Jardin Majorelle complex are within the walkable Medina.

Walk the Medina. Dating back to 1070, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is the historic, walled part of the city. Strolling through the open-air and covered alleys, your senses will be hit by so many sounds, smells, and sights from vendors selling food, beauty products, clothing, souvenirs, and more. These winding roads eventually lead to Jemaa el-Fnaa, the next attraction on the list.

A man wearing a traditional plaid djellaba robe and a red fez hat walks down a narrow covered alley in the Marrakech Medina. Hanging brass lamps and lanterns line the shops on the left, while clothing racks with textiles and robes line the right.
Walking the Marrakech Medina. Photo via Jessie Festa.

Visit Jemaa el-Fnaa. This main square is chaotic, loud — and so much fun! You’ll see sellers, food stalls, buskers, and more. While you should definitely walk through it, I also recommend grabbing a mint tea at one of the many rooftop terraces overlooking the square to take it all in.

🚨IMPORTANT: Do not take tourist photos with snakecharmers or monkeys. These animals are typically treated very poorly and you’ll be creating demand for experiences that promote animal cruelty.

Fill up on a food tour. I booked this 3-Hour Walking Food Tour, and can honestly say I have never eaten so much on a tour! There were easily over 15 items sampled, from filling sandwiches, Moroccan stuffed pancakes (msemen), and harira soup to lighter bites like local yogurt, olives, and cookies — not to mention the excursion ended with dinner.

Along the way, my guide, Hanyn, shared history and culture to help us better understand the place we were exploring.

Fellow vegetarians, feel confident knowing Hanyn and his team will make sure you have plenty to eat!

A plate of folded Moroccan msemen pancakes cut into pieces on a decorative floral plate. In the background, two small glasses of mint tea sit on a metal tray on top of a green and yellow tiled table.
Trying msemen (Moroccan pancakes with filling) on a Marrakech food tour. Photo via Jessie Festa.

Bahia Palace. If you’re short on time, put this attraction at the top of your itinerary. Built in the late 19th century, it was intended to be the greatest palace of its time and is known for its beautiful tilework and the painted ceilings.

Ben Youssef Medersa. Dating back to the 14th century and later rebuilt in the 1560s, this was once the largest Islamic college in North Africa, housing up to 800 students. The architecture, central pool, and intricate carvings are incredible, and upstairs you can explore the former student dormitories and get an aerial view over the courtyard.

⭐️ Tip: See both attractions with a licensed guide on a Bahia Palace, Madrasa Ben Youssef, Souks & Medina Tour — which also includes bonus stops like the Koutoubia Mosque and the Mellah (Marrakech’s former Jewish quarter).

The inner courtyard of Ben Youssef Medersa in Marrakech, featuring a large, rectangular shallow reflection pool lined with green and white checkerboard tiles. Tourists wander around the white marble courtyard floor, looking at the towering walls adorned with intricate stucco carvings, geometric wood detailing, and colorful mosaic tilework. Arched doorways, carved pillars, and small upper-floor dormitory windows overlook the central pool under a bright sky.
Central courtyard of Ben Youssef Medersa. Photo via Jessie Festa.

Explore local Marrakech museums. There are so many cultural and historical instituions to visit, like:

  • Maison de la Photographie de Marrakech (House of Photography), which features historical photos of Morocco from 1870 to 1950. It’s very close to the Ben Youssef Medersa too! Price: 80 MAD.
  • Musée de Mouassine (Museum of Mouassine Music) sharing traditional instruments, films on music culture, and live performances. Price: Included with your House of Photography ticket.
  • Musée de l’Élégance Marocaine (Museum of Moroccan Elegance) showcasing 13 centuries of clothing traditions — including 200 miniature costumers, plus a lovely panoramic rooftop. Price: 50 MAD.

Jardin Majorelle, Yves Saint Laurent Museum, and Pierre Bergé Museum of Berber Arts. This complex is famous for its bright ‘Majorelle Blue’ Art Deco villa and a massive collection of desert plants from five continents. You’ll also be able to see how Marrakech’s colors influenced YSL’s fashion designs and view over 600 traditional artifacts in the Berber Museum. Important: You should book this in advance, as it sells out!

Le Jardin Secret (The Secret Garden). While smaller than Jardin Majorelle, this 16th century palace complex is beautiful and more convenient in terms of location (it’s right in the Medina) and availability (no need to book in advance). It features an Exotic Garden with plants from across the globe and a traditional Islamic Garden designed to represent paradise.

An elevated, wide-angle view of Le Jardin Secret courtyard in Marrakech under an overcast sky. A long path made of green zellij tiles leads directly to a large, open-air wooden gazebo with a green-shingled octagonal roof where a few tourists are standing. Lush greenery, manicured hedges, and mature olive and citrus trees fill the gardens on both sides of the path. In the background, sand-colored medina walls, palm trees, and a distant mosque minaret are visible.
The Secret Garden in Marrakech. Photo via Jessie Festa.

Where to eat

Jemaa el-Fnaa food stalls. There are many to choose from in Marrakech’s main square, all offering a budget-friendly meal. Personally, I had a delicious vegetable couscous at Chez Hassan (Stall #47)!

Dabachi Chez Cherif. This was recommended by my riad, and it was a great spot to enjoy a delicious tagine and some harira soup while people-watching in the Medina. While eating, I was even entertained by fire dancers.

L’mida. For something upscale and delicious, this rooftop serves modern Morrocan fusion dishes made with local ingredients like Tanjia Ravioli, Gnocchi Berber, or the Miso and Harissa Coleslaw paired with Atlas Mountains views.

A large plate of vegetable couscous topped with cooked carrots, potatoes, and squash in a savory sauce from Chez Hassan in Marrakech. The plate is white with a blue decorative rim and sits on a table alongside other dishes of food.
Vegetarian couscous from Chez Hassan. Photo via Jessie Festa.

Where to stay in Marrakech

Especially if it’s your first time visiting Marrakech, you should stay in Medina. Not only does this put you near Marrakech’s main attractions, but you’ll be sleeping in over 950 years of history.

During my time in Marrakech, I stayed in two different riads (traditional Moroccan accommodations):

🏨 Riad Dar Tiflet is a great accommodation option about a 10-minute walk to the main square of Jemaa el-Fnaa. Once the home of a Berber spice merchant, the rooms immerse you in Moroccan culture through vaulted ceilings, colorful zellij tiles, and hand-painted walls — though my favorite part of the riad is the chill rooftop with tables and day beds. The guest manager, Yassine, also goes above and beyond to make sure your stay is excellent!

🏨 Riad Hilmuna is closer to the airport and Jardin Majorelle. It feels a bit more upscale, with a warm indoor pool in the lobby, an onsite spa, and a rooftop with restaurant.

Both properties include breakfast, WiFi, and can arrange airport transfers.

Sunlit lounge courtyard at Riad Dar Tiflet in Marrakech featuring a sofa, woven rug wall hanging, and potted plants.
Cute common space at Riad Dar Tiflet. Photo via Jessie Festa.

Stop #2) Ousertik Valley (1 night)

Recommended trekking guide

This stop begins the hiking portion of this Morocco itinerary! While I used Toubkal Guide for my entire trip, you can also DIY a lot of it if you prefer.

That said, it is mandatory to have a guide to summit Mount Toubkal. I recommend just using their services for the entire trek, as they’ll arrange everything — an experienced guide, food, accommodation, transport, and more.

Getting to the High Atlas Mountains

The 90-minute drive from Marrakech to Aguersioual, the starting point of our 5-day Atlas Mountains trek, features open roads lined with olive trees, Berber villages, and even Mission Impossible filming locations.

On the way, stop at Cooperative Feminine Aldayne to see how local women produce argan oil, sample their tasty honey and almond spreads, and have a light breakfast with mint tea.

Three Moroccan women wearing headscarves sit on a carpeted floor working at an argan oil cooperative. The woman on the right uses a traditional stone grinder on a small wooden stand, while the other two women crack argan nuts in the background against a blue woven wall. Woven baskets containing nuts and argan paste paste cakes sit in the foreground.
Learning how Moroccan argan products are made at Cooperative Feminine Aldayne. Photo via Jessie Festa.

Afterward, head to Aguersioual to meet your guide, mule, and muleteer—who will drive and pack the mule to transport your luggage.

During my trip, I had Omar as my guide and Mohammed as the muleteer and cook. He made some of my favorite meals from the entire trip, like fresh salads, macaroni, vegetable couscous, and more!

Hiking in the Ousertik Valley

  • Difficulty: Moderate.
  • Elevation Gain: 530 meters.
  • Time: About 5-6 hours of hiking.

This trek is a steady ascent from 1,600 to 2,130 meters through a landscape so lush it feels like a fairytale, complete with wild purple irises and thousands of butterflies and ladybugs—which continue throughout the entire five days.

About an hour in, you’ll reach the Tizi n’ Aguersioual (Aguersioual Pass) for a prime view of the 3,882-meter Bou Iguenouane peak before descending into the Imnane Valley.

A mountain trail winding down a rugged valley in the High Atlas Mountains. The hillside on the left is covered in dense green trees and yellow wildflowers, while the slope on the right is rocky with sparse green brush. In the background, dramatic, misty peaks rise beneath a blue sky with scattered white clouds.
Gorgeous trail views. Photo via Jessie Festa.

Within 30 minutes you’ll hit a lovely crystal river, which is a great spot for a picnic.

The day ends with a climb through the Ousertik Valley passing twisted forests and waterfalls—which, if the mountain mist rolls in, creates a smoky atmosphere that is fun to hike through.

Ousertik Valley accommodation

🏨 Gite Atlas Imzoughe (2,130 meters). This simple and clean guesthouse in Tissili Village offers a peaceful mountain escape in a small Berber village. You’ll have hot showers, plenty of outlets, private rooms with comfortable beds and plush blankets, and a large balcony featuring beautiful views over terraced hillside and out toward the Atlas Mountains.

A smiling woman wearing a pink hiking jacket and green pants stands on a stone balcony, raising her arm in a peace sign. In the background, rugged mountains rise up under an overcast sky, with a thick layer of white clouds settling in the valley below.
Terrace with a view at Gite Atlas Imzoughe. Photo via Jessie Festa.

Stop #3) Imnane Valley (1 night)

Hiking in the Imnane Valley

  • Difficulty: Moderate-Challenging.
  • Elevation Gain: 870 meters.
  • Time: About 5 hours of hiking.

The hike from Tissili Village (2,130 meters) begins on a gradual uphill trail along a red dirt road where you’re literally in line with the clouds. They create a thick blanket over the Ousertik Valley’s terraced fields.

A breathtaking panoramic view of the High Atlas Mountains with a thick blanket of white clouds completely filling the valley floor. Layered, dark mountain ridges cut through the sea of clouds, while snow-capped peaks rise in the far distance under a dramatic, overcast gray sky.
A sea of clouds over the valley. Photo via Jessie Festa

As you climb, the scenery becomes beautifully layered, with red mountains dotted with trees and backed by grey jagged rock and snowy peaks.

Along the way, there is an official photo spot (you’ll see a weathered metal orientation map) with a front-row view of the entire Atlas range, including notable peaks like Mount Toubkal, Ouanoukrim, and Erdouz.

A smiling woman wearing a bright orange and pink fleece pullover stands on a rocky mountain summit. In the background, expansive views of the High Atlas Mountains unfold with layered hills, snow-capped peaks in the distance, and white clouds gathering in the valleys under a cloudy sky.
View of the High Atlas range from the official photo spot along the trail. Photo via Jessie Festa.

You’ll also hike through Oukaimeden (2,600 meters)—the highest ski resort in Africa. It’s a great location to stop for a picnic lunch with mountain views.

Soon after, you’ll enter Toubkal National Park, passing small waterfalls and the summer stone homes of nomadic Berbers.

The final stretch is a zig-zag climb to the Tizi ‘n Addi (Addi Pass) at 3,000 meters, which envelopes you in the clouds and offers a panoramic view that made me pull out my camera every minute.

🥾 Tip: The hike down from this mountain pass through the Imnane Valley is a steep and challenging 2-hour descent over loose rock and gravel. Ankle support is a must, and I highly recommend buying your hiking boots at least a half-size up so your toes don’t hit the front of your boots on the long downhill.

Imnane Valley accommodation

🏨 Riad imNane Lodge (2,100 meters). Located in the small Berber village of Tamguist, this guesthouse is comfortable and clean with mountain views from the rooms and terrace. It offers hot showers, plenty of power outlets, and comfortable beds with plenty of blankets.

A large, traditional Moroccan room lined with low cushion seating, patterned bolsters, and colorful woven rugs on the floor. Two small windows look out from the white walls beneath an intricately textured white ceiling.
Common space at Riad imNane Lodge. Photo via Jessie Festa.

Stop #4) Imlil (1 night)

Hiking to Imlil

  • Difficulty: Moderate.
  • Elevation Gain: 202 meters.
  • Time: About 3-4 hours of hiking.

While we were almost completely alone for first two days of the trek, this stretch is where you’ll start to see other hikers enjoying the Imnane Valley.

The trail moves from a leisurely downhill with mountain views into a shady pine forest filled with white butterflies, grazing sheep, and muleteers.

You’ll criss-cross up a steeper dirt road with loose rock to reach the Tizi ‘n Tamatert (Tamatert Pass) at 2,302 meters, where there is a small rest stop for snacks and a bathroom break.

A stone village built into the side of a steep hill in the High Atlas Mountains. Green terraced agricultural fields and autumn-colored trees line the lower slopes, while massive snow-capped mountain peaks rise sharply in the background under a clear blue sky.
Beauty along the trail. Photo via Jessie Festa.
A smiling woman wearing an orange and pink fleece pullover stands on a rocky trail at the Tizi n' Tmatrt pass in Morocco's High Atlas Mountains. In the background, expansive views of rugged valley ridges and distant snow-capped peaks unfold under a cloudy sky.
Hiking with a view of Mount Toubkal. Photo via Jessie Festa.

As you descend toward Imlil (1,800 meters), you’ll get a prime view of Mount Toubkal. It’s a wild feeling to realize you’ll be standing on that peak in just two days!

Stop in the forest for a picnic lunch, before continuing on to your guesthouse in Imlil.

Things to do in Imlil

Unlike the previous remote Berber villages mentioned, where the appeal is really enjoying the peace, quiet, and views, Imlil is a lively adventure town. It’s the primary pre-trek overnight stop for hikers preparing to summit Mount Toubkal and features loads of restaurants, gear shops, and ATMs.

While you’ll likely spend today just resting after a full day of hiking, it’s worth taking a stroll through the center of Imlil to peruse the shops and sip mint tea on a rooftop terrace while enjoying Atlas Mountain views.

Imlil accommodation

🏨 Atlas Imoula Guest House (1,800 meters). This guesthouse is located just a 15-minute walk to Imlil’s main center — far enough way to be peaceful yet close enough to be accessible. The rooms are very comfortable with thick blankets, hot showers, air conditioning, and WiFi. There is also a tasty onsite restaurant (my tagine was delicious) and terrace offering mountain views.

A long guest room inside the Atlas Imoula Guesthouse in Imlil, Morocco. The room features light purple walls, a traditional tiled floor border, and an intricate dark wood ceiling with a hanging metal lantern. Four single beds topped with bright blue blankets line the left wall, and a traveler lies resting on one of the beds in the center.
My room at the Atlas Imoula Guest House. Photo via Jessie Festa.

Stop #5) Mount Toubkal Refuge (1 night)

Beginning the trek up Mount Toubkal

Today you’ll trek to the Mount Toubkal Refuge, the base camp for the hike, where you’ll stay the night before a 4am summit ascent.

🗺️ Route Customization Tip: If you’re short on time or want more days in Marrakech, it is possible to skip the Ousertik and Imnane Valleys and simply drive to Imlil to begin your trek from here. However, if you can, it’s worth keeping the trek 5 days (instead of 2 days) to really immerse yourself in High Atlas beauty and rural Moroccan life.

Hiking to Mount Toubkal Refuge

  • Difficulty: Moderate/Challenging.
  • Elevation Gain: 1,406 meters.
  • Time: About 5-6 hours of hiking.

The day starts with a short hike to Imlil Cascade (Waterfall) to see its powerful gushing flows.

A powerful, rushing waterfall cascades down over a large dark rock formation at the Imlil Cascade in Morocco. White water sprays dramatically in all directions, framed by rocky cliffs with green trees peeking out at the top. A row of filled sandbags sits along the rocky edge in the immediate foreground.
Imlil Cascade. Photo via Jessie Festa.

From here, pass through Aroumd (Armed), the highest village in the Imlil Valley at 2,000 meters and the final settlement before entering Toubkal National Park.

(Yes, you entered it already before, but then you left and are now entering it again.)

As you leave the village, the landscape turns into lush fields of green grass and flowers, offering a prime view of the snow-capped Toubkal summit. Make sure to get some photos before you begin the ascent and then at the summit to show how far you’ve come.

Hikers backpack up a rugged, rocky uphill trail towards a small stone mountain outpost building built into the cliffside. The steep slope is dotted with sparse green bushes and small trees, with the massive, snow-capped peaks of the High Atlas Mountains towering in the background under a bright sky.
You’ll have epic mountain views the entire time when hiking to Toubkal Refuge. Photo via Jessie Festa.
A lone hiker walks up a vast, snow-covered valley on the trek from Imlil to the Toubkal Refuge in Morocco's High Atlas Mountains. Large, rocky brown mountains patches with snow rise sharply on both sides of the snowy trail under a clear, bright blue sky.
As you get closer to Toubkal Refuge, you’ll hit snow. Photo via Jessie Festa.

The trail then transitions into uneven rock steps for a steady 1,400-meter elevation gain. Even as you climb into the clouds and pass pockets of snow, the path remains idyllic, lined with ladybugs and butterflies.

You’ll find several small shops along the way selling souvenirs and refreshments where you can stop to take in the views and have lunch before reaching the refuge at 3,206 meters.

Mount Toubkal accommodation

🏨 Mount Toubkal Refuge (3,206 meters). This rustic, stone mountain hut is the final base camp before the summit. Prepare to share a room with other hikers, with dorm sizes varying from 12-27 people (so earplugs are a must!).

The refuge typically shuts off electricity during the day, so it can be dark inside, but you’ll have light again around 6:30/7pm to be able to organize yourself for the morning and eat dinner. Most hikers get up between 2am-4am to begin their ascent up Toubkal, so don’t expect to get a lot of sleep!

A wide landscape view of the stone buildings making up the Toubkal Refuge complex nestled at the base of a massive mountain peak in Morocco's High Atlas Mountains. The entire valley is covered in white snow, save for a long, low stone retaining wall cutting horizontally across the foreground. Hikers with backpacks and trekking poles follow a snow trail on the right toward the stone complex, under a deep blue sky with a single white cloud.
Mount Toubkal Refuge. Photo via Jessie Festa.

Stop #6) Mount Toubkal Summit + Return To Imlil (1 night)

Summiting Mount Toubkal

  • Difficulty: Strenuous.
  • Elevation Gain: 961 meters.
  • Time: About 9 hours of hiking.

This day was the highlight of my entire Morocco itinerary! Yes, it’s hard, but you’ll have stunning views the entire time as you make your way up Mount Toubkal, the highest mountain in North Africa at 4,167 meters!

We wake up at 2am to get ready, eat breakfast, and put on our crampons and helmets. Leaving the lodge at 4am, we use headlamps to navigate the dark snowfields while the stars and the faint glow of other hikers’ lights illuminated the path.

A close-up, front-facing shot of a smiling woman hiking on a snow-covered slope during an early morning trek up Mount Toubkal in Morocco's High Atlas Mountains. She wears a helmet with a headlamp, a multi-colored knit beanie, a bright red and white scarf, a purple jacket, and green pants while holding up two black trekking poles. The steep snowy trail behind her shows a distant hiker, flanked by dark rocky mountainsides on the left and sunlit, orange-tinted peaks in the background under a pale morning sky.
Hiking through the snow on my way to the summit. Photo via Jessie Festa.

After a few hours, the sunrise begins to color the surrounding peaks, and the terrain shifts from packed snow to challenging loose scree. For me, this is where it really starts to feel challenging, especially with the uneven terrain.

Reaching the Tizi N’Toubkal (Toubkal Pass) at 3,950 meters feels like a false summit because the 360-degree views are already incredible, but the final 45-minute rocky climb to the actual summit is worth the effort.

Reaching the Mount Toubkal summit feels incredible, especially as you look out at the endless Atlas Peaks and realize just how high you are and how far you’ve come. Make sure to get a photo with the metal triangle marking the official top.

A fish-eye lens panoramic view from the rocky summit of Mount Toubkal in Morocco. A woman wearing a helmet, a red scarf, a purple jacket, and green pants sits perched on a jagged crag at the peak, smiling and pointing toward the horizon. The curved, spherical perspective captures steep rock faces dusted with patches of snow dropping off on the left, with countless layered ridges of the High Atlas Mountains stretching out toward the horizon under a bright blue sky.
Mount Toubkal summit. Photo via Jessie Festa.

Warning: The descent is harder than the ascent! It’s a long, steep trek back to the refuge for lunch—where sliding down the snow sections was a highlight—before continuing all the way back to Imlil.

By the time you get back to Imlil you’ll be absolutely exhausted, so expect to simply eat dinner and rest.

Imlil Accommodation

🏨 Atlas Imoula Guest House (1,800 meters). This guesthouse is located just a 15-minute walk to Imlil’s main center — far enough way to be peaceful yet close enough to be accessible. The rooms are very comfortable with thick blankets, hot showers, air conditioning, and WiFi. There is also a tasty onsite restaurant (my tagine was delicious) and terrace offering mountain views.

Stop #7) Dadès Gorge (1 night)

About Dadès Gorge

Historically part of an ancient caravan route connecting the Sahara Desert with cities up north, today the Dadès Gorge is known for its otherworldly scenery with red sandstone hills, dramatic rock formations, and crumbling kasbahs.

Depending on the season, you may see nomadic Berbers transporting their belongings by mule as they move between their summer locations in the Atlas Mountains and their winter dwellings in the Sahara. Visiting in early May, I saw this here and in the Todra Gorge (which you’ll visit tomorrow!).

A scenic rooftop view looking out across a dense grove of green trees toward a traditional Moroccan hillside village in the Dades Gorge. The earthen, reddish-brown buildings are nestled along the slopes of barren, rolling hills under a soft, overcast sky with sunlight breaking through the clouds.
View over Dadès Gorge from Riad Villa Dades. Photo via Jessie Festa.

Best stops between Imlil and Dadès Gorge

It’s about a 6.5-hour drive from Imlil to the Dadès Gorge without stops. It’s incredibly scenic, taking you from high Atlas peaks down the hairpin turns of the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, where the landscape transforms into dry cacti-covered plains with ancient ruins and mud-brick towns.

As there are many notable places to stop, I recommend leaving early to make time for:

  • Tiziait Barka Cafe: After 5 days of instant coffee along the trail, I was excited to stop here for a real cappucino and a bathroom break with a beautiful view over the Ait Barka Valley. They also have a large Morocco driving map so you can get a visual of your route.
  • Tizi n’Tichka Pass: The highest major mountain pass in North Africa (2,260 meters) where you can see serpentine roads cutting through the mountainscape.
A high-angle panoramic view of a lush, rolling green valley in Morocco taken from the Tiziait Barka Cafe. The foreground features terraced red-dirt hillsides dotted with thick green trees and shrubs. In the mid-ground, a small village of traditional earthen houses is scattered across the green fields of the valley floor, leading toward rolling hills under a heavy, overcast grey sky.
View from Tiziait Barka Cafe. Photo via Jessie Festa.
  • Ait Ben Haddou: An 11th-century UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for being a striking ‘ksar’ (fortified village) where you can see a traditional pre-Saharan habitat of southern Morocco. Fun fact: it’s also a filming location for Gladiator!
  • Ouarzazate: Known as the “Hollywood of Africa,” this movie town was a filming site for The Mummy, Game of Thrones, Lawrence of Arabia, and many other movies and TV shows.
  • Valley of the Roses: Near the town of Skoura, the landscape opens into wide plains with rose bushes, and you’ll see women making flower rings and shops selling rose products like soaps, oils, and rose “Champagne” (non-alcoholic).
A wide, sunny landscape shot of the ancient fortified earthen village, or ksar, of Aït Benhaddou in Morocco. The historic complex features tiered, reddish-brown mud-brick buildings and defensive towers built directly into the side of a large, barren hill under a vibrant blue sky. In the foreground, green palm trees and desert shrubs line a wide, dry riverbed where small groups of tourists walk along the sand, with the faint, snow-capped peaks of the High Atlas Mountains visible on the far right horizon.
Ait Ben Haddou. Photo via Jessie Festa.
  • Cafe Moussaoui: This notable rest stop serves everything from coffee to Heineken zero to fun snacks to beauty products with party music bumping. While I didn’t eat here, the onsite restaurant has great reviews!

⭐️ Tip: If you skipped the 5-day hike for more time in Marrakech, you can book an Ouarzazate & Ait Benhaddou Guided Day Trip, which also includes cafe breaks and a stop at Tizi n’Tichka!

Things to do in Dadès Gorge

Take photos at Monkey Fingers Viewpoint. This photo spot features rock formations that truly do look like monkey paws. There is also a trail that leads from the parking lot deeper into the gorge if you’d like another perspective.

Go hiking. Opt for a guided trek, like the Valley of the Roses and Dades Hike or a Private Hike to Monkey Fingers Canyon. You can also hike the moderate, 5.2-mile Monkey Fingers Canyon Loop either with a guide or on your own (trail map here).

Book a biking tour. A Dadès Gorge Cycling Tour takes you off-roading through scenic paths, Berber villages, and ancient kasbahs.

A smiling woman wearing an olive green v-neck t-shirt and a long, patterned pink and white maxi skirt stands behind a rustic wooden log railing at the Monkey Fingers Lookout in Morocco's Dades Gorge. She has sunglasses perched on her head and flashes a peace sign with her right hand. Behind her, a vibrant green valley filled with dense trees and agricultural fields stretches across the mid-ground, leading to a small village nestled at the base of massive, uniquely eroded red rock formations under a blue sky with soft white clouds.
Enjoy the view from Monkey Fingers Viewpoint. Photo via Jessie Festa.

Sip mint tea on an al fresco terrace. There are a bunch of restaurants and cafes with outdoor seating overlooking the gorge, like the plant-filled Rooftop Terrasse Jardin. Ask your riad for nearby recommendations.

Relax at your riad. Book a riad with a rooftop and a pool — like the beautiful Riad Villa Dades — and relax while surrounded by Mother Nature.

Dadès Gorge accommodation

🏨 Riad Villa Dades. This luxury riad is built into the gorge’s red rock. There are cultural touches througout — like Berber rugs and Fes-style vases — as well as a gorgeous rooftop with lounge chairs, a pool, and a view over the gorge. I also loved the walk-in rain shower in my room. Dinner is a multi-course candlelit meal, and they even serve wine and beer (which is not common in Morocco).

A bright bedroom inside a riad at the Dades Gorge, featuring a large bed made up with crisp white linens, a bright red accent pillow, and a matching red-and-white patterned blanket. An open window with dark curtains and wooden shutters looks out onto the arid mountain landscape, while a woven black-and-white textile wall hanging completes the room's traditional decor.
My room with a view at Riad Villa Dades. Photo via Jessie Festa.

Stop #8) Merzouga, Sahara Desert (2 nights)

About Merzouga

Merzouga is the last town before civilization ends and the Sahara begins. Located near the Algerian border, it is the entry point to Erg Chebbi — an expanse of giant sand dunes that reach heights of up to 150 meters. Walking around, it feels like you’ve landed on Mars!

Best stops between Dadès Gorge and Merzouga

It’s about a 4-hour drive from Dadès Gorge to Merzouga without stops. This stunning drive takes you from rocky canyon walls to palm tree oases and desert towns before reaching the Sahara’s iconic dunes.

As there are many notable places to stop, I recommend leaving early to make time for:

  • Panorama Dadès: A roadside overlook just outside the gorge where you can look down at the winding road and canyon below.
  • Todra Gorge & Valley: A massive canyon with limestone cliff walls. While it can feel a bit like Times Square due to all of the vendors selling tourist souvenirs, you’ll also see rock climbers on sheer cliffs and nomadic Berbers walking down from mountain caves to wash things in the river.
Here is the detailed, descriptive, plain-text alt text for your newest image at the canyon (Todra-Gorge-Morocco-attractions-JessieFesta-1200.jpg): A ground-level shot looking down a paved road cutting through the massive, towering orange limestone cliffs of the Todra Gorge in Morocco. On the left side of the road, a long, vibrant outdoor market stall displays rows of colorful textiles, scarves, and clothing against the rocky canyon wall. Tourists stroll along the pavement and a few cars are parked nearby under a bright blue sky with scattered white clouds, while a shallow river runs along the right side of the road past a low stone building.
Todra Gorge. Photo via Jessie Festa.
  • The Women’s Carpet Association of Todra Valley: Out of all of the carpet places I visited in Morocco, this felt the most authentic — particularly because it’s completely out of sight through a nondescript alley and has no signs (I never would have found it without my driver, Ibrahim!). This cooperative is run by 25 local families where women weave handmade rugs using sheep wool and camel hair colored with all-natural dyes. Sipping mint tea, you’ll learn how each rug is made and what the adorned Berber symbols mean.
  • The Sahara Gate: An ornamental stone archway over the highway located about 30 minutes before you reach the dunes, marking the official entrance to the desert region.
A Moroccan woman wearing a light blue and pink floral kaftan and a light green hijab sits cross-legged on a patterned rug at the Women's Carpet Association in the Todra Valley. She is smiling down as she works with a wooden drop spindle to spin raw wool into yarn. Behind her stands a large wooden weaving loom strung with bright blue vertical threads, adorned with hanging bundles of vibrant orange, red, purple, yellow, and blue yarn. The surrounding room features reddish-brown earthen walls lined with completed, colorful woven rugs, a dark plastic chair to the right, and a woven basket sitting on the floor to her left.
Visiting the Women’s Carpet Association of Todra Valley. Photo via Jessie Festa.

Things to do in the Sahara Desert

Climb the dunes at sunrise and sunset. Bring your camera for this one!The dunes look totally different depending on the time of day because of how the shadows fall, though they are always gorgeous backed by distant mountain ranges. While sunset is when everyone goes out, you’ll have the place practically all to yourself at sunrise.

Go sandboarding. Another fun way to experience the dunes is sandboarding, which is similar to snowboarding, but in the sand. Here are some tour options.

Visit Merzouga Lake. Also known as Dayet Srij, this lake attracts lots of bird life, including at times flamingos. Since it sometimes dries it, the lake will suddenly appear in the desert, making it a very unique attraction.

Explore the Hassilabied Village Gardens Oasis. Located about 15 minutes from Merzouga, this community garden is a network of palm shaded paths where you can see the ancient khattara underground water channels and watch local farmers tending to plots of alfalfa, olives, and vegetables.

Campfire & live music. Most camps — including Sanmao Desert Luxury Camp, where I stayed — set up a central fire pit in the evening where staff play traditional Berber music.

A high-angle panoramic view of a vibrant sunset over the Sahara Desert in Morocco. In the foreground, vast undulating patterns of orange sand dunes stretch across the landscape, with a sharp dune ridge sloping down on the right. In the mid-ground, a low-lying desert village sits flat against a barren plain, with a glimpse of a lake visible on the far right. The sun sinks behind dark, flat-topped mountain ridges on the horizon, illuminating the dramatic cloud cover above in brilliant shades of bright orange, pink, and deep purple.
Watching the sunset over the Sahara Desert. Photo via Jessie Festa.

Book camel rides with care

While riding camels in the Sahara Desert is a dream for many travelers, it can also promote animal cruelty. During my time in Merzouga, I saw camels in rough shape with split ears and ripped rope coming out of their nose. I also saw a camel guide aggressively stomp on a camel’s leg when it yelled out.

If you decide to do this activity, make sure to do in-depth research when choosing an operator. For instance, while I didn’t use this company myself, Walking with Nomads has a page detailing how they treat and care for their camels.

A wide-angle landscape view of rolling, bright orange sand dunes stretching across the Sahara Desert in Morocco. The foreground features a large, smooth dune sloping down to the right, with sparse clumps of small desert grasses dotted across the sandy ridges in the mid-ground. A hazy horizon sits under a pale blue sky filled with scattered, light white clouds.
Golden sand of the Sahara Desert. Photo via Jessie Festa.

Avoid desert 4×4 tours

While renting quads or booking a 4×4 tour is a popular way to see the dunes, irresponsible off-roading causes severe erosion, destroys fragile desert plants, and disturbs wildlife habitats. The loud nature of the bikes is also disruptive to local communities.

I can attest to the noise. While sitting on the dunes at sunset, an endless parade of riders zoomed over the sand, the bikes and their shouts adding a ton of noise pollution to the otherwise tranquil scene.

Merzouga accommodation

🏨 Sanmao Desert Luxury Camp. This hip camp sits within the Sahara dunes and offers clean and comfortable tents with private hot showers and A/C (make sure your tent has this, as you’ll want it in the warmer months!). The vibe is trendy, with lots of plants and Instagrammable decor. In terms of food, expect delicious multi-course dinners that easily accommodate vegetarians and a large self-serve breakfast buffet.

A wide shot of the central sandy courtyard at the Sanmao Desert Luxury Camp in the Sahara Desert, Morocco. A long red patterned rug runner forms a walkway through the sand in the foreground, flanked by two ornate black metal lanterns on stone bases. The open-air courtyard features seating areas with patterned cushions, wooden swings, small palm trees, and a central fire pit. Lines of white luxury canvas tents stretch down both sides of the camp, leading toward a massive, smooth orange sand dune rising under a bright blue sky with light clouds.
Sanmao Desert Luxury Camp. Photo via Jessie Festa.

Stop #9) Fes (2 nights)

About Fes

Fes (also spelled Fez) is one of Morocco’s oldest imperial cities, home to the University of al-Qarawiyyin, the oldest continuously operating university in the world, and a massive 9th-century Medina that feels like stepping back in time. Along with historic experiences, you can also find modern riads, rooftop terraces, and restaurants.

Best stops between Merzouga and Fes

It’s about a 7-hour drive from Merzouga to Fes without stops. This gorgeous drive takes you from the dunes of the Sahara to the date-palm-filled Ziz Valley, before climbing into the apple orchards of Midelt Province, passing the wild Barbary macaques of Azrou forest and finally winding through the Swiss-style architecture of Ifrane.

  • Erfoud: Known as a major fossil town, you can stop at Morabit Marbre Fossiles Mineraux to learn about the area’s prehistoric history. They also sell gems, geodes, and excavated fossils carved into everything from geodes to marble housewares.
    • Note: I’ve seen some forums online saying many local shops don’t sell 100% genuine fossils. I’m not a fossil expert, so do your own research. Either way, it’s an interesting place to learn about the area.
  • Ziz Valley Overlook: This is a great stop to look down over thousands of palm trees cutting through the dry canyon, known for producing the region’s famous and delicious dates.
A close-up shot of a furry Barbary macaque monkey perched on a red-painted stone bollard near the Azrou Cedar Forest in Morocco. The monkey is curled up, looking directly toward the camera while holding and eating a piece of fruit. The immediate foreground features a thick tree trunk on the right and the side of a brown wooden structure on the left. In the background, a paved road stretches across the frame, with lush green cedar trees lining the far side under a soft, overcast sky.
Monkey at Azrou Cedar Forest. Photo via Jessie Festa.
  • Azrou Cedar Forest: This wooded park is home to families of wild Barbary macaques. You’ll see them right in the parking lot, along the roadside, and in the forest.
    • Warning: As soon as you get out of your car, locals will pester you incessantly to buy peanuts and tomatoes to feed the monkeys. Just be firm with your “no.”
  • Ifrane: Known as the ‘Switzerland of Morocco,’ this upscale mountain town feels European with sloped red roofs, clean streets, and a cool climate.

Things to do in Fes

Do a cooking class. A Souk Tour and Traditional Home Cooking Class was the best thing I did in Fes! After sipping mint tea and choosing your menu (including vegetarian options), you’ll shop the local produce and meat souks for ingredients. Back in the kitchen, it turns into a hands-on cooking experience complete with chopping, simmering, stirring, and adding vegetables and spices. Afterward, you’ll enjoy a meal with your fellow chefs. Tip: I highly making the Tagine Taktouka, my favorite dish we made!

A close-up shot of a chef's hands grating cheese over a simmering dish inside a clay tagine base during a cooking class in Fes, Morocco. The tagine sits on a portable metal gas burner with visible blue flames beneath it. The dish inside features a rich, orange-red tomato sauce base topped with eggs and a layer of shredded cheese. In the blurred background, large, intricately engraved silver decorative platters stand upright, while the colorful, painted ceramic conical lid of another tagine sits in the lower left foreground.
Learn to cook delicious dishes during a Souk Tour and Traditional Home Cooking Class. Photo via Jessie Festa.

Learn the art of Fes pottery. Fes is renowned for its cobalt blue and white ceramics as well as Zellige terracotta tilework, which is hand-painted and fired using traditional 14th-century methods. You can immerse yourself in this part of the city’s heritage through experiences like:

Take a walking tour. There are loads of inexpensive Fes walking tours, like this Guided Walking Tours of the Historic Medina, that will give you an overview of the city and take you to the main sites. You’ll also learn fun facts — like that the Fes Medina is the world’s oldest and largest urban car-free urban area!

Walk through the Blue Gate (Bab Boujloud). This intricately tiled Moorish archway is the main western entrance into the old medina. While the outside features Fes’ signature blue, the inside features green, the traditional color of Islam.

A ground-level shot of the iconic Bab Bou Jeloud (The Blue Gate), a monumental triptych archway leading into the old medina of Fes, Morocco. The massive central arch and its two flanking smaller arches are built from sand-colored stone, adorned with intricate geometric arabesque carvings and a large expanse of vibrant blue mosaic tiles surrounding the openings. The top of the gate is lined with traditional notched crenellations against an overcast sky. Pedestrians walk through the open arches into a bustling street lined with historic multi-story buildings, and a green minaret tower is visible in the distance framed perfectly by the main archway. On the far left foreground, a modern red-and-blue "no parking" traffic sign and construction fencing sit next to the stone wall.
Bab Boujloud. Photo via Jessie Festa.

Wander the Medina. Founded in the 9th century, stroll the UNESCO-listed Medina’s narrow maze of 9,000 alleys — some quiet, some chaotic — filled with food stalls, shops, and cafes. It’s sensory overload, as you’ll walk past fresh bread, fragrant spices, and sweet candy being cut, before hitting something pungent and then walking past leather purses, wedding dresses, and mosaic plates.

See the Chouara Tannery. At Fes’ famous open-air tannery, you’ll see workers use leather-making methods dating back to the 11th century. You’ll see workers standing knee-deep in stone vessels filled with limestone and pigeon droppings to wash and prep the hides before treating them with all-natural dyes like indigo and saffron.

⭐️ Tip: It is best to visit Chouara Tannery with a guide to avoid common scams or being hassled for money by people on the street. This way, you’ll also learn more about what you’re seeing!

A high-angle view looking down into the expansive outdoor courtyard of the Chouara Tannery in Fes, Morocco. The historic site is filled with dozens of stone vessel pits containing various colored liquids and dyes, with workers seen tending to the hides. Surrounding the pits are multi-story, sand-colored earthen buildings, with freshly tanned animal skins draped over walls and railings to dry. In the far background, the densely packed, rolling cityscape of the Fes medina stretches toward a hazy, overcast horizon.
View over Chouara Tannery. Photo via Jessie Festa.

Visit the Bou Inania Madrasa. This 14th-century madrasa (Islamic educational institution) showcases gorgeous Marinid architecture with green roof tiles, carved cedarwood, detailed stucco work, and mosaic tiling. Because it uniquely doubled as a fully functioning place of worship, it is the only school in Fes to feature its own minaret — a prayer tower typically reserved for standalone mosques. Price: 20 MAD.

Where to eat in Fes

Souk Tour and Traditional Home Cooking Class. Mentioned above, you will be stuffed when you leave this class.

Restaurant Dar Tresor. This relaxed rooftop eatery offers a view over the city and served the most delicious vegetable couscous of my entire trip, especially as it was topped with sweet raisins. It’s located inside a riad with bright murals and art too.

A close-up shot of a smiling woman sitting at a mosaic tile table on the rooftop terrace of Restaurant Dar Trésor in Fes, Morocco. She is wearing a maroon v-neck t-shirt and rests her chin thoughtfully on her right hand. The circular table in front of her features an intricate brown and white star-patterned tile design, set with an upturned clear glass resting on a white napkin and plate. Behind her, a low orange stucco wall is topped with an ornate green iron railing, offering a sweeping view of the sprawling city of Fes stretching out beneath a vast, cloudy evening sky.
Enjoying the view from Restaurant Dar Tresor. Photo via Jessie Festa.

L’Amandier (at Palais Faraj). This high-end rooftop restaurant serves upscale Fassi (traditional Fes-style) cuisine. Try the Melting Burrata with Fes tomatoes or the Fes-style Seafood Pastilla.

Fes accommodation

🏨 Riad Dar Medina Fes. Located in the Medina in the quiet Ziat neighborhood, this traditional riad features ten modern rooms with air conditioning, tiled tubs with rain showers, and super comfortable beds. My favorite part of the stay was enjoying a generous included breakfast on their flower-filled rooftop (you can also pre-book dinner here). The riad is also part museum, with historic artifacts showcased throughout.

A lushly decorated rooftop terrace at Riad Dar Medina in Fes, Morocco. The terrace features an intricate dark green iron pavilion framework topped with a woven reed awning that provides shade over several patio dining sets. The wrought-iron tables and chairs are paired with bright yellow cushions, while the surrounding space is filled with potted green plants, flowering vines, a large yellow ceramic planter, and a vibrant green fan palm frond framing the right foreground. In the background, a white minaret tower rises above the neighboring rooftops under a light, overcast sky.
Rooftop at Riad Dar Medina Fes. Photo via Jessie Festa.

Stop #10) Casablanca (1 night)

About Casablanca

You’ve probably heard of Casablanca (often called “Casa” by locals) from the iconic namesake film. This oceanfront city is the largest in Morocco, feels more modern than Fes and Marrakech, and offers diverse dining, French-Colonial Art Deco architecture, and plenty to do and see. Plus, it has Morocco’s biggest international airport for the trip home!

Getting from Fes to Casablanca

If flying round-trip to and from the same city is better, you can drive the 7 hours back to Marrakech for a final night; however, if you’d like to add Casablanca to your Morocco itinerary, it’s an easier 3.5-hour drive — and allows you to add another location to your route.

In terms of transportation, if you’ve had a private driver the entire time, this will be the easiest way to get there. That said, because these are major cities, you can also take the train.

Either way, I wouldn’t make any stops as you’ll want to maximize your limited time in Casablanca.

Things to do in Casablanca

Hassan II Mosque. This waterfront mosque is one of the few open to non-Muslims, and is known for its retractable roof and 210-meter minaret. Guided tours are mandatory, so here are a few top-rated options:

A wide-angle landscape shot of the grand Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, Morocco, built on a platform directly over the Atlantic Ocean. The massive cream-colored stone complex features intricate arched doorways, a green-tiled roof, and a soaring minaret tower adorned with green geometric mosaic work pointing into a clear, deep blue sky. In the foreground, powerful cerulean ocean waves topped with dramatic white seafoam crash aggressively against a stone seawall on the right, where a few distant figures can be seen walking.
Hassan II Mosque. Photo: Nataly-Nete via Depositphotos.

Walk the Corniche. This beachfront boardwalk in the Ain Diab neighborhood is perfect for a sunset stroll to watch Atlantic Ocean waves lap up against the mosque. This is also where you can find beach clubs like Tahiti Beach Club and Gaia Beach Casablanca.

The Habous Quarter (New Medina). Built by the French in the 1920s, this Medina is cleaner and quieter than Fes, with beautiful arches and loads of shops.

Take an architecture walk. Walk down Boulevard Mohammed V to see beautiful buildings blending a variety of architectural styles like French Art Deco and Neo-Moorish.

Arab League Park (Parc de la Ligue Arabe). This 30-hectare (74-acre) park features beautiful palm-lined paths and grand fountains. Enjoy the scenery before walking over to the nearby Art Deco-style Sacred Heart Cathedral, a former church dating back to 1930.

A symmetrical, ground-level shot looking down a wide, paved pedestrian pathway lined with towering palm trees at Arab League Park in Casablanca, Morocco. The imposing palm trees feature thick, textured trunks—some wrapped in climbing green ivy—and full, green fronds that create a dense canopy overhead. Neatly manicured green hedges and lawns frame the path on both sides, with additional rows of palm trees stretching into the background under a clear, bright blue sky. A single distant figure walks down the center of the sunny promenade.
Arab League Park. Photo: sashaqwert1994 via Depositphotos.

Where to eat in Casablanca

Rick’s Café. A recreation of the bar from the film Casablanca, this spot is touristy but the 1940s decor, craft cocktails, and live jazz make it worth — as do the Champagne oysters and goat cheese with figs!

Café Le Crépuscule. Located on the Corniche, this terrace crêpe cafe features an unobstructed view of the beach and is one of the best places to watch the sunset over the Atlantic.

Dar Dada. Enjoy dinner with a live show at this riad restaurant, which serves Moroccan food that goes beyond the simple tagine and couscous dishes you find at most places. Fill up on sea bream filet or slow-cooked lamb tagine with prunes, apricots, and almonds while also enjoying live music.

Casablanca accommodation

🏨 Art Palace Suites & Spa. Located in Casablanca’s hip Gauthier neighborhood, you’ll be near plenty of cafes, shops, and restaurants. The hotel is clean and comfortable with themed suites, onsite dining, a swimming pool, and a spa where you can end your trip with a traditional hammam.

A wide-angle landscape shot capturing a golden sunset over the rugged coastline of Dar Bouazza beach in Tamarist near Casablanca, Morocco. The foreground is filled with textured, dark volcanic rock formations and small tide pools reflecting the sky. In the mid-ground, the low-hanging sun sinks toward the Atlantic Ocean horizon, casting a bright orange and yellow glow across a thin band of low clouds. The upper portion of the frame features a vast, clear blue gradient sky fading into soft evening tones.
Sunset at Dar Bouazza Beach in Tamarist, Casablanca. Photo: CarlosNeto via Depositphotos.

Shorter 12 Days In Morocco Itinerary

If you only have 12 days in Morocco, I’d recommend removing the first two days of the hike to make the itinerary:

  • Marrakech (2 nights)
  • Imlil (1 night)
  • Mount Toubkal Refuge (1 night)
  • Mount Toubkal Summit + Return To Imlil (1 night)
  • Dadès Gorge (1 night)
  • Merzouga, Sahara Desert (2 nights)
  • Fes (2 nights)
  • Casablanca (1 night)

Shorter 10 Days In Morocco Itinerary

If you only have 10 days in Morocco, I’d recommend further culling the itinerary by cutting 1 night in the Sahara and the Casablanca stop. You’ll want to book a late afternoon or evening flight from Casablanca to give yourself time to do the 3.5-hour drive from Fes to the Mohammed V International Airport.

  • Marrakech (2 nights)
  • Imlil (1 night)
  • Mount Toubkal Refuge (1 night)
  • Mount Toubkal Summit + Return To Imlil (1 night)
  • Dadès Gorge (1 night)
  • Merzouga, Sahara Desert (1 nights)
  • Fes (2 nights)
A high-angle landscape view looking across a vast, dense grove of green palm trees filling the floor of the Todra Valley in Morocco. In the foreground, a dry, sandy hillside features a partially ruined earthen mud-brick building alongside a modern, beige two-story hotel with small white rooftop turrets. The lush green palm oasis stretches across the entire mid-ground, contrasting sharply against the massive, barren, reddish-brown mountain ridges that rise under a clear, bright blue sky in the background.
Palm tree view over the Todra Valley (between Dades Gorge and Merzouga. Photo via Jessie Festa.

Alternative Non-Hiking Route With Essaouira

While summiting Mount Toubkal was the main highlight of my trip, I realize not everyone loves hiking as much as I do. 😅

One idea is to swap the Atlas trek for Essaouira. Located just 3 hours from Marrakech, this port city offers a relaxed Medina, delicious seafood, and beautiful Atlantic Ocean views — and it’s a popular spot for kitesurfing.

This would make your stops:

  • Marrakech
  • Essaouira
  • Dadès Gorge
  • Merzouga, Sahara Desert
  • Fes
  • Casablanca
A wide landscape view of the historic fortified seaside wall and ramparts of Essaouira, Morocco, bordering the Atlantic Ocean. The foreground features a rugged, dark brown volcanic rock shoreline with water washing over the tide pools. On the right, a massive, crenellated red stone rampart stretches into the distance, supporting a row of whitewashed multi-story buildings and traditional houses. The ocean waves crash against the rocky coast on the left, while a brilliant sun bursts through dramatic, heavy grey clouds, casting golden light rays across the hazy sky.
Essaouira meeting the Atlantic Ocean. Photo: saharrr via Depositphotos.

Tips For Visiting Morocco

Now that you know where to go and what to do in Morocco, let’s go over some important tips to keep in mind:

Avoid common scams

While Morocco is a safe place to visit, you will likely encounter these common tricks in the major cities:

  • The “Road is Closed” Scam: Locals may tell you a street is closed, especially in the medinas, to redirect you to their shop. Just keep walking.
  • The “Unsolicited Guide” Scam: Avoid people offering to lead you places for “free,” as they will almost always demand a tip once you arrive.
  • The “Henna” Trap: Be wary of women in Jemaa el-Fnaa who grab your hand to start a design without consent, as they’ll demand money afterward.
  • The “Animal Photo” Trap: Don’t let anyone place a monkey or snake on you for a photo. Not only are these animals usually treated terribly, but you’ll be hassled for payment immediately.
  • The “Free Tannery Tour” Scam: Be wary if you’re offered a free look at the tanneries, particularly the Marrakech Tannery, as it’ll likely end in an intense sales pitch.

My story: That last scam happened to me and a friend. We’d walked up to the tannery in Marrakech just to see it, when someone started telling us about it. We followed him, thinking he was just sharing some information as we never requested a tour, though we ended up getting pushed to all the local shops and then were told (very aggressively) that we owed 200 MAD. His tone was pretty frightening, so we paid and promptly left.

A ground-level view looking across the expansive outdoor courtyard of the Marrakech Tanneries in Morocco. The foreground is dominated by large, circular stone pits stained with mud and dyes, some containing dark liquid and others draped with thick, heavy cloths. Throughout the wide courtyard, piles of raw hides, bundled leather skins, and patterned textiles sit drying on flat surfaces and stone structures under a hazy, overcast sky. Workers can be seen in the mid-ground managing the materials. The space is enclosed by low, pinkish-orange stucco buildings featuring traditional arched windows, with a single palm tree visible on the far right horizon.
Marrakech Tannery. If you visit, expect to be aggressively hassled for money at the end (even though the signs say it’s free to visit). Photo via Jessie Festa.

Don’t drink the tap water

While the tap water isn’t safe for tourists to drink, you can get large bottles of water everywhere for about 10 MAD (sometimes even less!).

If you want to avoid plastic waste, opt for a filtering bottle like the LifeStraw Go, which is what I use. You’ll be able to safely drink water from the tap and even outdoor sources like streams and rivers.

Bring an ATM card and cash

Personally, my debit card didn’t work at all in Morocco, so it may be worth calling your bank before your trip.

Luckily, I had brought $300 in cash, which was just enough to get me by. Keep in mind, many places in Morocco don’t accept credit card — including many surprising places like popular hotel restaurants.

Tip for good service

Tipping is a part of Moroccan culture. Personally, here is how I calculated tips:

  • Restaurants: 10%
  • Hotel porters: 10–20 MAD per bag
  • Private tour guides: 10%
  • Private drivers: 100–200 MAD per day for multi-day trips
  • Drivers for short trips (like taxi): 20-50 MAD per person

Dress conservatively

While you will definitely see tourists wearing skimpier clothing, to be respectful, you should keep your shoulders and knees covered. My go-to outfits included:

A mirror-reflection selfie of a woman showing a conservative travel outfit in her room at a riad in the Dades Valley, Morocco. She stands in the center of the frame holding a black DSLR camera up to her eye to take the photo while raising her right hand—revealing a blue floral tattoo on her inner wrist—in a small wave. She is wearing an olive green v-neck t-shirt tucked into a high-waisted, patterned pink-and-white maxi skirt. The background reflects the hotel room, featuring a large bed with crisp white linens, a bright red-and-white patterned blanket, and a traditional black-and-white woven textile hanging on the wall above the headboard.
This long skirt with these basic t-shirts was my go-to outfit in Morocco. Photo via Jessie Festa.

Morocco Travel Insurance

When visiting Morocco, it’s wise to get travel insurance to protect yourself and your trip.

If you’re looking for something straightforward, comprehensive, and budget-friendly, SafetyWing is an excellent choice. They offer two plan options:

🟡 Essential, for mid-to-short-term travelers

  • Covers emergency medical care, trip delays, and evacuations
  • Flexible 28-day subscription or fixed-date coverage for specific trips
  • Add-ons available for adventure sports, electronics theft, and U.S. coverage

🔵 Complete, for long-term travelers and digital nomads

  • Includes most Essential benefits, plus routine care, mental health support, and maternity coverage
  • Covers you both abroad and in your home country
  • Comes with adventure sports coverage, cancer screenings, outpatient services, and therapies like chiropractic care

➡️ Click here to compare plans and protect your trip.

An eye-level shot of a brown tabby cat sitting contentedly on the worn black leather seat of a parked white moped in a narrow Marrakech alleyway. The cat has its eyes narrowed in a serene squint. The moped, labeled "Docker Super Cub," is parked on a wet cobblestone street next to the thick, textured base of a palm tree trunk. In the background, a building features textured pinkish-orange stucco walls, a varnished wooden door, and a bright blue decorative metal gate over an entryway staircase. A black bucket planter and a blue-and-white patterned ceramic pot with green foliage stand against the far wall on the right.
You’ll see so many adorable cats while traveling Morocco! Photo via Jessie Festa.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Morocco

Now that we’ve gone over where to go in Morocco, let’s answer some frequently asked questions:

Q) How many days do you need in Morocco?

While you can see some highlights in a week, a minimum of 10-14 days is recommended to really experience the best of Morocco. Honestly, even after 2 weeks in the country there was still so much to explore!

Q) Is Morocco safe for solo female travel?

Solo female travelers in Morocco will be happy to know that the country is safe. Personally, I felt safe exploring as a woman both in the big cities and more rural areas. You can view additional safety details at Travel Safe – Abroad.

Q) Is Morocco expensive to visit?

While not cheap, Morocco is a budget-friendly destination. Without even looking too hard, you can easily find filling meals for $15 and accommodation for less than $80 a night.

Personally, I spent about $2200 for a 2-week trip, including a private hiking guide and muleteer, accommodation, meals, private driver, tips, some walking tours and a cooking class, and a few souvenirs.

Q) What is a riad?

A riad is a traditional Moroccan house or palace centered around an interior garden or courtyard, often with a fountain or citrus trees. Traditionally, the windows and rooms face this courtyard for a sense of peace (though I didn’t experience this at every riad).

Q) What is the difference between a riad and a dar?

Today, these terms are often used interchangeably, though technically a riad should have an interior garden while a dar is usually smaller and centered around a tiled courtyard without the garden element.

What would you add to this Morocco itinerary?

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Posted in Adventure Travel, Africa, Hiking, Travel Guides

About Jessie Festa

Jessie Festa is a New York-based travel content creator who is passionate about empowering her audience to experience new places and live a life of adventure. She is the founder of the solo female travel blog, Jessie on a Journey, and is editor-in-chief of Epicure & Culture, an online conscious tourism magazine. Along with writing, Jessie is a professional photographer and is the owner of NYC Photo Journeys, which offers New York photo tours, photo shoots, and wedding photography. Her work has appeared in publications like USA Today, CNN, Business Insider, Thrillist, and WestJet Magazine.

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