Marrakech & desert
Duration : 8 days
Route : Marrakech (3 nights) → Drâa Valley Ouarzazate (1 night) → Erg Chebbi desert Merzouga (2 nights) → Dadès Valley (1 night) → back to Marrakech (1 night)
Custom travel to Morocco
Morocco is one of North Africa's most captivating destinations, where thousand-year-old medinas meet Sahara dunes, where colorful souks dialogue with Andalusian gardens, and where every region reveals a strong character. From Marrakech's red medina to Essaouira's white medina, from the snowy Atlas peaks to the orange dunes of Merzouga, through spiritual Fez and blue Chefchaouen, the country offers a diversity of landscapes, flavors, and traditions that makes it one of the world's most fascinating destinations.
Highlights
- Marrakech: medina, Jemaa el-Fna square, riads
- Fez: medersa, UNESCO medina, traditional tanneries
- Desert: bivouac night in Merzouga or Zagora
- Atlas and Berber villages: kasbahs and hiking
- Essaouira and Atlantic coast: surfing and seafood
Sample itineraries
Grand Morocco tour
Duration : 14 days
Route : Casablanca (1 night) → Rabat (1 night) → Fez (3 nights) → Chefchaouen (1 night) → Volubilis & Meknes (1 night) → Atlas Imlil or Ourika (2 nights) → Merzouga desert (2 nights) → Dadès Valley & Aït Ben Haddou (2 nights) → Marrakech (3 nights)
Coastal Morocco and Atlas
Duration : 12 days
Route : Marrakech (3 nights) → Atlas Ourika or Imlil (2 nights) → Essaouira (3 nights) → Oualidia (2 nights) → back to Marrakech (2 nights)
When to go
Morocco is ideally visited March to May and September to November: pleasant temperatures (20-28 °C in lowlands, cooler at altitude), little rain, sunny skies. Summer (June-August) is extremely hot in Marrakech (38-45 °C) and the south, to avoid unless you stay on the Atlantic coast (Essaouira, Oualidia, cool thanks to ocean wind). Winter is mild during the day but cold at night in the desert and Atlas (sometimes snowy). Ramadan (variable date) modifies hours of some shops and restaurants.
- Spring (March – May) — Marrakech, desert, green Atlas, blooming valleys
- Summer (June – August) — Essaouira, Oualidia, cool Atlas, music festivals
- Autumn (September – November) — Desert at perfect climate, Atlas, lowland harvests
- Winter (December – February) — Marrakech without crowds, skiing at Oukaïmeden, cold but beautiful desert
Practical information
Morocco is generally safe — main risks are fake guide scams in medinas, insistent sellers, and pickpockets in souks. A few cultural codes: covered clothing recommended (shoulders and knees covered) outside hotels, particularly in medinas and rural villages; no public displays of affection; alcohol served only in tourist hotels and licensed restaurants; tipping (10% in restaurants, €1-2 for guides) appreciated. Ramadan modifies hours. Tap water not recommended — prefer bottled water. A few Arabic words (shukran, salaam alaikum) always appreciated.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time for a Morocco trip?
March-May and September-November offer ideal conditions everywhere. Avoid June-August for Marrakech and the south (extreme heat 38-45 °C). Winter is mild in the south but cold at night in the desert and Atlas (sometimes snowy).
How long for a Morocco trip?
8 days are enough for Marrakech + desert. 14 days allow a grand tour: imperial cities + Atlas + desert. 16-21 days to add the Atlantic coast or the North (Chefchaouen, Tangier).
What budget for a custom Morocco trip?
As a guideline, €1,600-€2,200 per person for 8-10 days at mid-range comfort, excluding flights. For an upscale trip with La Mamounia or Royal Mansour: €4,500-€8,000. Paris-Marrakech flights: €100-€350.
Do I need a visa to travel to Morocco?
No visa for French citizens for stays under 90 days. Passport must be valid 6 months beyond return date.
How do I get around in Morocco?
Private driver recommended for the grand tour (flexibility, comfort, country knowledge). ONCF train excellent between Casablanca-Rabat-Fez-Tangier (TGV 320 km/h). Self-drive possible but not recommended for medinas and mountain roads. Royal Air Maroc domestic flights useful for Tangier or Dakhla.
Should I rent a car in Morocco?
Possible but not recommended for a first trip. Private driver is not only more practical but often cheaper (fuel, tolls, parking included). You gain peace of mind, time, and benefit from a local guide.
What accommodation in Morocco?
Morocco offers a wide variety: charming riads (traditional patio houses) in medinas, restored kasbahs in the south, Berber bivouacs in the desert, boutique hotels on the coast. Favor riads for authenticity.
How to pay in Morocco: card or cash?
Cards are accepted in hotels, tourist restaurants, and large shops. Cash (dirhams) remains essential for souks, tips, and rural areas. ATMs abundant in cities.
Is Morocco safe for a trip?
Generally safe — main risks are fake guide scams in medinas, insistent sellers, and pickpockets in souks. Vigilance and usual precautions suffice. Solo female travelers are safe with covered clothing.
Is Morocco suitable for a family trip?
Absolutely. Safety, warm welcome for children, kid-friendly experiences (camels, medinas, starry bivouacs), hotels with family pools. Favor Marrakech + Atlas + Essaouira for a first family trip.