Rock The Casbah | Journey Across Morocco

Sitting at the crossroads of Africa, Europe and the Middle East, Morocco is a country of contrasts, from its quickly shifting landscapes to its dizzying blend of Arab, Berber and French influences. Here, the scenery and atmosphere change constantly, from Atlantic coastline to arid desert and high mountain passes, and from crowded markets to tranquil villages. While modern Morocco is dynamic and forward-looking, traces of a more romanticised past linger, in the slow rhythm of desert caravans, the scent of spice markets and the enduring image of camel traders crossing rolling dunes.

Our journey starts in Casablanca, Morocco’s modern commercial hub, home to landmarks like the impressive Hassan II Mosque, perched on the edge of Atlantic ocean. We’ll get a feel for the city by taking to the streets, exploring the Old Medina, stopping by Rick's Café for a dose of cinematic history, and wandering along the Ain Diab Corniche. A traditional hammam experience will give us our first taste of Moroccan rituals and hospitality.

Next up is Marrakech, where life is turned up a notch and chaos is part of the experience! The medina is a maze of colour, sound and movement, with souks dedicated to everything from spices and dates to carpets. Those looking to shop will soon find that haggling is an art form here. We’ll escape the madness by taking a break in the peaceful gardens of the Jardin Majorelle, and watch over the famed Jemaa el-Fnaa square as it fills with families and friends out for an evening stroll.

Leaving the city behind, the wild Atlas Mountains will welcome us with fresh air and endless vistas. Full of unique wildlife and primarily inhabited by Berber people, this 2,500 km range separates the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts from the Sahara Desert. Following trails winding past olive groves, and likely encountering Barbary macaques along the way, we’ll find ourselves at the spectacular Ouzoud Waterfalls, the highest in the country at 110 meters.

Continuing deeper into southern Morocco, we will cross the High Atlas via the Tizi n'Tichka Pass. This is one of the most scenic drives in the country, with winding roads, mountain villages and wide open views at every turn. Now for something unexpected: a stop in Ouarzazate, often called the “Hollywood of Morocco”. Here we’ll find the famous Atlas Studios, where everything from Gladiator to Game of Thrones has been filmed, along with nearby oases that feel worlds away from modern life.
Our final stop is the Aladdin-style fever dream that is Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO-listed ksar (fortified village) that looks almost too perfectly preserved to be real. Set along the former caravan route linking Marrakesh with the Sahara, the town is a gorgeous example of traditional Moroccan earthen clay architecture. We’ll explore its narrow alleys and take in the sweeping views, before heading out into the surrounding landscapes for a more hands-on desert experience. ATV or camel? You choose!

Let’s go!

Day 1 – Arrival in Casablanca
We’ll land early in the afternoon, drop our bags at our riad (local boutique hotel) near the Corniche.

Our walking tour begins with the city’s highlight, Hassan II Mosque, one of the world’s largest. Built partially over the Atlantic, this impressive building features beautiful marble floors and cedar ceilings. Next, we’ll explore the Old Medina of Casablanca, with stops at Rick’s Café and Sacré-Cœur Cathedral. Then to relax before dinner, we’ll indulge in a traditional Moroccan hammam experience, coming out squeaky clean and with skin like a baby!

Tonight we’ll have our first taste of delicious Moroccan cuisine, followed by a nighttime stroll along the Ain Diab Corniche.

Overnight in Casablanca.
Day 2 – Marrakech
This morning we’ll hit the road to Marrakech, once a hippie mecca in the 1960s and 70s. We will hang out at Jardin Majorelle (yes - the one created by Yves Saint Laurent), the Ben Youssef Madrasa, Bahia Palace, and Le Jardin Secret.
After some lunch, we’ll head to the medina for some extreme shopping and haggling, exploring the spice souk, leather souk, metal lantern market, and carpet souk.
We’ll wind down the day with sunset views from a rooftop overlooking the city’s iconic Jemaa el-Fnaa square, followed by dinner.
Overnight in Marrakech.

Optional:
Sunset hot air balloon experience over Marrakech (additional cost)

Day 3 – Atlas Mountains & Ouzoud Waterfalls
This morning we set out into the Atlas Mountains, hiking a trail to the towering Ouzoud waterfalls and taking selfies with macaques along the way. After a boat ride under the waterfall, we’ll continue our hike downstream through olive groves trail and plantations. We’ll have a well-deserved lunch overlooking the cascades.
Tonight we live like kings, in a 5-star hotel castle with waterfall views!
Day 4 – Atlas Crossing to Ouarzazate
Today we make the drive through the High Atlas via the Tizi n'Tichka Pass, stopping along the way to admire the stunning views and visit local landmarks Kasbah Telouet, a beautiful but partially ruined 19th-century palace that has been abandoned since the 1950s. We’ll enjoy a traditional lunch in a mountain village.
Once in Ouarzazate, we’ll visit the famous Atlas Studios – where movies and series such as Gladiator, The Mummy, Game of Thrones, and Jinn were filmed – and the nearby Fint Oasis.
Overnight in Ouarzazate.

Day 5 – Aït Benhaddou & Desert Adventure
This morning, we don’t need coffee to wake up! It’s time to ramp up the excitement with an ATV tour across the desert plateau. There’s also an option to make like a true desert explorer with a camel ride, followed by tea with a Berber family.
Next we make the short drive to magical Aït Benhaddou, wandering its alleys, climbing to the hilltop granary, learning about the old caravan route, and exploring its notable film locations. We’ll linger here for sunset, taking advantage of the golden light in one of Morocco’s best photography locations.

Overnight in Aït Benhaddou’s Kasbah, feeling like we’ve travelled back in time!

Day 6 – Return to Casablanca & Departure
Today we hit the road early to make our way back to Casablanca for our afternoon flight home.

Level of difficulty: Easy and relaxing
Activities: trekking, sightseeing, cultural immersion, ATV riding.
Accommodation & meals: Atmospheric local boutique riads + 5 star hotels, double sharing. Meals excluded.

Cost: 5,490 AED excl. flights on Emirates. Cost valid until May 10th.

Excluded: Visa if any, meals, flights.
Optional hot air balloon or camel riding.

Visa: visa free or e-visa, UAE residents get visa on arrival.

See yah in Casbah x

Trekkup Crew
Whatsapp 050 4848238 / docs@trekkup.com
Find all trekkups at linktr.ee/trekkup