DIY Morocco Itinerary

10 Days Marrakech to Sahara

Why Visit Morocco on a Budget

Morocco is one of Africa’s most colorful, exciting, and affordable countries.
You can explore ancient cities, mountain villages, and desert dunes all within one trip — using safe, cheap buses and trains.

This DIY Morocco itinerary helps you travel smart and easy, with clear details for first-time visitors on budget stays, transport, money, visa, scams, and safety.

Average cost: $35–40 USD/day (including hostel, meals, and transport).

🗓️ 10-Day DIY Morocco Itinerary Overview

🕌 Day 1–2: Marrakech – The Heart of Morocco

🏙️ City Description

Marrakech is lively, colorful, and full of energy. The medina (old city) is a maze of markets, mosques, and narrow alleys. It can feel chaotic at first, but it’s also beautiful and unforgettable.

📍 Things to Do

• Jemaa el-Fnaa Square: Street performers, food stalls, and local life.
• Bahia Palace: A 19th-century masterpiece of Moroccan design.
• Koutoubia Mosque: Iconic minaret and peaceful gardens.
• Majorelle Garden: Created by Yves Saint Laurent, full of blue walls and cacti.
• Souks: Leather, lamps, spices — bargain politely!

🏠 Budget Accommodation

• Rodamon Riad Marrakech Hostel – modern, clean, rooftop pool (~$25/night).
• Waka Waka Hostel – social vibe, great for backpackers (~$18/night).

🍲 Food & Drinks

• Try tagine, couscous, and mint tea.
• Street food in Jemaa el-Fnaa: ~$2–4 per meal.
• Avoid tap water — buy bottled.

Suggested Daily Tours Or Activities in Marrakech (If You’re Interested!) Click Here

⚠️ Scam Alert

🌊 Day 3: Casablanca – Morocco’s Modern Face

🏙️ City Description

Casablanca blends modern life with Moroccan tradition. It’s less touristy than Marrakech and offers a taste of everyday Morocco.

📍 Things to Do

• Hassan II Mosque: The largest mosque in Africa — open to visitors.
• Corniche Boulevard: Walk along the coast and relax in cafés.
• Old Medina: Explore small shops and watch local life.

🏠 Stay

• Youth Hostel Casablanca – near old town (~$20/night).
• Down Town Hotel – budget-friendly & clean (~$30/night).

🚆 Getting There

• Train: Marrakech → Casablanca (3 hrs, ~$10).
• Reliable carriers: ONCF (Moroccan Railways) – www.oncf.ma.

Suggested Daily Tours Or Activities in Casablanca (If You’re Interested!) Click Here

🕌 Day 4–5: Fes – The Cultural Capital

🏙️ City Description

Fes is Morocco’s spiritual and intellectual heart. The Fes el-Bali medina is one of the world’s oldest cities — a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

📍 Things to Do

• Al-Qarawiyyin University: The world’s oldest university (859 AD).
• Tanneries of Fes: See traditional leather dyeing (bring a mint leaf — strong smell!).
• Medersa Bou Inania: Islamic school with stunning mosaics.
• Bab Bou Jeloud: The famous “Blue Gate.”

🏠 Budget Stays

• Dar Rabha Hostel – rooftop view, breakfast included (~$20).
• Funky Fes Hostel – cozy dorms & social area (~$22).

🚆 Getting There

• Train: Casablanca → Fes (~4 hrs, $12). – www.oncf.ma.
• Buses: CTM or Supratours (~$10–15).

Suggested Daily Tours Or Activities in Fes (If You’re Interested!) Click Here

💙 Day 6: Chefchaouen – The Blue Pearl

🏙️ City Description

Nestled in the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen is known for its blue-painted streets and calm atmosphere. It’s smaller and quieter — perfect for a rest.

📍 Things to Do

• Wander the blue medina.
• Visit the Spanish Mosque for sunset views.
• Enjoy Moroccan pancakes with honey and mint tea.

🏠 Stay

• Dar Antonio Guesthouse – family-run riad (~$25/night).
• Casa Amina – beautiful rooms & terrace views (~$22/night).

🚗 Getting There

• Bus: Fes → Chefchaouen (~4.5 hrs, $10).
• Car option: Shared taxi (~$15).

Suggested Daily Tours Or Activities in Chefchaouen (If You’re Interested!) Click Here

🏜️ Day 7–8: Merzouga – The Sahara Desert Experience

🏙️ City Description

Merzouga is the gateway to the Sahara Desert. Here, you’ll find golden dunes, camels, and desert camps under the stars — a must for any Morocco itinerary.

📍 Things to Do

• Camel Trek: Ride through dunes at sunset.
• Erg Chebbi Dunes: Climb for amazing photos.
• Berber Camp Night: Sleep in tents, enjoy local music & food.

🏠 Stay

• Auberge Les Roches – simple desert camp (~$25–30/night).
• Nomad Palace Desert Camp – luxury tents on budget (~$40/night).

🚍 Getting There

• Overnight bus: Fes → Merzouga (~10 hrs, $25).
• Operator: Supratours (safe, reliable).

Suggested Daily Tours Or Activities in Merzouga (If You’re Interested!) Click Here

🎬 Day 9: Ouarzazate – Morocco’s Hollywood

🏙️ City Description

Ouarzazate is famous for film studios and kasbahs — many movies like Gladiator and Game of Thrones were filmed here.

📍 Things to Do

• Aït Ben Haddou: UNESCO mud-brick fortress village.
• Atlas Film Studios: Movie sets from Hollywood films.
• Kasbah Taourirt: 17th-century fortress in town.

🏠 Stay

• Ecolodge Kasbah Tifaoute (~$25).
• Dar Widad Hostel (~$20).

🚗 Getting There

• Merzouga → Ouarzazate: Bus (~8 hrs, $18).
• Car rentals also available for $30/day.

Suggested Daily Tours Or Activities in Merzouga (If You’re Interested!) Click Here

🏔️ Day 10: Return to Marrakech

• Bus or shared taxi from Ouarzazate → Marrakech (~4 hrs, $10).
• Relax in Menara Gardens or shop for souvenirs before departure.
• Fly home from Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK).

💳 Budget Breakdown

🛂 Visa & Entry Requirements

• Visa-Free: Most travellers from EU, USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and many Asian countries can stay 90 days visa-free.
• Passport Validity: 6 months beyond entry date.
• Visa Required: Some African and Asian nationalities — apply at Moroccan embassy.
• Customs Tip: Don’t bring drones without prior permission.

💵 Money & Payments

• Currency: Moroccan Dirham (MAD).
• Exchange Rate: $1 ≈ 10 MAD.
• Cards: Accepted in big cities; cash needed in villages.
• ATMs: Widely available; best banks: BMCE, Attijariwafa, CIH Bank.
• Avoid: Street money changers.
• Tip: Use Wise or Revolut for fair exchange rates.

⚠️ Safety & Common Scams

Safety Tip:
Morocco is safe for tourists, including solo women. Dress modestly in rural or religious areas and keep valuables close in busy markets.

🚍 Recommended Transport Companies

💬 Travel Tips for First-Timers

✅ SIM Card: Maroc Telecom or Inwi (buy at airport or shop).
✅ Language: Arabic & French common; English spoken in tourist areas.
✅ Weather: Best time – March to May or Sept to November.
✅ Dress Code: Cover shoulders/knees in small towns.
✅ Haggling: Expected in souks — smile and stay polite!

🏁 Final Thoughts

Morocco is the perfect first African destination — beautiful, budget-friendly, and full of culture.
From Marrakech’s medina to the blue walls of Chefchaouen and the golden dunes of Merzouga, every corner feels like an adventure.

This DIY Morocco itinerary helps you experience it all — safely, independently, and affordably.
Pack your backpack, prepare to haggle, and enjoy Morocco’s endless charm.

⚖️ Disclaimer

All travel information is for general guidance. Visa rules, prices, and schedules may change. Always confirm details with official Moroccan authorities or transport operators. Bhoppers.com is not responsible for third-party services.

Affiliate Disclosure:
Some links may be affiliate links. Bhoppers.com may earn a small commission if you book through them — at no extra cost to you.

Travel Responsibly:
Respect local customs, avoid plastic waste, and support local businesses.

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