PRIVATE TOUR — 5 DAY DESERT TOUR FROM TANGIER TO MARRAKECH

OVERVIEW

This 5 day tour is an incredible journey connecting the northern coast of Morocco with the bustling red city of Marrakech. It perfectly balances the vibrant culture of the north with the stunning landscapes of the south. You will wander the famous blue streets of Chefchaouen, explore the ancient and bustling medina of Fes, and cross the Middle Atlas Mountains to reach the Sahara Desert. In Merzouga, you will experience a camel trek over the Erg Chebbi dunes and spend an unforgettable night in a luxury desert camp. Finally, the route takes you through the dramatic Todra and Dades Gorges, past the UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou, and over the High Atlas Mountains.

Every itinerary is fully customisable to suit your preferences and pace.

DURATION: 5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS
START: TANGIER
END: MARRAKECH
TOUR STYLE: PRIVATE

HIGHLIGHTS

• Exploring the picturesque blue-washed streets of Chefchaouen
• Navigating the ancient, maze-like alleys of the Fes Medina
• Feeding Barbary macaques in the cedar forests near Azrou
• A camel trek across the golden Erg Chebbi dunes
• Sunset and sunrise over the Sahara
• One night in a luxury desert camp under a star-filled sky
• Walking beneath the dramatic cliffs of the Todra Gorge
• Admiring the “monkey fingers” rock formations in the Dades Valley
• Exploring the UNESCO-listed Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou
• Crossing the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass

ITINERARY

DAY 1: TANGIER → CHEFCHAOUEN

Your tour begins with a warm welcome and pick-up from the airport, port, or your hotel in Tangier. From there, it’s a scenic drive through the Rif Mountains to the beautiful town of Chefchaouen. Known as the “Blue Pearl” of Morocco, you will have free time to wander its beautifully painted blue streets, discover hidden treasures, and soak in the enchanting allure of the medina. Overnight in a traditional riad in Chefchaouen.

DAY 2: CHEFCHAOUEN → FES

After a delightful breakfast, you will leave the peaceful blue city behind and travel south toward the imperial city of Fes. Upon arrival, you will have the afternoon to start discovering the spiritual and cultural heart of Morocco. Navigate the bustling markets, admire the rich architecture, and get lost in the historic medina. Overnight in a riad in Fes.

DAY 3: FES → IFRANE → ZIZ VALLEY → MERZOUGA DESERT

Today marks the start of your desert adventure. Heading south, you will pass through Ifrane (often referred to as the “Switzerland of Morocco”) and the Middle Atlas Mountains, where you can spot Barbary monkeys in the cedar forests. The drive continues through the lush, palm-filled Ziz Valley before arriving in Merzouga in the afternoon. Here, you will switch to camels for a trek across the mesmerizing Erg Chebbi dunes, pausing to witness a breathtaking sunset. You’ll arrive at your luxury desert camp in time for a traditional dinner, followed by Berber drumming around the campfire. Overnight in the luxury camp.

DAY 4: MERZOUGA DESERT → RISSANI → TODRA GORGE → DADES GORGE

Wake up early to catch a stunning desert sunrise before breakfast. You will then return to Merzouga by camel or 4×4. The westbound journey begins with a stop in the traditional market town of Rissani, followed by a drive to the Todra Gorge. Here, you can take a scenic walk beneath the towering red cliffs carved by the Todra River. In the afternoon, the drive continues to the Dades Valley, famous for its unique “monkey fingers” rock formations and panoramic valley vistas. Dinner and overnight at a hotel in the Dades Valley.

DAY 5: DADES GORGE → AIT BEN HADDOU → HIGH ATLAS MOUNTAINS → MARRAKECH

After breakfast, the journey continues through Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Africa,” before arriving at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou. This ancient fortified village has served as a backdrop for numerous films, including The Mummy and Gladiator. After exploring the kasbah and enjoying a local lunch, you will cross the majestic High Atlas Mountains, taking in the spectacular scenery. You will arrive in Marrakech in the late afternoon, where you will be dropped off at your accommodation. End of the tour.

IMPORTANT NOTES

– Driving times don’t include stops for lunch and sightseeing.
– This tour can also be run in reverse via the Marrakech to Chefchaouen Desert Tour.
– The same itinerary can also start from Casablanca via the 5 Day Morocco Itinerary.
– Dietary preferences (vegetarian, vegan, allergies) can be accommodated — please mention this when booking.
– Prefer not to ride a camel? A 4×4 can take you into and out of the camp at no extra cost.
– Three accommodation categories are available — let us know your preference when booking.
– Longer versions (6, 7, 8 day) are available for a more complete trip.
– Optional extras: professional photographer, romantic desert dinner, desert proposal setup, quad biking, buggy driving, Marrakech guided tour, hot air balloon, Essaouira day trip, Ouzoud Waterfalls, Ourika Valley.