5-Day Desert Tour from Tangier to Marrakech
Starts inTangierEnds inMarrakech
Morocco’s northern medinas, mountain landscapes, and Sahara dunes come together on this private 5-day desert tour from Tangier to Marrakech. Begin with guided visits in Chefchaouen and Fes before crossing the Middle Atlas and Ziz Valley to Merzouga for a camel experience and an overnight stay at a Sahara desert camp. Continue through Todra Gorge, Dades Valley, and Ait Ben Haddou, finishing your journey in Marrakech after crossing the High Atlas Mountains.
For your own party · Flexible departure dates
01 / Overview
Your tour at a glance
The first two days of this private journey introduce Morocco’s northern cities. Travel from Tangier to Chefchaouen for a guided walk through its blue-painted medina, then continue to Fes for a locally guided visit and an overnight stay in the historic city.
Beyond Fes, the scenery changes dramatically. Cross the Middle Atlas through Ifrane, the cedar forests near Azrou, and the Ziz Valley before reaching Merzouga for a camel experience among the Erg Chebbi dunes and an overnight Sahara camp stay. Continue through Rissani and Todra Gorge to Dades Valley for your fourth night. On the final day, pass Ouarzazate and visit the UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou before crossing the High Atlas Mountains to Marrakech, where your five-day journey concludes.
- Tour type
- Private · your own party
- Departures
- On request, subject to availability
- Transport
- Private A/C vehicle & driver
- Local guides
- Chefchaouen · Day 1; Fes · Day 2
- Accommodation
- Riads · Desert camp · Guesthouses
- Included meals
- 4 breakfasts & 4 dinners
Your route
- Tangier
- Chefchaouen
- Fes
- Ifrane
- Cedar Forest near Azrou
- Ziz Valley
- Merzouga & Erg Chebbi
- Rissani
- Todra Gorge
- Dades Valley
- Ouarzazate
- Ait Ben Haddou
- Marrakech
Tour highlights
- Chefchaouen’s blue-painted Medina
- Guided discovery of Fes
- Ifrane, cedar forest & Ziz Valley
- A camel experience & Sahara camp night
- Rissani, Todra Gorge & Dades Valley
- Ouarzazate, Ait Ben Haddou & the High Atlas
Like all our private Morocco tours, this journey can be adapted to your interests and preferred pace.
02 / Day by day
Your 5-day itinerary
Open each day for the full program, accommodation and included meals.
Distances & driving times: All driving figures are approximate and refer to time in the vehicle, not the length of the day’s visit. Sightseeing, meals, rest stops, camel rides, and camp transfers take additional time.
Tangier → Chefchaouen — Explore the Blue Pearl of Morocco
Meet your driver at the Tangier airport, city port, or accommodation pickup point agreed before booking. A morning start leaves time to enjoy Chefchaouen; Tangier Med collection needs a separate transfer schedule. Travel through the Rif Mountains, settle into your riad, and explore the blue-painted medina, craft shops, and small squares with a local guide at a relaxed pace. Pause at a café or enjoy views of the surrounding hills before dinner at your riad in Chefchaouen.
- Distance
- Approx. 120–150 km
- Driving time
- Approx. 2.5–3.5 hours
- Accommodation
- Riad El Palacio & Spa or similar · Chefchaouen
- Included meals
- Dinner
Chefchaouen → Fes & Guided City Tour
Leave Chefchaouen early and drive to Fes for a guided visit with your licensed local guide. See the Royal Palace Gates, explore Fes el-Bali’s lanes and artisan quarters, and visit the area around the Chouara Tanneries. Learn about Al Quaraouiyine from outside, with a historic madrasa or museum visit arranged according to opening times and the agreed schedule. This day combines the road journey with sightseeing. Settle into your riad in Fes and enjoy dinner there.
- Distance
- Approx. 210–240 km
- Driving time
- Approx. 4–5 hours
- Accommodation
- Riad Ghita Palace or similar · Fes
- Included meals
- Breakfast & Dinner
Fes → Ifrane → Cedar Forest → Ziz Valley → Merzouga Desert
Leave Fes early after breakfast and travel through Ifrane and the cedar forest near Azrou, where Barbary macaques may be seen. Cross the Middle Atlas toward Midelt and follow the Ziz Valley south to Merzouga, keeping stops concise on this long day. Your camel ride into Erg Chebbi is timed around daylight, weather, and your arrival. Settle into your tent at your camp near Merzouga and enjoy dinner, followed by local drumming and stargazing when conditions allow.
- Distance
- Approx. 470–500 km
- Driving time
- Approx. 7–8 hours
- Accommodation
- Sahara Desert Camp or similar · Merzouga · Erg Chebbi
- Included meals
- Breakfast & Dinner
Merzouga → Rissani → Todra Gorge → Dades Valley
Enjoy sunrise over the dunes if the weather is clear, followed by breakfast at camp. Stop in Rissani to explore its trading streets; market activity varies by day. Continue through palm groves and villages toward Tinghir, then walk beneath the limestone cliffs of Todra Gorge. Travel on to Dades Valley, where you check into your guesthouse and relax before dinner there.
- Distance
- Approx. 290–320 km
- Driving time
- Approx. 5–6 hours
- Accommodation
- Dar Ahlam or similar · Dades Valley
- Included meals
- Breakfast & Dinner
Dades Valley → Ouarzazate → Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou → Marrakech
Leave Dades Valley early after breakfast and travel through the rose-growing area around Kalaat M’Gouna and Ouarzazate to Ait Ben Haddou. Explore its earthen lanes and viewpoints before crossing the High Atlas via Tizi n’Tichka Pass, with stops for mountain scenery along the way. Expect a late-afternoon or evening arrival at your agreed Marrakech city drop-off point. If you have a same-day flight, ask us before booking to check the timing and arrange an airport transfer.
- Distance
- Approx. 330–360 km
- Driving time
- Approx. 6–7 hours
- Accommodation
- None — tour ends today
- Included meals
- Breakfast
03 / Accommodation
Where You’ll Stay
Four nights: one in Chefchaouen, one in Fes, one at a Merzouga desert camp and one in Dades Valley.
| Nights | Destination | Accommodation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chefchaouen | Riad El Palacio & Spaor similar |
| 2 |  Fes | Riad Ghita Palaceor similar |
| 3 |  Merzouga · Erg Chebbi | Sahara Desert Campor similar |
| 4 | Dades Valley | Dar Ahlamor similar |
| Total | 4 NightsCheck-out on day 5. | |
Your written proposal confirms property names, room categories and camp arrangements before booking. Four nights are included. Accommodation before the start in Tangier or after the finish in Marrakech is separate.
Rooms that suit your party
Tell us if you need double, twin, single or family rooms. Connecting rooms and particular room preferences depend on availability. We show any single-room supplement in your quote.
Riad & camp access
Medina riads may involve walking and stairs, while desert stays require travel over sand. Tell us about mobility needs, luggage assistance and preferred camp facilities so we can confirm suitable arrangements.
For a journey with upgraded accommodation, explore our Morocco luxury tours and discuss your preferred stays with our team.
04 / What your tour covers
Included & not included
Included
- Tangier pickup & Marrakech drop-offCollection at your agreed Tangier pickup point on day 1 and drop-off at an agreed Marrakech city location on day 5, as confirmed in your proposal.
- Private transport & driverAir-conditioned road transport with a professional driver for your party and the agreed itinerary.
- 4 nights’ accommodation1 night in Chefchaouen, 1 in Fes, 1 at a Sahara desert camp in Merzouga and 1 in Dades Valley.
- 4 breakfasts & 4 dinnersBreakfast on days 2–5 and dinner on days 1–4 at your overnight accommodation.
- Licensed local guidesLocal guided visits in Chefchaouen on day 1 and Fes on day 2 are included. Your driver handles road transport. The tour finishes with a transfer in Marrakech; a guided Marrakech city tour is not scheduled.
- Sahara camel experienceA camel experience in the Erg Chebbi dunes as part of your Merzouga camp stay, timed according to daylight, weather and arrival conditions.
- Visits along your routeTime for the listed city, forest, valley, gorge and kasbah stops, subject to opening arrangements and the agreed schedule.
Not included
- FlightsInternational and domestic flights.
- Lunches & drinksAll lunches, drinks and meals outside those expressly listed in the itinerary.
- Entrance feesPaid monument, museum, madrasa and other attraction admission, unless expressly included in your proposal.
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses & tipsShopping, gratuities and other personal purchases.
- Optional activities & extra nightsQuad biking, optional film studio visits, accommodation before or after the tour, onward or airport transfers beyond the agreed Marrakech drop-off and other services outside your proposal.
Visits & admission tickets. The program includes the listed accommodation, meals, private road transport, local guided visits in Chefchaouen on day 1 and Fes on day 2, camel experience and agreed pickup and drop-off. Paid admission is separate unless expressly included in your proposal. The tour ends in Marrakech on day 5; no Marrakech overnight stay is included.
05 / Price & booking
Your price & how to book
Price on request
We price this private tour for your own party. Share your dates, number of adults and children, preferred rooms and accommodation style, and we will prepare an itemized proposal.
- Your price is based on
- Group size, children’s ages, travel season, room occupancy, chosen accommodation and any itinerary changes.
- Single rooms & supplements
- Single-room costs, peak-season supplements and optional extras are shown separately when they apply.
- Before you confirm
- We state the total price, currency, inclusions and any payment fees in writing. Availability is checked for your dates.
Booking in 3 steps
- Tell us your plansSend your dates, number of travelers and room preferences. We prepare your personalized proposal.
- Agree the details & make your paymentReview the itinerary, stays, total price and conditions. Pay a 30% deposit when booking more than 30 days before the tour begins, or 100% when booking within 30 days of arrival. Reservations are subject to availability and our written confirmation after payment.
- Pay the remaining 70%If you paid a deposit, the remaining 70% is due at least 15 days before arrival. Bookings within 30 days of arrival require full payment at confirmation. Your written quotation states the exact payment due dates.
Payment options: credit/debit card, PayPal or bank transfer. See our booking guide for the complete process.
Changes & cancellation
Email us to request a change or cancellation. Changes are subject to availability; we explain additional costs before making changes. Cancellation charges depend on when we receive your email. See our cancellation policy for the rates, refund calculation and group-size changes. If we must cancel your tour, you can choose a full refund or an alternative date, subject to your agreement.
06 / Before you travel
Essential travel information
Airport transfers, vehicle & driver
Tangier start & Marrakech finish
Begin at your agreed Tangier pickup point on day 1. A morning departure leaves time to explore Chefchaouen. Airport or ferry collection must fit the route; Tangier Med needs separately agreed arrangements. Finish at an agreed Marrakech city drop-off on day 5. Tell us about onward travel before booking so we can check the timing and any additional transfer.
Your vehicle, local guides & desert arrival
Travel in a private air-conditioned vehicle selected for your party and luggage. Local guides lead the Chefchaouen visit on day 1 and the Fes city visit on day 2. No guided Marrakech city tour is scheduled. Your driver coordinates road travel, camp access and the camel experience. Let us know before booking if you prefer a 4×4 alternative to riding, need child seats or require access assistance.
Day 2 combines the Chefchaouen–Fes transfer with guided sightseeing. Day 3 is the longest drive, and day 5 includes a full journey through Ait Ben Haddou and the High Atlas. Early starts are needed on these days.
Walking & accessibility
Medinas, kasbahs and gardens involve walking and sometimes steps; the desert includes sand and uneven ground. Tell us about mobility needs before booking so we can review properties, visits and camp access.
Weather & packing
Bring comfortable shoes, sun protection and layers for mountain and desert temperature changes. Pack a small overnight bag for camp. Check the forecast close to departure and choose clothing for your travel season.
Meals & special requests
Four breakfasts and four dinners are included. Lunches, drinks and meals after the Marrakech finish are separate. Tell us about allergies and dietary preferences before booking.
Visits & local arrangements
Paid entrance tickets are separate unless included in your proposal. Royal Palace Gates and Al Quaraouiyine in Fes are exterior visits. Day 2 includes a guided Fes visit after the road transfer. Rissani market activity varies by day. A guided Marrakech tour is not scheduled within this five-day program.
Documents & insurance
Check passport, visa and entry requirements with the appropriate official government or consular service. Travel insurance is excluded; consider suitable cancellation, medical and baggage cover.
Help during your tour
Keep our telephone and WhatsApp details with you. Tell your driver and our local team promptly if a problem arises or your flight changes, so we can review the arrangements with you.
Personalize the route, stays & guide language
Add a night, choose a different riad or slow down the city visits. Tell us your interests and preferred pace so we can explain the options and any price difference.
Local guides can be requested in English, Italian, French or Spanish, subject to availability. We agree language requirements before confirmation.
For a shorter journey focused on the Sahara, browse our Morocco desert tours.
For currency, clothing and connectivity, read our Morocco travel preparation advice.
07 / Frequently asked questions
Questions about this tour
Is this five-day tour private?
Yes. Your vehicle, driver and itinerary are arranged for your own party, with local guided visits in Chefchaouen on day 1 and Fes on day 2. Riads, hotels and the desert camp may host other travelers.
Where does the tour start and finish?
The tour starts at your agreed Tangier pickup point on day 1 and finishes at an agreed city drop-off in Marrakech on day 5. No overnight stay in Tangier or Marrakech is included.
Can we start after arriving by flight or ferry in Tangier?
Yes, when the arrival time leaves enough time for the drive to Chefchaouen and the planned visit. A morning start is preferable. Share your flight or ferry details before booking; Tangier Med collection needs separately confirmed arrangements.
Where are the four overnight stays?
You stay one night in Chefchaouen, one in Fes, one at a Sahara desert camp near Merzouga and one in Dades Valley. The tour finishes in Marrakech on day 5.
Which meals are included?
Dinner is included on days 1–4 and breakfast on days 2–5, making four dinners and four breakfasts. Lunches, drinks and other meals are separate.
How is the guided Fes visit arranged?
Leave Chefchaouen early on day 2 and travel directly to Fes. A licensed local guide leads the city visit after arrival, with the sightseeing schedule arranged around the transfer and opening times. Paid admission is separate.
Does the tour include a camel ride and desert camp?
Yes. Day 3 includes a camel experience in Erg Chebbi and a Sahara desert camp night with dinner and breakfast. Timing depends on daylight, weather and arrival conditions. Ask about a 4×4 alternative before booking if you prefer not to ride. Your quotation confirms the approximate camel-riding time, separately from preparation and any vehicle transfers.
How long are the main drives?
Allow approximately 7–8 hours of driving from Fes to Merzouga on day 3, 5–6 hours from Merzouga through Rissani and Todra Gorge to Dades on day 4, and 6–7 hours from Dades through Ouarzazate and Ait Ben Haddou to Marrakech on day 5. Visits and breaks are additional.
Can we fly from Marrakech on the last day?
Day 5 is a long drive with sightseeing and usually reaches Marrakech in the late afternoon or evening. Share any flight details before booking so we can check feasibility and agree an airport transfer if needed. The standard finish is a Marrakech city drop-off, and arrival time depends on road conditions and stops.
What is the price, and are entrance fees included?
The price is on request and depends on your dates, party size, rooms, accommodation and any agreed changes. Paid attraction admission is separate unless expressly included in your written proposal, which confirms the total price and services.
Your journey starts here
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5-Day Desert Tour from Tangier to Marrakech
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For a general question, call, email or message us. For a trip proposal, use the inquiry form.
Our offices in Casablanca & Marrakech
Casablanca
12 Rue M Kamal Casablanca, Morocco
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Marrakech
Bureau 8 Étage 1, Jardine dabrar Imm. GH1, Marrakesh
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