5 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech to Tangier via Chefchaouen
Itinerary for 5 Day
Overview of 5 Days Desert tour from Marrakech
Short description about Marrakech to Tangier Desert trip
During this 5 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech to Tangier, we’ll start by crossing the breathtaking High Atlas Mountains. Next, we’ll explore the UNESCO-listed Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, famous for its cinematic history. From there, we’ll stop in Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Africa,” and spend the night in Dades Valley.
After that, we’ll visit the stunning Todra Gorges before heading to Merzouga for a camel trek across the golden dunes. Along the way, we’ll explore Erfoud and Ziz Valley while we cross the Middle Atlas mountains. Our Morocco itinerary will lead us afterward to the Cedar Forest of Azrou, Ifrane, and Fes. Moreover, we head to explore the blue of Chefchaouen and then end our Sahara desert trip at Tangier.
5 Day Itinerary from Marrakech to Tangier
Desert Tour Itinerary for 5 Day
Day 1: Marrakech – High Atlas Mountains – Ait Benhaddou – Dades Valley
We begin our 5 days desert tour from Marrakech by crossing the majestic High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass. Known of its elevations up to 2,260 meters. Along the way, we’ll pause to admire panoramic vistas and capture memorable photographs. Our next stop is the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Benhaddou, a historic ksar renowned for its traditional mud-brick architecture and as a backdrop for numerous films.
Here, we’ll explore the ancient kasbah and enjoy lunch at a local eatery. Continuing to Ouarzazate, often referred to as the “Hollywood of Africa” due to its prominent film studios, we’ll visit the impressive Taourirt Kasbah. Finally, our day concludes in the Dades Valley, known as the “Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs,” where we’ll check into our accommodation for dinner and an overnight stay.
(6 hours drive | 323 km)
Overnight: Dades Valley
Meals: Dinner & Breakfast
Day 2: Dades Valley – Todra Gorge – Erfoud – Merzouga Desert
After breakfast, we explore the dramatic landscapes of the Dades Valley, including the famous rock formations known as “Monkey Fingers.” Next, we proceed to the Todra Gorge, where towering canyon walls reach heights of up to 400 meters, offering a spectacular setting for a leisurely walk. Following lunch, our journey continues to Erfoud, a town celebrated for its fossil workshops and as a gateway to the Sahara Desert.
Once we arrive in Merzouga, situated on the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes, we embark on a camel trek into the desert, timing our ride to witness a breathtaking sunset over the golden sands. We’ll then spend the night in a luxury desert camp, complete with private tents, hot showers, and traditional Moroccan decor. The evening will include a traditional dinner, live Berber music around the campfire, and stargazing under the clear desert sky.
(5 hours drive | 265 km)
Overnight in a luxury desert camp
Meals: Dinner & Breakfast
Day 3: Merzouga Desert – Ziz Valley – Midelt
We rise early to experience the serene sunrise over the Sahara dunes, a truly magical sight. After breakfast at the camp, we visit a nomadic family to gain insight into their unique lifestyle and traditions. Departing Merzouga, we travel through the lush Ziz Valley, characterized by its extensive palm groves and dramatic gorges.
Along the way, we’ll stop in Erfoud to visit a fossil workshop, where we’ll learn about the region’s rich paleontological heritage. Then, our journey continues through the Middle Atlas Mountains, passing through picturesque cedar forests and the town of Midelt, known for its apple orchards. Here, we’ll check into our accommodation for dinner and an overnight stay.
(5 hours drive | 263 km)
Overnight: Midelt
Meals: Dinner & Breakfast
Day 4: Midelt – Middle Atlas – Azrou Cedar Forest – Ifrane – Fes
After breakfast, we continue our journey through the Middle Atlas Mountains, making a stop in Ifrane, often referred to as the “Switzerland of Morocco” due to its alpine-style architecture and pristine parks. We’ll take a stroll through this charming town before proceeding to Fes, one of Morocco’s oldest and most culturally rich cities.
Upon arrival, we’ll embark on a guided tour of the Fes medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site, exploring its narrow alleys, historic madrasas, vibrant souks, and the famous Al-Qarawiyyin University, considered the oldest continuously operating university in the world. We’ll also visit the Chouara Tannery, where traditional leather goods are produced using centuries-old methods. After a day of immersion in Fes’s rich history and culture, we’ll retire to our accommodation for the night.
(4 hours drive | 204 km)
Overnight: Fes
Meals: Dinner & Breakfast
Day 5: Fes – Chefchaouen – Tangier
Following breakfast, we depart Fes and head north towards Chefchaouen, the famed “Blue City” nestled in the Rif Mountains. Known for its striking blue-washed buildings and narrow winding streets, Chefchaouen offers a picturesque setting for exploration. We’ll visit the Kasbah Museum, stroll through the medina, and enjoy lunch in one of the quaint local restaurants.
In the afternoon, we continue our journey to Tangier, a vibrant port city where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean. Here, we’ll explore the historic medina, visit the Kasbah, and take in coastal views from the famed Cape Spartel. Our tour concludes with a drop-off at your chosen location in Tangier, marking the end of 5 days desert tour from Marrakech to Tangier.
(6 hours drive | 308 km)
End the trip in Tangier
Meals: Breakfast
5 day from Marrakech to Tangier: Tour highlights
These highlights showcase the unique experiences and adventures awaiting you on this 5 day Morocco tour from Marrakech
- High Atlas Mountains: Cross the stunning Tizi n’Tichka Pass with breathtaking views and photo stops.
- Ait Benhaddou: Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site and marvel at its traditional mud-brick architecture.
- Dades Valley: Discover the “Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs” and its unique rock formations, including “Monkey Fingers.”
- Todra Gorge: Walk through towering canyon walls, a haven for nature enthusiasts and photographers.
- Merzouga Camel Trek: Experience a magical sunset over the Sahara dunes on a camel ride.
- Luxury Desert Camp: Enjoy an unforgettable night with Berber music, stargazing, and modern amenities in the desert.
- Ziz Valley: Admire the lush palm groves and dramatic gorges along this scenic route.
- Ifrane: Visit the “Switzerland of Morocco,” known for its alpine charm and clean streets.
- Fes Medina: Explore one of Morocco’s oldest cities, including the Al-Qarawiyyin University and Chouara Tannery.
- Chefchaouen: Wander through the enchanting blue-washed streets of the Rif Mountains’ “Blue City.”
What's included in the tour price
- Arrival and Departure pick up
- Private English-speaking driver/guide
- Private luxury vehicle with AC
- Wi-Fi
- Fuel
- Moroccan accommodation
- Daily dinners and breakfasts
- Sunset Camel trekking in Erg Chebbi
- 1 Night stay in a luxury desert camp
- Guided Tour of Fes and Chefchaouen
What's not included
- Flight tickets
- Drinks
- Lunch
- Tips
- Travel Insurance
Extras to add to your Private tour
- Sandboarding
- Quads ride in Merzouga dunes
- Cooking Class
- Henna Tattoo for women
This 5-day from Marrakech to Tangier is a suggested itinerary. We understand that every traveler is unique! If this Morocco itinerary doesn’t fit your needs, feel free to contact us. We specialize in creating customized tours across Morocco that match your interests, schedule, and travel style.
The tour price depends on the group size. Larger groups enjoy lower prices per person as transportation costs are shared. You can also choose your preferred accommodation, whether standard, luxury, or something in between.
Contact us today for a personalized quote. Let us help you plan an unforgettable Moroccan adventure! Your journey begins with us!