5 Days Sahara Desert tour from Tangier to Marrakech

Welcome to Morocco, and specifically, welcome to Tangier—the captivating gateway bridging Europe and Africa. Our journey begins by picking you up from your accommodation in Tangier. As we set forth towards Fes, the cultural capital of Morocco, you’ll traverse the picturesque Rif Mountains, passing through charming small towns. Among them is Chefchaouen, or ‘Chaouen’ as the locals affectionately call it.

This town is a visual masterpiece, adorned in varying shades of blue—walls, doors, windows, stairways, alleyways, and archways. The soft pastel sky blue blends seamlessly with deeper, more vibrant hues, creating a mesmerizing aesthetic. Given its size, you’ll have ample time to explore this Moroccan gem. After a delightful lunch, bid farewell to Chefchaouen and continue your journey south to Fez, one of Morocco’s most stunning imperial cities. Here, you can ready yourself for tomorrow’s captivating tour of this enchanting medieval city.

Here’s your chance to explore the UNESCO-protected Fez Medina from the perspective of a local, guided by your own private guide. Fes stands as the oldest among Morocco’s imperial cities and is arguably the most captivating to discover. Shielded by UNESCO, the city has retained its medieval charm without significant colonial influence. Fes encompasses two historic medina quarters: Fes el Bali (where you’ll spend most of your time), Fes el Jdid (a slightly newer section), and the 20th-century French-designed Ville Nouvelle.

Join your guide to navigate the narrow and labyrinthine ancient streets of the medinas, starting in Fes el Bali (established in 789 CE). Take note of the Spanish and Tunisian-influenced architecture as you pass through various souks (markets) offering spices, leather goods, and pewter. Famed for its tanneries, including the one with its distinctive smell, explore the Chouara Tannery, and ascend to the roof of a nearby shop for a better view of the activities below.

Visit the 14th-century Al Attarine Madrasa to admire the intricate zellij tilework, and then explore one of the world’s oldest operating universities, Al-Qarawiyyin University (founded in 859 CE). Finally, venture into the Mellah (old Jewish quarter) in Fes el Jdid for a comprehensive view of the city’s rich history and culture.

Embark on an early morning departure from Fez, setting your sights on the scenic Middle Atlas Mountains. Enjoy a pleasant drive through Berber villages, with a special stop in the charming city of Ifrane, often referred to as the “Moroccan Switzerland.” Continue your journey to Azrou, home to the famous cedar forest where you can encounter playful monkeys. Take a break in the city of Midelt for a satisfying lunch.

Post-lunch, the adventure continues towards Erfoud, renowned for its fossils, with a picturesque drive through Ziz Valley offering a panoramic view of the oasis scenery. Along the route from Erfoud to the dunes, catch glimpses of nomadic Berber tribes—don’t miss the opportunity for iconic photographs. Arrive in Merzouga, where you’ll meet your camels for a trek through the desert. Traverse the red dunes until all that surrounds you is sand and sky, interrupted only by the occasional snort of the camels and the soft sounds of their steps on the sand.

Pause to witness the breathtaking sunset before reaching your camp. A warm welcome awaits you with mint tea and cookies. Take some time to appreciate the sand dunes and the captivating landscapes before preparing for a Moroccan dinner served under the stars by the campfire. Following dinner, gather around the fire to enjoy the rhythmic beats of typical Berber music played on drums beneath the expansive sky filled with stars.

If you’re inclined to greet the dawn and witness the sun’s magical journey, casting a cool blue morning sky that gradually transforms the desert shadows into a glowing ball of fire, your attentive desert camp hosts will ensure an early wake-up call for this spectacular sight. Don’t forget to capture these moments with iconic photographs for sharing on social media.

Following this enchanting experience, return to a local hotel where a welcoming hot shower and breakfast await. Our journey continues as we depart from Merzouga towards Rissani, home to the largest and most bustling weekly market in South Morocco. Stroll through the market to explore craft stores, the dates market, and witness various animal trades involving goats, sheep, donkeys, camels, and cows.

As we proceed to Erfoud, renowned for its fossilized marbles, our next destination is the Todra Gorges, the highest oasis valley gorge in Morocco. Marvel at the panoramic views of ancient mud-built Berber villages overlooking the valley. Reach the Gorges and take a walk beneath the 300-meter-high red cliff, a favored spot for rock climbers pursuing their preferred sport.

Our journey then leads us through the picturesque Dades Valley, where we’ll conclude our day by spending the night in a delightful hotel nestled in the heart of the valley.

As we embark on the final day of our desert tour from Tangier to Merzouga via the Sahara, our journey takes us through the captivating Dades Valley, heading towards Ouarzazate, often referred to as the “Moroccan Hollywood.” This designation is owed to the presence of the Atlas Film Studio and other local spots frequently used in film productions. Our first stop is the Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, an ancient Ksar recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Positioned along the historic trade caravan route between the Sahara Desert and Marrakech, this Ksar has served as a backdrop for numerous films, including The Jewel of the Nile, The Mummy, Kingdom of Heaven, and Games of Thrones.

From Ait Ben Haddou, you might opt to venture to the lesser-visited (yet potentially more impressive) area of Telouet. Here, you can wander through the former palace of the Glaoui family. The final stretch of today’s journey takes us over the majestic High Atlas Mountains, navigating the impressive zig-zag of the Tiz n Tichka pass. Ultimately, we’ll arrive in Marrakesh, allowing you some time to explore the renowned Jemaa el-Fnaa Square before we drop you off at your hotel or Riad.

And thus, the 5-day Sahara desert tour from Tangier to Marrakech draws to a close! We sincerely hope you’ve relished every moment of this journey with our team!