Our 6-day journey from Tangier to the Merzouga Desert, weaving through Morocco’s most iconic cities and landscapes. From the blue-washed alleys of Chefchaouen to the rich cultural heritage of Fes, and finally the vast golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, this tour is the perfect mix of history, culture, and adventure.
You’ll enjoy camel trekking, spend a night under the stars in a desert camp, and experience Morocco’s diverse beauty at your own pace in a private vehicle with a knowledgeable local guide.
Highlights
- Wander the blue streets of Chefchaouen
- Explore the Roman ruins of Volubilis
- Discover the spiritual medina of Fes with a local guide
- Experience the vast Sahara Desert and camel trekking
- Overnight in a traditional Berber desert camp
- Scenic drives through mountains, cedar forests, and palm valleys
Itinerary: 6 Days Tangier to Merzouga Desert Tour
Day 1: Tangier – Chefchaouen
Your driver will meet you at the port, airport, or your accommodation in Tangier. After a scenic drive through the Rif Mountains, you’ll arrive in Chefchaouen, the magical blue city nestled in the hills. Enjoy a relaxed afternoon strolling through its charming medina, taking in its colorful doors, artisan shops, and peaceful atmosphere.
📍 Distance: ~115 km
🕒 Driving time: 2.5 hours
🏨 Overnight in Chefchaouen
Day 2: Chefchaouen – Volubilis – Meknes – Fes
After breakfast, depart for Volubilis, Morocco’s best-preserved Roman ruins. Then continue to the imperial city of Meknes, where you can explore Bab Mansour, Lahdim Square, and the historic medina. In the afternoon, head to Fes, the cultural heart of Morocco.
📍 Distance: ~210 km
🕒 Driving time: 4.5–5 hours (with stops)
🏨 Overnight in Fes
Day 3: Fes Guided Tour escorted by an official guide
Spend the day exploring Fes with a local guide. Visit the famous Al Quaraouiyine University, tanneries, Medersa Bou Inania, and the intricate narrow alleys of the old medina. You’ll also see artisan workshops and learn about the city’s rich spiritual and intellectual history.
🏨 Overnight in Fes
Day 4: Fes – Ifrane – Midelt – Ziz Valley – Merzouga
Today is a scenic journey south, pick-up from your hotel or riad in Fes. As you leave the bustling city behind, the road winds through the Middle Atlas Mountains, offering stunning views of cedar forests and picturesque landscapes.
The first stop is Ifrane, often called the “Switzerland of Morocco” due to its European-style architecture and clean streets. From there, you continue to Azrou’s Cedar Forest, home to the famous Barbary macaques. Here, you can take a short break to see the playful monkeys and enjoy the fresh mountain air.
The journey continues south through the breathtaking Ziz Valley, known for its thousands of towering palm trees and traditional mud-brick villages. As you approach Merzouga, the desert landscape begins to unfold, signaling your arrival at the gateway to the Sahara.
Upon reaching Merzouga, you’ll be welcomed with traditional Moroccan mint tea before embarking on a camel trek through the Erg Chebbi dunes. As the sun sets over the golden sands, the scenery becomes truly magical. Arriving at your desert camp, you’ll enjoy a delicious Berber dinner, followed by live music around a campfire under the star-filled sky.
Camel Trek or 4WD Transfer to Camp:
- 1-hour camel trek with sunset stop OR
- Comfortable 4WD transfer
Enjoy a traditional dinner, Berber music around the campfire, and stargazing.
🚗 Driving Distance: 470 km (292 miles)
⏳ Estimated Driving Time: 7 hours (excluding stops)
🏕️ Overnight Stay: Luxury Desert Camps in Merzouga (HB)
Day 5: Merzouga to Dades Valley via Rissani & Todra Gorge
Merzouga → Rissani → Todra Gorge → Boumalne Dades → Dades Valley
Start your day with an optional sunrise camel ride. After breakfast, transfer by 4WD back to Merzouga village.
- Visit Rissani: Explore the traditional souk and date market
- Todra Gorge: Towering canyon walls and scenic river walks
- Continue through the Dades Valley, stopping for photos of dramatic rock formations (Monkey Fingers)
Arrive at your hotel or riad in the valley for dinner and a restful night.
🚗 Distance: 270 km (168 miles)
⏳ Driving Time: ~5 hours (excluding stops)
🏡 Overnight: Dar Blues OR Riad Paradise Dades OR Xaluca Dades OR Hotel Dar Ahlam OR Hotel Babylone Dades OR Eden boutique hotel (HB)
Day 6: Dades Valley to Marrakech via Ait Ben Haddou & Atlas Mountains
Dades → Roses Valley → Skoura Oasis → Ouarzazate → Ait Ben Haddou → High Atlas Mountains → Marrakech
After breakfast, on the last day of your 3 day Fes to Marrakech Desert tour, the journey continues through the Rose Valley, famous for its fragrant rose fields and the annual Rose Festival. You’ll pass through the picturesque Skoura Oasis, home to lush palm groves and beautifully preserved kasbahs.
The next major stop is Ouarzazate, often referred to as the “Hollywood of Morocco.” Here, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the iconic Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site and filming location for movies like Gladiator and Game of Thrones.
🚗 Distance: 320 km (199 miles)
⏳ Driving Time: ~6 hours (excluding stops)
What’s Included?
✔️ Transportation : 6 Days Private 4×4 vehicle or minibus with an English-speaking driver
✔️ 1 night in a luxury desert camp (private tent), 4 Nights in Riad/Hotel in Chefchaouen, Fes and Dades Valley
✔️ Camel trek or 4WD transfer to the camp (pre-arranged)
✔️ Breakfast & dinner daily
✔️ Traditional Berber music show around the campfire
✔️ Sandboarding (free & optional)
✔️ Travel insurance 6 days (within the vehicle)
What’s Not Included?
❌ Lunches & drinks
❌ Entrance fees to optional attractions
❌ Personal expenses
❌ Optional quad biking or dune buggy transfer in Merzouga