Overview: 5 day tangier to Marrakech via Merzouga
In this 5 days Tangier to Marrakech tour, you will explore the ancient medina of Fes el Bali, visit the Roman archaeological site of Volubilis, and discover the city of Meknes. You’ll also experience the beauty of Ifrane, often referred to as “Moroccan Switzerland.” Additionally, spend an unforgettable night in the Sahara Desert of Erg Chebbi Merzouga, including fantastic camel trekking and breathtaking sunset and sunrise views.


Summary: 5 day tangier to Marrakech via Merzouga
Drive through the Middle Atlas Mountains, stopping in Ifrane and Azrou to see cedar forests and Barbary apes. Continue through Midelt, the scenic Ziz Valley, and Erfoud to reach Merzouga. From here, embark on a camel trek to your desert camp in the Erg Chebbi dunes for a magical night under the stars.
Travel to the Roman ruins of Volubilis, then continue to Meknes, a former imperial city rich with history and architecture. End the day in Fes, where you’ll check into a riad for the night.
Drive through the Middle Atlas Mountains, stopping in Ifrane and Azrou to see cedar forests and Barbary apes. Continue through Midelt, the scenic Ziz Valley, and Erfoud to reach Merzouga. From here, embark on a camel trek to your desert camp in the Erg Chebbi dunes for a magical night under the stars.
Catch the sunrise over the dunes, then travel through Rissani to the towering Todra Gorges. After a short hike, continue through the Dades Valley, Rose Valley, and Skoura palm groves, arriving in Ouarzazate for the night.
Visit the famous Kasbah Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site, before crossing the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass. Arrive in Marrakech by late afternoon, where the tour ends with drop-off at your accommodation.
Highlights: 5 Days Tangier to Marrakech Desert trip
- Wonder the blue city of the Rif Mountains
- Explore the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis
- Visit Meknes and the medieval medina of Fes
- Pass through Ifrane and the cedar forests of Azrou
- Ride camels across the Erg Chebbi dunes and camp under the stars
- See the dramatic Todra Gorges and Dades Valley
- Visit the famous Kasbah Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site
- Cross the scenic High Atlas Mountains to arrive in vibrant Marrakech
Full Itinerary: Desert tour from Tangier to Marrakech in 5 Days
Day 1: Tangier – Chefchaouen
We will meet you at your hotel to start our first day, heading to the charming blue town of Chefchaouen, also known as the “Blue Jewel.” Its buildings and houses are beautifully painted in shades of blue and white, making it one of the most picturesque towns in the Rif Mountains. You will have free time to explore the town at your own pace, as it is small and very safe for walking alone. We’ll spend the night at a comfortable hotel or riad.
Day 2 : Chefchaouen– Volubilis – Meknes– Fes
The tour continues with a visit to the remarkable Roman archaeological site of Volubilis, an essential stop for history enthusiasts. After exploring the ancient ruins, we proceed to the nearby city of Meknes, one of Morocco’s former imperial capitals. There, you will discover its impressive gates, palaces, and bustling medina. Later in the afternoon, we make our way to Fes, where you’ll check into a traditional riad for an overnight stay, ready to explore Morocco’s cultural heart the following day.
Day 3: Fes – Ifrane – Azrou – Midelt – Ziz Valley – Merzouga
Today we journey through the Middle Atlas Mountains. Stop in Ifrane, known as the “Switzerland of Morocco”, and the cedar forest of Azrou to spot wild Barbary apes. Drive through Midelt and the scenic Ziz Valley, then reach Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara. After tea, embark on a camel trek across the dunes to your desert camp. Enjoy a Berber dinner and music under the stars.
Day 4: Merzouga – Todra Gorges – Rose Valley – Skoura – Ouarzazate
After breakfast, we’ll enjoy one of the best panoramic views of the Dades Valley from a strategic lookout point in the mountains. Where you’ll admire the large number of kasbahs and their unique architectural features. From there, we continue along a scenic road dotted with many kasbahs of historical and touristic interest, making several stops to take in the beauty of the famous “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs”.
Next, we pass through the Valley of Roses and the expansive Skoura palm grove before arriving in Ouarzazate. Then, visit the impressive Kasbah of Taourirt, once the residence of the powerful Glaoui family. If you’re interested, we can also visit the cinema studios and the Cinema Museum, as Ouarzazate is known as Morocco’s film capital. You’ll have some free time for lunch in town.
In the afternoon, we begin our return journey to Marrakech, crossing once again the Tizi n’Tichka Pass in the High Atlas Mountains. We’ll make several photo stops along the way, gradually leaving behind the arid, lunar-like desert landscapes for the vibrant colors of the plains. Arrival in Marrakech is expected around 6:00 PM, followed by transfer to your accommodation marking the end of our services.
Day 5: Ouarzazate - Aitbanhaddou - High Atlas - Marrakech
After breakfast in your accommodation, you will drive to the Kasbah of Ait Ben haddou; Built by Et Hami El Glaoui, one of the last Berber chieftains during the 19th century, it’s the most famous Kasbah in Morocco and a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1987.
After lunch you will continue to Marrakech via the High atlas Mountains (2260m) over the High Atlas Mountains, before arriving at your Hotel/Riad in Marrakech n’Tichka pass, reaching an altitude of . We will have some stops to enjoy the impressive views and visit the argan oil cooperative. Arrival to Marrakech red city late afternoon. Drop off In your accomodation, End of our 5 days Tangier to Marrakech via Sahara Desert. make a summary for each day
Inclusions: Tangier 5 days sahara tour
- Private comfortable Car with A/C
- Experienced driver ( English speaking )
- Pick up from your riad in Tangier
- Hotel in Chefchaouen city ( first Night )
- Riad in Fes ( Second night )
- Desert Camp in Merzouga ( Third night )
- Hotel in Dades Valley ( Fourth Night )
- Camel ride ( sunset + sunrise )
- Traditional music with a campfire
- 4x4 to transfer all your lugguage to your tent
- Dinner + Breakfast
- Sandboard activity ( optional )
- Drop off at your hotel in Marrakech on the last day
Exclusions: 5 Days desert tour from Tangier
- Lunch
- Entrance fee to sights
- Drinks
- Other optional activities such as: ATv Quador buggy
Usefull Map:
The main attarctions to explore during the 5 day itinerary:
CHEFCHAOUEN:
Nestled in the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen is known as the “Blue Pearl” of Morocco. Its narrow streets and blue-washed buildings create a peaceful, photogenic atmosphere. The town offers a relaxing contrast to larger cities and is perfect for strolling and discovering local crafts.
VOLUBILIS:
Volubilis is Morocco’s best-preserved Roman archaeological site, featuring impressive mosaics, temples, and ancient streets. It offers a fascinating glimpse into Roman life in North Africa and is a UNESCO World Heritage site rich in history and architecture.
FES:
Fes is Morocco’s oldest imperial city and a spiritual and cultural center. Its medina, Fes el-Bali, is a labyrinth of markets, mosques, and madrasas, making it one of the world’s most well-preserved medieval cities and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
ERG CHEBBI:
Erg Chebbi is a vast expanse of towering sand dunes near Merzouga, offering a true Sahara experience. Visitors can enjoy camel trekking, stunning sunrises and sunsets, and spend the night in a traditional Berber camp under a star-filled sky.
TODRA GORGE:
Todra Gorge is a spectacular natural canyon located in the eastern part of the High Atlas Mountains in Morocco. Known for its towering reddish limestone cliffs that rise up to 300 meters high, the gorge offers stunning scenery and a dramatic contrast between narrow rocky passages and the lush palm groves below. It’s a popular spot for hiking, rock climbing, and photography, attracting visitors who want to experience the raw beauty of Morocco’s desert mountains and peaceful river valleys. The small villages nearby also provide a glimpse into traditional Berber life.
Note: If this 5 day desert trip doesn’t quite match what you’re looking for, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us we’d be happy to customize your itinerary to suit your preferences and interests perfectly.