5 days desert tour from Tangier: What to Expect
This 5 days desert tour from Tangier takes you from coast to the heart of the Sahara Desert before ending in Marrakech. Along the way, you’ll walk the blue-washed lanes of Chefchaouen, explore the Roman ruins of Volubilis, and visit the imperial city of Fes, before crossing the Middle Atlas Mountains through Ifrane and the cedar forests of Azrou on your way to the golden dunes of Merzouga.
This 5 days Morocco tour from Tangier continues with a camel trek across Erg Chebbi, a night in a private desert camp, and sunrise over the dunes, followed by the dramatic Todra Gorges, the rose-scented Dades Valley, and the film studios of Ouarzazate. The final leg crosses the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass to Ait Ben Haddou and Marrakech, making this 5 days Morocco itinerary an efficient way to experience Morocco coast, mountains, and Sahara in one trip. Prefer more time on the road? Our 7 Days Morocco Tour from Tangier and 10 Days Morocco Tour from Tangier follow a similar route with extra stops along the way.
Highlights
- Wander the blue medina streets of scenic Chefchaouen.
- Discover the ancient Roman ruins at Volubilis site.
- Explore the historic imperial city of Fes today.
- Drive through pine forests and cedar-covered scenic Ifrane.
- Ride camels across the golden Erg Chebbi dunes.
- Sleep overnight inside a private luxury desert camp.
- Watch the best sunrise and sunset over dunes.
- Walk through dramatic Todra Gorges and Dades Valley.
- Visit the UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate.
Day by day
Tap a day to see the full route, stops and overnight stay.
1Welcome to Tangier to Chefchaouen124 km
Your 5 days desert tour from Tangier begins with a pickup from your hotel, the airport, or the cruise port. Sitting where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic, Tangier is a fitting starting point, and before leaving the city you’ll stop at Cape Spartel and the nearby Hercules Cave, one of the region’s best-known natural landmarks. After some free time for lunch, the drive continues through the green hills of the Rif Mountains, passing Tetouan and pausing at a few scenic viewpoints along the way.
By late afternoon you’ll reach Chefchaouen, the blue-painted mountain town famous for its calm atmosphere, narrow alleys, and local craft shops. You’ll have free time to explore the medina at your own pace before settling in for the night at a riad or hotel in the heart of town.
2Chefchaouen - Volubilis - Fes262 km
After breakfast, take some extra time to wander Chefchaouen blue streets before continuing south to Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the best-preserved Roman archaeological site in Morocco. Here you’ll see intact mosaics, standing columns, and the remains of an ancient city that once marked the empire’s southern frontier.
From Volubilis, the route continues to Fes, Morocco’s cultural and spiritual capital, where you’ll spend the night and prepare for the next stage of the journey toward the Sahara.
3Fes - Ifrane - Azrou - Midelt - Ziz valley - Merzouga Desert468 km
Leaving Fes, the road climbs into the Middle Atlas Mountains toward Ifrane, a mountain town known for its alpine-style buildings and cool, pine-scented air a striking contrast to the rest of Morocco. Nearby, the cedar forest around Azrou is home to wild Barbary macaques, and you’ll have a short stop here before continuing to Midelt for lunch.
In the afternoon, the scenery shifts again as you enter the Ziz Valley, with its palm groves and wide desert views, before arriving in Merzouga. There, a camel trek carries you into the Erg Chebbi dunes to watch the sunset, followed by a traditional dinner and Berber music around the fire at your desert camp for the night.
4Merzouga Desert - Todra Gorges - Dades Valley271 km
An early start rewards you with sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes before breakfast at camp. From Merzouga, the route passes through Rissani, once the historic capital of the Tafilalet region, and Erfoud, known for its fossil workshops, before continuing through smaller oasis towns along the way.
The journey continues to the Todra Gorges, where sheer canyon walls rise above a narrow riverbed one of southern Morocco’s most striking natural sights. After a walk through the gorge, you’ll head on to the Dades Valley, passing the Monkey Fingers rock formations en route to your hotel for the night.
5Dades Valley - Roses Valley - Ouarzazate - Ait Ben Haddou - Marrakech331 km
The final day begins with a drive through the Rose Valley, known for its rose harvest and locally made rose products, then continues through the Skoura Oasis to the Amridil Kasbah, one of the best-preserved traditional kasbahs in the region. In Ouarzazate, you’ll pass the city’s well-known film studios and the Taourirt Kasbah before continuing to Ait Ben Haddou.
This UNESCO-listed fortified village has featured in several major films and TV series, and you’ll have time to explore it before crossing the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass with plenty of photo stops along the way. The tour ends in Marrakech with drop-off at your hotel or the airport, closing out your 5 days desert tour from Tangier.
Included
- Private transportation with air conditioning
- English/Spanish-speaking driver
- Accommodations during the tour
- Camel ride in the Sahara Desert
- All Breakfasts & two Dinners
Not included
- Entrance fees to monuments
- Lunches & drinks
- Tips (optional)
- Flights
Photos from this route
Questions travellers ask
Is 5 days enough to visit Morocco?
Yes, five days is enough to see many of Morocco highlights, including the Sahara Desert, on this 5 days Morocco tour. That said, if your schedule allows more time, our 7 Days Morocco Tour from Tangier covers additional destinations at a more relaxed pace.
How much does the 5 Days Morocco Tour cost?
Pricing for this 5 days Morocco itinerary depends on your travel dates, group size, accommodation level, and any optional activities you add. Contact us for a personalized quote based on your travel plans.
Is there another way to reach the desert camp besides camels?
Yes. If you’d rather not ride a camel, we offer 4×4 transfers to and from the camp at no extra charge just let us know your preference when booking.
What type of vehicle is used for the tour?
We use modern, air-conditioned vehicles throughout the trip. Depending on your group size, this may be a Toyota Land Cruiser Prado TX, a Ford Tourneo Custom, or a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter for larger groups.
What should I pack for a 5 Days Morocco Tour?
Comfortable clothing, sturdy walking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, and a light jacket for cool desert evenings are all recommended. A small daypack is useful for carrying essentials during stops.
Can this 5 Days Desert Tour from Tangier be customized?
Yes. This 5 days tour from Tangier can be adjusted to match your interests, pace, and travel dates. We can modify stops, accommodations, and activities to build the trip that works best for you.
Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes. Because it’s a private tour, this itinerary suits couples, families, and small groups equally well you set the pace, and the experience is tailored to your group.
