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Private tour · Tangier → Marrakech

6-Day Private Tour from Tangier to Marrakech via Fes and the Sahara

This 6-day private tour starts in Tangier and finishes in Marrakech, travelling via Chefchaouen, Fes, the Middle Atlas, two nights in a desert camp in the Erg Chebbi dunes at Merzouga, the Todra Gorge, the Dadès Valley and Aït Ben Haddou.

Duration6 days · 5 nights
Starts · finishesTangier → Marrakech
StylePrivate, your own group
Desert2 nights, Erg Chebbi camp

Tangier to Sahara Desert Tour in 6 Days

This Tangier to Sahara desert tour combines culture and the Sahara in one private journey: a day in Fes, two nights near Merzouga, and a finish in Marrakech rather than a return to Tangier.

Only your own group travels in the vehicle with your driver. The route crosses the Rif to Chefchaouen and Fes, then the Middle Atlas to the Erg Chebbi dunes, and back west through the gorges and Aït Ben Haddou. Days 1, 3, 5 and 6 are long drives; day 2 is spent in Fes and day 4 around Merzouga.

Who Is This 6-Day Morocco Desert Tour For?

This tour suits couples, families and friends arriving in Tangier who want Chefchaouen, Fes and two nights in the Sahara, and who are happy to fly home from Marrakech.

Good fit

Travellers arriving by ferry or flight into Tangier, first-time visitors who want the north and the desert in under a week, and anyone comfortable with several long road days.

Consider another route if

You need to return to Tangier, or you'd prefer fewer hours on the road. Our Tangier desert tours page compares longer options, including round trips.

Tangier Chefchaouen Fes Sahara Itinerary: Jump to a Day

The route runs Tangier, Chefchaouen and Fes, then Merzouga for two nights, the Dadès Valley, and Marrakech.

Starts in Tangier · finishes in Marrakech

Request a Private Quote for This 6-Day Tour

Send us your dates and group size through the form, and we'll reply with a private itinerary and price; it's an enquiry, not an instant booking.

What to include

  • Your travel dates, and whether you arrive in Tangier by ferry or by air
  • Number of travellers, and children's ages
  • Your preferred accommodation standard
  • Any preferences, such as a Merzouga camp option or extra photo stops
  • Anything you'd like to change on the route

Good to know

  1. 1
    Finishes in MarrakechThe tour does not return to Tangier.
  2. 2
    Two nights near MerzougaBoth in a desert camp in the Erg Chebbi dunes.
  3. 3
    Nothing is booked yetYou review the proposal before confirming.

Send your trip details

Private tour for your own group.

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Tangier to Marrakech via Sahara: Day-by-Day Itinerary

The itinerary covers Chefchaouen and Fes on days 1–2, the Merzouga desert on days 3–4, and the gorges, Aït Ben Haddou and the drive to Marrakech on days 5–6.

Day1
Long travel day

Tangier to Fes via the Rif, Tetouan and Chefchaouen

Day 1 is the drive from Tangier through the Rif Mountains and Tetouan to Chefchaouen, the blue-washed town where you stop to explore, then on to Fes for the night.

You'll have time to wander Chefchaouen's medina, with its art shops and rooftop cafés, before continuing south to Fes.

Key stops: Tetouan, Chefchaouen
Overnight: Riad in Fes

Day2

Guided day in Fes

Day 2 is a guided day in Fes: the Royal Palace gates, the Mellah, the Qarawiyyin, the medina's alleys and tanneries, and a panoramic view of the city.

UNESCO notes that Fes has kept its status as

"the country's cultural and spiritual centre."— UNESCO World Heritage Centre, Medina of Fez

That is why the tour gives Fes a full day. The Qarawiyyin and the Royal Palace are seen from outside.

Key stops: Royal Palace gates, Mellah, Qarawiyyin (exterior), medina, tanneries
Overnight: Riad in Fes (dinner and breakfast)

Day3
Long travel day

Fes to Merzouga via Ifrane, Azrou and Midelt

Day 3 is the drive from Fes across the Middle Atlas to Merzouga, followed by a camel ride into the Erg Chebbi dunes and your first night at a desert camp.

The Moroccan National Tourist Office says Ifrane is

"aptly nicknamed ‘Little Moroccan Swiss’"— Moroccan National Tourist Office (Visit Morocco), See & Do: nature

You pass the cedar forests around Azrou, home to Barbary macaques, have lunch in Midelt, and follow the Ziz Valley to Erfoud. Dinner at camp comes with Berber music.

Key stops: Ifrane, Azrou, Midelt, Ziz Valley, Erfoud, Erg Chebbi
Overnight: Desert camp, Erg Chebbi

Day4

A day around Merzouga

Day 4 is spent around Merzouga: a 4×4 tour to Khamlia's Gnawa musicians, nomad families and nearby oases, then a sunset camel ride and a second night at camp.

The Moroccan National Tourist Office calls Merzouga

"one of the gates of the Sahara"— Moroccan National Tourist Office (Visit Morocco), Errachidia-Midelt-Merzouga

Having a full day here is what separates this tour from a single-night desert stop.

Key stops: Khamlia, nomad families, oases, Erg Chebbi
Overnight: Desert camp, Erg Chebbi (second night)

Day5
Long travel day

Merzouga to the Dadès Valley via Rissani and the Todra Gorge

Day 5 starts with sunrise over the dunes and a camel ride back to the village, then the drive via Rissani and Tinghir to the Todra Gorge and on to the Dadès Valley.

Rissani is known for its traditional souks, and the Todra Gorge is popular with rock climbers and walkers.

Key stops: Rissani, Tinghir, Todra Gorge
Overnight: Guesthouse in the Dadès Valley

Day6
Longest driving day

Dadès Valley to Marrakech via Ouarzazate and Aït Ben Haddou

Day 6 follows the Valley of Roses to Ouarzazate and Aït Ben Haddou, then crosses the High Atlas by the Tizi n'Tichka pass to Marrakech, where the tour ends.

UNESCO describes Aït Ben Haddou as

"a striking example of the architecture of southern Morocco."— UNESCO World Heritage Centre, Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou

It is quoted here because it is the main heritage stop on your final day. Entrance fees are extra.

Key stops: Valley of Roses, Ouarzazate, Aït Ben Haddou, Tizi n'Tichka
Overnight: None — tour ends in Marrakech

How Many Nights Are Spent Near Merzouga?

Two nights are spent near Merzouga, both in desert tents at a camp in the Erg Chebbi dunes, on nights 3 and 4.

The other nights are two in a traditional riad in Fes and one in a guesthouse in the Dadès Valley, with dinner and breakfast included each night. Exact properties are confirmed with your quote; tell us your preferred accommodation standard, or ask for a Merzouga camp option, when you enquire. More about camps on our Merzouga desert page.

What Is Included in This Private Tour?

The tour includes a private air-conditioned vehicle with driver-guide, pickup in Tangier and drop-off in Marrakech, five nights' accommodation including two desert-camp nights, the camel rides, and dinners and breakfasts; flights, lunches, drinks and entrance fees are not included.

Included

  • Private tour in an air-conditioned vehicle
  • Private driver-guide throughout
  • Pickup in Tangier; drop-off in Marrakech
  • Riad and guesthouse accommodation (Fes ×2, Dadès ×1)
  • 2 nights in desert tents at a camp in Erg Chebbi
  • Camel rides in the Erg Chebbi dunes
  • Dinners and breakfasts

Not included

  • Flights to and from Morocco
  • Lunches and drinks
  • Entrance fees to museums and attractions

Can This Itinerary Be Customized?

Yes, because the tour is private, the route can be adjusted when you request your quote, subject to our confirmation.

More time in Chefchaouen

Ask to spend a night there instead of driving on to Fes.

A different finish city

Ask for a quote ending in Fes or returning to Tangier instead.

Accommodation options

Tell us the standard you prefer for the riad, guesthouse and camp.

A family-friendly pace

Ask about splitting long drives if you're travelling with children.

Six-Day Morocco Private Tour: Practical Questions

Plan for four long driving days, two nights in the desert, and a flight home from Marrakech.

Where does the tour start and end?

The tour starts in Tangier and ends in Marrakech; it does not return to Tangier.

Where are you picked up in Tangier?

You are picked up at an agreed point in Tangier, such as your hotel, the port or the airport, confirmed with your quote.

How much driving is involved?

Days 1, 3, 5 and 6 are long driving days, with stops along the way; exact times depend on roads, weather and stops.

What should you pack for the desert?

Pack a small bag for the two camp nights, a warm layer for the evenings, and sun protection.

Sources and further reading

Destination facts on this page are supported by UNESCO and the Moroccan National Tourist Office, neither of which endorses any tour operator.

  1. Medina of Fez — UNESCO World Heritage Centre
  2. See & Do: picture-perfect nature (Ifrane) — Moroccan National Tourist Office
  3. Errachidia-Midelt-Merzouga, between Atlas and desert — Moroccan National Tourist Office
  4. Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou — UNESCO World Heritage Centre

6-Day Tangier to Marrakech Tour FAQs

This is a private tour for your own group that starts in Tangier, spends two nights in the Erg Chebbi dunes, and finishes in Marrakech.

Is this a private or group tour?

It is a private tour for your own group, not a shared departure.

Does the tour end in Fes?

No, the tour ends in Marrakech; Fes is visited on days 1 and 2.

Is the 4×4 excursion on day 4 included?

The itinerary describes a 4×4 tour around Merzouga, and we confirm exactly what is included in your quote.

Which meals are included?

Dinners and breakfasts are included. Lunches and drinks are not.

Are entrance fees included?

No, entrance fees to museums and attractions are not included, for example at Aït Ben Haddou or the Ouarzazate studios.

What language does the driver-guide speak?

This tour does not list a driver language, so tell us your preferred language when you enquire.

Can I book instantly?

No, you request a quote first; the tour is booked only after you approve our proposal.

Plan Your Private Tangier to Marrakech Tour

Starts in Tangier, finishes in Marrakech: send your dates, number of travellers and accommodation preferences, and we'll send a private quote to review.