5-DAY DESERT TOUR FROM MARRAKECH TO CHEFCHAOUEN
A 5-day desert tour from Marrakech to Chefchaouen. Over these 5 days and 4 nights you will explore the most fascinating places in Morocco. The journey begins by crossing the High Atlas mountains to visit the famous Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, Ouarzazate and the Dades Valley. You will then continue to the majestic Todra Gorge and the Sahara Desert at Merzouga, where you will ride a camel, watch the sunset and sunrise over the dunes of Erg Chebbi, try sandboarding and spend the night in a luxury desert camp. The tour continues north through the Ziz Valley, the cedar forest of Azrou with its Barbary macaques and Ifrane, before reaching the historic Medina of Fes for a guided visit. Finally, you will discover the characteristic blue alleys of Chefchaouen before the final transfer to Tangier.
TOUR INFORMATION
Duration: 5 days / 4 nights
Departure: Marrakech
Arrival: Tangier (with the option to finish in Fes, Casablanca or Marrakech)
Tour style: Private
ITINERARY: 5-DAY DESERT TOUR FROM MARRAKECH TO CHEFCHAOUEN
DAY 1: MARRAKECH – HIGH ATLAS – AIT BEN HADDOU – OUARZAZATE – DADES VALLEY
Our local guide/driver will meet you in the morning at your accommodation or at Marrakech Menara airport. We start the journey by crossing the spectacular High Atlas mountains, enjoying breathtaking panoramic views along the way.
On the way we will stop at the historic village of Ait Ben Haddou to visit the famous Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the film set of legendary movies such as “The Mummy” and “Prince of Persia”. After a free lunch break, we continue to Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Africa” and gateway to the desert, where you will have the optional chance to visit the Atlas Film Studios. We then carry on to the Dades Valley, famous for its bizarre rock formations called “monkey fingers”. We will drive along the scenic roads of the valley and its gorges before reaching the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
DAY 2: DADES VALLEY – TODRA GORGE – MERZOUGA DESERT
After breakfast, the journey follows the course of the Todra river, lined with lush palm groves and traditional Berber villages. We reach the imposing Todra Gorge in Tinghir, one of the most spectacular canyons in the world, where you can walk between the high walls of red rock.
Continuing towards the Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga, the driver can suggest a stop at a Berber craft shop to put on traditional clothes and enjoy a free photo session (with no obligation to buy). On arrival in Merzouga, you will climb onto the camels to head into the desert, watch a magical sunset from the top of the dunes and try sandboarding. The day ends at a luxury desert camp, with a traditional dinner and Berber drum music around the fire under a starry sky. Dinner and overnight at the camp.
DAY 3: MERZOUGA DESERT – ZIZ VALLEY – MIDDLE ATLAS – IFRANE – FES
An early wake-up is recommended to watch the golden sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes. After breakfast, return to Merzouga by camel or 4×4 vehicle to meet the driver and set off towards Fes.
Along the way we will make several scenic stops: the striking Ziz Valley with its endless palm groves, the Middle Atlas cedar forest near Azrou where you can spot wild Barbary macaques, and the town of Ifrane, known as the “Switzerland of Morocco” for its alpine architecture. Arrival in Fes in the late afternoon and check-in at a riad/hotel in the historic Medina for the night.
DAY 4: EXPLORING FES – CHEFCHAOUEN
After breakfast at the riad, the morning is dedicated to discovering Fes with an expert local guide. You will explore the maze-like alleys of the Medina, historic monuments, madrasas and traditional architecture. Free time for lunch inside the Medina to taste the local cuisine.
In the afternoon we travel north towards Chefchaouen, the famous “Blue Pearl” of Morocco. On arrival, check-in at a cosy riad in the heart of the town to relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Overnight at the riad.
DAY 5: EXPLORING CHEFCHAOUEN – TANGIER
After breakfast, you will have time to explore the enchanting blue-painted streets of Chefchaouen, stroll through the craft souks or relax in the cafés in the centre.
In the afternoon, departure for Tangier with transfer and drop-off at the airport, the port or your hotel, marking the end of the tour.
Note: If you would prefer to end the trip elsewhere:
The tour can also end in Fes or Casablanca, or we can take you back to Marrakech on request.
IMPORTANT!
Please note that this is a suggested itinerary. If it does not exactly match your needs, do not hesitate to contact us. We will organise a tailor-made itinerary based on your preferences and the length of your stay in Morocco.
THE PRICE
varies according to the number of participants: the more people join the tour, the lower the price per person. The cost of transport is fixed and is shared among the travellers. The price also depends on the category of accommodation chosen (standard, luxury, etc.). Contact us for an exact quote.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: 5-DAY TOUR FROM MARRAKECH TO CHEFCHAOUEN
Is the 5-day tour private or shared? The 5-day tour is a completely private experience. You will travel only with the members of your own group, with no other tourists joining. This guarantees maximum flexibility and a personalised service.
How long is the camel ride? What is the alternative to camels? The camel ride usually takes between 45 minutes and 1.5 hours to reach the camp. For those who prefer not to ride a camel, the transfer to the camp can be made free of charge in a 4×4 vehicle. Quad or buggy tours are also available on request at an extra cost.
Is the tent private? Does it have a private bathroom and shower? Yes, the tents in our luxury desert camp are private and have an en-suite private bathroom with a shower and running hot water.
What happens to the luggage during the camel ride? During the camel ride you will only carry a small backpack with what you need for the night. All the main luggage will be transported comfortably by the camp’s 4×4 vehicle and you will find it directly in your tent.
What is the best time to visit Morocco? The best times to visit Morocco are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November), when temperatures are mild throughout the country. Winter is also an excellent time, especially for the southern desert regions.
What kind of vehicles are used? The vehicles are recent and air-conditioned:
4×4 SUV (Toyota Land Cruiser Prado or similar) for up to 4 people
Minivan (Mercedes Vito Tourer, Ford Tourneo or similar) for up to 8 people
Minibus (Mercedes Sprinter or similar) for groups of more than 8 people.
Dietary preferences We can cater for any dietary requirement (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc.). Please let us know when booking so that we can best organise the included meals and the stops along the way.
Suitable age This tour is suitable for travellers of all ages. Please note that some days involve several hours of driving to cover the distances between the different regions. Our vehicles are comfortable and regular stops are made along the way.
Pick-up and drop-off details Pick-up is directly from Menara airport or your accommodation in Marrakech on the first day. The final drop-off is at the airport, the port or your hotel in Tangier (or in Fes, Casablanca or Marrakech on request).
Expenses and extra costs Currency exchange: euros and dollars can easily be exchanged for Moroccan dirhams (MAD) at banks, airports and exchange offices. ATMs are widely available. Cost of meals: lunches not included cost on average between 5 EUR and 20 EUR per person depending on the restaurant. Bargaining: negotiating the price in the souks and traditional markets is a normal, cultural practice in Morocco.
BOOKING PROCESS:
Contact us through the contact form, by email or on WhatsApp, telling us the number of travellers, your approximate departure date and the accommodation category you would like.
Booking: we ask for a small deposit to confirm the booking (via PayPal, Wise or bank transfer). The remaining balance can be paid in cash (in EUR, USD or MAD) directly to the driver on arrival.
WHY CHOOSE PRIVATE TOURS IN MOROCCO?
A private tour lets you travel at your own pace, with maximum flexibility in timings, stops and choice of accommodation. You will have an expert driver and vehicles for your exclusive use at your complete disposal, for a trip in total comfort and safety.
The tour lasts 5 days / 4 nights. It departs from Marrakech and ends in Tangier (with the option to finish in Fes, Casablanca or Marrakech).
Day 1: Marrakech – High Atlas – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Dades Valley. Day 2: Dades Valley – Todra Gorge – Merzouga Desert. Day 3: Merzouga Desert – Ziz Valley – Middle Atlas – Ifrane – Fes. Day 4: Exploring Fes – Chefchaouen. Day 5: Exploring Chefchaouen – Tangier.
Pick-up from Menara airport or your hotel/riad in Marrakech on the first day; Private transport in an air-conditioned 4×4, minivan or minibus (depending on the number of participants); Driver/guide; Accommodation for 4 nights with breakfast included; Dinner at the hotel in the Dades Valley and dinner at the desert camp; Camel trek in the Merzouga desert; Sandboarding equipment at the camp; Licensed local guide for the visit of the Fes Medina; Drop-off at the airport, port or hotel in Tangier on the last day.
Lunches and drinks; Entrance tickets to monuments/studios (when required); Tips.
The price depends on the number of travellers, the time of year and the accommodation category you choose. As it is a private tour, you only pay for your own group. Contact us with your dates and group size for a free, no-obligation quote.
Yes, the tour style is: Private. You travel only with your own group, with a dedicated driver/guide. The itinerary is a suggested route: we can adjust it or create a tailor-made trip to suit you.
You will then continue to the majestic Todra Gorge and the Sahara Desert at Merzouga, where you will ride a camel, watch the sunset and sunrise over the dunes of Erg Chebbi, try sandboarding and spend the night in a luxury desert camp.
