7 Day Morocco Sahara Desert Tour From Tangier
Tour overview
Begin your journey in Tangier and travel deep into the heart of Morocco on this 7-day Sahara Desert adventure. Explore the blue streets of Chefchaouen, the cultural richness of Fez, and the vast golden dunes of Merzouga. Ride camels into the Sahara, spend a night under the stars in a desert camp, and end your trip in the vibrant city of Marrakech. A perfect blend of culture, nature, and unforgettable experiences.
Duration: 7 days
Day 1
Arrival to Tangier – Chefchaouen
On the first day of your 7-day Morocco tour from Tangier, we will pick you up from your accommodation, the airport, or the port in Tangier. Also known as “The Bride of the North,” the city is located in the northwest, where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean near Cape Spartel. We will begin by exploring this beautiful city, including the Cave of Hercules and Cape Spartel.
You’ll have free time for lunch. Afterwards, we’ll drive inland to Chefchaouen, passing through the city of Tetouan and the scenic Rif Mountains. We’ll make stops along the way to enjoy panoramic views. We’ll spend the night in a Riad/hotel in Chefchaouen.
Day 2
Chefchaouen – the Roman ruins of Volubilis – Meknes – Fez
After breakfast, enjoy free time to wander through the beautiful alleyways of the Blue City, Chefchaouen. Later, we’ll drive to visit the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis. This well‑preserved archaeological site has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. You’ll see many beautifully detailed mosaics, along with ancient pillars, arches, and grand structures scattered across the complex.
After exploring the ruins, we’ll drive about 30 km to visit one of Morocco’s imperial cities: Meknes, the Ismaili capital. There, we’ll visit Bab Al-Mansour, the Sahrij Souani Basin, the Royal Stables, the Granary, and finally the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail. Afterwards, we’ll continue to Fez. Overnight stay in a Riad.
Day 3
Guided tour sightseeing Fez
Once you have finished your breakfast, we’ll pick you up from your accommodation in Fez to explore the city. Fez is one of Morocco’s imperial cities and is known as the country’s cultural and religious center.
We start the day by visiting the gate of the Royal Palace. Then, we explore the well-preserved medieval Medina, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Blue Gate, or Bab Boujloud, is the main entrance to the old Medina.
You will enter the Medina with a local guide to visit the Bou Inania Madrasa, the Nejjarine Fountain, the Tanneries, and finally the Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque and University — the oldest university in the world.
After that, we leave the Medina to visit the Jewish quarter, known as “the Mellah.” Then we drive to an ancient fortress for panoramic views of the Medina and the city of Fez. Afterwards, we return to your Riad.
Day 4
Fez – Ifrane – Cedars forest – Midelt – Ziz valley – Merzouga Sahara
After an early breakfast, the Sahara Morocco tour continues south through Imouzzer to visit Ifrane, famous for its low temperatures, snow, and alpine-style architecture. It’s no wonder it is called the “Switzerland of Morocco.” Then, we continue to the cedar forest, home to the Barbary macaques.
Feel free to feed the macaques while wandering through the forest. Later, we continue to Midelt, where you’ll have free time for lunch. Then, we drive through the Tizi-n-Tilghmt Pass and along the Ziz Valley, making stops for panoramic views.
In the afternoon, we’ll arrive at the Sahara Desert in Merzouga. Here, you will switch to the camels and cross the sandy desert, stopping on top of a high dune to enjoy the sunset. Then, we continue to the camp, which combines traditional nomad tents with the comfort of a luxury hotel.
Here, you can enjoy Berber drum music while dancing around the campfire under the vast open sky filled with stars. Your accommodation will be at the camp.
Day 5
Explore Merzouga region – Nomads – Khamlia – Merzouga lake – Erg Chebbi – Palm Grove
After breakfast, we dedicate the day to exploring the Merzouga region. The area offers many incredible sites, from sand dunes and a wild lake to mines, fossil areas, and beautiful oases—ideal places for a variety of outdoor activities.
We start our journey in Merzouga by driving off-road to visit an ancient eyeliner mine. Then, we visit nomads in their handmade woven tents and learn about their way of life while enjoying Berber tea.
Our next destination is the village of Khamlia, where you can enjoy traditional Gnaoua music and dance performances. Its inhabitants originally come from sub-Saharan countries such as Mali, Sudan, and Niger.
For this day, you’ll have free time for lunch at a local restaurant. Afterward, we’ll take a stroll through the palm grove, then drive a few kilometers to see Merzouga’s wild lake, also known as the Lake of Flamingos. Finally, we’ll return to Merzouga to conclude the day with dinner and an overnight stay at a Riad/hotel.
Day 6
Merzouga Sahara – Rissani – Erfoud – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley
Waking up early in the morning is a must to witness the beautiful sunrise. You’ll have free time for breakfast, and then we´ll leave the desert to visit the town of Rissani, the ancient capital of Tafilalet.
Rissani is still a major trading center in the region, with a large and lively souk especially active on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. After a stroll through the Rissani souk, we continue to Erfoud, where we visit one of the fossilized marble workshops.
Then, we drive through the palm groves of Touroug and Tinjdad to reach the Todra Gorges. The course of the Todra River has carved a magnificent canyon through the mountains.
This high, red, cliff-sided canyon is an ideal spot for rock climbers. Feel free to wander through the gorges and take in the beauty of the landscape. You’ll have free time for lunch at a local restaurant.
Then, we continue to the Dades Valley through Boumalne Dades, with inevitable stops at the famous “Monkey Fingers” rock formation and at a viewpoint atop a mountain overlooking the valley. The day concludes with dinner and an overnight stay at a Riad/hotel.
Day 7
Dades Valley – Roses Valley – Palm Groves of Skoura – Ouarzazate Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah- Telouet – High Atlas Mountains – Marrakech
On the final day, after breakfast, we continue our 7-day Sahara Morocco tour from Tangier to Kalaat M’Gouna to visit the Rose Valley. Every May, the town hosts the annual Rose Festival, where locals showcase rose-based products, including perfumes, rose water, oils, and cosmetics.
We’ll then drive through the palm groves of Skoura and visit the Kasbah of Amredhyle. Afterwards, we reach Ouarzazate, where we visit the film studios where famous movies were shot, as well as the Taourirt Kasbah.
We then depart to visit the famous Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a fortified village recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Kasbah has also appeared in many movies, including Gladiator, Alexander, The Mummy, and others.
And also TV series including Game of Thrones. After that, we visit the Telouet Kasbah. Then, we continue to Marrakesh by crossing the Tizi-N-Tichka Pass and the High Atlas Mountains. Stops will be made for lunch and to take photos at interesting spots.
Finally, we drop you off at your accommodation in a riad in Marrakesh. This concludes the One Week in Morocco itinerary.
- Included
- Pick-up & drop off at/from your accommodation/airport
- Transport by private modern vehicle with A/C
- Experienced English-speaking Driver/Guide
- Car Fuel
- 5 nights in a private room in the Riad/Hotel hotel (Dinner & Breakfast)
- Camel Trekking (Camel per person)
- Sunset camel ride
- Hearty dinner and party around the campfire (Berber Drums)
- Overnight at a private tent in Camp (Breakfast & dinner)
- 4×4 transfer from and to the camp (Alternative to Camels)
- Not Included
- Flight tickets
- Drinks
- Lunches
- Entrance to monuments (Optional)
- Tips
