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8 Day Tour from Tangier to the Sahara Desert via Chefchaouen
Overview
8 Days Tour from Tangier to Marrakech. This 8 day and 7 night adventure takes you to explore the blue city of Chefchaouen and enjoy camel trekking across the stunning Erg Chebbi dunes.
- Duration: 8 days/7 nights
- Start: Tangier
- End: Marrakech
- Tour Style: Private & Small group
- Price: Check it below
Highlights of the 8 Day Tour from Tangier to the Sahara Desert via Chefchaouen:
- Visit Hercules Cave, Achakar Beach, and Cap Spartel in Tangier, where the Mediterranean and Atlantic Oceans meet
- Explore the blue Medina of Chefchaouen, nestled in the Rif Mountains
- Discover the Roman ruins of Volubilis and the imperial city of Meknes, including Bab al Mansour and the Medina
- Experience the historic Medina of Fes, including Royal Palace Gate, Tanneries, and Al-Qarawiyyin University
- Trek the Sahara Desert in Merzouga, enjoy camel rides, and watch the sunset over the dunes
- Visit Nomad families and Gnaoua village Khamlia with traditional Berber music and cuisine
- Admire the dramatic Todra Gorges and scenic Dades Valley, including the famous “monkey toes” rock formations
- Explore Ouarzazate and the UNESCO Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, then cross the High Atlas Mountains via Tizi N’Tichka Pass
Itinerary of the 8 Day Tour from Tangier to the Sahara Desert via Chefchaouen:
Day 1: Arrival in Tangier
Upon arrival at Tangier Airport or Port, you will be met by your driver/guide and begin the 8-day tour from Tangier to Marrakech. Travel to the Hercules Cave, an iconic site steeped in legend and offering dramatic sea views. Continue to Achakar Beach, a pristine coastal area perfect for a scenic stroll, and Cap Spartel, where the Mediterranean and Atlantic Oceans meet. Explore the historic Tangier Medina, wandering through its narrow, atmospheric alleys, vibrant souks, and bustling streets. Return to your hotel in Tangier for overnight.
Day 2: Tangier ⇢ Tetouan ⇢ Chefchaouen
Depart Tangier and travel through the scenic Rif Mountains, passing the Andalusian-influenced city of Tetouan. Continue into the mountains until reaching Chefchaouen, the famous “Blue City,” set at the foot of the Rif Mountains. Explore the Chefchaouen Medina, wandering its striking blue-painted streets, boutique craft shops, rooftop cafes, and charming local markets. Enjoy time for photography and soaking in the unique ambiance of this iconic Moroccan town. Overnight at a traditional Riad in Chefchaouen.
Day 3: Chefchaouen ⇢ Volubilis ⇢ Meknes ⇢ Fes
After breakfast, depart Chefchaouen and head to the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, exploring the well-preserved mosaics, triumphal arches, and temples of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Continue to Meknes, another Imperial City, to visit the Medina of Meknes, the grand Bab al Mansour Gate, the ceremonial Square of Lehdim, and the historic Sahrij Souani granaries and irrigation system. Explore the local souks before continuing to Fes, where you will check in to a traditional Riad for overnight.
Day 4: Full Day in Fes
Spend a full day exploring Fes, one of Morocco’s oldest Imperial Cities, with a local guide. Start at the Royal Palace gate, then visit the Jewish Quarter, a ceramics cooperative to observe traditional Moroccan craftsmanship, and walk through the narrow streets of the Fes el-Bali Medina. Visit the historic Tanneries, learning about traditional leather-making methods, and explore culturally significant landmarks including the renowned Al Karaouine University. In the afternoon, admire the panoramic view over the Medina and visit New Fes to see the city’s modern side. Overnight at a Riad in Fes.
Day 5: Fes ⇢ Ifrane ⇢ Midelt ⇢ Erfoud ⇢ Merzouga Desert
After breakfast, depart Fes toward the Sahara Desert, traveling through Ifrane, known as “Little Switzerland” for its Alpine-style architecture, and the cedar forests near Azrou, home to the Barbary apes. Take time for photographs of Morocco’s lush wilderness. Enjoy lunch in a small Berber village, then continue across the Middle Atlas Mountains through the scenic landscapes of Midelt and Erfoud, the gateway to the Tafilalet Desert oasis. Upon reaching Merzouga, relax briefly before embarking on a camel trek into the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, arriving at a desert camp for an unforgettable night under the stars.
Day 6: Merzouga Desert – Khamlia – Merzouga
Wake early to admire the sunrise over the Sahara dunes. Ride camels back to meet your driver, then spend the day exploring the Merzouga desert region. Visit Nomad families and the Gnaoua village of Khamlia, where you’ll experience authentic music performed on traditional instruments. Enjoy a cultural moment with the locals and savor a traditional Berber pizza. After a day of immersion in desert life, return to your hotel or Riad in Merzouga for overnight.
Day 7: Merzouga ⇢ Rissani ⇢ Tinghir ⇢ Todra Gorges ⇢ Dades Valley
Depart Merzouga and drive to Rissani, the historic desert gateway of Erg Chebbi, where you can explore a bustling local souk and observe daily life, including donkey parks near the market. Continue to Tinghir and the spectacular Todra Gorges, famous for being the highest and narrowest gorges in Morocco. Stop for lunch amid the dramatic canyon scenery, then drive through the Dades Valley, admiring the striking rock formations known as “monkey toes”. Overnight at a hotel or Riad in the Dades Valley.
Day 8: Dades Valley ⇢ Ouarzazate ⇢ Ait Benhaddou ⇢ Marrakech
After breakfast, depart the Dades Valley and head toward Ouarzazate, stopping for a panoramic view of Taourirt Kasbah and a brief visit to the Atlas Film Studios. Continue to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Kasbah Ait Benhaddou, famous for serving as a backdrop in numerous films since the 1960s. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant in the village. In the afternoon, drive over the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi N’Tichka Pass (2,260 m altitude), taking in breathtaking mountain vistas, before descending into Marrakech. Drop-off at your hotel marks the end of the 8-day Tangier to Marrakech tour.
Gallery
Inclusive and Exclusive of the tour
Price Includes:
- Private transportation by air-conditioned 4×4, minibus, or bus
- Multilingual driver/guide
- Fuel for the vehicle
- 6 nights in hotels or riads (breakfast included)
- 1 night in a desert camp (dinner and breakfast included)
- Camel ride in the desert
- Sandboarding activity
Price Excludes:
- Drinks
- Lunches
- Entrance fees to monuments
Map of the tour
tour price:
The pricing for This tour starts at €160 per person. Please note that the cost can vary based on factors such as the number of travelers, your choice of accommodations, and the time of year. Larger groups benefit from lower per-person rates.
The €160 per person rate applies to groups of 17 or more.
For smaller groups, such as 2 travelers, the price starts at €269 per person.
For personalized pricing tailored to your group, please contact us using the form below. Our team will provide the rates that best match your needs.
Booking
Please use the form below to email us at compassmoroccotours@gmail.com, and we will respond as fast as possible. You can also send a WhatsApp message or call us at +212 676-594706. We look forward to hearing from you!
REVIEWS
Reviews
★★★★★
Our 7-day Morocco tour with Compass Morocco Tours was simply incredible! From Marrakech to the Sahara, everything was perfectly organized. Our driver Youssef was knowledgeable and friendly, and the desert camp in Merzouga was beyond amazing. Highly recommend this company for anyone visiting Morocco!
★★★★★
We had such a wonderful experience with Compass Morocco Tours! The team was professional, our guide was patient and informative, and the landscapes were breathtaking. The camel ride and night under the stars in the Sahara were unforgettable moments for my family.
★★★★★
Compass Morocco Tours made our trip seamless and stress-free. The itinerary covered so much — from the bustling souks of Fes to the peaceful dunes of Erg Chebbi. The vehicle was super comfortable, and we felt safe and well cared for the entire journey.
★★★★★
Traveling through Morocco with Compass Morocco Tours was a dream come true. Every detail was thought out — beautiful riads, delicious food, and amazing hospitality. Our driver Hassan shared so much about Moroccan culture and history. A truly authentic experience!
★★★★★
I can’t say enough good things about Compass Morocco Tours! The desert night was magical — luxury tents, great music, and friendly Berber hosts. It felt like a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, and I’d absolutely do it again.
★★★★★
What a fantastic journey! Compass Morocco Tours made sure everything ran smoothly from start to finish. The views through the Atlas Mountains and the sunset over the dunes were simply breathtaking. Thank you for an unforgettable experience!
★★★★★
Amazing experience with Compass Morocco Tours! The driver was very kind and flexible, always making sure we were comfortable. The tour was well-balanced between cultural visits and time to relax. Morocco completely stole my heart!
★★★★★
Our 5-day desert tour was outstanding. The Compass Morocco Tours team handled everything perfectly — great communication before the trip, comfortable hotels, and a driver who became like a friend. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to see the real Morocco.
★★★★★
This was one of the best travel experiences I’ve ever had. Compass Morocco Tours exceeded all expectations. The camp in Merzouga was so peaceful, and waking up to the sunrise over the dunes was just magical. Merci for such wonderful memories!
★★★★★
Compass Morocco Tours provided excellent service throughout our journey. The tour was well-paced, full of local insights, and every stop felt meaningful. Morocco is beautiful, and this company made it even more special.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to pay for the tour?
Our payment process is simple and flexible. To confirm your booking, we ask for a small deposit, which can be paid through PayPal, bank transfer, or Wise. The remaining balance can be settled in cash on the first day of your tour directly with your driver or guide. We accept euros, US dollars, or the equivalent in Moroccan dirhams.
What is the best desert tour from Marrakech?
The best desert tour from Marrakech depends on how much time you have. The 3-day Marrakech to Merzouga desert tour is the most popular, as it allows you to experience the majestic dunes of Erg Chebbi, ride camels, and sleep in a luxury desert camp under the stars. If you have more time, the 4-day or 5-day desert tours offer a deeper and more relaxed exploration of Morocco’s desert landscapes and kasbahs.
Can I skip the camel ride to the camp?
Yes, absolutely. If you prefer not to ride a camel, we can take you to the camp in a comfortable 4×4 vehicle instead
How far is the desert from Fes?
The desert is around 500 km (about 311 miles) from Fes, which takes roughly 7 and a half hours to drive.
What type of vehicles are used for this trip?
Your comfort is our top priority. At Compass Morocco Tours , we provide modern and comfortable vehicles suited to every group size. Depending on your needs, you’ll travel in vehicles such as a Toyota Prado Land Cruiser TX, Ford Tourneo Custom, or a Mercedes Benz Sprinter minibus for larger groups. We believe that a smooth and comfortable journey makes your entire travel experience more enjoyable.
Does the camp have private bathrooms?
Certainly. All the camps we offer are luxury desert camps, designed to provide maximum comfort and equipped with private en-suite bathrooms for your convenience.
Can you do a day trip to the desert from Marrakech?
Technically, you cannot reach the real Sahara Desert on a day trip from Marrakech because it is too far away. However, you can take a day trip to the Agafay Desert, located just 40 minutes from Marrakech. Agafay offers a desert-like experience with rocky landscapes, camel rides, quad biking, and stunning views of the Atlas Mountains.
Is it worth going to the Sahara Desert in Morocco?
Absolutely! A visit to the Sahara Desert is one of the most unforgettable experiences in Morocco. Watching the sunset and sunrise over the vast dunes, riding camels across the golden sands, and spending a night in a luxury desert camp under the starry sky create truly magical memories that stay with you forever.
What is the closest desert to Marrakech?
The Agafay Desert is the nearest desert to Marrakech, located about 30 to 40 km southwest of the city. Unlike the Sahara, it’s a rocky desert with rolling hills and arid landscapes, but it provides a perfect short getaway for travelers looking to experience a desert atmosphere without the long journey.
Is the Sahara Desert close to Marrakech?
Not exactly. The Sahara Desert lies about 560 km from Marrakech. Traveling to the Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga takes approximately 8 to 10 hours by road. Most tours break up the journey over two days, with an overnight stay in either the Dades Valley or Ouarzazate to make the trip more comfortable and enjoyable.
How far in advance should we book this tour?
It’s always a good idea to book your tour as early as possible to guarantee your preferred dates and ensure availability — after all, the early bird gets the best experience!
How long does it take to get to the desert from Marrakech?
The journey to Merzouga, home of the famous Sahara dunes, takes around 8 to 10 hours by road. Most desert tours divide the trip into several days to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to explore breathtaking sites such as the High Atlas Mountains, the Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, and the stunning Dades Gorges.
How do I get from Marrakech to the desert?
The easiest and most comfortable way to reach the desert is by joining a private or small-group tour from Marrakech. Your driver-guide will take you on a scenic journey across the Atlas Mountains, passing through picturesque valleys and historic kasbahs before arriving in the Sahara Desert. While renting a car is also an option, a guided tour provides local insight, stress-free travel, and a richer overall experience.
Where is the best desert in Morocco?
The Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga are widely regarded as the best desert experience in Morocco, known for their breathtaking golden sand dunes and genuine desert ambiance. Another excellent choice is Erg Chigaga, located near M’Hamid, offering a more remote and untouched landscape—ideal for travelers in search of adventure, peace, and an authentic off-the-beaten-path experience.