5 Days from Tangier to Merzouga Desert
5 Days from Tangier to Merzouga Desert
Discovering Morocco from north to south is a transforming experience. With this 5-day itinerary from Tangier to the Merzouga Desert, you will travel from the shores of the Strait of Gibraltar to the endless dunes of the Sahara, crossing imperial cities, majestic mountains and green valleys. A perfect combination of culture, history and adventure that will make you fall in love with the diversity of this fascinating country.
We begin our journey with a pick-up in Tangier, a vibrant port city blending European and Arab cultures 🌊. Afterward, we head south toward one of northern Morocco’s gems: Chefchaouen.
Nestled in the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen enchants visitors with its narrow streets painted in sky blue, white houses, and picturesque corners 📸. During our visit, we explore:
🏘️ The Medina of Chefchaouen – charming streets and artisan shops.
🌸 Uta el-Hammam Square – the heart of the city.
🏰 The Kasbah – with panoramic viewpoints.
After a free lunch at a local restaurant with a view, we continue to Fez, where we spend the night in a traditional riad within the medina 🏨.
In the morning, we take a guided tour of Fez, the oldest imperial city and spiritual capital of Morocco 🇲🇦. Highlights include:
📚 Bou Inania Medersa – a stunning Quranic school.
🕌 Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque – one of the oldest universities in the world.
🧴 Leather Tanneries – witness traditional Moroccan leather processing.
🛍️ Souks & Artisan Workshops – for pottery, textiles, and crafts.
Later, we head south through Ifrane, known as the “Switzerland of Morocco” ❄️, and the Cedar Forest of Azrou, home to Barbary macaques 🐒. Finally, we reach Midelt, a city surrounded by mountains, perfect for a restful night 🍽️🏨.
After breakfast, we continue toward the Sahara Desert 🏜️. Along the way, we travel through the spectacular Ziz Valley, an oasis of palm trees stretching for miles, nourished by a river winding through reddish mountains 🌄.
We stop at panoramic viewpoints to appreciate the grandeur of the landscape.
Next, we reach Merzouga, where camels await for a magical sunset ride across Erg Chebbi dunes 🌅. At the Berber desert camp, we enjoy a traditional dinner, drum music, and a night under millions of stars ✨. Overnight in comfortable tents with beds and private bathrooms 🏕️.
We wake up early to watch the sunrise over the dunes 🌄. After breakfast, we leave the camp by camel or 4×4 and head west. First, we stop in Rissani, the birthplace of the Alaouite dynasty, exploring its authentic market full of colors, smells, and flavors of Morocco 🍉🛍️.
We continue to the Todra Gorges, where towering cliffs form a narrow canyon through which a crystal-clear river flows 🏞️. It’s perfect for a walk or photography.
Finally, we arrive in the Dades Valley, known for its rock formations and kasbahs. Dinner and overnight in a charming hotel 🏨.
After breakfast, we continue to Ouarzazate, famous for its film studios and the Taourirt Kasbah 🎬. Then, we reach the impressive Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage ksar made of adobe 🏘️. Walking through its streets, we climb to the top for panoramic valley views 🌄.
Finally, we cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 m), enjoying mountain views and Berber villages 🏞️. We arrive in Marrakech, where the tour concludes 🎉.
