5 Days Sahara Desert Tour From Tangier

DESCRIPTION

A 5-day Sahara Desert tour starting from Tangier and ending in Marrakech, covering destinations like Chefchaouen, the Atlas Mountains, Todra and Dades Gorges, Ouarzazate, the Sahara Oasis, and a camel trek in the Sahara Desert, is an exciting adventure.

DEPARTURE LOCATION : Tangier

ARRIVAL : Marrakech

INCLUDED IN DESERT TOURFROM TANGIER

  • Private A/C Vehicle + fuel
  • Camel Trekking
  • Accommodations with Dinner and Breakfast included
  • English/French/Spanish speaking driver

NOT INCLUDED IN DESERT TOUR FROM TANGIER

  • Entrance fees
  • Lunch meals & Drink
 

The Best 5-Day Tangier To Marrakech via Merzouga Desert Trip

DAY 1

Tangier – Chefchaouen – Fez

  • Pick up from your hotel/riad or Tangier airport/port in an air-conditioned vehicle.
  • Drive through the Rif Mountains to reach Chefchaouen.
  • Upon arrival, begin your exploration of Chefchaouen, the “Blue City.”
  • Guided tour of Chefchaouen, including:
    • The medina (old town).
    • The kasbah.
    • The museum.
    • Uta El Hammam square.
    • The great mosque Jamaa El Kebir (15th century).
    • The craftsmen center.
    • Ras el Ma source.
  • Time for leisure and exploration in the charming blue-painted streets.
  • Possibility to visit the souks (markets) if it’s a Monday or Thursday.
  • Lunch in Chefchaouen.
  • Afternoon drive to Fez.
  • Accommodation in a riad within the Medina of Fez.

This itinerary provides a well-rounded experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in the beauty and culture of Chefchaouen before continuing on to the historic city of Fez. Fez is known for its rich history and vibrant medina, and staying in a riad within the medina will give you a unique and authentic Moroccan experience. Enjoy your journey!

DAY 2

Fez Sightseeing Tour

Guided Tour of Fez

Part 1: Morning Tour within the Medina

  • Pick up from your hotel/Riad in Fez with an official local guide who can speak English, French, or Spanish.
  • Start the tour with a visit to the Andalusia Mosque, known for its green and white minaret and exquisite wood carvings.
  • Explore the Tanners District, where you can observe traditional leather production techniques from a raised platform.
  • Visit the El-Attarine Madrasa, a 14th-century educational institution known for its stunning Merenid craftsmanship.
  • Explore the Karaouine Mosque, one of the largest religious structures in Morocco, with an attached university that has been a center of Islamic learning for centuries.
  • Visit the Azouia Moulay Idriss, a revered shrine and tomb of Moulay Idris.
  • Discover the beautiful Place Nejjarine, featuring a fountain and the Nejjarine Museum of Wood and Carpentry, which showcases Fez’s wood-carving tradition.

Lunch: Break for lunch at a Moroccan restaurant within the Medina.

Part 2: Afternoon Tour Outside the Medina

  • Explore the Gates, including the Royal Palace and the famous Bab Boujloud, the main entrance to the Medina, known for its blue and green colors.
  • Visit the Tombs of the Merenid Dynasty, offering spectacular views over the city and insights into Fez’s history.
  • Explore the District of the Potters, where you can see the production of world-famous cobalt blue enameled pottery.

Late Afternoon: Return to your Riad in Fez Medina.

This guided tour provides a rich and immersive experience of Fez’s history, culture, and craftsmanship. It allows you to explore both the ancient Medina and some of the significant attractions outside its walls. Fez is renowned for its historical significance and traditional crafts, and this tour provides an excellent opportunity to appreciate its heritage. Enjoy your exploration of this fascinating city!

DAY 3

Fez – Ifrane – Azrou – Midelt – Ziz Valley – Erfoud – Rissani – Merzouga Desert Camel trekking Experience.

  • Depart from Fes at 8:00 AM.
  • Travel through the Middle Atlas region, with a stop in Azrou to observe Barbary apes in the forest.
  • Continue your journey to Midelt, known as the apple capital, for lunch.
  • Proceed over the Tizi-n-Talremt pass and through the picturesque Ziz Valley, renowned for its palm trees and extensive oasis.
  • Along the way, pass by numerous ksars (small villages of individual houses).
  • Reach Er Rachidia and then Erfoud, famous for its date festival and fossils.
  • Continue to Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara Desert.

Afternoon/Evening in Merzouga

  • In Merzouga, you will meet your camel guide for a camel trek into the dunes.
  • Ride your camels into the desert to reach the desert bivouac (camp).
  • Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay under the nomad tent in the desert camp.
  • Experience the magic of the desert as you take a walk to the high dunes to witness the sunset.
  • As night falls and the sky becomes clear, marvel at the starry desert sky, a truly breathtaking sight.
  • A wonderful dinner will be served, and you’ll spend the night in nomad tents in the heart of the Sahara Desert.

This portion of your Desert Tour from Tangier provides a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty and tranquility of the desert, witness stunning sunsets and sunrises, and enjoy the unique experience of sleeping under the starry desert sky. Be sure to have your camera ready to capture the unforgettable moments. Enjoy your night in the Sahara!

DAY 4

Merzouga – Rissani – Todra Gorge – Dades Valley.

Your journey on the third day of your desert tour continues with a visit to Dades Valley, Tinghir, and Todra Gorges. Here’s a breakdown of your day’s itinerary:Morning in Merzouga Desert
  • After witnessing the magical sunrise in the Sahara Desert, enjoy a breakfast in the desert camp.
  • You’ll have the option to return to Merzouga village either by camel or 4×4 vehicle, providing a different perspective of the desert landscape.
  •  Merzouga to Dades Valley via Rissani, Tinghir, and Todra Gorges
  • Depart from Merzouga and drive through the town of Rissani, where you can explore the souk, which is known as the largest market in the area.
  • Continue your journey towards Tinghir, a town located in a lush oasis.
  • Arrive at the Todra Gorges, which are the highest and narrowest gorges in Morocco. These dramatic canyons are surrounded by steep cliffs and offer a stunning natural spectacle.
  • After exploring the Todra Gorges, enjoy lunch in the heart of the gorge, where you can appreciate the breathtaking surroundings.
  • Drive through the Dades Valley, where you’ll encounter unique rock formations that resemble sand castles and are often referred to as “monkey toes.”
  • Your day ends with overnight accommodation in a hotel that offers picturesque views of the Dades Valley.
The Dades Valley is known for its striking landscapes, and the Todra Gorges are a natural wonder you won’t want to miss. This leg of your journey will take you through some of Morocco’s most captivating scenery, providing ample opportunities for photography and exploration. Enjoy your stay in the Dades Valley!
DAY 5

Dades Valley – Ouarzazate – Kasbah ait ben Hadou – Telouet – Atlas mountains – Marrakech.

On the final day of your 5-day Tangier to Marrakech desert tour, you’ll journey from Dades Valley to Marrakech, passing through some iconic landmarks and beautiful landscapes. Here’s a summary of your day’s itinerary:

 Dades Valley to Marrakech via Ouarzazate , Kasbah Ait Benhaddou, and Tizi-n-Tichka Pass

  • After breakfast At Your Riad in Dades Valley, you’ll depart for Marrakech.
  • Your journey will take you through the Dades Valley, famous for its unique rock formations and kasbahs. This area is often referred to as the “Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs” due to the numerous kasbahs that line the route.
  • Just before reaching the town of Skoura, you’ll have the opportunity to visit Kalaa Mgouna, also known as the “Rose City.” Here, you can purchase locally-produced rosewater, a specialty of the region.
  • Continue your drive to Ouarzazate, often referred to as the “Hollywood of Africa” due to its significance in the film industry.
  • Along the way, you’ll pass through the Road of the Thousand Kasbahs, where you’ll see fascinating sandcastle-like structures.
  • About 30 kilometers from Ouarzazate, you’ll make a stop at the famous Kasbah Ait Benhaddou. This ancient kasbah is one of the most iconic and well-preserved in Morocco and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll have the opportunity to explore this historic site.
  • Enjoy lunch by the Kasbah before continuing your journey towards Marrakech.
  • You’ll pass through the Tizi-n-Tichka Pass, which crosses over the High Atlas Mountains. The pass offers breathtaking views, and you’ll have opportunities to stop and appreciate the scenic beauty.
  • Make a stop at Telouet, where you’ll visit the former home of the famous Pasha Glaoui, a historical and architectural gem.
  • Continue your drive through the timeless landscapes of the High Atlas Mountains and Berber villages.
  • Finally, arrive in Marrakech, where you’ll be dropped off at your hotel or riad, marking the end of your 5-day desert tour.

This 5-Day Desert Tour from Tangier will provide you with a diverse and enriching experience, from exploring ancient kasbahs to traversing mountain passes. It’s a fantastic way to witness the cultural and geographical diversity of Morocco as you make your way from the desert to the vibrant city of Marrakech. Enjoy your stay in Marrakech, and I hope you’ve had an incredible adventure!