Private Morocco tours · Sahara Desert specialists

Riders on a camel caravan silhouetted against a Sahara sunset – 4 Day Tangier to Marrakech Desert Tour

4 Days / 3 Nights Private tour

4-Day Tangier to Marrakech Desert Tour via Merzouga

The fastest way to see Morocco from top to bottom.

  • Private Tour
    Only
  • Local
    Driver-Guides
  • Comfortable
    Vehicles
  • Handpicked
    Accommodation
  • Fully
    Customisable

Tour overview

From Tangier to Marrakech in Four Days

The fastest way to see Morocco from top to bottom. In four days you travel from the Strait of Gibraltar through Chefchaouen and Fes to the dunes of Merzouga, then west along the kasbah route to Marrakech. The days are full, and it suits travellers arriving by ferry who are short of time.

Our 4 Day Tangier to Marrakech Desert Tour begins in Tangier and ends in Marrakech, covering about 1,370 km by road over four days. Along the way you will experience the Tizi n'Tichka pass over the High Atlas, the UNESCO-listed ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, the Dades Valley and Todra Gorge, a sunset camel trek in the dunes of Erg Chebbi, a night in a desert camp, the cedar forests and Barbary macaques of the Middle Atlas and the blue lanes of Chefchaouen. Each stop is a real visit on foot, with your driver-guide explaining what you are looking at and local people adding their own stories.

Accommodation is chosen for character and location rather than size: one night in a riad or boutique hotel in Fes, one night in a desert camp in the dunes of Erg Chebbi and one night in a kasbah-style guesthouse in the Dades Valley. You travel in a private, air-conditioned vehicle, a 4x4 or a minibus depending on the size of your party, with an English-speaking driver-guide who knows these roads well. Spanish, Italian, French and Portuguese-speaking guides are available on request.

It suits travellers who have only a few days but still want to reach the real Sahara: couples, friends, solo travellers and families with older children who are comfortable with some time in the car. The longest day on the road is day 2, with 7.5–8 hours of driving; every other day is shorter, and all of them are broken up by visits and stops. Like all our tours it is fully private, so the plan below can be lengthened, shortened or rearranged to fit your dates.

  • Duration4 days / 3 nights
  • StartTangier
  • EndMarrakech
  • Tour typePrivate tour
  • GroupJust your own party
  • LanguagesEnglish, Spanish, Italian, French, Portuguese
  • TransportPrivate 4x4 or minibus with A/C
  • AccommodationRiad or boutique hotel, Desert camp and Kasbah-style guesthouse

Highlights

Tour Highlights

  • Cross the High Atlas by the Tizi n'Tichka pass
  • Walk through the UNESCO ksar of Ait Ben Haddou
  • Explore the Dades Valley and Todra Gorge
  • Ride a camel into Erg Chebbi at sunset
  • Spend a night in a Sahara desert camp
  • Wander the blue lanes of Chefchaouen

Detailed itinerary

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1

Day 1: Tangier – Chefchaouen – Rif Mountains – Fes

  • 320 km
  • 5.5–6 hours
  • Fes
  • Dinner
A blue-washed alley in the medina of Chefchaouen

An early pickup in Tangier, from your hotel, the port or the airport, starts a day that crosses the whole of northern Morocco. The road climbs into the Rif and by late morning you are in Chefchaouen.

You have around two hours in the blue city: enough for a guided walk through the medina's most photogenic lanes, the main square and the kasbah, and lunch on a terrace. It is a brief visit, and if you would like longer we can add a night here.

The afternoon drive runs south through the hills around Ouazzane and across open farmland to Fes, where you arrive in the early evening and settle into a riad inside the old city, with dinner included.

  • The Rif range
  • Chefchaouen blue medina walk
  • Ouazzane olive country
  • Arrival in Fes
Day 2

Day 2: Fes – Ifrane – Cedar Forest – Midelt – Ziz Valley – Merzouga

  • 470 km
  • 7.5–8 hours
  • Merzouga (Erg Chebbi)
  • Breakfast and dinner
A Barbary macaque in the cedar forest near Azrou

A long and spectacular day takes you from Fes to the Sahara. You start early, climbing to Ifrane, a tidy mountain town, and into the cedar forest of the Middle Atlas, home to Barbary macaques.

The road crosses high grazing land and the Col du Zad to Midelt for lunch, with Jbel Ayachi behind. Then the Ziz gorges and the palm-filled Ziz Valley appear, seen from a viewpoint on the cliffs.

After Erfoud the dunes of Erg Chebbi rise ahead. In Merzouga you ride a camel into the sand at sunset and spend the night in a desert camp with dinner and music.

  • Cedar woods around Ifrane
  • Macaques in the cedar forest
  • Panorama over the Ziz Valley
  • Sunset camel trek and desert camp
Day 3

Day 3: Merzouga – Rissani – Todra Gorge – Dades Valley

  • 260 km
  • 4.5–5 hours
  • Dades Valley
  • Breakfast and dinner
A town spread along the green valley floor near Tinghir

After the night in camp, climb a dune for sunrise, then ride or drive back to Merzouga for breakfast.

The journey continues through Rissani, a historic market town on the site of Sijilmassa, where the souk fills on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. West of the town the road crosses a stony plain dotted with the craters of khettara, the underground canals of the oases.

In the afternoon you stretch your legs in Todra Gorge, a narrow canyon of orange cliffs and clear water, and then follow the road to the Dades Valley for dinner and the night.

  • Early sunrise on Erg Chebbi
  • Old trading town of Rissani
  • Cliffs of the Todra Gorge
  • Dades Valley kasbahs
Day 4

Day 4: Dades Valley – Valley of Roses – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Marrakech

  • 320 km
  • 6–7 hours
  • End of the tour
  • Breakfast
The ksar of Ait Ben Haddou seen from across the river

Your last day takes you from the Dades Valley to Marrakech. You stop in Kalaat M'Gouna to see rosewater being made, then pass the kasbahs of Skoura.

Beyond Ouarzazate, you explore Ait Ben Haddou, the famous fortified village, and have lunch nearby.

The afternoon road crosses the High Atlas by the Tizi n'Tichka, and you reach Marrakech in the early evening.

In the evening you reach Marrakech, where the tour ends at your accommodation. An extra night or the ride to the airport can be added to your plans.

  • Rose gardens of Kalaat M'Gouna
  • Palm oasis of Skoura
  • The ksar of Ait Ben Haddou
  • Tizi n'Tichka pass

Good to know

What’s Included

Included in the tour

  • Private air-conditioned vehicle (4x4 or minibus, depending on your group size) for the whole tour
  • English-speaking driver-guide; Spanish, Italian, French or Portuguese-speaking guides on request
  • Fuel, tolls and parking
  • Pickup and drop-off at your hotel, riad, airport or port
  • 3 nights of accommodation with breakfast
  • Dinner on the nights shown in the itinerary
  • Sunset camel trek in Erg Chebbi, one camel per person
  • Night in a mid-range luxury desert camp (luxury camp on request) with dinner, breakfast and music around the fire
  • Sandboarding at the camp
  • Free stops for photographs, tea and walks whenever you wish

Not included

  • International and domestic flights
  • Lunches and drinks
  • Entrance fees to monuments, museums and film studios
  • Tips for your driver-guide, local guides and camp staff
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses and optional activities

Optional activities

  • Quad or buggy ride in the dunesOne or two hours on the sand around Erg Chebbi with a guide, bookable on the day in Merzouga.
  • Upgrade to a luxury desert campSpacious private tents with air conditioning and heating, elegant traditional décor and premium bathroom amenities, instead of the mid-range luxury camp. Tell us when you book and we will quote the difference.
  • 4x4 excursion around Erg ChebbiA half-day circuit to Khamlia, the nomad camps and the black desert, possible if you add a night in Merzouga.
  • Second night in the desertStay an extra night in camp for a slower pace, a walk in the dunes at dawn and time to do nothing at all.
  • Atlas Film Studios in OuarzazateA guided walk through the sets of films and series shot in the region. Entrance is paid on site.
  • Moroccan cooking classShop for ingredients in the market and learn to prepare a tagine, salads and bread with a local cook.

Before you go

Practical Information

Pickup and drop-off

We meet you at your hotel in Tangier, at Ibn Battouta Airport, at the Tangier Ville ferry port or at Tangier Med, whichever suits your arrival. Tell us your ferry or flight time when booking.

The tour ends at your accommodation in Marrakech or at Menara Airport. On tours that arrive in the evening, we recommend booking a flight for the following day.

A different start or end point is rarely a problem. Because every tour is private, we can begin in one city and finish in another; tell us where you are staying and we will adapt the route and the quote.

What to bring
  • Comfortable walking shoes or trainers, plus sandals for the camp
  • Sun hat, sunglasses and high-factor sunscreen
  • Light, loose clothing for the day and a warm layer for the evening
  • A small overnight bag for the desert; your main luggage stays safely in the vehicle or at the hotel in Merzouga
  • A scarf or cheche for the camel ride (you can buy one on the way)
  • A warm jacket from November to March, when desert nights can drop close to freezing
  • Head torch or phone light for the camp
  • Passport and a copy of your travel insurance
  • Cash in Moroccan dirhams for lunches, tips and small purchases; ATMs are scarce between the main towns
  • Camera, spare battery and a power bank
  • Any personal medication, and motion-sickness tablets if mountain roads affect you
Best time to travel

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the most comfortable seasons for this route. Days are warm and clear, nights are mild, and in April and May the valleys of the south are green and the roses of Kalaat M'Gouna are in bloom.

Winter is a good time for the desert if you bring warm clothes: skies are bright and the dunes are quiet, but temperatures after dark can fall to around freezing and the High Atlas passes occasionally close for a few hours after snow. In July and August the Sahara is very hot in the afternoon, so we shift the camel trek later, start driving earlier and can recommend a camp with air-cooled tents.

During Ramadan the tour runs as normal. Some restaurants close during the day in smaller towns, your driver-guide will know where to stop, and evenings are especially lively after sunset.

Important information before booking
  • This is a private tour. The vehicle, the driver-guide and the departure date are yours alone, and the itinerary can be changed before or during the trip.
  • Driving times are approximate and do not include stops. We stop often, so expect each day to take longer than the hours shown.
  • Prices depend on the number of travellers, the season and the accommodation category you choose. Tell us these three things and we will send an exact quote.
  • The camel ride to the camp takes about an hour to an hour and a half. If you would rather not ride, or are travelling with small children or have back problems, we take you to the camp by 4x4 at no extra cost.
  • We offer two desert camp options, both with private tents, en-suite bathrooms and hot showers: a mid-range luxury camp, and a luxury camp with more spacious tents, air conditioning and heating. Please say which you prefer when booking.
  • Day 2 is the longest on the road (7.5–8 hours of driving). If you prefer shorter stages, ask us to add a night along the way.
  • Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and halal meals are easy to arrange; let us know about allergies or dietary needs in advance.
  • Roads in the mountains are winding. If you suffer from motion sickness, sit in the front and bring medication.
  • Most nationalities do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days, but please check the entry requirements for your passport before travelling.

Questions and answers

4 Day Tangier to Marrakech Desert Tour: Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 4-day tour from Tangier private?

Yes. You travel only with the people in your own party, in a private vehicle with your own driver-guide. That means you choose the departure date, set the pace and can stop wherever you like along the way.

How much driving is there each day?

It varies from day to day. The longest stretch is on day 2, with 7.5–8 hours on the road, and the other days are noticeably shorter. In total the tour covers about 1,370 km. All times are approximate and broken up by visits, lunch and photo stops.

What is the desert camp like?

Camps in Erg Chebbi have real beds with sheets and blankets, a dining tent and a fire circle. You choose between two options. Our mid-range luxury camp has private tents with en-suite bathrooms, hot showers and comfortable bedding. Our luxury camp has more spacious tents with air conditioning and heating, high-quality bedding and premium bathroom amenities. Dinner and breakfast are served at the camp.

Do I have to ride a camel to reach the camp?

No. The camel trek is included and most guests enjoy it, but if you prefer, we take you to the camp by 4x4. This is also what we suggest for very young children, pregnant travellers and anyone with back or knee problems.

Can I change the itinerary or the start and end point?

Yes. The programme on this page is a starting point. We can add nights, swap stops, upgrade accommodation or finish somewhere other than Marrakech. Tell us what you have in mind and we will adjust the route and send a new quote.

What is the best time of year for this tour?

March to May and September to November offer the most comfortable temperatures. Winter is clear and quiet but cold at night in the desert; in July and August the Sahara is very hot, and we adjust the timings accordingly.

How much does it cost and how do I book?

Prices are always quoted on request: the price depends on the number of travellers, the season and the accommodation category, so we quote each request individually. Send us your dates and group size by WhatsApp or email and we will reply with a detailed quote. You can ask for as many changes as you need before confirming.

Accommodation

Where You’ll Stay

Carefully selected riads, guesthouses, hotels and desert camps. The exact properties are confirmed with your quote, in the category you choose.

Bab Boujloud, the blue gate of the Fes medina

Night 1

Fes

Riad or boutique hotel

A traditional house built around a courtyard, in or beside the old town, with individually decorated rooms and breakfast served on the roof terrace or in the patio.

A tent of a desert camp in Erg Chebbi glowing at dusk, with a terrace on the sand

Night 2

Erg Chebbi dunes, Merzouga

Desert camp in Erg Chebbi

A camp among the dunes with proper beds and bedding in each tent, a dining tent and a fire circle. We offer two options, both with private tents, en-suite bathrooms and hot showers: a mid-range luxury camp, and a luxury camp with more spacious tents, air conditioning and heating.

Kasbahs and palm gardens in the Dades Valley

Night 3

Dades Valley

Kasbah-style guesthouse

A family-run guesthouse or kasbah hotel built in the local earthen style, with en-suite rooms, a terrace over the valley and a home-cooked dinner.

Your night in the Sahara

Choose Your Desert Camp

We offer two camps in the dunes of Erg Chebbi. Tell us which one you prefer when you enquire.

White luxury tents of a desert camp among the dunes of Erg Chebbi, Merzouga Upgrade on request

Luxury Camp

  • Spacious private tents with en-suite bathrooms
  • Air conditioning and heating for year-round comfort
  • High-quality bedding and elegant traditional décor
  • Hot showers and premium bathroom amenities
  • Comfortable private space with maximum privacy
  • Warm and welcoming atmosphere with personalised service
A traveller sitting on a dune as the sun sets over the Sahara

Ready for Your Moroccan Adventure?

Tell us your dates and group size, and we will send you this itinerary with a personal quote. You can change anything you like before confirming.

Plan Your 4 Day Tangier to Marrakech Desert Tour

Quick answers for planning your 4 day Tangier to Marrakech desert tour with Magic Morocco Tours.

How to Spend 4 Days in Morocco

4 days in Morocco on this route means about 1,370 km by private vehicle from Tangier to Marrakech, with nights in Fes, Erg Chebbi dunes and Dades Valley. Spent this way, your 4 days in Morocco leave time to cross the High Atlas by the Tizi n'Tichka pass and to walk through the UNESCO ksar of Ait Ben Haddou.

All private Morocco tours →

4 Day Morocco Itinerary at a Glance

The 4 day Morocco itinerary, day by day: day 1, Tangier – Chefchaouen – Rif Mountains – Fes; day 2, Fes – Ifrane – Cedar Forest – Midelt – Ziz Valley – Merzouga; day 3, Merzouga – Rissani – Todra Gorge – Dades Valley; day 4, Dades Valley – Valley of Roses – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Marrakech. As the tour is private, this 4 day Morocco itinerary can be changed before or during the trip.

Marrakech travel guide →

Tangier to Merzouga Desert Tour Highlights

As a Tangier to Merzouga desert tour, this trip reaches the Erg Chebbi dunes on day 2. There you ride a camel into the dunes and spend a night at a mid-range luxury desert camp (luxury camp on request). Shorter and longer Tangier to Merzouga desert tour options are on our Tours from Tangier page.

Tours from Tangier →