Tangier Desert Tours 2026

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Tangier is Morocco's northern gateway, a short ferry from Spain across the Strait of Gibraltar. From here a desert trip naturally runs north to south: the blue-painted town of Chefchaouen in the Rif mountains, the great medina of Fes, then down through the Middle Atlas and the Ziz Valley to the Erg Chebbi dunes at Merzouga. Our Tangier tours are private, cover real distances comfortably over 4 to 7 days, include a night in our luxury desert camp, and can finish in Fes, Marrakech or back in Tangier.

The north-to-south route, and the distances involved

This is a long way across a big country, so the driving is real and worth planning for. From Tangier it is about 2 hours to Chefchaouen, then roughly 4 hours from Chefchaouen to Fes, and a full day of about 7 to 8 hours from Fes south to Merzouga through Ifrane and the Ziz Valley. Spread over four days with overnight stops in Chefchaouen and Fes, none of it feels punishing, and you see the Rif mountains, two of Morocco's most famous towns and the Sahara in one trip. If you have more time, a 6 or 7-day version can finish in Marrakech and add the Todra and Dades gorges.

What to expect on the road

Roads are paved throughout and in good condition, though the mountain sections through the Rif and the Middle Atlas wind a fair amount. The only off-tarmac travel is the short camel ride into the dunes to the camp, which we can replace with a 4x4. The walking in the towns and at the dunes is easy and suits most fitness levels, including families and older travellers, but the long driving days mean this route works best for people who enjoy a road trip rather than a single base.

Best time to travel

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are ideal across the whole route, since you pass through mountains, cities and desert in a single trip and want mild weather in all three. The Rif around Chefchaouen and the Middle Atlas around Ifrane can be cold and wet in winter, while the desert nights are cold year-round, so pack layers whatever the season.

Which tour is right for you

What every multi-day desert tour includes

A private air-conditioned vehicle with fuel and a driver-guide, hotel or kasbah nights on the road, one night in our own luxury camp at Erg Chebbi with a sunset camel trek, and half board at the camp. We collect you from your hotel and confirm the pickup by WhatsApp the night before; bottled water is included, while lunches, entry fees and tips are extra.

How to choose the right tour

Pick by how much time you have and where you start. From Marrakech, 3 days is the classic round trip and 4–5 days add a relaxed day in the dunes and the oases. From Fes, the northern route runs 3–5 days. To travel one-way between two cities without backtracking, choose a Marrakech–Fes crossing.

Best time to visit and what to pack

Spring and autumn are the most comfortable; winter days are pleasant but desert nights are cold, and in summer we ride at sunrise and sunset. Whatever the month, bring light layers, a warm jacket for the night, a scarf, sun protection and closed shoes — the camp provides bedding and blankets.