Tangier to Sahara Desert Tour: Routes, Itineraries and Travel Tips

If you arrive in Tangier by ferry from Spain or by plane, a Tangier to Sahara desert tour is one of the best ways to see northern and southern Morocco in a single trip. In a few days you can go from the blue streets of Chefchaouen and the medina of Fes to the golden dunes of Merzouga, then continue south through kasbahs and palm valleys to Marrakech.

This guide explains how the route works, how many days you need, and what to expect each day. At the end you’ll find a short list of Moroccan phrases for the road.

The Sahara dunes of Erg Chebbi near Merzouga are about 900 km from Tangier. Driving non-stop would take around 12 to 13 hours, which is why nobody should try it in one day. A good Tangier to Sahara desert tour splits the journey over several days and visits the best places on the way.

Times are approximate and do not include stops. Mountain roads, weather and traffic can change them.

Most itineraries follow this classic loop:

1. Tangier, the starting point, with its port and Mediterranean views.
2. Chefchaouen, the blue city in the Rif Mountains, a great first stop.
3. Fes, home to one of the world’s oldest medinas.
4. Middle Atlas, with cedar forests, Ifrane and Azrou, where you may see Barbary macaques.
5. Ziz Valley and Erfoud, known for palm groves and fossils.
6. Merzouga and Erg Chebbi, the highlight: camels, dunes and a night in a desert camp.
7. Todra Gorge and Dades Valley, dramatic canyons and the Valley of Roses.
8. Ait Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate, the UNESCO kasbah and “Hollywood of Morocco”.
9. High Atlas and Marrakech, the final stop, over the Tizi n’Tichka pass.

The right length depends on how much you want to see and how long you want to spend in the car. We run several private tours from Tangier ending in Marrakech, all of which include a night in the Sahara.

5 Days: The Fast Version

If you are short on time, the 5 Days Desert Tour from Tangier to Marrakech via Sahara Desert covers the main highlights with fewer stops. Expect long driving days, so it suits travelers who don’t mind spending time on the road.

6 Days: A Better Balance

The 6 Day Desert Tour From Tangier to Marrakech adds breathing room, which makes the long drives easier. It is a popular choice for couples and first-time visitors.

7 Days: Our Recommended Option

With the 7 Days Desert Tour From Tangier To Marrakech, you can spend more time in Fes and Chefchaouen and still enjoy a full evening and sunrise in the desert. For most travelers, seven days is the sweet spot.

8 Days: Slower and More Relaxed

The 8 Days Tour From Tangier To Marrakech suits families and anyone who prefers shorter driving days and extra time for walks, photos and local food.

10 Days: The Full Morocco Experience

If you want to see the country properly, the 10 Days Morocco Tour from Tangier combines the Sahara with more time in the imperial cities and Marrakech.

How to choose:

• Short on time? Pick 5 or 6 days.
• First visit to Morocco? Pick 7 or 8 days.
• Want to take it slow, or travel with children? Pick 8 or 10 days.

Camel ride at sunset. In Merzouga you leave your vehicle and ride a camel into the dunes of Erg Chebbi. The ride takes around 1 to 1.5 hours, and the changing light on the sand is the moment most people remember.

A night in a desert camp. Camps range from simple Berber tents to more comfortable ones with private bathrooms. Dinner is usually a tagine, followed by Amazigh drumming and a sky full of stars with almost no light pollution.

Sunrise on the dunes. Many guests walk up a dune before dawn. You can return by camel or on foot, then have breakfast at the camp.

Optional activities. These can include sandboarding, quad biking and visiting a nomad family. Ask in advance, as availability and prices vary.

• March to May and September to November are ideal: warm days and pleasant evenings.
• December to February is cold at night in the desert, sometimes close to freezing, but the days are sunny and the dunes are quiet.
• June to August is very hot in the south, often above 40°C. It is possible, but not comfortable for everyone.

Dress in layers, whatever the season. Evenings in the desert are cooler than most travelers expect.

• Pack light for the camp. Most tours let you leave your main luggage in the vehicle and take a small overnight bag on the camel.
• Bring cash. Dirhams are useful for tips, drinks and small purchases. ATMs are limited in remote areas.
• Protect yourself from sun and sand. Pack sunglasses, sunscreen, a scarf or shesh, and closed shoes.
• Charge your devices. Electricity can be limited at the camp, so carry a power bank.
• Download offline maps in case of weak signal on mountain roads.
• Choose a private tour if you want flexibility, such as stopping for photos or adjusting the pace. A private driver-guide also removes the stress of navigating long mountain roads.

Locals appreciate even a few words. In the north and in cities you will hear Moroccan Arabic (Darija), French and Spanish. In the south, near Merzouga, many people also speak Amazigh (Berber). Spellings below are approximate, since Darija has no single standard romanization.

Greetings and Politeness

Sample sentences:

• “Salam alaykum, labas?” means “Hello, how are you?”
• “Shukran bzzaf.” means “Thank you very much.”
• “Wakha, mezyan.” means “OK, good.”

Food and Drink

Sample sentences:

• “Bghit atay b na3na3, afak.” means “I would like mint tea, please.”
• “Bghit atay bla sukkar.” means “I want tea without sugar.”
• “Had l-makla bnina bzzaf!” means “This food is very delicious!”

Shopping and Prices

Sample sentences:

• “Bsh7al hada?” means “How much is this?”
• “Ghali bzzaf, nqes shwiya, afak.” means “It’s too expensive, a bit less, please.”
• “La, shukran, ghir kanshouf.” means “No, thank you, I’m just looking.”

In souks, polite bargaining is expected. Stay friendly and smile, and don’t be afraid to walk away.

Travel and Directions

Sample sentences:

• “Fin kayn twalet, afak?” means “Where is the toilet, please?”
• “Shhal men sa3a l Merzouga?” means “How many hours to Merzouga?”
• “Wqef hna, afak, bghit ntsawer.” means “Stop here, please, I want to take photos.”

In the Desert

Sample sentences:

• “Bghit nrkeb 3la jmel.” means “I want to ride a camel.”
• “L-bard bzzaf f-lil.” means “It’s very cold at night.”
• “Sahra zwina bzzaf!” means “The desert is so beautiful!”

A Few Amazigh (Berber) Words

Saying “Azul” to your camp host will usually earn a big smile.