5 Days Blue Desert Tour from Marrakech

Journey Overview: Discover the many faces of Morocco on this private 5 days tour from Marrakech to Chefchaouen via the Sahara and Fes. Over 5 days and 4 nights, you’ll watch the sun set and rise over the desert, ride a camel through the dunes, try sandboarding, and enjoy traditional Berber music around a campfire beneath a sky full of stars. Then it’s on to Fes to explore its fascinating history, lively medina and beautifully detailed architecture, before ending in Chefchaouen with its famous blue streets, colorful souks and local handicrafts. The tour starts in Marrakech and finishes in Chefchaouen and Tangier, with the option to end in Fes, Casablanca or back in Marrakech instead. Because it’s a private tour, everything can be tailored to you: spend more time where you like and skip what doesn’t interest you, choose accommodations that suit your needs, and benefit from a dedicated guide’s personal recommendations. You’ll meet local people, discover hidden places and get a real feel for Morocco’s rich heritage, while your driver takes care of all the logistics so you can simply relax and enjoy the journey.

Tour Highlights:

• Enjoy breathtaking views of the High Atlas Mountains.
• Visit the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a fine example of traditional Moroccan architecture.
• Take a relaxed walk through the natural beauty of the Todra Canyon.
• Spend a night under the stars in the Sahara Desert.
• Watch stunning sunsets and sunrises from the Erg Chebbi dunes.
• Ride a camel into the desert.
• Explore the historic streets of the Fes Medina.
• Discover the charm of Chefchaouen, Morocco’s famous blue city.

Day 1: Marrakech → High Atlas Mountains → Ait Ben Haddou → Dades Valley

Your tour begins with a warm welcome at Marrakech airport or your hotel or riad in the city, where you’ll meet the friendly local guide who will accompany you throughout the trip. We set off across the spectacular High Atlas Mountains, enjoying superb views of the landscape along the way. Our first major stop is Ait Ben Haddou, where you’ll tour its kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has appeared in films such as The Mummy and Prince of Persia. Take your time to admire its architecture and fine details. After lunch, we continue to Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Africa” and the “Gateway to the Desert.” Here you can choose to visit Atlas Studios, the largest film studio in Morocco, for a behind-the-scenes look at filmmaking and famous movie sets. We then head to the Dades Valley to see its remarkable rock formations known as “monkey fingers,” enjoying panoramic views of the gorges on the drive before checking into a charming hotel for a restful night.

Day 2: Dades Valley → Todra Canyon → Merzouga Desert

After breakfast, we follow the Todra River on a beautiful drive lined with green palm groves and charming Berber villages. Our destination is the Todra Gorge near Tinghir, one of the most spectacular canyons in the world. From there, we continue to the Merzouga desert. On the way to the Erg Chebbi dunes, your driver/guide may suggest a stop at a traditional Berber shop, where you can dress up in a Berber outfit for photos completely free of charge. You’re welcome to browse and buy souvenirs, such as a scarf for the desert, but there’s no obligation; the shop’s main purpose is to share Berber culture. If you’re not interested, just let your driver/guide know and we’ll skip it. On arrival in Merzouga, you’ll ride a camel into the dunes to watch a magnificent sunset and enjoy some sandboarding. The night is spent at a luxury desert camp, with a delicious dinner under the Sahara’s starry sky.

Day 3: Merzouga Desert → Ziz Valley → Middle Atlas Mountains → Ifrane → Fes

Start early to catch a stunning sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes. After breakfast, you can return to Merzouga by camel or 4×4, where your guide/driver will be waiting to continue the journey to Fes. Along the way, we stop at some memorable places, including the scenic Ziz Valley, a cedar forest near Azrou where you may spot Barbary monkeys, and the pretty town of Ifrane, known as the “Switzerland of Morocco.” We arrive in Fes in the late afternoon, and you’ll check into your hotel or riad in the historic medina for the night.

Day 4: Explore Fes → Chefchaouen

After breakfast at your riad, get ready for a day of discovery in Fes followed by a drive to Chefchaouen. Your local Fes guide and driver will meet you at your riad for a fascinating tour of the medina. You’ll wander its historic streets, learn about its long history and admire its beautiful architecture, with time for lunch in the medina to taste authentic local cuisine. In the afternoon, we drive to Chefchaouen, known as the “blue pearl” of Morocco. After a full day, relax at a charming riad in the heart of town, a peaceful retreat where you can enjoy the atmosphere and a comfortable night’s sleep.

Day 5: Explore Chefchaouen → Tangier/Fes/Casablanca/Marrakech

After a hearty breakfast at your riad, spend the morning exploring Chefchaouen and its famous blue-washed buildings. Wander through the narrow lanes, browse the lively markets, or relax at a cozy café or restaurant serving traditional Moroccan dishes. In the afternoon, we drive to Tangier and drop you off at the airport, the port or your hotel, bringing your 5 days tour from Marrakech to Chefchaouen via the Sahara and Fes to an end. If you prefer, the tour can also finish in Fes, Casablanca or back in Marrakech.