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PRIVATE TOUR — Marrakech to Chefchaouen Desert Tour 5 Days
OVERVIEW
This five-day tour threads three of Morocco’s biggest draws onto one north-bound route: the Sahara, the medina of Fes, and the blue town of Chefchaouen. Travelling one-way from Marrakech, you cross the Atlas to ride camels into the Erg Chebbi dunes and sleep a night in the desert, then continue north to walk the old streets of Fes before finishing in Chefchaouen, with its blue-washed walls and quiet souks.
It ends in Chefchaouen or Tangier — though it can also wrap up in Fes, Casablanca, or back in Marrakech if that suits your onward plans.
Every itinerary is fully customisable to suit your preferences and pace.
DURATION: 5 DAYS /4 NIGHT
START:MARRAKECH
END:CHEFCHAOUEN / TANGIER
TOUR STYLE: PRIVATE
HIGHLIGHTS
– Views of the High Atlas
– The kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou
– Walking through the Todra Gorge
– A night camping under the Sahara stars
– Sunset and sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes
– A camel ride in the desert
– The historic medina of Fes
– Chefchaouen, Morocco’s blue city
DAY 1: MARRAKECH -> HIGH ATLAS MOUNTAINS -> AIT BEN HADDOU -> DADES VALLEY
Your tour starts with a welcome at Marrakech airport or your hotel/riad, where your local guide meets you. Leaving the city, the road crosses the High Atlas, with sweeping views along the way.
A stop in the town of Ait Ben Haddou lets you tour the kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site that has featured in films including The Mummy and Prince of Persia. After lunch, the route continues to Ouarzazate — the Hollywood of Africa and gateway to the desert — where you can visit the Atlas Studios, the largest film studio in Morocco. From there we head to the Dades Valley to see the “monkey fingers” rock formations, with a scenic drive past the gorge before checking in for the night.
Approximate driving distance/time: 353 km / 6 hours 30 minutes
DAY 2: DADES VALLEY -> TODRA GORGE -> MERZOUGA DESERT
After breakfast, a drive along the Todra river — palm groves and Berber villages all the way — leads to the Todra Gorge at Tinghir, one of the most spectacular canyons anywhere. From there the route heads to Merzouga.
Before the dunes, your guide may suggest a Berber shop where you can try on traditional dress and take photos at no cost; scarves are useful in the desert, but buying anything is optional and the stop can be skipped. Arriving at Merzouga, you set off on a camel ride into the desert to watch the sunset over the dunes and try sandboarding, then spend the night in a luxury desert camp with dinner and the quiet of the Sahara after dark.
Approximate driving distance/time: 310 km / 5 hours
DAY 3: MERZOUGA DESERT -> ZIZ VALLEY -> MIDDLE ATLAS MOUNTAINS -> IFRANE -> FES
An early start is worth it for sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes. After breakfast you return to the village of Merzouga by camel or 4×4, then head north towards Fes. The route pauses at the Ziz Valley, a cedar forest near Azrou where Barbary macaques often appear, and the town of Ifrane, often called the Switzerland of Morocco.
You’ll reach Fes in the late afternoon and check in to your hotel or riad in the old medina for the night.
Approximate driving distance/time: 500 km / 7 hours 30 minutes
DAY 4: EXPLORE FES -> CHEFCHAOUEN
After breakfast at your riad, a local Fes guide and driver meet you for a tour of the medina — its historic streets, long history, and detailed architecture — with lunch in the medina among the local food stalls and restaurants.
In the afternoon, we drive to Chefchaouen, the blue pearl of Morocco, and check in to a riad in the heart of the town — a calm place to settle in for the night after the day’s exploring.
Approximate driving distance/time: 197 km / 3 hours 38 minutes
DAY 5: EXPLORE CHEFCHAOUEN -> TANGIER / FES / CASABLANCA / MARRAKECH
After breakfast, the morning is free to explore Chefchaouen — wandering the blue-washed lanes, browsing the markets, or sitting at a café over a Moroccan meal.
In the afternoon we head to Tangier, with drop-off at the airport, the port, or your hotel, marking the end of the tour. You can also choose to finish instead in Fes, Casablanca, or back in Marrakech.
Approximate driving distance/time: 112 km / 2 hours 12 minutes
IMPORTANT NOTES
– Driving times don’t include stops for lunch and sightseeing.
– This is a sample itinerary and can be fully customised — add days or change the route as you like.
– It can also start from Tangier (5 days tour from Tangier to Marrakech) or Casablanca (Morocco itinerary 5 days).
– For city plus desert based in Marrakech, see the Marrakech itinerary 5 days; for a shorter desert run, see the Marrakech to Fes desert tour.
– Dietary preferences (vegetarian, vegan, allergies) can be accommodated — please mention this when booking.
– Prefer not to ride a camel? A 4×4 will take you to the camp instead.
– Accommodation in the desert is a luxury camp with private tents. Three paired options are offered (Hotel Babylon Dades / Africa Luxury Camp / Riad Sara, Fes / Riad Hicham, Chefchaouen; Dar Blues / Caravanserai Luxury Desert Camp / Palais Houyam, Fes / Dar Echchaouen; Eden Boutique Hotel / Desert Luxury Camp / Palais Faraj Suites & Spa, Fes / Lina Ryad & Spa), and you can mix nights between them. If a listed property isn’t available, a similar one is arranged and you’re told beforehand.
– Pricing varies by group size, accommodation, and season.
– Extra activities can be added before or during the tour — airport transfers, a Marrakech guided tour, hot air balloon ride, day trips to Essaouira, Ouzoud Waterfalls, or Ourika Valley, plus a desert photographer, romantic desert dinner, proposal setup, quad biking, or buggy driving.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
SECTION 1: BOOKING & PAYMENT
Q: How far in advance should I book my tour?
A: We recommend securing your reservation as early as possible to guarantee availability, particularly during peak travel seasons. Early booking also gives you maximum flexibility when selecting accommodation options and customising your itinerary.
Q: How do I pay for my tour?
A: Our payment process is straightforward. To confirm your booking, a small deposit is required upfront, payable via PayPal, bank transfer, or Wise. The remaining balance is settled in cash on the first day of your tour, paid directly to your driver-guide. We accept euros, US dollars, or an equivalent amount in Moroccan dirhams.
Q: What is your cancellation policy?
A: Full details of our cancellation terms are available on the dedicated cancellation policy page of our website. We encourage all travellers to review these conditions before confirming their reservation.
Q: Can I customise my itinerary?
A: Absolutely. All of our private tours are fully tailorable. You are welcome to request changes to the route, adjust the duration, add or remove destinations, and select accommodations that suit your budget and preferences. Simply contact us and we will design a trip around your requirements.
SECTION 2: TRANSPORT
Q: What vehicles are used on tours?
A: The vehicle provided depends on the size of your group. We typically use Toyota Prado Land Cruiser TX 4x4s for smaller parties, Ford Tourneo Custom vans, and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter minibuses for groups of eight or more. All vehicles are air-conditioned and maintained to a high standard of comfort.
Q: Are airport transfers included?
A: Yes. Every private tour we operate can include a pick-up at your arrival airport and a drop-off at the end of your trip, if you require it. Your driver-guide will be waiting for you upon arrival. Please note that flights are not included in the tour price.
Q: Which airports serve Morocco?
A: The majority of international flights arrive into Marrakech and Casablanca. Additional options include Fes, Tangier, Agadir, Ouarzazate, and Errachidia. We can arrange a meet-and-greet at any of these airports.
SECTION 3: GUIDES
Q: Who are the driver-guides?
A: We handpick each of our driver-guides for their knowledge, professionalism, and genuine passion for Morocco. Beyond navigating the country safely, they serve as cultural interpreters — sharing local history, traditions, and stories throughout the journey. Many of our guests mention their guides by name in reviews, which reflects the lasting impression they make.
Q: Are guides English-speaking?
A: Yes. All standard tours are conducted in English. If you prefer a guide who speaks French, Spanish, or another language, please inform us at the time of booking and we will make every effort to accommodate your request.
SECTION 4: ACCOMMODATION
Q: What types of accommodation are offered?
A: We offer a range of options to suit different budgets and tastes, from characterful riads and boutique guesthouses in medina settings to luxury desert camps in Merzouga. We do not offer standard desert camps with shared facilities. All camps in our portfolio feature private tents with en-suite bathrooms and showers.
Q: Do the desert camps have private bathrooms?
A: Yes. Every camp we work with is classified as a luxury camp. Each tent includes a private en-suite bathroom with a shower, ensuring comfort throughout your desert stay.
Q: Can I choose my own accommodation?
A: Yes. We present a selection of pre-vetted accommodation options at each price point for you to choose from. You may mix and match across the options provided. If you have a specific property in mind, let us know and we will do our best to arrange it.
SECTION 5: DESERT & ACTIVITIES
Q: How far is the Sahara desert from Marrakech?
A: Merzouga, gateway to the Erg Chebbi dunes, is approximately 560 kilometres (348 miles) from Marrakech. Given this distance, our 3-day tours from Marrakech include an overnight stop in the Dades Valley en route, rather than attempting to cover the journey in a single day.
Q: How far is the Sahara desert from Fes?
A: The journey from Fes to the Merzouga desert covers roughly 500 kilometres, equivalent to approximately 310 miles.
Q: How far is Casablanca from the desert?
A: Casablanca sits approximately 660 kilometres (around 410 miles) from the Merzouga desert. A tour of five days or more is recommended when departing from Casablanca in order to allow adequate time in the desert without excessive driving pressure.
Q: Is the camel ride compulsory?
A: Not at all. If you prefer not to ride a camel, we are happy to transfer you to the desert camp by 4×4 vehicle at no additional charge. Just let us know your preference in advance.
Q: What activities are available in the desert?
A: Beyond the camel trek and overnight camp experience, a range of optional activities can be arranged in and around Merzouga, including quad biking, buggy driving, sandboarding, and horseback riding. A professional photographer can also be booked to accompany your desert experience. Romantic dinners and desert proposal setups can be arranged upon request.
Q: What additional activities can be added to a tour?
A: Before your main tour, we can arrange transfers from the airport, a guided city tour, or day excursions to destinations such as Essaouira, the Ouzoud Waterfalls, or the Ourika Valley. During the tour, optional extras include the activities listed above. After the tour, hot air balloon rides over Marrakech, guided Fes tours, and day trips to Chefchaouen or Volubilis and Meknes can be arranged.
SECTION 6: TOUR STRUCTURE & EXPERIENCE
Q: What is the difference between a private tour and a shared group tour?
A: On a private tour, your vehicle, guide, and complete itinerary are reserved exclusively for your group. On a shared tour, you travel alongside a small number of other guests — typically no more than ten in total — sharing the vehicle and stops but retaining a private room at the hotel and a private tent at the desert camp. Shared tours offer a more cost-effective option while still maintaining a high level of comfort and service.
Q: Are 7 days enough to see Morocco?
A: Yes, a well-structured 7-day itinerary provides enough time to visit several of Morocco’s key destinations, including Marrakech, Chefchaouen, Fes, the Sahara Desert, Ait Ben Haddou, and the Atlas Mountains. It is a comfortable pace for most travellers and allows genuine engagement with each place rather than a rushed overview.
Q: What can I see in Morocco in 7 days?
A: In one week, a typical itinerary covers Casablanca’s Hassan II Mosque, Rabat, the blue streets of Chefchaouen, the Roman ruins of Volubilis, the ancient medina of Fes, a night in the Sahara Desert with a camel trek, Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, and the High Atlas Mountains en route to Marrakech.
Q: What is the best 7-day itinerary for Morocco?
A: The ideal route depends on your starting point. Travellers beginning in Tangier typically follow the Tangier-to-Marrakech route via Chefchaouen, Fes, the Sahara, and the Atlas Mountains. Those starting in Casablanca can follow the Casablanca-to-Marrakech circuit. We are happy to advise based on your arrival and departure airports.
Q: Where can I book a Morocco tour?
A: Tours can be booked directly through Morocco Fabulous Travel. As a locally based operator with in-depth knowledge of the country, we offer personalised service, expert guidance, and competitive pricing. You can contact us via our website, email, phone, or WhatsApp.
Q: Are meals included?
A: On desert tours, two dinners and two breakfasts are typically included — dinner and breakfast at the desert camp, and breakfast at the hotel in the Dades Valley. Lunches are generally not included, as guests often prefer to explore independently during midday stops. Full details of meal inclusions are listed on each individual tour page.
Q: Can dietary requirements be accommodated?
A: Yes. Please inform us of any dietary preferences — including vegetarian or vegan requirements — at the time of booking, and we will ensure appropriate meals are arranged throughout the tour.
I had been dreaming of visiting Chefchaouen for years. The camel ride at sunset in Merzouga and wandering through the blue medina of Chefchaouen were unforgettable highlights. Visiting Chefchaouen after the Sahara made this itinerary feel unique compared with other Morocco tours. Five stars from our family.
What impressed me most about this tour was the variety of landscapes. The camel ride at sunset in Merzouga and wandering through the blue medina of Chefchaouen were unforgettable highlights. I would happily do this trip again.
Our five days in Morocco went by far too quickly. From Marrakech to Chefchaouen, every stop had its own charm and history. Wonderful memories that will stay with us forever.
What impressed me most about this tour was the variety of landscapes. From Marrakech to Chefchaouen, every stop had its own charm and history. I would happily do this trip again.
The blue streets of Chefchaouen were even more beautiful than I imagined. From Marrakech to Chefchaouen, every stop had its own charm and history. Wonderful memories that will stay with us forever.
