Sahara Desert Tours
Sahara Desert Tours
Sahara Desert Tours
Sahara Desert Tours
The 12-Day Tangier to Grand South Morocco Sahara Desert Expedition is a deep and immersive journey that takes you from northern Morocco all the way to the heart of the southern desert regions. Starting in Tangier, where Europe meets Africa, this expedition gradually moves south through mountain landscapes, ancient cities, palm-filled valleys, and remote desert areas. Unlike shorter tours, this long itinerary allows you to travel at a comfortable pace, spending enough time in each destination to truly experience Morocco’s culture, history, and daily life. From blue mountain towns and imperial cities to dramatic gorges and the endless dunes of the Sahara, this expedition offers a complete discovery of South Morocco, combining adventure, culture, and unforgettable desert experiences.
Exploring Tangier, the gateway between Europe and Africa
Visiting Chefchaouen, the blue city of the Rif Mountains
Discovering Roman ruins at Volubilis
Exploring the imperial cities of Meknes, Fes, and Marrakech
Guided city tours in Fes and Marrakech
Traveling through the Middle and High Atlas Mountains
Visiting Ifrane and cedar forests with Barbary monkeys
Driving through the Ziz Valley and desert oases
Camel trekking in the Merzouga Sahara Desert
Overnight stays in traditional desert camps
Exploring Todra Gorges and the Dades Valley
Visiting Ouarzazate and Aït Ben Haddou Kasbah
Your expedition begins with pickup from Tangier airport, port, or your hotel. This first day is kept relaxed to allow you to settle in after your arrival. Depending on your arrival time, you may explore the seafront, walk through parts of the old medina, or relax at a café overlooking the port. Tangier has a unique atmosphere shaped by its history and location between two seas. You have time to rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the journey ahead. Overnight stay in Tangier.
After breakfast, you leave Tangier and travel through northern Morocco, passing Tetouan and small towns along the way. The road climbs into the Rif Mountains, offering green hills and scenic landscapes. By midday, you arrive in Chefchaouen, the famous blue city. You have plenty of time to explore the blue-painted streets, visit local shops, relax in cafés, and enjoy the peaceful mountain atmosphere. The afternoon is free for photos and slow exploration at your own pace. In the evening, you enjoy dinner in the medina. Overnight stay in Chefchaouen.
Leaving Chefchaouen in the morning, you travel south toward the Roman ruins of Volubilis. You explore the ancient site, walking among columns, mosaics, and old Roman roads while learning about Morocco’s Roman past. Afterward, you continue to Meknes, one of Morocco’s imperial cities, where you visit Bab Mansour, city walls, and parts of the old medina. After lunch, you drive to Fes, arriving in the late afternoon. You check in to your riad and relax after a full day of travel and discovery. Overnight in Fes.
This full day is dedicated to exploring Fes with a local guide. You walk through the ancient medina, one of the world’s oldest living cities, visiting Al Quaraouiyine University, Bou Inania Madrasa, Nejjarine Fountain, and the famous leather tanneries. You explore artisan quarters, markets, and narrow streets filled with daily life. Your guide explains the city’s culture, traditions, and history in detail. You also stop at panoramic viewpoints overlooking the medina. Overnight stay in Fes.
After breakfast, you leave Fes and travel south through the Middle Atlas Mountains. You stop in Ifrane, a clean and peaceful town with European-style buildings. The journey continues to the cedar forests near Azrou, where you may see Barbary monkeys. After time to walk and take photos, you continue through mountain roads and traditional villages. As the landscape slowly becomes drier, you arrive in Midelt in the afternoon. You check in to your hotel, relax, and enjoy dinner. Overnight in Midelt.
After breakfast, you descend into the beautiful Ziz Valley, one of Morocco’s most important oasis regions. You stop at panoramic viewpoints overlooking palm groves and river valleys. The road continues through Errachidia, an important desert town, and onward to Erfoud, known for fossils and date palms. Along the way, you experience the gradual change from mountain scenery to desert landscapes. You arrive in Erfoud in the afternoon, check in to your hotel, and relax. Overnight stay in Erfoud.
After breakfast, you travel a short distance to Merzouga, located at the edge of the Sahara Desert. Upon arrival, you prepare for your camel trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes. Riding slowly across the sand, you experience the silence and vastness of the desert. You stop to watch the sunset as the dunes turn golden and orange. In the evening, you arrive at your desert camp, enjoy a traditional dinner, listen to local music, and spend the night under a sky full of stars. Overnight in the desert camp.
You wake up early to watch the sunrise over the dunes, a peaceful and unforgettable moment. After breakfast, the day is dedicated to exploring the Merzouga region. You may visit nomad families, learn about desert life, and explore villages such as Khamlia, known for its traditional music. You have time to walk in the dunes, relax, or enjoy optional activities like sandboarding or a 4×4 desert tour. In the evening, you return to your accommodation near the dunes for dinner and rest. Overnight near Merzouga.
After breakfast, you leave the desert and travel to Rissani, a traditional market town with a long desert trading history. The journey continues to the Todra Gorges, where you walk between towering canyon walls and enjoy the fresh river air. After lunch, you travel through desert villages and scenic roads toward the Dades Valley. The landscape becomes dramatic with rock formations and winding roads. You arrive in the late afternoon and relax at your hotel or guesthouse. Overnight in Dades Valley.
After breakfast, you travel through the Valley of Roses, famous for rose fields and local products. You pass through the Skoura palm grove, home to many traditional kasbahs and oasis scenery. The journey continues to Ouarzazate, often called the gateway to the Sahara. You may explore the city, visit local kasbahs, or relax at your hotel. Overnight stay in Ouarzazate.
After breakfast, you visit the famous Aït Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site and filming location for many movies. You explore the old village and enjoy panoramic views from the top. After lunch, you cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, stopping for photos and scenic viewpoints. The road offers impressive mountain scenery before descending toward Marrakech. You arrive in the evening and check in to your accommodation. Overnight stay in Marrakech.
On the final day, you enjoy a guided tour of Marrakech. You visit the Koutoubia Mosque, Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, and walk through the lively souks. You finish at Jemaa el-Fna Square, where storytellers, musicians, and food stalls create a unique atmosphere. Depending on your departure plans, you will be transferred to the airport or your hotel, marking the end of your Grand South Morocco Sahara Desert Expedition.
Morocco Best Tours is a specialized local travel agency based in Marrakech that focuses on providing private, tailor-made experiences across the Kingdom.
