Most popularSoutheastern MoroccoFully private5 days
Sahara Desert Luxury Expedition
Glamping under the stars in the Erg Chebbi dunes
- Camel trek at sunset
- Luxury desert camp
- Stargazing with astronomer
From$2,011≈ MAD 18,500
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Sahara Tours from Tangier
Tangier Tours the Length of Morocco to the Dunes
Sahara desert tours from Tangier are north-to-south grand crossings: from where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic, the road runs through the blue city of Chefchaouen, the Roman ruins of Volubilis and Fes before reaching the Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga, so the desert becomes the climax of a complete Moroccan story. Plan 5 to 8 days, often ending in Marrakech without backtracking.
- Private only
- Chefchaouen, Volubilis & Fes
- North-to-south crossing
- 5–8 day grand tours
Chat with a travel designer on WhatsAppor call us on +212 701 664 704
Tangier at a Glance
| Main desert | Erg Chebbi (Merzouga), reached on a north-to-south grand tour via Fes |
|---|---|
| Distance | Roughly 350 km to Fes first, then the Middle Atlas crossing to Merzouga |
| Drive time | Not a direct drive — a multi-day route the length of Morocco |
| Min recommended days | 5 days minimum; 6 to 8 days ideal for the full crossing |
| On the way | Chefchaouen, Volubilis, Meknes, Fes, the cedar forests and Ziz Valley |
| Best months | October to April (spring is especially green in the north) |
The City
Why Tangier Is the Start of a Coast-to-Desert Grand Tour
Tangier, where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic, sits at the opposite end of the country from the Sahara — which makes it the perfect start for a north-to-south grand tour. The road south passes the blue-washed mountain town of Chefchaouen, the Roman ruins of Volubilis and the imperial cities of Meknes and Fes before climbing through the cedar forests and dropping down the Ziz Valley to the dunes. Travel this way and the desert becomes the climax of a complete Moroccan story rather than an isolated excursion.
Beginning in Tangier lets you travel the length of Morocco in one direction without backtracking — blue mountains, Roman ruins, medieval medinas, alpine cedar forests, and finally the great Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga. We design it as a seamless private journey that can end in Marrakech, with its own airport, so you never drive the same road twice. Six to eight days suits a Tangier-to-Sahara grand tour that includes Chefchaouen, Fes and the desert; fewer than five days means too much driving.
The desert at the end of it is the same Erg Chebbi reached from Marrakech or Fes — Morocco's tallest dune field at around 150 metres, with the widest choice of luxury camps and roughly Bortle Class 1 to 2 dark skies for stargazing. The point of starting in Tangier is the sweep of the journey: you see almost the whole country on the way to the sand. Drive times are planning estimates; confirm current road conditions before you travel.
See the journeysThe Collection · Private Only
Our Tangier tour collection.
Every tour is private, led by a licensed local guide, and fully customisable to your interests and pace. Prices are per person based on two travellers.
Most popular
7 daysCentral MoroccoFully private
Essential Morocco: Imperial Cities Circuit
From$2,054≈ MAD 18,899
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10 daysCentral MoroccoFully private
Imperial Cities Grand Tour
From$3,478≈ MAD 32,000
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6 daysSoutheast MoroccoFully private
Sahara Desert Expedition
From$4,130≈ MAD 38,000
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Your Next Step
Not sure which Tangier journey is yours?
Three ways in — every one of them leads to a real travel designer, not a form into the void. Pick the one that feels like you.
A Sample Rhythm
How a private day in Tangier unfolds.
One shape a day might take — a sample rhythm, yours will differ. Every tour is private and built around your pace and your interests.
- MorningThe day opens
Chefchaouen
The blue-washed mountain town in the Rif — lanes, doorways and stairways painted in every shade of indigo, the first highlight south of Tangier.
En route - AfternoonDeeper in
Volubilis
The best-preserved Roman ruins in Morocco, with standing arches and mosaics, near the holy town of Moulay Idriss.
60–90 min - EveningAs the light turns
Meknes
The quieter imperial city of monumental gates and granaries, an easy pairing with Volubilis on the route south.
Optional stop
Signature Experiences
What defines Tangier.
Chefchaouen
En routeThe blue-washed mountain town in the Rif — lanes, doorways and stairways painted in every shade of indigo, the first highlight south of Tangier.
Volubilis
60–90 minThe best-preserved Roman ruins in Morocco, with standing arches and mosaics, near the holy town of Moulay Idriss.
Meknes
Optional stopThe quieter imperial city of monumental gates and granaries, an easy pairing with Volubilis on the route south.
Fes
En routeThe medieval medina of Fes el-Bali, a UNESCO labyrinth of tanneries, madrasas and souks — the hinge of the crossing.
Middle Atlas & Ziz Valley
Scenic driveIfrane, the Azrou cedar forest and the palm-lined Ziz Valley on the descent from Fes to the dunes.
Sunset Camel Trek
1–1.5 hoursRide a dromedary about 1 to 1.5 hours into Erg Chebbi to camp for sunset over Morocco's tallest dunes. No experience needed.
Luxury Desert Camp
OvernightPrivate ensuite tents and full-board dining among the dunes — typically from around €250–€400 per person per night.
Sahara Stargazing
1–2 hoursRoughly Bortle Class 1–2 skies with 300+ clear nights a year; the full Milky Way is visible to the naked eye.
Day trips from Tangier
Tangier is an ideal base for southern Morocco. The most popular day trips, with distances and drive times from the city centre.
| Destination | Distance | Drive time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| To Chefchaouen | Around 110 km | About 2 hrs | The blue city, the classic first stop south of Tangier |
| To Fes (then the desert) | Around 350 km | About 4 hrs to Fes, then the desert route | The imperial hinge before the Middle Atlas crossing |
| Volubilis & Meknes | Around 250 km | About 3 hrs | Roman ruins and an imperial city en route south |
| To Erg Chebbi (via Fes) | A multi-day route | The full north-to-south crossing | The great dunes at the climax of the journey |
Read Before You Go
Tangier travel guides.
Free, in-depth guides written by our local team — the detail behind every Tangier tour.
How Many Days for a Desert Tour?
Why 3 days is the realistic minimum from Marrakech to reach Erg Chebbi at Merzouga.
Erg Chebbi vs Erg Chigaga
The two great dune fields compared — height, access, camps and which one suits your trip.
Luxury Sahara Desert Camps
What a real luxury camp gives you — ensuite tents, full-board dining and the price tiers.
Sahara Desert Stargazing
Why the desert sky is so dark, when to look up, and how to photograph the Milky Way.
When to Visit Tangier
Twelve months, one Tangier.
ExcellentGoodHot season
OctoberExcellentperfect days near 27°C / 81°F
A peak month — warm days, cool comfortable nights and superb light on the sand.
Good for
- Everything
- Sahara
- Honeymoons
October to April is ideal across the whole route. Spring is especially lovely, with green northern hills and wildflowers before the desert warmth. Drive times are planning estimates — confirm current road conditions before you lock in dates.
Questions, Answered
Tangier tours — frequently asked.
Can you reach the Sahara Desert from Tangier?
Yes, as part of a multi-day grand tour. Tangier is in Morocco's far north, so the desert is best reached on a 5 to 8-day private route that travels south through Chefchaouen and Fes to the Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga. Drive times are planning estimates; confirm current road conditions before you travel.
How many days from Tangier to the desert and Marrakech?
Plan 6 to 8 days to travel from Tangier through the northern cities and the Sahara, finishing in Marrakech. This north-to-south crossing avoids backtracking and sees almost the whole country. Five days is the fast minimum prioritising Chefchaouen, Fes and the desert.
What overnight stops are on the route from Tangier?
A typical crossing overnights in Chefchaouen, then Fes, then near the gorges, then a desert camp at Erg Chebbi, before continuing to Marrakech. A longer 8-day version adds a second desert night and more time in the gorges. We tailor the stops to your pace and your flights.
Is 5, 7 or 8 days better from Tangier?
Five days is the fast crossing — Chefchaouen, Fes and one desert night. Seven days is the classic grand tour with room for Volubilis and the gorges. Eight days is the relaxed, complete coast-to-desert-to-Marrakech epic with two desert nights. The more days, the less time in the car each day.
What is on the way from Tangier to the Sahara?
The classic route includes Chefchaouen (the blue city), the Roman ruins of Volubilis, Meknes and Fes, the Ifrane alpine region and Azrou cedar forest, then the Ziz Valley before the dunes — almost the full length and variety of Morocco in one journey.
Should I start in Tangier or end there?
Either works. Many travellers fly into Tangier (or arrive by ferry from Spain) and end in Marrakech; others reverse it. We arrange one-way logistics around your flights so the desert sits naturally in the middle and you never backtrack.
What should I pack for a Tangier-to-Sahara grand tour?
Pack for variety: cooler, sometimes wet weather in the green north and the Atlas, and big temperature swings in the desert — warm by day, cold at night. Bring layers and a warm jacket, sun protection, closed shoes plus sandals for the sand, and a scarf against wind-blown sand on the camel trek. Camps provide bedding; a head-lamp and power bank are useful.
Is a Tangier-to-Sahara crossing suitable for families with children?
Yes, with the driving spread across several days so no single day is too long for younger travellers. The variety helps — the blue city, Roman ruins, medinas and finally the dunes keep children engaged. The sunset camel trek needs no experience and is a highlight, and a 4x4 transfer to camp is available for any child who would rather not ride.
Still deciding on your Tangier tour?
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composed in 24 hours
Every Serenity Morocco experience is private, fully customisable, and led by licensed local guides. Tell us what interests you and we'll send a no-commitment Tangier proposal within 24 hours.
Planning for July? Spring and October dates are the most requested — and the first to book out.
Private only · Licensed local guides · Free cancellation up to 48h