This Marrakech to Chefchaouen desert tour crosses the High Atlas, the Sahara and the Middle Atlas, then ends in the blue town of the Rif. Start in Marrakech, finish in the blue mountain town of Chefchaouen — and cross the Sahara on the way. This private Marrakech to Chefchaouen desert tour runs south-to-north in six days: over the High Atlas to Aït Ben Haddou and the Dades Valley, a night in a private tent at Erg Chebbi, north through the Middle Atlas to Fes, a guided day in the medina, then Volubilis and Chefchaouen.
On the last morning you can end the tour in Chefchaouen or continue by transfer to Tangier for your ferry or flight [CONFIRM transfer options]. It suits travellers who want to leave Morocco from the north, not fly back from Marrakech.
On Day 5 you walk among the ruins that UNESCO lists as the Archaeological Site of Volubilis, once one of the most important Roman towns in North Africa.
Marrakech to Chefchaouen desert tour at a glance
| Duration | 6 days, 5 nights |
| Start | Your accommodation in Marrakech (morning) |
| Finish | Chefchaouen on Day 6 — or transfer to Tangier or Fes [CONFIRM] |
| Style | Private: your own vehicle and driver |
| Transport | Air-conditioned 4×4 or minibus |
| Overnights | Dades Valley (1), Merzouga desert camp (1), Fes (2), Chefchaouen (1) |
| Meals | Breakfast and dinner daily; lunches not included |
| Main experiences | Tichka pass, Aït Ben Haddou, Todra Gorge, camel trek in Erg Chebbi, guided Fes medina, Volubilis, Chefchaouen |
| Pick-up / drop-off | Marrakech riad or hotel / Chefchaouen, or Tangier port, airport or station on request [CONFIRM] |
| Price | €800 per person for 2 travellers (€1,600 in total) — less per person in larger groups |
Why this itinerary: a one-way trip that ends where Morocco meets Spain
Many visitors fly into Marrakech and then plan to continue to Spain. Going back to Marrakech to fly out wastes a day. This route keeps moving north. Each night brings you closer to the Strait of Gibraltar, and the last night is in Chefchaouen — about two hours from Tangier.
It is also a gentler shape than a straight Marrakech-to-Fes rush. The desert comes early, on Night 2, and the second half of the trip is calmer: two nights in Fes with a guided day in between, then a short scenic drive to Chefchaouen. You finish the trip in cool mountain air rather than on a long final drive.
If you only need to reach Fes, the shorter 3-day Marrakech to Fes desert tour covers the first half of this route. Compare all lengths on our Marrakech to Fes desert tours page.
Highlights
- The Tizi n’Tichka pass, around 2,260 m, on the first morning.
- Aït Ben Haddou, the UNESCO-listed earthen ksar, visited on foot.
- A night in the Dades Valley, among kasbahs and red rock.
- Todra Gorge and a camel ride into the dunes of Erg Chebbi.
- The cedar forests and lakes of the Middle Atlas.
- A full day in Fes el-Bali with a local guide [CONFIRM].
- The Roman city of Volubilis.
- A night and a slow morning in Chefchaouen.
Day-by-day itinerary
Times below are approximate driving times only. Expect longer days with stops and lunch.
Day 1: Marrakech → Tizi n’Tichka → Aït Ben Haddou → Ouarzazate → Dades Valley
About 320–350 km / 6–7 hours of driving
Pick-up from your riad or hotel in the morning [CONFIRM pick-up time]. If your riad is deep in the medina, the driver will meet you at the nearest point a vehicle can reach [CONFIRM meeting arrangement]. The road climbs into the High Atlas through Berber villages to the Tizi n’Tichka pass (photo stop). On the south side you visit Aït Ben Haddou on foot and have lunch nearby (paid by you).
You pass through Ouarzazate, with a photo stop outside Taourirt Kasbah or Atlas Studios [CONFIRM], then continue past the palm oasis of Skoura and the rose town of Kalaat M’Gouna into the Dades Valley. If light allows, a short drive up the gorge shows the “Monkey Fingers” rock formations [CONFIRM]. – Overnight: Riad Gabsi or Ksar Sultan, or similar [CONFIRM] – Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Dades → Todra Gorge → Merzouga desert camp
About 280 km / around 5 hours of driving
After breakfast, drive east to Tinghir and walk into Todra Gorge, where the cliffs are around 300 metres high. Lunch near the gorge (own cost). The road continues through oasis towns and passes Rissani. You reach Merzouga in the late afternoon, leave your main bag in the car and ride a camel into the dunes for sunset (about [CONFIRM camel ride duration]). A 4×4 can take you instead if you have back or knee problems. Dinner and a campfire with Berber drums at the camp. – Overnight: Mouhou Luxury Camp, Erg Chebbi — your own tent with shower and toilet – Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 3: Merzouga → Ziz Valley → Midelt → Ifrane → Fes
About 460 km / 7.5–8.5 hours of driving — the longest day
Watch the sunrise from the dunes, ride back to Merzouga and have breakfast. You pass through Erfoud and Errachidia, then follow the Ziz Valley palm groves (photo stop). Lunch is in Midelt (own cost). The road crosses the Middle Atlas; in the cedar forest near Azrou you may see Barbary macaques (photo stop; please do not feed them — they are endangered). A short stop in Ifrane, then on to Fes for the evening. – Overnight: Riad in Fes [CONFIRM name] or similar – Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 4: Guided day in Fes
No long drive
Explore Fes el-Bali, a UNESCO World Heritage medina, with a local guide [CONFIRM guide included and licensed; half or full day]. A typical day takes in the Bab Bou Jeloud gate, the souks, the outside of the Al-Qarawiyyin mosque and university, a medersa [CONFIRM entry], the Chouara tannery from a terrace, and craft workshops. Some workshops have shops attached; buying is never required. The rest of the day is free — you have earned a slow afternoon after three days on the road. – Overnight: Riad in Fes – Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 5: Fes → Volubilis → Chefchaouen
About 4.5–5 hours of driving in total [CONFIRM]
About an hour west of Fes you visit Volubilis, the Roman town with mosaics, columns and a triumphal arch [CONFIRM entry and guide arrangement]. Lunch nearby (own cost). The afternoon drive goes north through farmland and into the Rif Mountains. You arrive in Chefchaouen in the late afternoon, in time for an evening walk through the blue lanes. – Overnight: Riad in Chefchaouen [CONFIRM name] or similar – Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 6: Chefchaouen — tour ends, or onward to Tangier
Morning free; onward transfer optional [CONFIRM all options and prices]
Enjoy the quietest hours of the blue town before the day visitors arrive. After breakfast, choose how the tour ends: – End in Chefchaouen. Your driver says goodbye here, and you continue on your own. – Transfer to Tangier (about 115 km / around 2 hours) — to Tanger Ville port, Tanger Med port, Ibn Battouta Airport, the train station or a hotel. Tanger Med is further out, so allow extra time [CONFIRM]. – Transfer back to Fes (about 200 km / around 4 hours) — for a train or a flight [CONFIRM]. – Meals: Breakfast
What you visit, stop at, or pass
- Visits on foot: Aït Ben Haddou, Todra Gorge, Erg Chebbi (camel trek and camp), Fes medina (guided), Volubilis, Chefchaouen.
- Short stops / photo stops: Tichka pass, Ouarzazate (outside views), Dades “Monkey Fingers” (if light allows), Ziz Valley, Azrou cedar forest, Ifrane.
- Passed through: Ouarzazate town, Skoura, Kalaat M’Gouna, Tinghir town, Rissani, Erfoud, Errachidia, Midelt (lunch only).
- Not on this route: Meknes city, Rabat, Casablanca, the Draa Valley.
Where you sleep
| Night | Place | Accommodation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dades Valley | Riad Gabsi or Ksar Sultan, or similar [CONFIRM] |
| 2 | Erg Chebbi, Merzouga | Mouhou Luxury Camp — private tent with private bathroom |
| 3–4 | Fes | Riad [CONFIRM name] or similar |
| 5 | Chefchaouen | Riad [CONFIRM name] or similar |
Price and how it is calculated
The quote for this private tour depends on: – How many of you travel. One vehicle and one driver cost about the same for two people as for four, so each person pays less in a larger group. – Where the tour ends. Ending in Chefchaouen, Tangier or Fes changes the last day’s distance [CONFIRM any extra charge]. – Accommodation level. Standard riads or upgraded options. – Season. Busy months and holidays can cost more.
| Travellers | End in Chefchaouen (per person) | End in Tangier (per person) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | €1,400 | €1,400 |
| 2 | €800 | €800 |
| 3–4 | €500–€600 | €500–€600 |
| 5–6 | €400–€440 | €400–€440 |
| 7 or more | On request | On request |
Children: [CONFIRM CHILD PRICING]. Single supplement: [CONFIRM]. Deposit and payment methods: [CONFIRM]. Cancellation terms: [CONFIRM CANCELLATION POLICY].
There is no online payment. You tell us your plans, we send a written quote and itinerary, and you confirm when ready.
Included and not included
Included – Pick-up from your Marrakech accommodation – Drop-off in Chefchaouen (or Tangier / Fes transfer if agreed in your quote [CONFIRM]) – Private air-conditioned vehicle, fuel and road taxes – English-speaking driver – 5 nights: 4 in riads/hotels, 1 in a private desert tent with its own shower and toilet – Breakfast and dinner daily (5 breakfasts and 5 dinners) – Local guide in Fes [CONFIRM] – Camel trek (or 4×4 transfer) to and from the camp – Campfire with Berber drum music
Not included – Lunches and drinks – Entry tickets (Aït Ben Haddou, kasbahs, medersas, Volubilis) [CONFIRM] – Ferry, train or flight tickets – Travel insurance (recommended) – Tips and personal costs
Is this Marrakech to Chefchaouen desert tour for you?
Yes, if you: – Arrive in Marrakech and want to leave Morocco from the north, or carry on to Spain. – Want the desert and Fes in one trip without doubling back. – Can handle one long drive (Day 3) and two medium ones. – Like ending a trip somewhere calm.
Maybe not, if you: – Must fly home from Marrakech — choose a round trip instead. – Want more than one night in the dunes — ask us to add a desert day [CONFIRM]. – Are starting in Tangier. Then the 5-day Tangier to Marrakech desert tour runs the same corridor in the opposite direction.
Practical tips for the Marrakech to Chefchaouen desert tour
- Book your ferry for the afternoon or the next day. On Day 6 you leave Chefchaouen after breakfast and reach Tangier around midday [CONFIRM typical arrival]. A morning ferry on Day 6 is not realistic. Allow extra time for Tanger Med and for passport checks at the port.
- Weather: in summer, the desert night is warm and the day is very hot; in winter, Chefchaouen and the Middle Atlas can be cold and wet, and the Tichka pass can see snow. Spring and autumn are best.
- Luggage: you only need a small bag for the camp night. Your suitcase stays in the locked vehicle [CONFIRM].
- Cash: bring dirhams for lunches and tickets. Cash machines are scarce between Dades and Midelt.
- Diet: vegetarian and vegan meals are available on request.
Frequently asked questions
Can you drop us at the ferry port in Tangier on the last day?
Yes, a transfer to Tanger Ville port, Tanger Med port, the airport or a hotel in Tangier can be added to Day 6 [CONFIRM price and timing]. Plan for an afternoon ferry, not a morning one.
Why does the tour end in Chefchaouen instead of Tangier?
Chefchaouen is a better place to spend your last night: quiet, walkable and two hours from Tangier. Ending there gives you a relaxed final morning. If you prefer, we can continue to Tangier the same day.
Can we stay longer in Chefchaouen?
Yes. Many travellers end the tour in Chefchaouen and stay an extra night or two on their own. Buses and taxis link Chefchaouen with Tangier and Fes, or we can arrange a later transfer [CONFIRM].
Is this the same as a Marrakech to Fes tour?
The first three days follow a similar route. After that, this tour adds a guided day in Fes, Volubilis and Chefchaouen. If you only want to reach Fes, the 3-day Marrakech to Fes desert tour is shorter.
Where do we meet the driver if our riad is inside the Marrakech medina?
Cars cannot reach many medina lanes. Your driver or a porter will meet you at the nearest accessible point, which we confirm with you before the tour [CONFIRM arrangement].
Can we do the route the other way round?
Yes. Starting in Tangier and ending in Marrakech is our 5-day Tangier to Marrakech desert tour via Chefchaouen and Fes. Other lengths can be arranged.
Related tours
- 5-Day Tangier to Marrakech Desert Tour via Chefchaouen and Fes — the reverse direction.
- 3-Day Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour (Private) — the short version that ends in Fes.
- Marrakech to Fes desert tours via Merzouga — compare 2- to 5-day routes.
- Private Morocco tours and multi-day itineraries — all our private routes.
- Morocco tours from Tangier — ferry and port information for travellers heading to or from Spain.
Start your trip north
Tell us your start date, number of travellers and where you want to finish — Chefchaouen, Tangier or Fes. We will send a quote and a written itinerary.
Check availability & get a quote · Ask on WhatsApp: +212 667 850 421
Business hours: 8:30–20:00 Morocco time. Email: [EMAIL ADDRESS].
Morocco Desert Excursions — a local company founded by Sahara natives from Merzouga.
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Packing for two climates
On a Marrakech to Chefchaouen desert tour you move from the dry south to the green north in less than a week. The weather changes with you.
- Desert: sunglasses, sunscreen, a scarf for wind and sand, and a warm layer for the night at camp.
- Fes and the Middle Atlas: comfortable walking shoes for the medina and a light jacket.
- Chefchaouen and the Rif: a rain jacket from November to April, when the mountains can be wet.
Pack one small bag for the camp night, so the main suitcase can stay in the vehicle.
Making the most of your guided day in Fes
Dress comfortably and wear shoes with good grip, as the medina lanes are steep and uneven in places. Covered shoulders and knees are respectful near mosques and in the old city.
Workshops and shops are part of the visit, but you never have to buy. If you want to shop, say so to your guide at the start of the Fes day of the Marrakech to Chefchaouen desert tour, so he can plan time for it.
Your evening and morning in Chefchaouen
Chefchaouen is at its best early and late. After you arrive on Day 5, walk through the blue lanes as the day visitors leave.
- Sunset: a short uphill walk leads to the white mosque above the town, with views over the rooftops.
- Ras el-Maa: the spring at the edge of the medina is a quiet place to sit.
- Photography: many doors are private homes. Ask before taking photos of people, and do not climb on steps or doorways.
The last morning of the Marrakech to Chefchaouen desert tour is free until your driver leaves, so you can enjoy the town at its quietest.
Continuing to Spain
Most travellers on this route continue by ferry from Tangier. Fast ferries from Tanger Ville port usually sail to Tarifa, while Tanger Med serves Algeciras and other Spanish ports. Check current timetables and book your crossing directly with the ferry company.
If your plans end in the north, the Marrakech to Chefchaouen desert tour saves you the long drive back to Marrakech.
More questions
Is the Marrakech to Chefchaouen desert tour suitable for children?
Yes, especially for children who travel well by car. Day 3 is long, so bring games, snacks and something to sleep on.
Can we add a night in Chefchaouen?
Yes. Many travellers end the tour there and stay on independently. Tell us if you want us to include it in your quote [CONFIRM].
