5 Days Exploring the Desert from Marrakech to Chefchaouen
Overview
Embark on a captivating 5-day journey from Marrakech to Chefchaouen, exploring the diverse landscapes and cultural wonders of Morocco. Traverse the Atlas Mountains, venture into the Sahara Desert, and discover the blue-hued streets of Chefchaouen. From camel rides to vibrant markets, this desert tour offers an immersive experience of Morocco's beauty and charm.
Included/Excluded
- Transportation in a comfortable vehicle
- Camel trekking in the Sahara Desert
- English Guided
- International flights
- Personal expenses
- Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
Tour Plan
Day 1: Marrakech to Ait Ben Haddou & Dades Valley Exploration
We start the tour at 8 AM from your hotel in Marrakech, driving through the stunning High Atlas Mountains (2260m), making several scenic stops along the way. The first major stop will be at Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site and famous film location for movies such as Gladiator, Son of God, and Game of Thrones. After exploring and having lunch at Ait Ben Haddou, we'll continue to Ouarzazate to visit the Taourirt Kasbah and the surrounding landscapes. From there, we’ll drive through the Valley of the Roses, known for its annual Rose Festival. We'll pass through the Berber villages of El Kelaa des M'Gouna and Boumalne Dades. Our overnight stop will be in Boumalne Dades, located in the picturesque Dades Valley.
Day 2: From Dades Valley to Todra Gorge and the Sahara Desert
After breakfast in Boumalne Dades, we head towards Merzouga, passing through the Tinghir region and stopping at the impressive Todra Gorge, where the canyons soar above you. We’ll continue our drive, passing through small towns such as Tinjdad or Rissani (famous for its Berber pizza), where we’ll stop for lunch. After lunch, we’ll make our way to Merzouga, where you’ll get a chance to rest and enjoy some tea. We’ll then take a camel ride into the Erg Chebbi dunes – the highest sand dunes in North Africa. The one-hour camel ride will bring us to a luxury nomadic camp in the heart of the desert, where we will enjoy a traditional Berber dinner, music, and entertainment around the campfire under the stars. You’ll sleep in comfortable tents equipped with mattresses and linen, and enjoy the camp's amenities like toilets and showers.
Day 3: Desert Sunrise and Journey to Fes
Wake up early to witness the spectacular sunrise over the dunes. After a short camel ride back to Merzouga, we’ll begin our journey to Fes. Along the way, we’ll stop at scenic viewpoints in the Ziz Valley and the Mid Atlas Mountains. We will make a brief stop in Azrou to see the wild Barbary apes in the Cedar Forest. After a day of scenic drives, we will arrive in Fes in the evening, where you will check into your riad for the night.
Day 4: Fes to Chefchaouen – The Blue City Adventure
After breakfast in Fes, we’ll embark on a guided tour of the city, exploring its most iconic sites, including the medina, Al Quaraouiyine University, and the tanneries. In the afternoon, we’ll drive north through the Rif Mountains, arriving at Chefchaouen, the famous "Blue City." This charming town, set against the mountainous backdrop, is known for its blue-painted houses and winding cobblestone streets, offering many beautiful photo opportunities. Spend the evening exploring Chefchaouen's picturesque medina before settling into a riad for the night.
Day 5: Chefchaouen to Marrakech via Rabat and Casablanca
After breakfast, you’ll have the morning to enjoy Chefchaouen before we begin our drive back to Marrakech. Our route will take us through Ouazzane and Rabat, the capital of Morocco, where we’ll make a brief stop. We’ll continue on to Casablanca, where you can see the famous Hassan II Mosque before driving back to Marrakech. We will arrive in Marrakech around 7 PM, where the tour ends.