Five days runs from Tangier to Marrakech by way of the north and the Sahara, taking in a run of the country’s most amazing places. Along the way you see Cape Spartel and the Cave of Hercules, Chefchaouen, the Roman ruins of Volubilis, Meknes, Ifrane, the Merzouga desert, the Todra and Dades gorges, and Ait Ben Haddou.
You start in Tangier with Cape Spartel and the Cave of Hercules, then cross the Rif to Chefchaouen. From there you run through Volubilis and Meknes to Fes, then cross the Middle Atlas by way of Ifrane and the Ziz Valley to the desert at Merzouga for a camel trek and a night in the Sahara. The last leg tracks west through the gorges, Ouarzazate and Ait Ben Haddou, and over the High Atlas to Marrakech.
You are collected from your accommodation, the airport, or the port in Tangier, where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic off Cape Spartel. You first explore the city, the Cave of Hercules, and Cape Spartel. Free time for lunch. You then drive inland to Chefchaouen through Tetouan and the Rif Mountains, with stops for the panoramas. Overnight in a riad.
Approx. 2 hours driving · Overnight: Riad in Chefchaouen
After breakfast you have free time to wander the blue-washed alleys of Chefchaouen. You then continue to Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its mosaics, columns, and arches. After exploring the ruins, you drive about 30 km to Meknes, to visit Bab Al-Mansour, the Sahrij Souani basin, the royal stables and granaries, and the Moulay Ismail Mausoleum. You then head to Fes. Overnight in a riad.
Approx. 4 hours driving · Overnight: Riad in Fes
After breakfast you drive south via Imouzzer to Ifrane, the Switzerland of Morocco, then continue to the cedar forest near Azrou, home to wild Barbary macaques. You continue to Midelt for lunch, then cross the Tizi n’Talghamt pass and follow the Ziz Valley, with stops for the panoramas.
By late afternoon you reach the Sahara dunes of Merzouga. You switch to camels and ride across the sands, pausing on a high dune for the sunset. You continue to your desert camp for Berber drumming around the fire beneath a sky full of stars. Overnight at the camp.
Approx. 7 hours driving · Overnight: Luxury desert camp, Merzouga
Wake early to watch the sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast you leave the Sahara for Rissani, with a lively souk on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. You continue to Erfoud for a fossilised-marble workshop.
You then drive through the palm groves of Touroug and Tinjdad to the Todra Gorge, with free time to wander the canyon and have lunch. In the afternoon you continue to the Dades Valley via Boumalne Dades, stopping at the “monkey fingers” rock formations and a viewpoint over the valley. Dinner and overnight in a riad.
Approx. 5 hours driving · Overnight: Riad in the Dades Valley
After breakfast you continue to Kalaat M’Gouna to explore the Roses Valley. You then drive through the Skoura palm grove to visit the historic Amridil Kasbah, then reach Ouarzazate for a tour of the film studios.
You then continue to the famous Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO-listed fortified village. Finally you cross the High Atlas by the Tizi n’Tichka pass, with stops for lunch and photos, arriving in Marrakech with drop-off at your riad. This is the end of the tour.
Approx. 5.5 hours driving
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It is a private experience: only the travellers who make the enquiry take part, with no one else joining. Our focus is on high-quality, personalised trips, which is why we mainly run private tours.
The camel ride runs from 40 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on which camp you stay in. If you’d rather not ride, the camp has a 4×4 that carries people and luggage in and out. ATVs can also be arranged at extra cost.
The tent at the luxury camp is private and has a private bathroom with hot running water.
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are the best, with mild, pleasant weather across most regions. Winter is good too, especially in the south and the desert.
Either an SUV (4×4) or a minivan, both air-conditioned. The 4×4 is a Land Cruiser Prado (up to 4 passengers); minivans are a Mercedes Vito Tourer, Ford Tourneo, or similar (up to 8 passengers). For groups larger than 8, a minibus for up to 18 can be provided.
