Experience Morocco on a 9-day tour from Tangier to Merzouga, combining northern Morocco, Atlantic cities, Marrakech, the High Atlas Mountains, ancient kasbahs, and the spectacular Sahara Desert.
Starting in Tangier, this private journey takes you through Casablanca, Marrakech, Ait Ben Haddou, Ouarzazate, Dades Valley, Todra Gorge, and Merzouga. Discover Morocco’s changing landscapes, from the Mediterranean and Atlantic coastlines to mountain passes, palm-filled valleys, and the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi.
The highlight is the Merzouga desert experience, with a camel trek across the dunes, sunset and sunrise over the Sahara, an overnight stay at a desert camp, and opportunities to discover local Amazigh culture and desert communities.
Highlights – 9 Days Tour from Tangier to Merzouga
- Explore Tangier, Casablanca, Marrakech, Ait Ben Haddou, Ouarzazate, and Merzouga
- Visit the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca
- Enjoy a guided tour of Marrakech’s historic medina
- Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass
- Discover the UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou
- Explore Ouarzazate and the Valley of Roses
- Visit the dramatic Dades Valley and Todra Gorge
- Experience the spectacular Erg Chebbi dunes
- Enjoy a camel trek through the Merzouga Sahara
- Watch the sunset and sunrise over the golden dunes
- Spend the night at a desert camp
- Visit Khamlia and experience traditional Gnawa music
- Discover local Amazigh villages and desert landscapes
9 Days Tour from Tangier to Merzouga Desert Itinerary
Day 1: Tangier – Casablanca
Your Moroccan adventure begins with a morning pick-up in Tangier.
Travel south toward Casablanca, Morocco’s largest city. Upon arrival, visit the impressive Hassan II Mosque, located on the Atlantic coast.
Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a walk along the Corniche or explore some of Casablanca’s modern city center.
Overnight in Casablanca.
Day 2: Casablanca – Marrakech
After breakfast, depart Casablanca and travel toward Marrakech through Morocco’s fertile plains.
Arrive in the Red City in the afternoon and check into your riad or hotel.
In the evening, explore Jemaa el-Fnaa, the famous central square of Marrakech, and discover the surrounding souks.
Overnight in Marrakech.
Day 3: Full-Day Guided Tour of Marrakech
Today, explore Marrakech with a local guide.
Visit some of the city’s most important cultural and historical sites, including Bahia Palace, Koutoubia Mosque, Saadian Tombs, and the traditional souks.
You can also visit the Majorelle Garden and explore the artisan quarters of the medina.
The afternoon can be left free for shopping, relaxing, or enjoying the atmosphere of the Red City.
Overnight in Marrakech.
Day 4: Marrakech – High Atlas – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate
Leave Marrakech and begin your journey toward southern Morocco.
Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, stopping at scenic viewpoints along the way.
Continue to Ait Ben Haddou, the famous fortified ksar and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore its traditional earthen architecture and narrow streets.
Continue to Ouarzazate, known as the gateway to the Sahara and an important center of Morocco’s film industry.
Overnight in Ouarzazate.
Day 5: Ouarzazate – Skoura – Dades Valley
After breakfast, travel through the beautiful oasis landscapes of Skoura, known for its palm groves and historic kasbahs.
Continue through the Valley of Roses toward the Dades Valley.
Enjoy scenic stops along the route and discover traditional villages, kasbahs, and dramatic rock formations.
The Dades Valley offers some of the most striking landscapes in southeastern Morocco.
Overnight in the Dades Valley.
Day 6: Dades Valley – Todra Gorge – Erfoud – Merzouga
Today you continue toward the Sahara.
Travel through the eastern High Atlas and stop at Todra Gorge, where towering canyon walls rise dramatically above the river.
Continue through traditional Amazigh villages toward Erfoud and Rissani.
From Rissani, continue to Merzouga, located beside the famous Erg Chebbi dunes.
In the afternoon, begin your camel trek across the Sahara.
Ride through the golden dunes as the sun sets before arriving at your desert camp.
Enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner, local music, and a peaceful evening beneath the stars.
Overnight at a desert camp in Merzouga.
Day 7: Merzouga Desert Exploration
Wake early to experience the sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes.
After breakfast, return from the camp and spend the day exploring the Merzouga region.
Depending on your interests, the day can include:
- Khamlia village and Gnawa music
- Local Amazigh communities
- Desert oases
- Seasonal lake landscapes
- Traditional villages
- Areas where nomadic families live
- 4×4 exploration around Erg Chebbi
Optional activities such as sandboarding or quad biking can also be arranged.
Return to your accommodation in Merzouga and enjoy another peaceful evening near the dunes.
Overnight in Merzouga.
Day 8: Merzouga – Ziz Valley – Midelt – Fes
After breakfast, leave Merzouga and begin the journey north.
Travel through the spectacular Ziz Valley, with its palm groves, dramatic cliffs, and oasis landscapes.
Continue through Erfoud and Midelt before crossing the Middle Atlas Mountains.
Pass through the cedar forests near Azrou, where Barbary macaques may sometimes be seen, before continuing toward Fes.
Overnight in Fes.
Day 9: Fes – Tangier
After breakfast, begin the journey from Fes toward Tangier.
Depending on your departure time, you may have some free time in Fes before leaving.
Continue north through Morocco’s changing landscapes and arrive in Tangier, where your 9-day tour from Tangier to Merzouga comes to an end.
If preferred, the itinerary can also be adapted to finish in Fes or at another Moroccan airport.
Included
- Private air-conditioned 4×4 or comfortable minivan
- Professional English- or Spanish-speaking driver
- 8 nights accommodation in selected hotels, riads, and desert camp
- Breakfast daily
- Dinner at the Merzouga desert camp
- Camel trekking in the Erg Chebbi dunes
- Guided tour of Marrakech
- Visit to Ait Ben Haddou
- Tangier pick-up and drop-off
- Flexible stops for photographs and local experiences
Excluded
- Lunches and drinks
- Entrance fees to monuments and attractions
- Optional activities such as quad biking or sandboarding
- Personal expenses
- Tips for drivers and guides
- Travel insurance
- Anything not specifically mentioned under “Included”
Book This Tour
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 9-day Tangier to Merzouga tour private?
Yes. The tour can be organized as a private journey with your own vehicle and driver, giving you flexibility with stops, sightseeing, and daily timing.
Does the tour include a camel trek in Merzouga?
Yes. A camel trek across the Erg Chebbi dunes is included, normally around sunset, followed by an overnight stay at a desert camp.
Is a desert camp included in the tour?
Yes. You will spend one night at a desert camp in the Merzouga area. Standard, comfortable, and luxury camp options can be arranged.
Does this tour visit Marrakech and Ait Ben Haddou?
Yes. The itinerary includes time in Marrakech, a guided Marrakech tour, and a visit to the UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou.
What is Erg Chebbi?
Erg Chebbi is the large dune system beside Merzouga. It is one of Morocco’s best-known Sahara landscapes and the setting for the camel trek and desert camp experience.
Can the 9-day itinerary be customized?
Yes. This is a private and customizable itinerary. Accommodation, activities, departure points, and the amount of time spent in each destination can be adjusted.
Book Your 9-Day Morocco Tour from Tangier to Merzouga
Ready to experience Morocco from Tangier to the Sahara Desert?
Request your personalized quote and share your travel dates, number of travelers, accommodation preferences, and any experiences you would like to add.
The itinerary can be tailored for couples, families, friends, and private groups, with comfortable or luxury accommodation options.
