Tangier desert tours – Guide to desert tours from Tangier: things to do in Tangier, the route via Chefchaouen and Fes and how to reach the Sahara at Merzouga.
From Northern Morocco to the Sahara
Tangier is located in northern Morocco and is an excellent starting point for travelers who want to discover the country’s diverse landscapes and eventually reach the Sahara Desert.
A Tangier Desert Tour combines northern Morocco, historic cities, mountains, traditional villages, and the spectacular Erg Chebbi dunes.
Start Your Journey in Tangier
Tangier has a fascinating location overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar.
Before beginning your desert adventure, you can explore the medina, Kasbah, local markets, and coastal areas.
Discover Chefchaouen
Many Tangier desert itineraries include a visit to Chefchaouen, the famous blue city in the Rif Mountains.
Its blue-painted streets, traditional houses, and mountain surroundings make it one of Morocco’s most photogenic destinations.
Explore Fes
Continue toward Fes, one of Morocco’s most important historic cities.
Explore the ancient medina, traditional markets, artisan workshops, and historic monuments.
Cross the Atlas Mountains
Your journey then continues through the Middle Atlas Mountains toward southeastern Morocco.
Along the way, you can enjoy beautiful mountain scenery and traditional Berber villages.
Arrive in the Sahara
Eventually, you will reach Merzouga and the Erg Chebbi dunes.
Here you can ride camels, watch the sunset, and spend the night in a desert camp.
How Far Is the Sahara From Tangier?
Tangier sits on the northern tip of Morocco, so the Sahara is a long way south. The route goes through Fes, and on the longer itineraries also Chefchaouen (about 2 hours from Tangier), then over the Middle Atlas to Merzouga. That is why Tangier desert tours last at least 3 days: the journey itself, with the blue streets of Chefchaouen and the medina of Fes, is a big part of the experience.
Arriving by Ferry or Plane
Many travellers reach Tangier by ferry from Spain or by plane. Our driver can pick you up at the port, the airport or your hotel, so you can start the tour on the day you arrive without arranging any extra transport.
Best Time of Year for a Tangier Desert Tour
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) bring mild weather in the north and comfortable temperatures in the desert. Winter is fine for travelling but evenings in the Atlas and the Sahara are cold, and summer is hot in the desert, so camel rides take place at sunrise and sunset.
Which Tangier Tour Should You Choose?
The 3-day tour is the fastest way to reach the dunes. The 5-day itinerary adds Chefchaouen and continues from the desert through the Todra and Dades gorges to Marrakech, and the 8-day tour follows a similar route with extra free days in Fes, the desert and Marrakech. Compare all of them on our Tangier desert tours page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the tour finish somewhere other than Tangier? Yes. Depending on the itinerary you can finish in Fes, Marrakech or another city, and every route can be adapted.
Is the tour private? Yes. You travel only with your family or friends, in a private air-conditioned vehicle with a local driver.
Do we spend a night in the desert? Yes, every Tangier desert tour includes at least one night in our desert camp near the Erg Chebbi dunes.
A Complete Moroccan Adventure
A private Tangier desert tour is ideal for travelers who want to see more than just one region of Morocco.
From the Atlantic coast and northern mountains to the golden Sahara, Merzouga Packages can organize a complete private journey tailored to your schedule.
Tangier desert tours: useful information
With Merzouga Packages, “Tangier desert tours” is a private experience run by a local Berber team that lives in Merzouga, at the foot of the Erg Chebbi dunes. The program adapts to your pace, with pick-up from your hotel or riad, an experienced driver-guide and hand-picked accommodation.
For more ideas, see also these pages: Morocco Tours and FAQ. To learn more about the places you will visit, read the article on Erg Chebbi on Wikipedia.
