Destinations on our 10-Day Sahara Desert Itinerary
- Day 1: Tangier
- Day 2: Chefchaouen
- Day 3: Fes
- Day 4: Fes
- Day 5: Midelt
- Day 6: Merzouga
- Day 7: Merzouga – Sahara’s Magic
- Day 8: Todgha Gorge
- Day 9: Tetouan
- Day 10: Tangier
Day 1: Tangier – Coastal Beginnings
Touch down in Tangier, a gateway where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean. Often dubbed the “Bride of the North,” this coastal city has long played a pivotal role in Mediterranean history. As you disembark, feel the weight of centuries and the promise of new adventures settling around you.
Tangier City Walkabout: A Blend of African and European Influences
Set off on a guided stroll through Tangier’s bustling streets and alleyways. You’ll quickly discover that Tangier is more than just a port city; it’s a melting pot of cultures. Wander through the kasbah, a place echoing with tales of sultans and ancient Berber tribes.
Visit the Grand Socco, a lively marketplace that once served as a caravan stopover. Along the way, notice the Andalusian mansions and European colonial buildings, a testament to the city’s eclectic past. The myriad of cultures that have crossed paths in Tangier—Moorish, Spanish, Portuguese, and French, to name a few—have left indelible marks on its architecture, food, and spirit.
After this full day of activities, take some time to relax and soak in the ambiance of Tangier. Perhaps take a leisurely walk along the beach, where the sound of waves and distant hum of ships set a calming backdrop. As the golden hue of sunset paints the town, enjoy the coastal breezes and anticipate the next leg of your journey.
Day 2: Tangier to Chefchaouen (2.5-hour drive)
The next adventure on our itinerary will see you join your private driver aboard our air-conditioned vehicle and head southeast. As the coastal landscapes give way to the rugged terrains of the Rif Mountains, savor the ever-changing views and the thrill of what lies ahead.
Chefchaouen Exploration: The Blue Pearl of Morocco
Nestled in the heart of the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen awaits with its striking blue Medina. As you step into this azure dreamscape, it’s easy to understand why it’s called “The Blue Pearl.”
Every alley, every stairway, and every door seems to be painted in a different shade of blue, symbolizing the sky and heaven, offering a feeling of serenity. Wander the cobbled streets, passing artisans perfecting age-old crafts and traders selling aromatic spices.
Discover the history behind its unique color palette and perhaps find a quiet square to sip on traditional Moroccan mint tea, absorbing the city’s laid-back vibe.
As evening descends, indulge in a culinary journey that captures the essence of Chefchaouen and the Rif region. At a local eatery, relish dishes made with fresh mountain herbs, succulent meats, and flavors passed down through generations. Let the blend of spices and the warmth of Moroccan hospitality envelop you as you taste tagines, couscous, and perhaps a Chefchaouen specialty.
Day 3: Chefchaouen to Fes (3-hour drive)
As dawn paints Chefchaouen in its radiant blues, you’ll embark on a scenic journey to Fes, Morocco’s spiritual and cultural heart.
The drive takes you through an ever-changing tapestry of landscapes, from the green and rugged terrain of the Rif Mountains to fertile plains dotted with olive groves.
Fes Medina Discovery
Upon arrival in Fes, the air seems thick with history. The Medina of Fes, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of the world’s largest urban pedestrian zones and often feels like a step back in time.
Your guided journey through the labyrinthine alleys reveals bustling souks, grand mosques, and hidden palaces. The sounds of bartering, the aroma of grilled meats mixed with sweet pastries, and the sight of donkeys laden with goods – all these paint a vivid, living portrait of a city that has thrived for over a millennium.
Artisans and Handicrafts of Fes
Beyond its historic sites, Fes is renowned for its artisanal heritage. On our itinerary, we will arrange a visit to one of the famous workshops where traditions have remained unchanged for centuries.
Watch as potters mold clay with deft fingers, woodworkers carve intricate patterns, and weavers create magic on their looms. Each artisanal visit is not just a demonstration of skill, but a heartwarming interaction with locals who take immense pride in their craft.
Day 4: Fes – Royal Palaces and Ancient Fortresses
On day 4, we explore the royal side of Fes.
While the Royal Palace itself is not open to the public, its opulent golden gates stand as a testament to Morocco’s architectural splendor. Nearby, ancient fortresses and watchtowers, like the Borj Nord, offer panoramic views of the city, with the Medina on one side and the modern city on the other, symbolizing Fes’s journey through time.
Fes Tanneries Visit: Colors and Crafts
One of the most iconic sights in Fes is its tanneries, where leather is dyed using methods that date back to medieval times.
From the terraces overlooking the tanneries, you’ll witness a kaleidoscope of colors as hides are soaked in vivid dyes. The process, though labor-intensive and pungent, results in some of the finest leather products in the world. It’s a testament to Fes’s commitment to preserving its artisanal techniques.
Moroccan Music and Entertainment
In the evening, Fes comes alive with a different kind of magic. Tonight, you’ll be treated to a traditional Moroccan night. Lose yourself in the rhythms of Berber music, the mesmerizing moves of belly dancers, and the soulful renditions of Sufi chants.
Day 5: Atlas Mountains & Midelt (3-hour drive)
The journey from Fes to Midelt offers a window into the diverse terrains of Morocco. Rolling plains give way to the formidable ridges of the Middle Atlas Mountains. Cedar forests loom large, punctuated occasionally by the sight of Barbary macaques, making this drive as much about the journey as the destination.
Midelt Orchard Walk
Nestled at the heart of the Atlas Mountains, Midelt is often dubbed as the “Gateway to the South.”
This town’s unique altitude gifts it with lush orchards, contrasting sharply with the barren landscapes typically associated with this region. A guided walk through these orchards is not merely an exploration of nature but a communion with it. Apple, walnut, almond, and plum trees rustle in the mountain breeze, their fruits ripe for picking. The verdant panorama, interspersed with sparkling water streams, is the very picture of serenity.
Midelt’s Mountain Hospitality
As evening descends upon Midelt, the town’s warmth becomes palpable, not just in temperature, but in its hospitality. Local inns, known for their rustic charm, beckon.
Whether it’s sipping on traditional mint tea by a roaring fire or sharing stories with fellow travelers, the night in Midelt promises a cozy retreat from the world.
Day 6: Midelt to Merzouga via Ziz Valley (3-hour drive with breaks)
Exiting Midelt, the road snakes through the dramatic Ziz Gorges. This canyon, sculpted by the Ziz River, showcases cliffs that soar to incredible heights, their reddish-brown facades standing in stark contrast to the deep blue sky.
Strategically timed breaks allow you to soak in the beauty, capture photographs, or simply stand in awe of nature’s artistry.
From Mountains to Golden Sands of Merzouga
As the Ziz Gorges give way to the Ziz Valley, the mountains gradually recede, replaced by hints of sand and shrubbery.
The approach to Merzouga is a dramatic revelation of the Sahara. What begins as a sparse landscape soon morphs into dunes, each taller and more majestic than the last. Merzouga is a sentinel to the Erg Chebbi dunes, a doorway to the vast desert expanse.
Erg Chebbi’s Mesmerizing Vistas
As the sun begins its descent, the golden hues of the Erg Chebbi dunes come alive. A guided expedition to one of the dune’s peaks is the best way to witness this natural spectacle.
With the sun painting the sands in shades of orange, pink, and red, the dunes cast long shadows, creating a play of light and dark. The tranquillity, broken only by the whispering winds, makes this a surreal, almost otherworldly experience. It’s the desert’s way of stamping its indelible mark on the traveler’s soul.
Day 7: Merzouga – Camel Trek & Sahara’s Magic
Dawn in the Sahara is a spectacle of nature, where the silence of the desert is broken only by the soft footfalls of camels. Mounted atop these gentle giants, the morning camel trek is a voyage into the heart of the Sahara.
As the sun casts its first golden rays, the shifting sands underfoot and the vast horizon ahead evoke a sense of timeless wonder.
Oasis Exploration: Shade and Serenity
Scattered across the Saharan landscape are the desert’s lifelines – the oases. These patches of green amidst a sea of golden sand are a testament to nature’s resilience.
An exploration of an oasis reveals not just palm trees and cool water springs but also a unique ecosystem. Birds chirp, insects buzz, and the air is filled with the scent of fresh vegetation. For the weary traveler, the oasis provides a tranquil spot to rest and rejuvenate.
Traditional Berber Evening: Music and Myths under the Stars
As dusk envelopes Merzouga, the Berbers – the indigenous people of North Africa – come alive with tales and tunes. Sitting around a campfire, under a canopy of stars, travelers are introduced to the rich oral tradition of the Berbers.
Music emanates from handmade instruments, stories of ancient heroes and mythical creatures are recounted, and dances passed down through generations are performed. This evening is more than entertainment; it’s an immersion into a culture as ancient as the sands of the Sahara.
Day 8: Merzouga to Todgha Gorge (2.5-hour drive)
The journey from Merzouga begins with a detour through Rissani, a town that once served as a major caravan hub. Today, its vibrant markets are a hive of activity. From dates, figs, and nuts to colorful textiles and artisanal crafts, the market is a sensory overload. It offers a glimpse into the daily lives of the locals and a chance to pick up unique souvenirs.
Todgha Gorge Trek: Marvel at Canyons and Cliffs
The stark contrast between the expansive desert and the rugged confines of the Todgha Gorge is striking.
Carved by the Todgha River, this canyon is renowned for its vertical cliffs that rise to 400 meters. A trek through the gorge is not merely about navigating its paths but also about marveling at the sheer power of nature. With every step, the towering walls seem to close in, creating a sense of awe and wonder.
After the trek, the banks of the Todgha River offer the perfect respite. The gentle murmur of the river, combined with the occasional bird call, creates a soothing backdrop. Here, one can simply sit back, feet dipped in cool waters, and lose oneself in contemplation. The serenity, punctuated only by nature’s sounds, is the perfect end to a day of exploration and adventure.
Day 9: Todgha Gorge to Tetouan (3-hour drive with breaks)
Transitioning from the arid landscapes of the south to the verdant northern coast is a journey that’s as much about changing topographies as it is about varying cultures. As your private vehicle winds its way northwards, the terrain shifts from rugged canyons to olive groves, cedar forests, and eventually, glimpses of the shimmering Mediterranean.
Tetouan Cultural Immersion: The Andalusian Influence
Tetouan, often regarded as the most Andalusian of Moroccan cities, is a melting pot of cultures. Nestled at the foot of the Rif Mountains and only a few kilometers from the Mediterranean, its history is intertwined with periods of Spanish rule.
Meandering through the city’s Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site, one can’t help but notice the Andalusian architecture, white-washed walls, and bustling squares. The city’s palaces, mosques, and bazaars narrate tales of its rich past, blending Moroccan traditions with Spanish influences.
The cuisine of northern Morocco is a testament to the region’s multicultural heritage. In Tetouan, this amalgamation is palpable in every bite. Dine on dishes like “pastela”, a savory-sweet pie filled with chicken, almonds, and spices, or relish the fresh seafood caught off the Mediterranean coast.
Day 10: Tetouan to Tangier (1.5-hour drive)
The final stretch of the journey is a relatively short drive, but it encapsulates the essence of the entire adventure. As the Mediterranean Sea appears on the horizon, memories of the past days – the deserts, the mountains, the cities, and the people – play out like a film reel, making this drive bittersweet.
