Sahara Expeditions
Sahara Desert Tours from Tangier
Tangier, where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic, sits at the opposite end of the country from the Sahara — which makes it the perfect start for a north-to-south grand tour. The road passes the blue city of Chefchaouen, the Roman ruins of Volubilis, and Fes before reaching the dunes, so the desert becomes the climax of a complete Moroccan story.
Erg Chebbi — reached on a north-to-south grand tour through Fes Drive: the desert is far south; plan a multi-day route via Fes Gateway: Chefchaouen and Fes
The Route
Why start from Tangier
Beginning in Tangier lets you travel the length of Morocco in one direction without backtracking — blue mountains, imperial cities, cedar forests, and finally the Sahara. We design it as a seamless private journey that can end in Marrakech.
Recommended
Six to eight days suits a Tangier-to-Sahara grand tour that includes Chefchaouen, Fes, and the desert. Fewer than five days means too much driving.
On the way
- Chefchaouen, the blue-washed mountain town
- The Roman ruins of Volubilis and Meknes
- Fes and its labyrinthine medieval medina
- Ifrane, Azrou cedars, and the Ziz Valley
- Erg Chebbi dunes and a luxury desert camp
Choose Your Journey
Desert tour options from Tangier
7 days / 6 nights
Tangier to the Sahara Grand Tour
The full north-to-south journey — Chefchaouen, Volubilis, Fes, the Middle Atlas, a desert night at Erg Chebbi, and on to Marrakech.
Request this itinerary5 days / 4 nights
Northern Cities & the Dunes
A faster route prioritising Chefchaouen, Fes, and the desert overnight.
Request this itinerary8 days / 7 nights
Complete Morocco Crossing
A relaxed coast-to-desert-to-Marrakech epic with time for the gorges and an extra desert night.
Request this itineraryBest time to go: October to April is ideal across the whole route. Spring is especially lovely, with green northern hills and wildflowers before the desert warmth.
Speak with a desert specialist
Private 4x4, expert guide, luxury camps. We tailor every mile.
Good to Know
Tangier to the Sahara — FAQ
Can you reach the Sahara Desert from Tangier?+
Yes, as part of a multi-day grand tour. Tangier is in Morocco's far north, so the desert is best reached on a 5 to 8-day private route that travels south through Chefchaouen and Fes to the Erg Chebbi dunes.
How many days from Tangier to the desert and Marrakech?+
Plan 6 to 8 days to travel from Tangier through the northern cities and the Sahara, finishing in Marrakech. This north-to-south crossing avoids backtracking and sees the whole country.
What is on the way from Tangier to the Sahara?+
The classic route includes Chefchaouen (the blue city), the Roman ruins of Volubilis, Meknes and Fes, the Ifrane alpine region and Azrou cedar forest, then the Ziz Valley before the dunes.
Should I start in Tangier or end there?+
Either works. Many travelers fly into Tangier (or arrive by ferry from Spain) and end in Marrakech; others reverse it. We arrange one-way logistics around your flights.