5 days - Morocco from south to north
Five days crossing Morocco from south to north: from Marrakech to the Merzouga desert, then on to Fez, the blue city of Chefchaouen and, finally, Tangier.
About this tour
This route crosses the country in one direction, without retracing your steps. It starts in Marrakech, heads south over the High Atlas to the Merzouga desert and then north to Fez and Chefchaouen, ending in Tangier.
It is a good option if you arrive in Morocco through Marrakech and want to leave from the north, for example to cross to Spain from Tangier. Over five days the pace is brisk: every day brings a new landscape and a new town.
Highlights
The High Atlas, Aït Ben Haddou and the Dades valley.
A night in the desert on the Erg Chebbi dunes.
The medina of Fez, one of Morocco's imperial cities.
The blue streets of Chefchaouen in the Rif mountains.
Arrival in Tangier, on the Strait of Gibraltar.
Who is this route for?
For travellers who want a broad view of the country in a few days and do not mind changing accommodation every night. If you would rather spend more time in the cities, the seven-day route covers the journey in the opposite direction at a calmer pace.
Good to know
It is a fast-paced trip, with long driving days and a different place every night.
Travel with manageable luggage, as you change accommodation every day.
The itinerary is a guide: the order of stops and the pace may change with the season, road conditions and what is agreed when booking.
Included services, the type of accommodation and the conditions are set out in your personalised quote.
Keep planning your trip
Places on this route: Marrakech, Merzouga, Fez, Chefchaouen and Tangier.
Worth reading before you travel: Morocco north to south or south to north: 5, 7 and 9-day routes and Chefchaouen, the blue city of the Rif.
For the price, or to adapt the route to your dates, message us on WhatsApp and we will prepare a quote.
Itinerary
Day 1
Marrakech – Aït Ben Haddou – Dades valley
Departure from Marrakech, crossing of the High Atlas over the Tizi n'Tichka and a stop at Aït Ben Haddou.
The route continues to the Dades valley, where you spend the night.
Day 2
Todra gorges – Merzouga
Visit to the Todra gorges and drive east to Merzouga.
Sunset on the Erg Chebbi dunes and a night in the desert.
Day 3
Merzouga – Middle Atlas – Fez
After sunrise in the desert, drive north through the Ziz valley and the Middle Atlas, with possible stops in Ifrane or Azrou.
Arrival in Fez at the end of the day.
Day 4
Fez – Chefchaouen
A morning in the medina of Fez, with its souks, tanneries and madrasas. Exploring it with a local guide is recommended.
In the afternoon, drive to Chefchaouen in the Rif mountains and night in the blue city.
Day 5
Chefchaouen – Tangier
A morning walk through the blue streets of Chefchaouen.
Then the drive to Tangier and end of the route.
Places on this tour
Related experiences
Frequently asked questions
Why travel from south to north?
It is practical if you arrive in Marrakech and want to leave from Tangier, for example to continue to Spain. You cross the country in one direction without retracing your route.
Is there enough time to see Fez and Chefchaouen in five days?
There is time for a first visit to both, but not to get to know them in depth. If the cities interest you as much as the desert, the seven- and nine-day routes give them more time.
Can it be done the other way round, from north to south?
This route is planned from south to north. The seven-day route follows a similar journey starting in Tangier and ending in Marrakech.