Our 6-Day Desert Adventure from Tangier to Marrakech: A Real Family Story
Salam everyone! ^_^
So, I want to tell you about this amazing tour we just finished with a wonderful family from Japan. You know, as someone who’s been organizing tours across Morocco for years, I can honestly say this 6-day journey from Tangier to Marrakech never gets old. Each time feels like the first time, wallah (I swear)!
Why This Tour is Special (and Why Families Love It)
Look, I’m not going to give you some fancy marketing talk. This tour is bezzaf zwina (very beautiful) because it shows you the REAL Morocco – not just the touristy spots, but the soul of our country.
We start in Tangier, where the Atlantic kisses the Mediterranean. It’s like Morocco is giving you a warm hug right from the beginning! Then we take families through the blue magic of Chefchaouen, the ancient history of Fes, and of course… the Sahara. Ah, the Sahara! That’s where kids and parents alike forget about their phones and just stare at the stars like “wow, is this real?” ^_^
The Journey, Day by Day (No Boring Details, I Promise!)
Day 1: Tangier to Chefchaouen
We pick you up – airport, hotel, port, wherever you are. No stress. Then we explore Tangier, visit the Hercules Caves (the kids always love this part!), and drive through the Rif Mountains. By evening, you’re in Chefchaouen, the blue pearl. Trust me, your camera will get a workout here!
Day 2: The Blue City to Imperial Fes
Morning in Chefchaouen is safi (perfect) for wandering those blue streets at your own pace. Then we head to Volubilis – yes, actual Roman ruins right here in Morocco! After that, Meknes, and finally Fes where you’ll sleep in a traditional riad. These riads… they’re like staying in a piece of Moroccan history, but with comfy beds 😉
Day 3: Fes – The Cultural Heart
Full day exploring Fes with a local guide who knows every corner, every story. The medina here is not just old – it’s ANCIENT. We’re talking about the world’s oldest continuously operating university! And the tanneries? Yeah, the smell is strong (I won’t lie to you), but watching those traditional leather-dyeing techniques? Mzyaan bezzaf (really amazing).
Day 4: The Road to the Sahara
This is a long drive (about 7 hours) but honestly? Nobody complains. We stop in Ifrane – “the Switzerland of Morocco” – where you can literally see snow in winter. Then the cedar forest with wild monkeys! The kids from the last tour? They didn’t want to leave those monkeys, haha.
By afternoon, we reach Merzouga. And here’s where the magic happens… you ride camels into the sunset, spend the night in a luxury desert camp (with actual bathrooms, because I know some of you were worried!), and sit around the campfire under a million stars. The Berber drumming, the silence of the desert… labas 3lik (it’s good for your soul), I’m telling you.
Day 5: Through Gorges and Valleys
Wake up for sunrise – seriously, don’t skip this! Then we visit Rissani’s market (if it’s Tuesday, Thursday, or Sunday, you’ll see real Moroccan souk life), check out fossilized marble workshops in Erfoud, and arrive at Todra Gorges. Those red cliffs? They’re so tall, you’ll feel tiny. In a good way ^_^
Day 6: The Final Stretch to Marrakech
We save the best for last – Ait Benhaddou! You know Game of Thrones? Gladiator? Yeah, they filmed there. It’s a UNESCO site and honestly one of the most photogenic places in Morocco. Then we cross the High Atlas Mountains and drop you in Marrakech, ready for the next chapter of your adventure.
What Makes This Tour Different?
Mashi (not) just another tour, okay? Here’s why:
- It’s Private – Just your family, your driver, your pace. No rushing because some stranger needs a bathroom break every 20 minutes.
- Real Comfort – Excellent riads, luxury desert camp with private bathrooms (yes, I’m mentioning this again because it matters!), good breakfast every morning.
- Flexibility – Vegetarian? Vegan? Halal? Jain? We got you. Just tell us what you need.
- Actual Moroccan Guides – Not someone reading from a script. Our guides LIVE this culture, they grew up with these stories.
The Real Talk (What Previous Families Said)
Hiroko from Japan told us everything was “impeccable” – the hotels, the service, the hospitality. And you know what she loved most? That we made her feel safe and comfortable the whole time. That’s what we do, that’s our khedma (work).
Another family just finished the tour this December and said Hamid (one of our best guides, mashallah!) was thoughtful, accommodating, and shared so many special things about Morocco that they never would have discovered on their own.
The Practical Stuff (Because I Know You’re Wondering)
Price: Right now we have a special – $935 per person instead of $1,100. That’s 15% off, but dezz (hurry up), deals end soon!
What’s Included:
- All transportation (4×4 or minivan with AC)
- 5 nights accommodation
- Most breakfasts, 2 dinners
- English-speaking driver (also French, Spanish, Arabic, and more)
- Local guides in Fes and Ait Benhaddou
- Camel ride (or 4WD if you prefer)
- Sandboarding in the desert!
What’s NOT Included:
- Lunches (because you choose what you want, where you want)
- Tips (your choice, no pressure)
- Entrance fees to some sites
My Honest Advice as Your Guide
Listen, I’ve done this route maybe 100 times now. And every single time, I see families transform. Kids put down their tablets. Parents actually talk to each other without work stress. Everyone becomes present, you know?
The desert does something to people. The silence, the vastness, the realization that we’re just tiny humans in this huge world… it’s bzzzaf (a lot) to take in, but in the best way.
Also, bring good walking shoes. The medinas have uneven cobblestones and you’ll be walking bezzaf bezzaf (a lot!). And sunscreen – our Moroccan sun doesn’t play around ^_^
Ready to Join Us?
Yallah! (Let’s go!) Your Moroccan adventure is waiting. We pick you up in Tangier, show you the best of our beautiful country, and drop you in Marrakech with memories that will last forever and probably 1,000 new photos.
Visit our tour page on TourRadar.com or reach out directly. We usually respond in less than an hour because we’re always here, always ready to help plan your dream Moroccan journey.
Bslama (goodbye for now) and hope to see you soon in Morocco!
With love from the desert, Your friendly neighborhood Moroccan guide 🐪
P.S. – If you’re worried about anything – the food, the driving, the accommodations, the language – just ask me. I’d rather answer 100 questions now than have you worry for nothing. We’re here to make this easy and mrigl (comfortable) for you and your family!