Northern Morocco to the Sahara by 4x4

From the Mediterranean to the dunes

Most desert trips start in Marrakech. Ours from the north start where many travellers actually arrive: the ferry ports and airports of Tangier and Nador, or the blue town of Chefchaouen. These routes cross landscapes that southern tours never see, from the green Rif mountains and cedar forests of the Middle Atlas to the Ziz Valley, before the first orange dunes appear at Merzouga.

Four routes from the north

• The Nador to Merzouga expedition is the fastest way from the eastern Mediterranean coast to the Sahara, ideal if you arrive by ferry from Spain.
• The Tangier to Sahara expedition links the Strait of Gibraltar to Erg Chebbi over five days, with an afternoon in Chefchaouen on the first day.
• The Chefchaouen to desert adventure begins in the blue streets and ends with a night in a desert camp.
• The Rif mountains off-road tour stays in the north: three days of mountain tracks, villages and viewpoints over the Mediterranean.

What makes the north different

The Rif is green for much of the year, with terraced fields, oak and pine forest and rivers that run even in summer. Villages here speak Tarifit and Darija and see few visitors. Further south, the road climbs into the Middle Atlas, where Barbary macaques live in the cedar woods near Azrou, then drops through Midelt into the long Ziz gorge. The change from forest to palm oasis to sand in two days is one of the best road journeys in Morocco. See our destinations page for Chefchaouen and the other places on these routes.

Practical notes

Ferry arrivals at Tanger Med and Nador can be met at the port. If you bring your own vehicle, we can guide you instead of driving: our overlanding service is built for that. Winter can bring snow on the higher passes, so between December and February we keep a lower alternative route ready. Check visa and entry rules in our Morocco entry guide before you travel.

Every northern route ends in the Sahara, and most guests add a quad ride or a night in camp. Ask us to tailor the route to your ferry or flight times.

Frequently Asked Questions