New Year Desert Tour from Marrakech: New Year’s Eve in the Sahara
Why Choose This New Year Desert Tour
This New Year desert tour from Marrakech lets you welcome the new year under the Sahara stars. To begin with, you cross the High Atlas to Ait Ben Haddou and the Dades Valley. Then you ride a camel into the Erg Chebbi dunes and spend New Year’s Eve at a desert camp, before the first sunrise of the year over the dunes.
Throughout the trip, you also travel with your own driver in a private 4×4. In fact, New Year’s Eve is the busiest night of the year in Merzouga, so camps book up weeks ahead. Therefore, contact us early.
However, if you want a longer holiday, see our 7 day Christmas tour in Morocco. Also read New Year’s Eve in Morocco.

| Duration | 4 days / 3 nights |
|---|---|
| Dates | For example, 30 December to 2 January |
| Start and end | Your hotel or riad in Marrakech |
| Route | Marrakech – Ait Ben Haddou – Dades – Todra – Merzouga – Marrakech |
| Nights | Hotel in Dades, 2 nights in a desert camp |
| Meals | Breakfast and dinner |
| Price | Ask us for the price |
Highlights of the New Year Desert Tour
- To begin with, cross the High Atlas on the Tichka pass.
- Then visit the UNESCO ksar of Ait Ben Haddou.
- After that, walk in the Todra gorge.
- Also, ride a camel into the Erg Chebbi dunes.
- Later, celebrate New Year’s Eve at a desert camp.
- Finally, watch the first sunrise of the year from a dune.
New Year Desert Tour: Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Marrakech – Tichka Pass – Ait Ben Haddou – Dades
To begin with, your driver picks you up in Marrakech at about 8:00. Then you cross the High Atlas and visit Ait Ben Haddou. In the evening, you reach your hotel in the Dades Valley.
Day 2: Dades – Todra Gorge – Merzouga
In the morning, you walk in the Todra gorge. Then you drive to Merzouga and ride a camel into the dunes for sunset, before dinner at the camp.
Day 3: New Year’s Eve in the Sahara
After sunrise, you explore the desert by 4×4, with Khamlia and nomad families. In the evening, you celebrate New Year’s Eve at the camp, with dinner, drums and the stars. The exact programme depends on the camp, so ask us for details.
Day 4: First Sunrise – Marrakech
Early in the morning, you watch the first sunrise of the year from a dune. Finally, you drive back across the Atlas and reach Marrakech in the evening.
Expert tip from our drivers
Book New Year’s Eve as early as possible, because the best camps sell out first. In addition, bring a warm jacket, a hat and gloves, since the night is cold. Also, the last day is a long drive, so you may prefer to add a night on the way back.
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What Is Included
- Included
- Private air-conditioned 4x4 with an English-speaking driver
- Pickup and drop-off at your hotel or riad in Marrakech
- 3 nights: hotel in Dades and 2 nights in a desert camp
- Breakfast and dinner
- Camel ride and 4x4 desert tour
- Not included
- Lunches and drinks
- Special New Year’s Eve supplement at the camp, if any
- Entrance fees
- Tips
Good to Know Before Your New Year Desert Tour
- Booking: New Year’s Eve camps fill weeks ahead, so contact us early.
- Weather: nights are close to freezing; see what to wear in the Sahara.
- Camps: compare luxury and standard camps.
- Longer trip: combine with our Christmas in Morocco ideas.
- Booking terms: please read our terms and conditions before you confirm.
Price of the New Year Desert Tour
Ask us for the price, because the holiday season changes hotel and camp rates every year. Therefore, send us your dates and group size, and we will reply with a free quote.
Ready to plan your private Morocco tour?
Send us your dates and group size, and we will reply with a free quote. Of course, you can also ask us any question before you book.
Tell us your travel dates and group size.
Then we send you a free, tailored quote.
- Free, no-obligation quote
- 100% private tour with your own driver
- Itinerary adjusted to your dates
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Marrakech → Ait Ben Haddou → Dades → Todra → Merzouga → Marrakech
FAQ About the New Year Desert Tour
Is there a party at the camp on the New Year desert tour?
Most camps hold a festive dinner with music, but the programme depends on the camp.
How cold is New Year’s Eve in the Sahara?
In general, nights are close to freezing, so warm clothes are essential.
Can we change the dates?
Yes, because the tour is private, we adapt the dates to your plans.
Is the New Year desert tour good for families?
Yes, children love the camels and the stars, but the drives are long.
When should we book?
As early as possible, because New Year’s Eve is the busiest night in Merzouga.
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