New Year's eve in Morocco - Sahara desert Merzouga

Overview:

Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Morocco with an unforgettable journey from the vibrant streets of Marrakech to the golden dunes of the Sahara Desert. This 7-day Morocco itinerary combines imperial cities, dramatic mountain landscapes, ancient kasbahs, and a magical camel trekking experience in Merzouga. Welcome the New Year under the stars in a traditional Sahara desert camp at Erg Chebbi, surrounded by silence, candlelight, Berber music, and endless sand dunes. Traveling through the High Atlas Mountains, UNESCO World Heritage sites, lush valleys, and authentic Berber villages, this trip offers the perfect blend of adventure, culture, and romance.

Tour Highlights:

• New Year’s Eve in the Sahara Desert, Morocco

• Camel ride and overnight stay in a desert camp in Merzouga

• Explore the iconic Erg Chebbi sand dunes

• Visit Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

• Scenic drive through the High Atlas Mountains & Tizi n’Tichka Pass

• Discover Dades Gorge and Todra Gorge

• Experience Berber culture, villages, and traditional music

• Journey along the Route of a Thousand Kasbahs

• Explore Marrakech Medina & Jemaa el-Fna Square

Itinerary:

Day 1 (December 28): Arrival in Marrakech – Medina & Jemaa el-Fna 

Your Morocco New Year tour begins with a pick-up from Marrakech Menara Airport and transfer to your hotel or traditional riad in Marrakech. After settling in, enjoy free time to explore the lively Medina of Marrakech and experience your first contact with the famous Jemaa el-Fna Square, known for its street performers, food stalls, and vibrant atmosphere. Dinner is at your leisure in the square. Overnight stay in a riad or hotel in Marrakech.

Day 2 (December 29): Marrakech – High Atlas – Ait Benhaddou – Ouarzazate – Dades Gorge

After breakfast, depart Marrakech and begin your journey through the High Atlas Mountains, crossing the spectacular Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 m) with panoramic views of valleys and Berber villages. Continue to Telouet, a traditional Berber village, before reaching Ait Benhaddou, a magnificent UNESCO World Heritage kasbah famous for films and caravans of the Sahara. After lunch in Ait Benhaddou or Ouarzazate, travel along the Valley of Roses toward the dramatic landscapes of Dades Valley and Dades Gorge. Dinner and overnight in a hotel or riad in Dades.

Day 3 (December 30): Dades Gorge – Todra Gorge – Erfoud – Rissani – Merzouga

Following breakfast, continue your Sahara Desert tour through Tenghir and the impressive Todra Gorge, known for its towering canyon walls. Pass through Tinjdad, Jorf, and Erfoud, where the scenery gradually transforms into the oasis landscapes of Tafilalet. Continue to Rissani, the cradle of the Alaouite dynasty, before arriving in Merzouga, at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes. Overnight in a hotel or riad near the Sahara desert.

Day 4 (December 31): Erg Chebbi Desert Exploration – Camel Trek & New Year’s Eve in the Desert

Today is the highlight of your New Year’s Eve in Morocco. After breakfast, explore the Erg Chebbi Desert by 4×4 vehicle, visiting nearby villages such as Hassi Labied and Khamlia, where you can enjoy traditional Gnawa music performed by musicians of Malian origin. Meet nomadic families living in desert tents and enjoy a traditional Berber lunch, including Berber pizza.

In the afternoon, begin your unforgettable camel trek in Merzouga, riding across the golden sand dunes as you watch the sunset over the Sahara. Arrive at your desert camp, where you will celebrate New Year’s Eve with a traditional Moroccan dinner, mint tea, Berber music, and stargazing under the desert sky. Overnight in a Sahara desert camp.

Day 5 (January 1): Merzouga – Rissani – Draa Valley – Ouarzazate

Wake early to enjoy a breathtaking sunrise over the Sahara Desert. After breakfast, depart Merzouga by 4×4 through Rissani and the impressive Bougafer Mountains. Continue toward N’Kob for lunch, then travel along the legendary Route of a Thousand Kasbahs, following the lush palm groves of the Draa Valley, Morocco’s longest river valley. Arrive in Ouarzazate in the evening. Dinner and overnight at a hotel.

Day 6 (January 2): Ouarzazate – High Atlas Mountains – Marrakech

After breakfast, leave Ouarzazate and journey back toward Marrakech through the majestic High Atlas Mountains. Cross once again the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, enjoying spectacular views of mountain landscapes, deep valleys, and traditional Berber villages. Arrive in Marrakech around sunset and settle into a riad located near the famous Jemaa el-Fna Square. Overnight in Marrakech.

Day 7 (January 3): Marrakech City Tour – Departure

Spend your final day in Marrakech with free time or an optional guided city tour to explore the Medina, souks, palaces, and historic landmarks. According to your flight schedule, transfer to Marrakech Menara Airport. End of your 7-day Morocco New Year itinerary and our services.