Looking for something different this festive season? Spending Christmas and New Year in the Moroccan desert is one of the most special experiences you can have: swap the city lights for a sky full of stars, toast New Year 2027 in the Merzouga dunes and wake up on 1 January to the most beautiful sunrise in the Sahara.
At Viaje al Desierto we are a local agency from Erfoud, at the gateway to Merzouga, and every year we organise private tours to celebrate New Year’s Eve in the desert. Here is everything you need to know to plan your trip.
Why celebrate New Year’s Eve in the Merzouga desert?
Merzouga lies next to Erg Chebbi, Morocco’s most famous sea of dunes, with golden dunes up to 150 metres high. In December the sky is usually clear, there is no light pollution and the night fills with stars: the perfect setting for a celebration you will never forget.
- A different New Year, far from the noise, in the heart of nature.
- Gala dinner at a Berber camp among the dunes.
- Berber and Gnawa music around the fire to welcome 2027.
- The first sunrise of the year from the top of a dune.
The night of 31 December at a desert camp
The big night begins at sunset with a camel ride to the camp as the sun turns the dunes orange. Waiting for you are tents with bathrooms, welcome mint tea and a special New Year’s Eve dinner: harira soup, tajines, couscous, Moroccan sweets…
Then the party starts: Berber drums and songs by the bonfire, dancing under the stars and the countdown to New Year 2027 in the Sahara. You can choose a standard camp or a luxury camp with private bathroom and heating; the exact programme of the evening depends on each camp and we confirm it when you book.
Things to do in Merzouga over the holidays
The days between Christmas and New Year leave plenty of time. These are our travellers’ favourite activities:
- Camel rides at sunset and sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes.
- Quad or buggy rides on the dunes for the adventurous.
- Sandboarding: sliding down the dunes is fun at any age.
- 4x4 desert tour: oases, nomad wells, fossils and the Merzouga lake.
- Visit Khamlia, the village of Gnawa music, and a nomad family for tea.
- Stargazing: in the Sahara the Milky Way is visible to the naked eye.
Sample itinerary: New Year in the desert from Marrakech
The most popular way to reach Merzouga is a private tour from Marrakech across the Atlas and southern Morocco. An example for the holidays:
- 29 December: Marrakech – Tizi n’Tichka pass – Ait Ben Haddou kasbah – Ouarzazate – Dades Valley.
- 30 December: Todra Gorges – Erfoud – Merzouga. Sunset camel ride and first night in the dunes.
- 31 December: a day of activities (4x4, quad, Khamlia) and the big New Year’s Eve night at the camp.
- 1 January: sunrise over the dunes, breakfast and return to Marrakech or on to Fes.
You can base it on our 4-day Marrakech – Merzouga tour or the 5-day Marrakech – Merzouga Desert tour. Coming from the north, the 3-day Fes – Merzouga tour or the 4-day Fes – Desert – Marrakech tour are perfect. And if you fly into Errachidia airport, we offer a direct transfer to Merzouga in about two hours.
What is the desert weather like in December?
In December the days in Merzouga are sunny and pleasant, around 15 to 20 °C, but the nights are cold and can drop close to 0 °C. Camps provide thick blankets, but we recommend bringing:
- A warm coat or down jacket, hat and gloves for the night.
- Layers, comfortable shoes and a scarf (turban) for wind and sand.
- Sunglasses, sun cream and a head torch.
- Something smart but warm for the New Year’s Eve dinner.
Tips for booking your New Year in Merzouga
From 24 December to 2 January is high season: camps and riads fill up fast. We advise booking early, especially if you want a luxury camp. All our tours are private and tailor-made: you choose the dates, the starting city, the type of accommodation and the activities.
Frequently asked questions
Is Christmas celebrated in Morocco?
Morocco is a Muslim country and 25 December is not a public holiday, but tourist areas and many riads and camps have a festive atmosphere, and New Year’s Eve is celebrated with special dinners.
Can I go to the desert with children at New Year?
Yes. Camel rides, sandboarding and the night at the camp are a hit with children. Just bring warm clothes for the night.
How many days do I need?
From Marrakech or Fes we recommend at least 3 to 4 days, so you are not rushed and can enjoy the night of the 31st in the dunes.
Can you picture welcoming 2027 in the Sahara? Design your tailor-made trip or write to us and we will send you a free quote within 24 hours.