Dreaming of welcoming the New Year in the Sahara desert? Instead of fireworks in a crowded city, you can count down under a sky full of stars, in a camp among the Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga. This guide explains how New Year’s Eve in the desert works, what the weather is like, what to pack and which private tours take you there from Marrakech or Fes.
Quick answer: book a 4-day desert tour that puts your camp night on 31 December. Our Christmas and New Year desert tour from Marrakech and Christmas and New Year desert tour from Fes are designed for this. New Year’s Eve is the busiest night of the year in Merzouga, so book as early as possible.
New Year in the Desert: Marrakech or Fes?
| Book | From Marrakech | From Fes |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 4 days, round trip | 4 days, round trip |
| Leave on | About 30 December | About 30 December |
| Night of 31 December | Luxury camp in Erg Chebbi | Camp in Erg Chebbi |
| Return | 2 January to Marrakech | 2 January to Fes |
| Book | New Year tour from Marrakech | New Year tour from Fes |
These dates are an example: we adjust the start day so that your desert night is 31 December. Both tours are private.
New Year’s Eve at a Desert Camp
Sunset in the dunes
In the late afternoon, you ride a camel, or take a 4×4, to your camp in the Erg Chebbi dunes and climb a dune to watch the last sunset of the year.
Dinner and celebration
Many camps prepare a special dinner on 31 December, with music, Berber drums and a fire. Some organize a bigger party, while others stay calm and intimate, so tell us which atmosphere you prefer and we choose the camp.
Midnight under the stars
With almost no light pollution, the sky over the dunes is spectacular. Then, on 1 January, you wake up for the first sunrise of the year over the sand.
How to Get There
From Marrakech
The 4-day loop crosses the High Atlas, visits Ait Ben Haddou and the Draa Valley, and returns through Todra Gorge. Compare it with our 4 day tour from Marrakech and 5 day tour from Marrakech.
From Fes
The route crosses the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas, often snowy in winter, to the dunes. See also our 4 day tour from Fes.
Weather on New Year’s Eve in the Sahara
Days around New Year are usually sunny and mild, but nights are cold, often around 0 to 5 °C. Camps provide thick blankets, and luxury camps have private bathrooms with hot water. Read our guide to Morocco in winter.
What to Pack
- A warm jacket, a fleece and a hat for the night
- Something nice for the New Year’s dinner
- A headlamp or phone light for the camp
- A small overnight bag, because big luggage stays in the vehicle
See our list of what to pack for the Morocco desert.
Which Camp to Choose?
For New Year, comfort matters: choose a tent with a private bathroom and warm bedding. Read our guide to the luxury desert camp in Merzouga. Couples can also read honeymoon in Morocco, and families Morocco with kids.
Booking Tips
- Book two to three months ahead: 31 December is the busiest night of the year in Merzouga.
- Ask about the camp atmosphere: party or quiet.
- Plan extra time: snow can briefly slow the mountain passes in winter.
Spending Christmas in Morocco too? Read Christmas in Morocco.
New Year in the Sahara Desert FAQ
Can I spend New Year’s Eve in the Sahara?
Yes. We plan your dates so that your night in an Erg Chebbi camp falls on 31 December.
Is there a party at the desert camp?
Many camps prepare a special dinner and music on 31 December. We confirm the program of your camp when you book.
How cold is the desert on New Year’s Eve?
Nights are often around 0 to 5 °C, so bring warm layers.
How far in advance should I book?
Two to three months ahead if possible, because New Year is the busiest night of the year.
Is the tour private?
Yes. You travel only with your group, in your own vehicle with a professional driver.
Book Your New Year in the Sahara
In short, New Year in the Sahara desert is a celebration you will never forget: sunset in the dunes, dinner by the fire and midnight under the stars. Tell us your dates and we will reserve your camp.
Plan your trip: ask for a free quote, write to us on WhatsApp, or book the New Year tour from Marrakech or the New Year tour from Fes.
