Celebrate the New Year under the Stars in Morocco’s Sahara Desert
Experience a magical New Year’s Eve in Morocco on this 5-day / 4-night tour starting and ending in Marrakech. This special itinerary is designed for travelers who want a unique celebration in the heart of the Sahara Desert, surrounded by sand dunes, Berber villages, and traditional music.
Travel through the Atlas Mountains, witness lush palm oases, explore centuries-old kasbahs, and experience nomadic life in the desert. Ride camels across the golden Erg Chebbi dunes, enjoy Berber music and folklore, and celebrate the New Year under millions of stars at a fully equipped desert camp.
This tour combines adventure, culture, and celebration, making it perfect for families, couples, and solo travelers seeking an unforgettable start to the new year.
Meet your English-speaking driver/guide in Marrakech and depart south-eastwards through the Atlas Mountains. Drive via Tizi-n-Tishka Pass (2,260 m), enjoying spectacular views of terraced farms and Berber villages. Stop at the Kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site featured in films like The Mummy, Alexander, and Babel. Continue to Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Morocco,” then drive through the Skoura Palm Grove and Roses Valley to reach Dades Gorges. Overnight in a hotel in Dades Gorges.
After breakfast, explore Dades Gorges with its dramatic “Monkey Fingers” rock formations. Continue to Todra Gorges, a perfect place for walking and photography, and observe the life of mountain nomads. Drive through Tinjdad Palm Oasis for lunch, then continue via Erfoud, known for fossil and marble workshops. Arrive in Merzouga, on the edge of the golden Erg Chebbi dunes, and check into your desert hotel.
Start the day with a visit to Rissani Souk, a traditional market where locals trade weekly. Continue to Khamlia Village, known as the “Black Village,” to experience authentic Gnawa music and dance. Enjoy lunch with local Berber specialties before preparing for your camel trek into the Sahara dunes. Arrive at a Berber desert camp, where you will spend the night under the stars. Celebrate New Year’s Eve with Berber folklore, drums, and live music around the campfire. Overnight in a nomad tent.
Wake up early to admire the sunrise over Erg Chebbi. Return by camel to your hotel for breakfast. Depart for Rissani, visiting the large local souk. Continue through the Draa Valley, Alnif, Tazarine Oasis, and N’kob, passing traditional Berber villages and the Anti-Atlas Mountains (1,660 m). Arrive in Ouarzazate for dinner and overnight stay.
After breakfast, explore Ouarzazate Film Studios, known as the African Hollywood, and visit the Kasbah of Taourirt. Drive back to Marrakech via Tizi n’Tichka Pass, enjoying panoramic views of the High Atlas Mountains. Arrive in Marrakech and conclude your 5-day New Year’s Eve adventure in Morocco.
The best time to visit Morocco’s Sahara Desert is during spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) when the weather is pleasant, with warm days and cool nights. Summer (June–August) can be extremely hot in the desert, while winter (December–February) brings chilly nights, especially in the dunes of Erg Chebbi and Erg Chigaga.
Yes, having a local driver/guide is highly recommended. The Moroccan desert and Atlas Mountains cover vast, remote areas with complex routes that are difficult to navigate without experience. A guide not only ensures safety and comfort, but also enriches the trip with local knowledge, history, and cultural insights.
We recommend packing:
Comfortable lightweight clothing for the day and warm layers for the cooler desert nights.
A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for sun protection.
Comfortable walking shoes or sandals.
A scarf or turban (cheche) to protect against sun and desert wind.
Personal toiletries and any medications.
A camera to capture the stunning landscapes!
Morocco is a welcoming country with a rich cultural heritage. When traveling, we suggest:
Dress modestly, especially in rural villages.
Always ask before taking photos of locals.
Respect local traditions during Ramadan (avoid eating or drinking in public during fasting hours).
Learn a few words of Arabic or Berber – locals greatly appreciate it.
Bargaining is common in souks, but always done in a friendly manner.
At Miracle Morocco Tours, we specialize in customized private tours that match your pace, interests, and comfort. Our local team of professional guides and drivers ensures authentic experiences, from camel rides in the Sahara to exploring Berber villages and UNESCO sites. We focus on quality, safety, and cultural immersion, making every journey unforgettable.
Yes. With years of experience in Moroccan tourism, we are a licensed and trusted local company. We use comfortable, well-maintained vehicles, partner with handpicked hotels and desert camps, and provide 24/7 customer support before and during your trip. Thousands of satisfied travelers recommend us for our professionalism, reliability, and personal care.


