Spending New Year in the Sahara desert in Morocco means a gala dinner and drums in a Merzouga or Zagora camp under a starry sky. Book by September or October, expect nights near 0 °C, and plan a 4- or 5-day private tour from Marrakech.
New Year in the Sahara desert, Morocco, is one of the most original ways to welcome the new year: a gala dinner in a camp among the Erg Chebbi dunes at Merzouga or near Zagora, Amazigh drums around the fire, a sky full of stars and sunrise on the dunes on 1 January. It is also the busiest week of the year in the desert, so the key is to book early, dress for nights close to freezing and choose an itinerary that does not rush the long drive.
What is New Year's Eve like in a Sahara desert camp?
In our experience, a desert New Year is more intimate and more magical than most city celebrations. A typical 31 December at a Merzouga camp looks like this:
- Afternoon - arrival in Merzouga, then a camel ride of about 1-1.5 hours into the dunes to watch the sunset, which happens around 17:30-17:45 at that time of year.
- Evening - mint tea, then a festive dinner: harira soup, salads, tagine or mechoui (slow-roasted lamb) and desserts.
- Music - Amazigh and Gnawa-style drums around a large fire; guests are always invited to dance and try the drums.
- Midnight - countdown under the stars, often with a small celebration organised by the camp team.
- 1 January - a short climb up the dune behind the camp for sunrise, around 07:30, followed by breakfast.
The atmosphere varies by camp. Large camps host several dozen guests and feel like a party; smaller and luxury camps are quieter, with private tables and more attentive service. Alcohol is not sold in many camps, though some allow you to bring your own; ask in advance.
Weather in the Sahara at New Year
Late December is dry and sunny in the Moroccan south, but the difference between day and night is big. The desert loses its heat quickly after sunset, and the clear sky that makes the stars so bright also makes the nights cold.
| Place (route) | Typical day max. in late Dec. | Typical night min. | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marrakech | 17-20 °C | 5-7 °C | Pleasant days, cool evenings on rooftops |
| Tizi n'Tichka pass (2,260 m) | 3-8 °C | Below 0 °C | Snow possible; road occasionally closed for a few hours |
| Ouarzazate / Dades valley | 14-17 °C | 0-3 °C | Frost possible in the Dades gorges at night |
| Merzouga (Erg Chebbi) | 16-20 °C | 0-5 °C | Can drop below 0 in the dunes; very clear skies |
| Zagora | 18-21 °C | 3-6 °C | Slightly milder than Merzouga |
These are typical averages, not forecasts, so check the forecast before travel. Our Morocco in winter guide explains the season in more detail, including what to expect in the cities.
What to pack for a desert New Year
- A warm down jacket or thick fleece, a hat and gloves for the evening and sunrise.
- Thermal base layers or pyjamas: tents are not heated in standard camps (some luxury camps have heaters).
- Closed shoes and warm socks; sand is cold at night.
- A scarf or cheche for the camel ride, sunglasses and sunscreen for the day.
- One slightly smart outfit if you like dressing up for the gala dinner, though nobody expects formal clothes.
- A headlamp, a power bank and cash for extras.
When to book a New Year desert tour
The week from about 24 December to 2 January is the busiest of the year in Merzouga and Zagora. Families from Europe, Moroccan travelers on holiday and tourists from all over the world converge on the same dunes. As a result:
- The best camps, especially luxury ones, are often full by October.
- Riads in Marrakech, Ouarzazate and the Dades valley fill up and raise prices.
- Experienced drivers are booked early.
We recommend booking by September or October, and earlier for groups or if you want a specific luxury camp. Expect a festive supplement for the 31 December dinner in most camps, approx. 30-100 EUR per person depending on the category, on top of regular rates; check current prices when you ask for a quote.
Best New Year tour options from Marrakech and Fes
Merzouga is about 560 km from Marrakech (9-10 hours of driving without stops) and 470 km from Fes (7-8 hours). The best New Year itineraries spread the drive so that 31 December is relaxed.
From Marrakech: 5 days (our favourite)
- 29 Dec - Marrakech, Tizi n'Tichka pass, Ait Ben Haddou, night in the Dades valley.
- 30 Dec - Dades gorges, Todra gorge, arrival in Merzouga, night in a hotel at the foot of the dunes or a first camp night.
- 31 Dec - Easy morning, 4x4 loop or rest, camel ride at sunset, New Year's Eve in the camp.
- 1 Jan - Sunrise, breakfast, drive to Ouarzazate or Agdz.
- 2 Jan - Return to Marrakech over the Atlas.
This rhythm is close to our 5-day adventure from Marrakech through the desert and kasbahs, which we adjust for the holiday dates.
From Marrakech: 3 or 4 days
A 3-day tour leaving on 30 December reaches the camp on the evening of the 31st and returns on 1 January. It works, but the days are long and the return on New Year's Day is about 9-10 hours on the road. A 4-day version is more comfortable. If you only have 2 days, Zagora is the realistic option, but the camps there are smaller and closer to the road.
From Fes or as a one-way trip
From Fes, a 3-day trip can reach Merzouga in one long day via Ifrane and the Ziz valley, celebrate in the dunes and finish in Marrakech. All these options are on our Merzouga desert tours page and can be tailored to your dates.
Tips from our drivers for a smooth desert New Year
- Leave early on the Tichka days. If snow is forecast, our drivers start at dawn and monitor road information; a delay of a few hours is possible.
- Ask for the camp's programme. Some camps propose a big party, others a calm dinner; choose according to your style.
- Dietary needs. Vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free menus are possible if requested at booking.
- Look up. Long, dark winter nights are excellent for the sky; read our stargazing in the Sahara guide to make the most of it.
- Combine with Christmas. Many families spend Christmas in Marrakech and New Year in the desert; our guide to Christmas in Morocco covers the first half of the holiday.
Practical information about travelling in the country is also available on the official tourism site Visit Morocco.
Dreaming of a countdown under the Saharan stars? Places in the best camps go fast for 31 December. Send us your dates for a free private-tour quote and we will reply within 24 hours with availability and options.
Frequently asked questions
Is it cold in the Sahara desert at New Year?
Yes, the nights are cold. In Merzouga, days around New Year are usually sunny and around 15-20 °C, but temperatures can drop to 0-5 °C at night and sometimes below freezing in the dunes. Camps provide thick blankets, and some luxury camps have heaters. Bring a warm jacket, a hat and thermal layers for the evening and sunrise.
How early should I book a New Year desert tour in Morocco?
Book by September or October if possible. The week between Christmas and New Year is the busiest of the year in Merzouga and Zagora, and the best camps, especially luxury ones, often sell out weeks in advance. Hotels on the route and experienced drivers are also in high demand. Booking early gives you the widest choice of camps.
Is there a party at the desert camps on New Year's Eve?
Most camps organise a special evening on 31 December with a festive dinner, drums and music around a bonfire, and a countdown at midnight. The style depends on the camp: large camps feel lively, while small or luxury camps are calmer and more intimate. Alcohol is not available in many camps, so ask beforehand whether you may bring your own.
Can I spend New Year in the Sahara on a 2-day trip from Marrakech?
Yes, but only realistically in Zagora, about 7-8 hours from Marrakech. A 2-day trip leaves on 31 December and returns on 1 January. To reach the larger dunes of Merzouga, plan at least 3 days, and ideally 4-5, so that you do not spend New Year's Eve and New Year's Day mostly in the car.
