Spending New Year in the Sahara is one of the most memorable ways to end the year. Instead of crowded city streets, you get a camp in the dunes, a fire, drums, and a sky full of stars. For many of our guests, it is the highlight of their Morocco trip.
We are a local family company, and we run our own desert camp in Merzouga. Here is what to expect, how to plan it, and when to book.
What New Year in the Sahara Is Like
A typical New Year’s Eve at a desert camp near Merzouga looks like this:
- Afternoon: you arrive at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes and ride camels to camp at sunset.
- Evening: mint tea, then a festive dinner in the camp tent.
- Midnight: Berber drumming and singing around the campfire, under the stars.
- New Year’s Day: watch the first sunrise of the year from the top of a dune.
It is quieter than a party in a big city, and that is the point. There is no traffic, no light pollution and no rush.
Weather for New Year in the Sahara
Winter days in Merzouga are sunny and mild, with average highs around 20°C in December, and it rarely rains (Merzouga climate data). Nights are a different story. In the open desert, temperatures can drop to a few degrees above freezing.
Our camps have warm blankets, but bring proper layers. Read our guide on what to pack for the Sahara.
- A warm jacket or down layer for the evening
- A hat, scarf and gloves for sunrise on the dunes
- Warm socks and comfortable shoes for the sand
- Sunglasses and sunscreen for the day
Best Tours for New Year in the Sahara
From Marrakech, you need at least 3 days to reach Merzouga and return. We recommend timing the tour so your desert night falls on December 31.
- 3-day Marrakech to Merzouga tour: leave Marrakech on December 30, spend New Year’s Eve in the dunes, and return on January 1. From $360 per person.
- 4-day Marrakech Sahara tour: a more relaxed pace, with the option of two nights in the Sahara. From $450 per person.
- 2-day Sahara tour from Fes: the shortest option if you are staying in Fes. From $270 per person.
- 7-day desert tour from Marrakech to Casablanca: a full week that combines New Year in the Sahara with Fes and Chefchaouen.
Prices are per person for 2 travelers on a private tour. Not sure how long to go for? Read 3 or 4 day desert tour from Marrakech.
Book New Year in the Sahara Early
The last week of December is one of the busiest times of the year in Morocco. Desert camps and riads fill up weeks ahead, and prices for camps and hotels are often higher over the holidays. See our guide to the Morocco desert tour cost.
If you want New Year in the Sahara, we suggest booking by October or early November. Flights to Marrakech also fill fast, so check flights to Morocco early.
Christmas in Morocco
Morocco is a Muslim country, so Christmas is not a public holiday. Shops, markets and sites stay open as usual. Many hotels and riads in Marrakech still serve a Christmas dinner for their guests, and the city is full of visitors at this time of year.
If you are in Morocco for both holidays, you can spend Christmas in Marrakech and New Year in the Sahara on the same trip.
Another New Year: Yennayer in January
Stay a little longer and you can see a second new year. Yennayer, the Amazigh (Berber) New Year, is celebrated on January 14. It became an official public holiday in Morocco in 2024. In desert and mountain villages, families mark it with a special meal.
Is New Year in the Sahara Right for You?
- Great for: couples, families, friends, and anyone who wants a calm, special night away from crowds.
- Less ideal for: travelers who want nightclubs and fireworks. Marrakech is a better choice for that.
- Good to know: alcohol is not always available at desert camps. Ask us before you go.
Want to spend New Year in the Sahara with us? Send us your dates or message us on WhatsApp at +212 609 490 681. One of our family will reply personally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cold in the Sahara on New Year’s Eve?
Days are mild and sunny, but nights can drop to a few degrees above freezing. Bring warm layers for the evening and sunrise.
How far in advance should I book New Year in the Sahara?
We recommend booking by October or early November. Camps and riads fill up fast for the last week of December.
Can I spend New Year in the Sahara on a trip from Fes?
Yes. Merzouga is closer to Fes than to Marrakech, so a 2-day tour from Fes works well. See our guide to going from Fes to Merzouga.
Is Christmas a holiday in Morocco?
No. Christmas is not a public holiday, but many hotels in Marrakech host Christmas dinners for guests. New Year’s Day is a public holiday.