PRIVATE SAHARA NEW YEAR TOURS · 2026 TO 2027
Start in Casablanca and finish in Marrakech on a private five-day Morocco New Year journey through Rabat, Fes, the Middle Atlas, Merzouga and the High Atlas. Spend New Year’s Eve, 31 December 2026, in the Sahara at Erg Chebbi, with a full day in Merzouga rather than racing to arrive at the last minute. Continue after the celebration via Todra Gorge, Dades and Aït Ben Haddou to Marrakech on 2 January 2027.
A private Morocco crossing: imperial cities, Sahara and Marrakech
This five-day one-way itinerary connects three great elements of Morocco in a logical route. The Atlantic setting of Casablanca and the capital’s heritage in Rabat provide an introduction to the country before the historic city of Fes. Travelling southeast, you cross changing Middle Atlas landscapes and the palm-filled Ziz Valley to reach the orange dunes of Erg Chebbi.
The key date is deliberately protected: arrive in Merzouga on 30 December, spend 31 December in the Sahara with an arranged New Year’s Eve overnight, and only begin the journey towards Marrakech on 1 January. With five days in total, the plan is varied but still involves significant road mileage; private touring allows time to select worthwhile stops rather than promising every attraction.
Day-by-day private tour programme
All itineraries are examples, with dates arranged so 31 December is always spent in Merzouga. Hotel names, camp accommodation and any festive event require supplier confirmation.
29 December 2026 — Casablanca to Rabat and Fes
Your private journey begins in Casablanca with pickup from your hotel or Mohammed V International Airport if flight timing permits. Continue north to Rabat for a short introduction to the capital, with the Hassan Tower precinct or another accessible landmark according to the schedule. Travel onward to Fes and settle into the agreed riad or hotel. Rabat sightseeing, monument entries and a licensed city guide must be clearly included if requested.
30 December — Middle Atlas, Ziz Valley and arrival in Merzouga
Depart Fes early and travel southeast through the Ifrane and Azrou region, Midelt and the dramatic Ziz Valley. Follow the oasis country through Erfoud before reaching Merzouga and the Erg Chebbi dune landscape. This is a full travel day, so stop choices are based on winter daylight and road conditions. Overnight at a confirmed hotel, lodge or desert camp in the Merzouga area.
31 December — Full Sahara day and New Year’s Eve in the dunes
Enjoy time around Merzouga without a long intercity transfer. The programme can include an optional 4×4 excursion, guided dune viewpoints, Khamlia or local craft stops according to accessibility and supplier availability. Later, prepare for sunset and travel to the selected camp or dune-edge accommodation. The evening of 31 December is spent in Merzouga / Erg Chebbi. A special dinner, music or private celebration can be arranged only if the operator confirms it in writing.
1 January 2027 — Merzouga through Todra Gorge towards Dades
After breakfast and a possible sunrise walk, depart the Sahara westwards through the Tafilalet landscape towards Tinghir and Todra Gorge. Enjoy a suitable canyon stop if conditions permit, then continue towards the Dades Valley, Boumalne Dades or a comparable southern overnight location. The accommodation and any included dinner are specified in the individual itinerary.
2 January — Dades, Ouarzazate, Aït Ben Haddou and Marrakech
Continue through the Valley of Roses and the southern kasbah landscapes towards Ouarzazate. If daylight and road access permit, stop to visit Aït Ben Haddou, allowing time for the walk rather than a rushed photo. Cross the High Atlas via the Tizi n’Tichka route, subject to winter weather, and arrive at your Marrakech accommodation in the evening. Do not schedule a tight flight connection after this mountain crossing.
A genuine New Year night in Merzouga
The New Year celebration is planned for Thursday, 31 December 2026 at an agreed desert camp or dune-edge accommodation in the Merzouga / Erg Chebbi area, with the first morning of 2027 in the Sahara. Camp location, room configuration, private bathroom, heating, festive dinner, any music and the evening programme are subject to supplier confirmation. We will never present fireworks, a DJ or a gala as guaranteed unless your final quotation specifies it.
Winter desert nights can be extremely cold. Bring warm layers for dinner and stargazing, appropriate closed shoes, sunscreen for daytime and a small overnight bag. Tell us if you need a heated room, a private bathroom or accessible facilities; not all Sahara camps offer the same amenities.
What’s included in your private tour?
A tailored quotation will specify the driver, vehicle, pickup and final destination, accommodation category, meals, route, guiding arrangements and individual prices. Camel trekking or a 4×4 camp transfer, local guides, festive programmes, monument entrances and optional activities are included only when listed in the confirmed package.
- Private tour request for your own travelling party
- Hotel or agreed meeting-point pickup
- Proposed overnight stays and Merzouga arrival plan
- Winter road and mountain weather considerations
- Group size, family needs and luggage capacity checked
There is no automatic reservation or card charge when submitting an enquiry.
Why choose this route for New Year?
- Celebrate the evening of 31 December among the Sahara dunes of Erg Chebbi
- A private journey with a flexible, realistic stop schedule
- Enjoy dune colours at sunrise on New Year’s Day
- Choose a camp standard that fits your needs when available
Exact routes and times depend on weather, road access and the camp’s confirmed programme. Neither the late-December sunset nor a particular musical performance can be guaranteed.
Planning advice for this route
The suggested 5 days / 4 nights include one overnight in Fes, two nights in or near Merzouga (including New Year’s Eve), and one night in the Dades region before arriving in Marrakech. Flight arrivals in Casablanca on 29 December must be early enough for the proposed day-one routing; if you land late, we should modify the first night. Winter conditions may affect the high passes near Ifrane and Tizi n’Tichka, and access to kasbahs or viewpoints varies. If you want guided tours of Rabat or Fes, include the guiding and entry tickets in your enquiry.
We recommend sending your enquiry as early as possible: 31 December is a peak-date night for desert camps. Tell us your hotel preferences, party size, preferred comfort level and whether you favour a quiet desert evening or an organised dinner programme. Our team will confirm availability and cancellation conditions before a booking is made.
Frequently asked questions
Do we spend 31 December in the Sahara, not Marrakech?
Yes. The itinerary is designed specifically so the evening and night of 31 December are spent at the confirmed Merzouga / Erg Chebbi property.
Where are the four nights?
The suggested sequence is Fes (29 December), Merzouga area (30 December), Erg Chebbi camp or dune-side accommodation (31 December), and Dades region (1 January). Exact names are confirmed in the quotation.
Is airport pickup in Casablanca possible?
Yes, subject to flight arrival time and vehicle availability. A late flight may require a modified first-day itinerary.
Can we choose a luxury Sahara camp?
You can request an upgraded camp with suitable heating and private facilities, subject to the availability and written description of the actual property.
Does the package include a New Year’s Eve party?
Festive dinner, performances and other extras must be verified with the chosen camp; they are not automatically included.
Can we end at Marrakech airport?
A Marrakech airport or city drop-off can be requested, but arrival on 2 January involves a mountain crossing and should not be paired with a tight flight departure.
Request Your New Year Merzouga Private Tour
Tell us what you have in mind. We will personally review your request and reply with itinerary options and a quote. No payment is taken here.
Prefer email? alltoursinmorocco@gmail.com