PRIVATE SAHARA NEW YEAR TOURS · 2026 TO 2027
Celebrate New Year’s Eve 2026 in the Sahara on a private three-day tour from Fes to Merzouga. From the Middle Atlas and the Ziz Valley to the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, this itinerary gives you two nights in or near Merzouga and reserves 31 December for an unhurried desert experience. The festive overnight is planned in the Merzouga dunes, with a return to Fes on 1 January 2027.
From Fes to the Sahara: New Year’s Eve where the dunes begin
A tour from Fes reaches the desert by a remarkable route across the Middle Atlas, through cedar country near Azrou and the high plateau around Midelt before descending towards the oasis scenery of the Ziz Valley. As Erfoud and Rissani approach, the colours and architecture change again until the dunes of Erg Chebbi appear near Merzouga.
In just three days, this journey is designed around a single principle: you should already be in the Merzouga area on 30 December, so the celebration on 31 December is not jeopardised by a long same-day transfer. You can choose a comfortable lodge for the first night and a desert camp for New Year’s Eve, or discuss a two-night desert-camp option if suitable accommodation is available.
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.
30 December 2026 — Leave Fes for the Sahara
Meet your private driver at your Fes hotel or an accessible medina meeting point. Travel through the Middle Atlas via Ifrane and the Azrou region towards Midelt. The route then continues through the Ziz Valley and Erfoud towards Merzouga. This is a substantial journey, typically around seven to nine hours with breaks, so an early departure makes sense. Arrive at your confirmed accommodation in the Merzouga area for the first night; dinner and lodging are arranged according to the selected package.
31 December — Merzouga discovery and New Year’s Eve in Erg Chebbi
Wake up close to the dunes and enjoy an unhurried start to the day. Depending on the agreed programme, explore dune viewpoints, local villages or traditional music culture around Khamlia; optional guided 4×4 experiences or camel rides can be discussed separately. In the afternoon, transfer to the selected desert camp using the operator’s approved arrangements. Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Merzouga with the evening meal and any festive entertainment confirmed in your written package. Spend the night of 31 December in the Erg Chebbi area.
1 January 2027 — Sahara sunrise and private return to Fes
Start the year with the possibility of sunrise over the dunes, followed by breakfast and the agreed transfer to your vehicle. Return towards Fes via Erfoud, the Ziz Valley, Midelt and the Middle Atlas. This is another long road day; allow suitable stops and avoid a tight evening flight connection. If you prefer to finish in Marrakech rather than Fes, request a different itinerary and quotation, as the journey is not the same.
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
Fes to Merzouga is roughly 460–480 km by road and typically requires a full day with stops. The 1 January return is similarly long, especially if winter weather affects the Atlas road. A direct transfer is not a guided sightseeing tour: if you want a local guide, scheduled 4×4 activity, an upgraded heated camp or a particular New Year dinner, request it as an itemised extra. This route assumes you return to Fes; ending in Marrakech would require a revised quotation and different travel time.
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
Where do we spend the night of 31 December?
At the agreed Merzouga / Erg Chebbi camp or dune-side accommodation, subject to written confirmation of an available New Year booking.
Do we spend both nights in the Sahara?
The suggested plan includes the night of 30 December near Merzouga and the night of 31 December in the Erg Chebbi area. Exact properties and camp arrangements are selected in the quote.
What is included in the New Year’s Eve programme?
Only the dinner, music or other services explicitly confirmed by the provider. No fireworks or gala is guaranteed by default.
Can we finish in Marrakech rather than Fes?
It may be possible with a different route and long final drive. Please request Fes to Marrakech when enquiring so the correct itinerary is calculated.
Is the trip suitable for children?
Families can enquire, but participants should be comfortable with long driving days and cold winter desert evenings. Suitable seating and warm lodging should be confirmed.
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