PRIVATE SAHARA NEW YEAR TOURS · 2027 TO 2028
Celebrate New Year’s Eve 2027 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 2028.
Your private New Year experience
From €545 / person
Indicative starting price based on 2 adults travelling together. Shared double or twin accommodation is the pricing basis where overnight stays are included in your quote.
Final price and exact inclusions are confirmed in your personalised quotation, subject to New Year availability, accommodation or venue choice and any selected extras. This is a guide price, not a confirmed bookable offer.
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.
Your New Year journey on the map
Discover the towns, landscapes and travel stages on our illustrated Morocco map.
Close map ×City and attraction labels show suggested locations, not guaranteed visits. Maps are illustrative, not road navigation.
Open the main journey in Google Maps. Specific stops and timings are confirmed in your personalised itinerary.
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 2027 — 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.
From forested hills to Saharan oases: leaving Fes, the journey passes Ifrane, the Azrou region and Midelt before descending to the palm groves of the Ziz Valley. We recommend comfortable clothing for changing temperatures, water for the journey and scenic breaks selected around daylight and road conditions. Your first night is in the Merzouga area.
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.
Unhurried Sahara discovery: this is your opportunity to enjoy Erg Chebbi without another long road transfer. Choose between a quiet dune walk, an optional local cultural stop and activities such as a guided 4×4 excursion or camel ride. 31 December finishes with the agreed dinner and festivities at your confirmed camp; the supplier’s specific programme determines the inclusions.
1 January 2028 — 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.
First sunrise of the year: if the weather cooperates, start with the colours of the dunes before breakfast and the return journey. Travel via Erfoud, Ziz Valley, Midelt and the Middle Atlas towards Fes, with stops as practical. The route includes a long drive, so do not plan a tight same-day flight.
A genuine New Year night in Merzouga
The New Year celebration is planned for Friday, 31 December 2027 at an agreed desert camp or dune-edge accommodation in the Merzouga / Erg Chebbi area, with the first morning of 2028 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
Practical answers for planning your private Morocco experience. Select a question to read the details.
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.
More answers for planning your New Year tour
Explore the practical details before you book. Each private tour is tailored to your needs, and exact inclusions are always confirmed in writing.
Fes, the Middle Atlas and Merzouga
How long is the drive from Fes to the Sahara?
The outward journey is a full travel day via the Middle Atlas, Midelt, Ziz Valley and Erfoud region. Exact duration depends on winter weather, stops and the location of your Merzouga accommodation.
Do we return to Fes on New Year’s Day?
Yes, the standard itinerary returns to Fes on 1 January. Finishing in Marrakech or another city requires a different route, timing and quotation.
Could winter snow affect Ifrane or the Middle Atlas?
Yes. Higher parts of the Middle Atlas may be cold, snowy or icy. The driver may adjust stops or the route and departure time if conditions require it.
Will we visit the Ifrane or cedar forest areas?
The general route passes through that region, and short stops may be possible. An extended forest visit or wildlife sighting is not guaranteed and depends on available daylight and access.
Why do we spend two nights in the Merzouga area?
The proposed schedule arrives on 30 December, keeps 31 December for activities and the New Year’s celebration, then returns on 1 January. Exact properties and whether a room change is necessary are specified in your offer.
What can we do around Merzouga before New Year’s Eve?
You can request dune viewpoints, local cultural stops, a camel experience or a 4×4 excursion. These are suggestions, not standard inclusions; the chosen activities and costs need to be agreed.
Is camel riding compulsory?
No. Camel riding is optional. Ask about reaching the selected camp using its authorised vehicle service if you prefer not to ride.
Are desert tents heated and equipped with a bathroom?
Some camps provide heating and ensuite bathrooms while others have simpler facilities. The room or tent specification should be confirmed by name before payment, especially for cold December nights.
Are there fireworks or a gala at the camp?
That depends on the property. A festive dinner, music, gala or fireworks is included only when the confirmed programme lists it; none should be presumed from the words ‘New Year tour’.
Will we have mobile coverage at Erg Chebbi?
Coverage varies by network and exact camp location. Some areas can have weak data reception; download important travel details and arrange any essential communications before arriving.
Could we take an evening flight from Fes on 1 January?
It is risky to plan a tight flight after a full-day return drive. If your flight timing is fixed, ask about travelling back a day earlier or adding an extra overnight stay in Fes.
Is this itinerary suitable for people who dislike long drives?
Probably not without modification. It contains two substantial transfer days; a longer trip with more nights is generally better for a relaxed pace.
Prices, bookings and travel arrangements
Is the displayed starting price the final amount?
No. The ‘from’ price is an indicative guide only. The final quotation depends on dates, travel party, accommodation or dinner venue, vehicle, New Year’s Eve supplements and requested extras. No rate or availability is guaranteed until confirmed in writing.
What will be included in our private booking?
Your personalised offer sets out transport, pickup and return points, lodging or venue, meals, guided services, any additional activities and relevant exclusions. Please rely on the final inclusions list rather than assuming every experience mentioned on the website is part of the package.
When is the booking officially confirmed?
An enquiry or quotation is not a confirmed reservation. The booking is confirmed only when the selected suppliers have accepted the arrangements, any required payment and conditions have been fulfilled, and you receive written confirmation.
How early should we request a New Year booking?
Enquire as early as convenient, because the festive period often has limited accommodation and special-event capacity. We check availability individually; early contact improves planning options but does not guarantee any hotel, camp, restaurant or event.
Can we customise departure time, travel pace and activities?
Yes, private arrangements can be tailored to your priorities within realistic driving times, weather and venue availability. Changes to dates, route, accommodation or excursions may alter the cost and should be agreed before the booking is confirmed.
Are travel insurance, tips and entrance tickets included?
Do not assume so. Travel insurance, gratuities, attraction tickets, optional activities and specialised local guides are included only where your confirmed quotation specifically lists them. Check your personal travel insurance for winter travel and any optional adventure activities.
What happens when bad winter weather affects the itinerary?
Driver and guest safety comes first. Snow, ice, wind, road closures or delayed suppliers can require a revised route, later arrival or replacement activity. Any change and its financial implications are handled according to the confirmed terms and suppliers involved.
What payment and cancellation conditions apply?
Deposits, final-payment dates, changes, cancellation fees and any non-refundable festive arrangements are stated in your individual quotation. Terms can differ among transport, camps, hotels and event venues; please review them before accepting the booking.
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