NEW YEAR EVE 2027 IN DESERT DEPARTURE MARRAKECH
A group tour from Marrakech to the Merzouga Sahara Desert over New Year’s Eve (December 30, 2026 – January 2, 2027) is one of Morocco’s most popular holiday itineraries. Decembers in the High Atlas and Sahara offer crisp, clear sunny days and cold desert nights, making early booking essential for securing quality accommodation.
Typical 4-Day / 3-Night Group Itinerary
Day 1 (Dec 30): Marrakech $\rightarrow$ Ait Benhaddou $\rightarrow$ Dades Valley
Depart Marrakech early morning crossing the Tizi n'Tichka Pass in the High Atlas Mountains ($2,260\text{ m}$).
Stop at the UNESCO-listed Ait Benhaddou Kasbah for a guided walk and lunch.
Continue through Ouarzazate and the Valley of Roses to arrive in the Dades Valley for dinner and an overnight stay at a local hotel.
Day 2 (Dec 31): Dades Valley $\rightarrow$ Todgha Gorges $\rightarrow$ Merzouga (New Year's Eve)
Morning walk through the towering $300\text{-meter}$ canyon walls of Todgha Gorges.
Drive past Tinjdad and Erfoud, arriving at the foot of the Erg Chebbi dunes by late afternoon.
Mount camels for a sunset trek across the dunes into a desert camp.
New Year's Eve Celebration: Traditional Moroccan dinner, Berber drumming, campfire music under the stars, and ringing in 2027 in the quiet of the Sahara.
Day 3 (Jan 1): Merzouga Desert Exploration
Early wake-up for sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes followed by breakfast.
$4\times4$ tour around the dunes: visit nomadic families, explore the deserted village of Khamlia to hear traditional Gnawa music, and visit old lead mines at M'Fis.
Second overnight stay in Merzouga (either at a desert hotel or camp).
Day 4 (Jan 2): Merzouga $\rightarrow$ Ouarzazate $\rightarrow$ Marrakech
Early morning departure heading west through Rissani, Alnif, and Agdz along the Draa Valley.
Return drive back over the High Atlas Mountains, arriving in Marrakech by late afternoon or early evening.
Key Travel Tips for New Year's Eve
Weather & Clothing: Daytime temperatures in the desert average 15°C to 20°C, but night temperatures often drop to 0°C to 5°C. Pack heavy layers, thermal wear, a warm jacket, beanie, and gloves for night activities.
Peak Season Booking: December 25 to January 5 is peak high season across Morocco. Group seats, luxury camps, and mountain transport fill up months in advance.
Camp Options: Standard camps feature shared facilities and traditional tents, while luxury camps offer heated tents, en-suite bathrooms, and private dining.