Desert Legacy Tours

New Year's Eve in the Sahara: Desert Camp Celebration near Erg Chigaga

Ring in the New Year far from city noise, in a comfortable nomad camp on the edge of Erg Chigaga. The evening combines a traditional Moroccan festive dinner (vegetarian options available), live music, dancing and storytelling around the fire, and one of the darkest, clearest night skies in Morocco. Warm sleeping bags, thick blankets and clean bathrooms are provided. Shuttles from Marrakech, Ouarzazate, Zagora and Merzouga can be arranged, and the stay can be extended with camel or 4x4 days in the dunes. Next edition: 31 December 2026 to 1 January 2027.

Excursion désert Maroc - Circuit & Trek dans le Sahara
Duration2 days / 1 night (31 Dec - 1 Jan), extendable
DepartureM'Hamid El Ghizlane (shuttles from Marrakech, Ouarzazate, Zagora, Merzouga)
Group size1-8 people
Type4x4
Best seasonOctober to April

Highlights

  • New Year's Eve dinner: Moroccan soup, prune tagine, royal couscous, seasonal fruit, mint tea and pastries (vegetarian menu on request)
  • Live nomad music, dancing and storytelling around the campfire
  • Sunset walk to the top of the dunes, optional camel ride and sandboarding
  • Comfortable winter camp: insulated tents, heavy-duty sleeping bags, thick blankets, clean toilets and showers
  • Star-gazing with zero light pollution, ideal for astrophotography
  • Local M'Hamid team, small group, accessible to all fitness levels

Itinerary

  1. Day 1: 31 December: arrival at the camp, dunes and New Year's Eve partyArrive at the camp near M'Hamid in the afternoon (by your own transport or our shuttle from Marrakech, Ouarzazate, Zagora or Merzouga). Welcome with mint tea, almonds and dates, then time to meet the other guests and settle into your tent. Before sunset, walk up the dunes or take a gentle camel ride, and try sandboarding if you like. As night falls, the New Year's Eve dinner is served: Moroccan soup with dates, tagine with prunes, royal couscous, seasonal fruit, mint tea and Moroccan pastries, with vegetarian options. The evening continues with live music, nomad songs and rhythms, dancing and stories around the fire until you count down to midnight under the stars.
  2. Day 2: 1 January: sunrise over the dunes and returnWake up to the first sunrise of the year over the sand. After a hot breakfast at the camp, you can take a last walk in the dunes before the return shuttle to your departure city, or stay on for an extra night, a camel trek or a 4x4 day deeper into Erg Chigaga.

What's included

Included

  • One night in an equipped winter desert camp (tent, sleeping bag, thick blankets, shared bathrooms)
  • Welcome tea, New Year's Eve dinner and breakfast on 1 January
  • Live music and evening entertainment
  • Dune walk, sandboarding and short camel ride
  • Local English/French-speaking hosts

Not included

  • Transport to M'Hamid unless a shuttle or airport transfer is booked with us
  • Drinks other than water and tea
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips
  • Extra nights or additional camel/4x4 days

Frequently asked questions

When is the next New Year's Eve edition?

The next edition runs from 31 December 2026 to 1 January 2027. Places are limited, so book early, especially if you need a shuttle from Marrakech.

Do I need to be fit to take part?

No. All activities are gentle and optional. The camel ride is short and relaxed, and the dune walk can be as easy as you like.

Is the camp heated? How cold does it get?

Desert nights in late December can drop close to freezing. The tents are insulated and equipped with warm sleeping bags and thick blankets, but we recommend thermal underwear, a warm hat and a fleece or down jacket for the evening.

How do I get to the camp?

Shuttles are available from Marrakech, Ouarzazate, Zagora and Merzouga, and private airport transfers can be arranged. Full pick-up details are sent after booking.

Can I combine New Year's Eve with a longer desert trip?

Yes. Many guests add a 3 or 4-day 4x4 tour from Marrakech via Aït Benhaddou and the Draa Valley, or a 2 to 5-day camel trek from M'Hamid toward Erg Chigaga or Erg Zahar.

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