Back to Blog

New Year 2026 in Morocco Desert: Unforgettable Celebration Under the Stars

Ring in 2026 with a magical desert celebration in Morocco. Experience Berber traditions, camel treks, and starlit feasts in the golden dunes of Merzouga or Agafay.

6 min read

New Year 2026 in Morocco Desert: A Magical Celebration

Why Celebrate New Year in the Moroccan Desert?

  • Unique Experience

    • Sleep under a blanket of stars
    • Traditional Berber music and dance
    • Countdown in the silent desert
    • First sunrise of the year over the dunes
  • Perfect Weather

    • Mild winter temperatures (15-25°C)
    • Clear night skies
    • Comfortable for outdoor activities
    • Escape the winter cold
  • Cultural Immersion

    • Authentic Berber hospitality
    • Traditional cuisine
    • Local customs and celebrations
    • Stargazing with nomads

Top Desert Destinations for New Year 2026

1. Merzouga (Erg Chebbi)

  • Highlights:
    • Towering golden dunes (up to 150m)
    • Luxury desert camps
    • Camel treks at sunset
    • Sandboarding opportunities
  • New Year's Special:
    • Gala dinner under the stars
    • Live Gnawa music performance
    • Fire show and drum circle
    • Champagne toast at midnight

2. Agafay Desert

  • Highlights:
    • Moon-like landscapes
    • Proximity to Marrakech (1h)
    • Luxury glamping options
    • Quad biking adventures
  • New Year's Special:
    • Gourmet desert feast
    • Traditional Berber music
    • Hot air balloon rides (day after)
    • Spa packages available

3. Zagora (Draa Valley)

  • Highlights:
    • Date palm oases
    • Ancient kasbahs
    • Stargazing opportunities
    • Off-the-beaten-path experience
  • New Year's Special:
    • Nomadic celebration
    • Traditional storytelling
    • Drumming workshops
    • Sunrise yoga sessions

New Year's Eve Programs

Luxury Camp Experience

  • Accommodation:
    • Private luxury tents with en-suite bathrooms
    • King-size beds and heating
    • Private terraces with desert views
    • 24/7 butler service
  • Celebration Includes:
    • Welcome mint tea and dates
    • Sunset camel ride
    • Pre-dinner cocktails
    • 5-course gourmet dinner
    • Open bar (local drinks)
    • Live entertainment
    • Midnight champagne toast
    • Bonfire with marshmallows
    • Breakfast in bed option

Standard Camp Experience

  • Accommodation:
    • Comfortable Berber tents
    • Shared bathroom facilities
    • Warm blankets and beds
    • Common lounge area
  • Celebration Includes:
    • Welcome tea and pastries
    • Group camel ride
    • Traditional tagine dinner
    • Live music and dancing
    • Countdown celebration
    • Breakfast the next morning

Activities & Excursions

Included in Most Packages

  • Desert Activities:
    • Camel trekking
    • Sandboarding
    • Quad biking (extra cost)
    • Stargazing with telescope
    • Sunrise hike on New Year's Day

Optional Add-ons

  • Adventure:
    • Hot air balloon ride
    • 4x4 desert safari
    • Dune bashing
    • Paragliding (Agafay)
  • Cultural:
    • Visit to nomad family
    • Henna painting
    • Bread-making workshop
    • Traditional music lessons

Sample Itinerary (3 Days / 2 Nights)

Day 1: Arrival & Desert Immersion

  • Morning: Depart from Marrakech/Ouarzazate
  • Afternoon: Arrive at desert camp, welcome tea
  • Evening: Sunset camel ride, New Year's Eve gala dinner
  • Night: Celebration under the stars

Day 2: New Year's Day

  • Morning: Sunrise over the dunes, breakfast
  • Day: Desert activities (sandboarding, quad biking)
  • Evening: Traditional music around the campfire
  • Night: Overnight in luxury tent

Day 3: Farewell to the Desert

  • Morning: Breakfast, last photos
  • Late Morning: Return journey
  • Afternoon: Arrive back in Marrakech

What to Pack

Essential Items

  • Clothing:
    • Warm layers for cold nights
    • Light clothing for daytime
    • Comfortable walking shoes
    • Scarf and hat
  • Accessories:
    • Sunglasses and sunscreen
    • Camera with extra batteries
    • Power bank
    • Reusable water bottle

Recommended Extras

  • For Comfort:
    • Personal toiletries
    • Moisturizer and lip balm
    • Travel pillow
    • Headlamp/flashlight
  • For Fun:
    • Binoculars
    • Journal
    • Playing cards/games
    • Musical instrument

Practical Information

Best Time to Book

  • Early Bird (6+ months in advance):
    • Best camp selection
    • Early bird discounts
    • More date options
  • Last Minute (1-2 months before):
    • Limited availability
    • Higher prices
    • Fewer choices

Getting There

  • From Marrakech:
    • Private transfer (5-6h to Merzouga)
    • Shared minibus (cheaper option)
    • Domestic flight to Errachidia (1h) + transfer (2h)
  • From Fes:
    • Private transfer (7-8h)
    • Bus to Rissani + taxi

Price Range (Per Person)

  • Budget: €150-300
    • Basic camp facilities
    • Shared bathrooms
    • Simple meals
  • Mid-range: €300-600
    • Comfortable tents
    • Private bathrooms
    • Better food quality
  • Luxury: €600-1500+
    • Premium accommodation
    • Private guides
    • Gourmet dining
    • Exclusive experiences

Special New Year's Traditions

Berber Celebrations

  • Fire Rituals: Symbolizing the passing of the old year
  • Music & Dance: Traditional Ahwach performances
  • Storytelling: Ancient tales under the stars
  • Henna Art: For good luck in the new year

Modern Touches

  • Midnight Countdown
  • Champagne Toast
  • Fireworks (in some locations)
  • Photo Booth with Traditional Costumes

Booking Information

How to Reserve

  1. Online Booking:

    • Visit our website
    • Select dates and package
    • Complete secure payment
    • Receive confirmation
  2. Direct Contact:

    • Email: [email protected]
    • WhatsApp: +212675203319 / +212668534981
    • Phone: +212 5243-12345

Cancellation Policy

  • Free cancellation up to 30 days before
  • 50% refund 15-29 days before
  • No refund within 14 days
  • Travel insurance recommended

Payment Options

  • Credit/Debit Card
  • Bank Transfer
  • PayPal
  • Cash (on arrival, in local currency)

Why Choose Us?

Local Expertise

  • 10+ years of experience
  • Berber-owned and operated
  • Sustainable tourism practices
  • 24/7 support

What Sets Us Apart

  • Authentic experiences
  • Small group sizes
  • Local community support
  • Customizable packages

Testimonials

"Celebrating New Year in the Merzouga dunes was magical! The stars, the music, the food - everything was perfect. Can't wait to come back!" - Sarah, UK

"Our family had an unforgettable experience. The kids loved the camels and sandboarding, and we enjoyed the peaceful desert night." - The Müller Family, Germany

Contact Us

Ready to Start Your Desert Adventure?

Contact Information:

Follow Our Desert Adventures:

  • Instagram: @MerzougaWay
  • Facebook: /MerzougaWay
  • YouTube: /MerzougaWay

Book now to secure your spot for an unforgettable New Year's celebration in the Moroccan desert!

Share this post

Found this post helpful? Share it with others!

Related Posts

Best Places to Celebrate New Year's Eve in Marrakech 2025-2026

Best Places to Celebrate New Year's Eve in Marrakech 2025-2026 As the year draws to a close, Marrakech transforms into a magical wonderland, offering some of the most unforgettable New Year's Eve ...

Read more

Buddha Bar Marrakech New Year's Eve 2025-2026: A Celebration of Luxury and Mysticism

Buddha Bar Marrakech New Year's Eve 2025-2026: A Celebration of Luxury and Mysticism As the year draws to a close, Buddha Bar Marrakech prepares to host one of the city's most exclusive and vibran...

Read more

Entrepôts Marrakech New Year 2025-2026: The Ultimate Celebration Guide

Entrepôts Marrakech New Year 2025-2026: The Ultimate Celebration Guide As the clock ticks down to 2026, Entrepôts Marrakech transforms into the city's most electrifying New Year's Eve destination....

Read more