Overview
Embark on a transformative journey through Morocco’s mesmerizing landscapes with this 5-day New Year Desert Tour. From the enchanting streets of Marrakech to the golden sands of the Sahara, immerse yourself in a cultural and adventurous experience like no other. Perfectly designed for travelers seeking unforgettable memories, this tour combines breathtaking views, authentic Moroccan culture, and an adventurous spirit to kickstart your new year.
- Duration: 1 Day
- Start: Merzouga
- End: Merzouga
- Tour Style: Private
Highlights of the New year desert tour 5 days
- Experience the vibrant streets of Marrakech, Morocco’s cultural heart.
- Discover UNESCO heritage sites, including Aït Benhaddou and Kasbah Taourirt.
- Camel trek through the iconic Erg Chebbi dunes, a quintessential Sahara experience.
- Enjoy Berber hospitality in traditional guesthouses and desert camps.
- Visit the Valley of Roses, famed for its fragrant blossoms and artisanal products.
- Explore Todra Gorge, a dramatic canyon with towering cliffs.
- Celebrate the New Year under a blanket of stars in the desert.
Why private New year desert tour 5 days
This thoughtfully curated tour offers an unmatched combination of cultural immersion, natural beauty, and adventure. You’ll experience Morocco’s diverse landscapes, from snow-capped Atlas Mountains to arid deserts, while connecting with its rich history and warm hospitality. Perfect for couples, families, and solo travelers, this tour ensures an unforgettable start to the year.
itinerary
Day 1: Marrakech ⇢ Dades Gorges
Your journey begins with an early pick-up from your hotel in Marrakech. Departing via the scenic Tizi Ntichka Pass, enjoy panoramic views of the Atlas Mountains. Along the way, visit the UNESCO-listed Aït Benhaddou, a historic fortified village. After lunch at a traditional restaurant, continue to Ouarzazate, often called the “Hollywood of Africa.” Visit Kasbah Taourirt and cinema studios before heading to the Valley of Roses, famed for its aromatic harvests. Conclude the day in Dades Valley, where you’ll enjoy dinner and overnight accommodations.
Travel distance: 320 KM
Places to see: Atlas Mountains, Aït Benhaddou, Kasbah Taourirt
Highlights: UNESCO heritage sites, traditional Moroccan cuisine, scenic mountain views
Day 2: Dades Gorges ⇢ Todra Gorge ⇢ Erg Chebbi (Merzouga)
Start the day with breakfast before journeying through the Road of 1000 Kasbahs, dotted with Berber villages. Stop at Todra Gorge, a stunning canyon with dramatic cliffs, and explore nearby palm groves in Tinejdad. Continue to Erfoud, a town known for its fossils and date markets. Arrive at Erg Chebbi dunes for an unforgettable camel trek to a desert camp. As the sun sets, settle into your Berber tent and enjoy a magical night under the stars, accompanied by traditional music and a warm campfire.
Travel distance: 260 KM
Places to see: Todra Gorge, Tinejdad, Erg Chebbi dunes
Highlights: camel trek, desert camping, Berber culture
Day 3: Erg Chebbi ⇢ Khamlia ⇢ Rissani ⇢ Merzouga
After breakfast, explore the surrounding desert villages. Visit Khamlia, known for its Gnawa music, and tour a Berber residence. Discover the mystique of Rissani, a market town rich in history and local crafts. Savor a traditional “Medfouna” (Berber pizza) for lunch before returning to Merzouga. The day concludes with a special Moroccan New Year celebration at your hotel.
Travel distance: 120 KM
Places to see: Khamlia, Rissani, Merzouga dunes
Highlights: Gnawa music, Berber traditions, New Year celebration
Day 4: Merzouga ⇢ Erfoud ⇢ Ouarzazate
Bid farewell to the dunes and retrace your journey through the captivating landscapes of Erfoud and Todra Gorge. Along the way, visit a women’s cooperative in the Valley of Roses to learn about the production of organic rose-based products. The day ends in Ouarzazate, where you’ll relax and enjoy dinner at a local hotel.
Travel distance: 360 KM
Places to see: Erfoud, Todra Gorge, Valley of Roses
Highlights: rose cooperatives, scenic landscapes, traditional handicrafts
Day 5: Ouarzazate ⇢ Aït Benhaddou ⇢ Atlas Mountains ⇢ Marrakech
On the final day, travel back to Marrakech via the Atlas Mountains. Stop for lunch in a Berber village and enjoy panoramic views of the mountains. Visit Aït Benhaddou one last time before completing your journey in Marrakech, where our services conclude.
Travel distance: 200 KM
Places to see: Atlas Mountains, Aït Benhaddou, Marrakech
Highlights: mountain views, cultural landmarks, traditional cuisine
Gallery
Inclusive and Exclusive of the tour
Inclusive
- Private Car + fuel
- Comfortable, air-conditioned 4x4, van/minibus.
- Driver/guide speaking English
- Pick up & Drop off at your accommodation
- Stops on the way for panoramic views.
- 4 Breakfasts
- 4 Dinners
Exclusive
- Lunches
- Beverages
- Entrance fees, when needed
- Tips (optional)
- Anything not in inclusive
Price of New year desert tour 5 days
Map of the tour
Book this tour now
Know Before You Go
When making your reservation, please be sure to communicate any dietary restrictions such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free preferences. Rest assured, we are committed to accommodating your specific meal preferences during your trip to ensure an enjoyable dining experience.
Throughout the desert tour, your guide will recommend lunch stops at local restaurants offering fresh, healthy options. However, if you have a particular restaurant in mind, feel free to inform your guide, and they will gladly assist in making it part of your journey.
For those seeking an added thrill, consider exciting activities like quad biking or buggy driving in the stunning Erg Chebbi Dunes. If you’re interested in these exhilarating desert experiences, just let your guide know, and they’ll help arrange the perfect adventure to enhance your trip.
To make the most of your desert experience, consider upgrading to our 5-day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga. This extended itinerary includes an extra night in Dades Gorges and another night in Ouarzazate, allowing you more time to explore the breathtaking landscapes and rich culture of Morocco. This tour breaks up the longer drive and offers a more relaxed pace, making it an ideal choice for those looking to fully experience the journey.
If you’re limited on time, a 4-day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga might be a great option. This 4-day desert tour offers a perfect balance of exploration and adventure, giving you ample time to explore the Merzouga desert and its surroundings.
For those with only three days to spare, our 3-day desert tour from Marrakech provides a faster yet fulfilling experience. Please note, however, that this option includes just one night in the desert, ideal for travelers with limited time who want to experience Morocco’s desert landscapes without the extended driving.
If you have an even tighter schedule, the 2-day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga is an excellent choice. Although shorter, it still provides a glimpse into the magic of the desert, with the highlights of Merzouga and the Sahara dunes.
No matter your choice, our goal is to provide you with an unforgettable desert adventure tailored to your interests and schedule.
Food Alergies
Please inform us of any allergies or dietary restrictions you may have. We provide helpful information for vegans and vegetarians and will do our utmost to accommodate your needs, ensuring this information is communicated to your driver and hotels.
However, please be aware of the following considerations: We cannot guarantee the absence of allergen traces in containers, bags, or kitchens, as Morocco’s food standards may differ from those in your country. If any member of your tour has severe allergies, it is advisable to bring appropriate food items. Additionally, we cannot control potential insect encounters.
We recommend exercising extra caution in any uncertain situations.
FaQ
What type of vehicles are used for the trip ?
What a great inquiry! “Private desert trips” require comfortable transportation. For groups bigger than 8, we employ Land Cruiser TXs, Ford 8-seater vans, Mercedes Bens Sprinter minibuses, and a variety of other comfortable vehicles.What a great inquiry! “Private desert trips” require comfortable transportation. For groups bigger than 8, we employ Land Cruiser TXs, Ford 8-seater vans, Mercedes Bens Sprinter minibuses, and a variety of other comfortable vehicles.
How far in advance should we book this tour ?
Making your vacation plans as soon as you can is encouraged because the early bird gets the worm.
How to pay for the tour ?
Initially, we ask that a small deposit be given to our account via PayPal during the booking procedure. Second, the balance must be paid in cash and should be handed to our driver/guide on the first day of the tour in euros, dollars, or the equivalent in dirhams.
How do i take my luggage to the camp?
At the start of your camel trek, a 4×4 vehicle will convey your luggage. As a result, your bags will be there when you arrive at the camp.
Is it possible to have vegetarian food or vegan food?
Serving vegan or vegetarian food is possible. On the first day of your trip, please email me or let your driver/guide know as soon as you can.
I don’t want to ride camels to the camp, how i do I reach the camp?
If you don’t want to ride a camel, we can transport you to the camp in a 4 × 4 vehicle.
