5-Day New Year’s Eve Tour in Morocco: Marrakech, Dades Valley and the Sahara Desert

Overview

Photos of the New Year's Eve tour in Morocco

Day-by-day itinerary

1. 1

   Day 1Arrival in Marrakech

   First, your private driver meets you at Marrakech Menara Airport. Then he takes you to your riad or hotel in the city centre.

   If you arrive early, you can explore the medina. For example, you can walk through the souks or visit Jemaa el-Fnaa square. In the evening, you can have dinner at a local restaurant.

   Accommodation: riad or hotel in Marrakech.

2. 2

   Day 2Marrakech – High Atlas – Ait Ben Haddou – Dades Valley

   After breakfast, we drive into the High Atlas Mountains. On the way, we cross the Tizi n'Tichka Pass and stop for the views.

   Next, we visit Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This old mud-brick village appears in many films and TV series.

   Then we continue to Ouarzazate, the gateway to the Sahara. Afterwards, we drive through the Valley of Roses. In the late afternoon, we reach the Dades Valley and its winding mountain roads.

   Accommodation: hotel or guesthouse in the Dades Valley, with dinner and breakfast.

3. 3

   Day 3Todra Gorges – Merzouga – New Year's Eve party

   After breakfast, we visit the Todra Gorges. Here, huge limestone walls rise above a narrow river. You can walk through the canyon and take photos.

   After that, we drive through Tinejdad and Erfoud. In the afternoon, we arrive in Merzouga, next to the Erg Chebbi dunes. Then you ride a camel into the dunes at sunset. Alternatively, you can go to the camp by 4x4.

   In the evening, the New Year's Eve party begins. First, you enjoy a Moroccan dinner. Then the Berber drums start, and everyone dances around the campfire. At midnight, you welcome the New Year under the desert stars.

   Accommodation: desert camp in Merzouga, with dinner, breakfast and the New Year's Eve party.

4. 4

   Day 4Merzouga – Draa Valley – Ouarzazate – Marrakech

   Early risers can watch the sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast, you return to Merzouga by camel or 4x4.

   Then we start the drive back to Marrakech. Depending on the roads, we pass Rissani, Alnif and Nkob. Next, we follow the Draa Valley, with its palm groves and old kasbahs. Later, we pass Agdz and Ouarzazate. Finally, we cross the Tizi n'Tichka Pass again and arrive in Marrakech in the evening.

   Accommodation: riad or hotel in Marrakech.

   Note: this is a long driving day. The exact route depends on the roads and on the time we leave Merzouga.

5. 5

   Day 5Departure from Marrakech

   After your last breakfast, you may have some free time. For instance, you can shop for souvenirs or enjoy a last Moroccan coffee. At the agreed time, your driver takes you to Marrakech Menara Airport. This is the end of our New Year's Eve tour in Morocco.

What is included