New year Eve – Authentic and unforgettable celebration

Hour by hour

Your day, step by step

1. 1

   Marrakech to AGDZ

   We will pick you up from your hotel or riad in Marrakech and drive southeast towards Ouarzazate, crossing the stunning High Atlas Mountains. Along the way, we pass charming Berber villages clinging to the steep mountainsides, offering a glimpse of traditional life in this rugged region. We then reach the highest point of the journey, the Tichka Pass (2,260 m), where you will be amazed by breathtaking panoramic views of the winding roads and dramatic, almost lunar landscapes stretching as far as the eye can see.

   From here, we descend the winding mountain roads towards the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Benhaddou, once a vital trading post for merchants along the ancient caravan route connecting North Africa and southern Morocco. Today, this iconic ksar is also a favorite location for international filmmakers. Enjoy a guided visit and savor a delicious lunch in one of the local restaurants overlooking the magnificent Kasbah.

   In the afternoon, we continue our journey through Ouarzazate, often referred to as the “Hollywood of Africa” due to the many famous films shot in its dramatic landscapes. Here, you may also visit the historic Kasbah Taourirt, one of the city’s oldest and most impressive landmarks, dating back to the 18th century.

   From there, we drive through the breathtaking Anti-Atlas Mountains via the Tinifift Pass (1,660 m), an ancient volcanic region offering spectacular views over rugged peaks and surreal rock formations. After enjoying these incredible panoramas, we descend into the lush Draa Valley, arriving in the town of Agdz, where you will be welcomed by Morocco’s longest palm oasis, stretching nearly 250 km. Dinner and overnight stay will be in a charming riad nestled in the heart of the oasis, where you can relax and enjoy dinner and breakfast included.

2. 2

   AGDZ to Erg chegaga

   After breakfast, we continue our journey along the left bank of the breathtaking Draa Valley, following the traces of the ancient caravan route that once connected distant desert lands. Along the way, we pause in the historic village of Tamnougalt, where you will have the opportunity to visit and enjoy a refreshing cup of traditional mint tea. Thereafter, we resume our drive, passing through a series of picturesque villages scattered along the valley, each one offering its own charm and glimpse into authentic local life. Gradually, we join the main road leading us to Zagora, where we are rewarded with one of the most beautiful towns in southern Morocco. Here, vibrant cerise bougainvilleas, fragrant pink oleander bushes, and graceful palm trees create a stunning oasis atmosphere, making Zagora a true jewel of the desert edge.

   From here, we continue our journey to the charming village of Tamgroute, where you’ll enjoy a guided exploration of its unique heritage. We’ll visit the historic Quranic library, discover the fascinating underground passages, and witness local artisans skillfully crafting traditional pottery entirely by hand. After our visit, we continue deeper into the desert, making a relaxing stop in the village of Oulad Driss. Here, we’ll take a well-deserved break and enjoy lunch at one of its charming hotels, beautifully set amidst vast golden sandscapes.

   Next, we continue toward M’hamid, where the paved road comes to an end. From there, we venture off-road for about 50 km along a rugged track of sand and stone, leading us deep into the wilderness and ultimately to the magnificent Erg Chegaga dunes.

   Once you arrive, you’ll be warmly welcomed with a refreshing glass of traditional mint tea. Afterwards, you’ll settle into your private nomadic tent and leave your luggage before setting off on a memorable camel ride across the dunes. As the day gently fades, you’ll witness a breathtaking sunset from one of the highest sand dunes—an unforgettable moment in the heart of the desert.

   Later in the evening, dinner will be served outdoors beneath a dazzling sky filled with countless stars. Around a glowing campfire, you’ll celebrate a magical Moroccan New Year’s Eve, accompanied by the rhythmic sounds of Berber music and traditional songs. Finally, you’ll drift off to sleep in the comfort of your private nomadic tent, surrounded by the peaceful silence of the desert night.

3. 3

   Erg chegaga to Marrakech

   Your journey begins with an early wake-up call to witness a breathtaking sunrise from the top of the dunes, as the desert slowly comes alive with golden light. After enjoying a delightful breakfast, you’ll meet your driver and bid farewell to the camp, setting off on an unforgettable drive across rolling dunes and vast desert landscapes.

   Along the way, you’ll reach Lake Iriki, a vast dry lakebed that once shimmered with water just over 60 years ago. In the past, it was a thriving sanctuary for countless birds and wildlife, including deer and desert foxes, making it a remarkable place where nature and history quietly intertwine.

   We will continue our journey along a rugged, rocky track until we reach the town of Foum Zguid. Here, we’ll pause for a short break to refresh before resuming our drive.

   From there, the road leads us along the breathtaking Anti-Atlas Mountains, winding through scenic valleys and passing a series of traditional Berber villages, where life moves at a timeless pace. Finally, we continue through this stunning landscape until we arrive in Taznakht.

   Taznakht is a town renowned for its beautifully crafted carpets, distinguished by vibrant green, yellow, red, and white geometric patterns, woven by hand since ancient times. Here, we’ll pause for a well-deserved break and enjoy lunch at one of its local restaurants, soaking in the authentic atmosphere of the town. Afterwards, we continue our journey back toward Marrakech, driving once again through the majestic High Atlas Mountains—the same breathtaking range we crossed on the first day—offering one last opportunity to admire its dramatic peaks and stunning landscapes.

   In the late afternoon, we arrive in Marrakech, where you will be dropped off at your hotel or riad, or at the nearest accessible point to your accommodation.