Christmas & New Year in the Sahara

An unforgettable festive season under the stars, far from everything — yet with every comfort

A celebration like no other

What Makes It Special

While the world crowds into restaurants and city squares, you'll be sitting around a private bonfire in the silence of the world's greatest desert.

Entirely Private Camp

Only 8 luxury tents — no day-trippers, no crowds. The Sahara belongs to you and a handful of guests.

Chef's Festive Menu

A private chef prepares a multi-course festive dinner blending Berber traditions with seasonal celebration.

Midnight Bonfire

Ring in the New Year around a desert bonfire under a sky with thousands of visible stars.

World-Class Stargazing

Zero light pollution. Telescope sessions guided by our team reveal galaxies, nebulae and meteor showers.

Warm December Weather

Daytime temperatures of 18-22 °C. Enjoy sunshine and clear skies while Europe shivers.

No Crowds, Total Peace

M'hamid El Ghizlane sits beyond the tourist trail. Absolute tranquility, far from the holiday rush.

The experience

The Festive Program

Festive dinner under the stars in the Sahara

Christmas Eve Dinner Under the Stars

A candlelit multi-course dinner set among the dunes, featuring slow-roasted lamb, seasonal Moroccan delicacies, and handcrafted desserts. Live Berber music accompanies the meal as the desert sky unfolds above you.

New Year's Eve Private Bonfire

Count down to midnight around a crackling bonfire in the heart of the dunes. Toast with Moroccan sparkling, share stories with fellow guests, and welcome the new year in the most extraordinary setting imaginable.

New Year's Eve bonfire celebration in the desert
Sunrise camel trek on New Year's morning

Sunrise Camel Trek on New Year's Morning

Begin the year with a camel trek into the golden dunes at first light. Watch the sun rise over the Sahara — a moment of pure stillness and beauty that sets the tone for the months ahead.

Telescope Stargazing Sessions

The Sahara's winter sky is among the clearest on Earth. Our telescope sessions reveal the Orion Nebula, Andromeda Galaxy, and the Milky Way in breathtaking detail. A perfect way to end each evening of your festive stay.

Stargazing at Umnya Desert Camp
Berber tea ceremony in the desert

Berber Music & Tea Ceremony

Gather around the fire for traditional Berber rhythms performed by local musicians. Savor fresh mint tea prepared the traditional way — poured high from a silver teapot — as Gnaoua melodies drift across the sand.

Luxury tent interior Desert dining Camp at dusk Sunset over Sahara dunes Berber tea at dusk

Plan your stay

Practical Information

December Weather

Daytime temperatures range from 18-22 °C with abundant sunshine and clear skies. Evenings cool to 5-8 °C — perfect for sitting by the fire wrapped in a Berber blanket. Rain is extremely rare. December is one of the finest months in the Sahara.

What to Pack

Light layers for daytime, a warm jacket and scarf for evenings. Comfortable walking shoes for dune treks. Sunglasses and sun protection. We provide luxury linens, heated tents, and all essentials — pack light.

How to Get Here

Fly into Marrakech (RAK) or Ouarzazate (OZZ). We arrange private 4x4 transfers through the stunning Draa Valley (~6-8h from Marrakech), or a 60-minute private helicopter flight directly to the dunes. Full logistics support included.

Limited Capacity

Umnya Desert Camp|Umnya Desert Camp has only 8 luxury tents. The festive period is our most sought-after season. We recommend booking 3-6 months in advance. Privatization of the entire camp is available for groups and families.

Only 8 tents

December dates fill months in advance. Secure your place now.

Make it unforgettable

Reserve Your Festive Sahara Escape

Contact us to check availability for Christmas and New Year. We'll craft a bespoke program for your group.