New Year's Eve with the family in the magical Sahara Desert
In summary
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Sports
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Duration7 days
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LevelAll levels
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DestinationAtlas Mountains / Ouarzazate
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AgeFrom 5 - 80 years
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CO₂-Emissions129.2 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
Arabic
Polish
In a few words
Treat your family to an unforgettable New Year in the heart of the Moroccan Sahara , on an adventure designed for children aged 5 and up. This multi-day trek combines gentle hiking and daily yoga for total immersion in the magic of the desert . Each day, you'll progress on foot, at the pace of the rolling dunes and bivouacs under the stars , guided by the ancestral footsteps of the nomads .
In this exceptionally pristine environment, outdoor yoga sessions enrich the experience, offering grounding and serenity . Far from the hustle and bustle, nature becomes a space for rejuvenation and sharing , where young and old alike discover a new way of living together.
Whether by the fire or in the starry silence, every moment invites contemplation , wonder , and a true escape from time . A stay designed to slow down, breathe , and celebrate the essential simplicity of the present moment, in a setting as magnificent as it is soothing.
The highlights
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Family stay with varied sessions adapted to everyone
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Beauty of the desert: golden dunes, sunrises and sunsets, starry skies
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Immerse yourself in nomadic life: authentic sharing, music, and delicious food.
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
Inspired by different approaches - movement, breath, meditation and restorative practices - this vision of yoga is adapted to today's life, while remaining attentive to the rhythm of the stay and the particular experience of the desert during the New Year.
The sessions are accessible to everyone – children and adults – whether you are discovering yoga for the first time or have been practicing for a long time. The aim is not to follow a rigid form or strive for performance, but to enter into a freer, more mindful and personal practice.
For those who wish, invitations to journal will also accompany the stay: a few words, a thought, an image, a feeling - a discreet way to leave a trace of the experience over the days.
The practices will take place at the end of the day, in the afternoon light or as sunset approaches, as a way to gently accompany the transition to the evening.
In figures
Yoga
- Average duration/day: 1h
- 1 average daily practices
Trekking
- Average duration/day: 2h30
- Average distance/day: 9 km
- Exposed Passages: Yes
Management
French
English
Arabic
Polish
A yoga teacher since 2017, Issen has accumulated over 1200 hours of training worldwide. After studying business and beginning her career in financial markets, she decided to change course to pursue her passion: yoga. It was on her mat that she rediscovered balance and serenity, without imagining that this would mark the beginning of a profoundly transformative journey.
Trained in several styles of yoga and wellness approaches (Hatha & Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Yin & Yoga Nidra, Prenatal/Postnatal Yoga, Stråla, Chromatic Yoga, Pranayama, sophrology, and hypnosis), she guides her clients with pedagogy and compassion, leading each individual toward physical, mental, and emotional transformation. Her sessions, enriched by the vibrations of singing bowls and essential oils, offer a space to move with ease, breathe fully, and be grounded in the present moment. Always curious and passionate, Issen continues to develop and share her yogic world with authenticity and generosity.
Program
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Arrival in Marrakech or Ouarzazate
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Arrival in Marrakech or Ouarzazate , depending on your chosen airport. Your arrival time is flexible throughout the day, depending on your flight schedule. Transfers are not included in the retreat price and are at your own expense. You are free to organize your arrival at your own pace and according to your preferences.
If you arrive in the morning, you can leave your luggage at the riad or hotel ; the rooms will be ready in the afternoon . You can then enjoy some rest or explore the surrounding area as you wish.
In Marrakech , the possibilities are numerous: strolling through the medina, exploring the souks, or relaxing in a hammam or traditional spa (optional, with supplement ).
At the end of the day, an informal group gathering is offered around 7 pm to get acquainted before departing for the desert. Those who wish can share a convivial dinner at the riad or hotel: a typical Moroccan dish, often a tagine, with vegetarian or gluten-free options; dinner is available at an additional cost .
You will spend the first night depending on your arrival point:
- at the riad / at the hotel in Marrakech
- at the riad / at the hotel in Ouarzazate
Day 1 -
Towards the Gates of the Desert
- Transportation Minibus - 07h - 425km
- Activity Yoga
- Duration of the activity 0h30
- Number of practices per day 1
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 0h20
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Transport by minibus/taxi - 7 hours journey from Marrakech (425km) and 4 hours journey from Ouarzazate (255km): arrival in M'Hamid El Ghislaine around 6:00 PM
If you have chosen to land in Marrakech, after your breakfast you will take the road towards the desert (transfer around 8:00 am).
The journey begins with a crossing of the High Atlas Mountains, a spectacular mountain range dotted with typical Berber villages. You will be able to admire the Tizi n'Tichka pass (2,260 meters altitude), an iconic gateway to southeastern Morocco.
If you have chosen to land the day before in Ouarzazate, a minibus coming from Marrakech with part of the group will pick you up at your accommodation between 11:30 and 12:30.
A group lunch is planned in Ouarzazate before continuing your journey towards the Draa Valley, known for its thousand kasbahs and vast palm groves. This crossing will offer unforgettable panoramas until your arrival in M'Hamid El Ghizlane, at the gateway to the desert.
Stops are planned along the way to allow you to take photos, discover local argan oil cooperatives or buy some handcrafted souvenirs.
From M'Hamid, an easy walk (20 minutes) will take you to your bivouac, set up in the heart of nature, where you will meet your team of nomads and enjoy a first yoga session.
Day 2 -
Erg Aït Ounir, a spectacular dune field
- Activity Yoga
- Duration of the activity 1h
- Number of practices per day 1
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Distance 10 km
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After breakfast served around 8:00 am, we will walk for about 3 hours at the pace of the caravan, towards Erg Aït Ounir, a spectacular dune field.
Upon arrival, the nomads set up camp. Tea and snacks are served, followed by lunch, and you can relax and admire the beauty of the desert.
A one-hour yoga session with both dynamic and gentle sections. You can admire the sunset before dinner around the campfire, followed by a social gathering. You can spend the night in a tent or under the stars to admire the Saharan sky.
Day 3 -
On the way to Erg Zahar
- Activity Yoga
- Duration of the activity 1h
- Number of practices per day 1
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 3h30
- Distance 12 km
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After breakfast served at 8:00 am, we will walk for approximately 3.5 hours, at the pace of the caravan, towards Erg Zahar, the second highest dune in the region. The landscapes throughout this trek are breathtaking.
Upon arrival, the nomads set up camp. Tea and snacks are served, followed by lunch, and you can relax and admire the beauty of the desert.
A one-hour yoga session with both dynamic and gentle sections. You can admire the sunset before dinner around the campfire, followed by a social gathering. You can spend the last night in the desert, either in a tent or under the stars, admiring the Saharan sky.
Day 4 -
Step by Step towards Sidi Naji
- Activity Yoga
- Duration of the activity 1h
- Number of practices per day 1
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 3h20
- Distance 11 km
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After breakfast served around 8:00 a.m., we walk for about 3 hours and 20 minutes at the pace of the caravan, towards Sidi Naji, a mausoleum built in homage to the ancestor of our tribe, the Nouaji.
Upon arrival, the nomads set up camp. Tea and snacks are served, followed by lunch, and you can relax and admire the beauty of the desert.
A one-hour yoga session with both dynamic and gentle sections. You can admire the sunset before dinner around the campfire, followed by a social gathering. You can spend the last night in the desert, either in a tent or under the stars, admiring the Saharan sky.
Day 5 -
On the Return Road - M'Hamid to Ouarzazate or Marrakech
- Transportation Minibus - 07h - 425km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast, departure around 8:30 am in a 4x4 from the desert to M'Hamid El Ghizlane (approximately 30-minute journey), then continuation by minibus or taxi to Ouarzazate or Marrakech, depending on your accommodation or departure airport.
A group lunch in Ouarzazate is planned for around 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM . After the meal, part of the group will remain in Ouarzazate for the last night at the hotel, while the other part will continue on to Marrakech, where arrival is scheduled for the end of the day around 7:00 PM .
Upon arrival at your accommodation, you'll have free time to relax, stroll around, or explore the city at your own pace . Along the way, you can stop to buy souvenirs or enjoy the scenery.
In the evening, you can choose to dine freely or share a final convivial group dinner at the riad or hotel ( dinner at an additional cost ), to end the trip in joy and conviviality , reliving the memories of your adventure in the desert and southern Morocco.
Day 6 -
Last Moments in Morocco - Free Time and Departure
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast at your riad/hotel in Marrakech or Ouarzazate, the morning is free . You can take this opportunity to stroll around, visit the city , or simply enjoy one last immersion in the Moroccan atmosphere.
It is possible to leave your luggage at the riad or hotel before your return flight, to travel light and fully enjoy your last hours in Morocco.
Transfer to the airport : not included and remains at your own expense.
Depending on your flight schedule, you will then head to the airport for your departure, taking with you the memories and magic of your adventure in the desert and southern Morocco.
Day 7
Accommodation
The arrival and departure location depends on the chosen airport:
- For flights to Marrakech , the first and last nights are spent in a comfortable hotel or riad.
- For flights to Ouarzazate , these nights are spent in a comfortable hotel or riad .
Access
You are free to choose whether to arrive and depart from Marrakech or Ouarzazate , whichever suits you best. You can arrive during the day, at a time that suits you. The time indicated (7:00 PM) is a guideline for group gathering. Dinner is not included, but it can be arranged for the group upon request—whether you arrive in Marrakech or Ouarzazate .
You are also free to choose your return airport: Marrakech or Ouarzazate .
Go to the starting point
Airport-hotel transfers are not included and remain at your own expense.
Price details
The price includes
- Two nights in a shared room in Marrakech or at a hotel in Ouarzazate, with breakfast included on day 1 and day 6
- Comfortable private minibus transfer from Marrakech or Ouarzazate to M'Hamid El Ghislaine, with lunch at a restaurant on the way there and back.
- Desert trek with overnight stays in shared tents
- Delicious meals and comprehensive support. The nomads set up and take down the tents daily, and your luggage is transported by camels, ensuring a light and comfortable journey.
- Yoga sessions led by Issen, including dynamic and gentle moments to harmonize body and mind
- Moments of sharing around the fire, punctuated by traditional nomadic music, to fully experience the magic of the desert
- Exclusive e-book: Essence between Sky and Desert , which combines a practical guide (the essentials for this getaway), an exploration of the world of essential oils, and an address book in Marrakech for a sensory immersion.
The price does not include
- International flights (round trip) to and from Marrakech or Ouarzazate
- Airport-hotel transfers
- Dinner on day 1 in Marrakech or Ouarzazate and dinner on day 6 in Marrakech or Ouarzazate
- Tips for nomads
- Personal expenses
- The sleeping bag for nights in the desert
- Private rooms in Marrakech or Ouarzazate: supplement of 30 euros per night. If you are the only woman or man in your group, this supplement will be charged to guarantee you a private room, unless you are traveling with friends, family, or as a couple and wish to share a room.
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Insurance is not included in this trip:
- Health insurance covering medical care abroad
- Civil liability insurance, covering accidents or injuries
Consider taking out these insurance policies or checking if they are already included with your payment method (Visa, Mastercard, etc.).
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- Shared tents
- Mattress for each participant
- Blankets for the night in the desert
Equipment to bring
Here is a suggested checklist to help you prepare for your desert adventure.
It includes the essentials not to forget and other elements to adjust according to your habits and desires:
General equipment
- Sleeping bag
- Travel pillow (optional)
- Small backpack — which you will carry during the trek, with the essentials: water bottle, wallet, sunscreen, phone, etc.
- Soft-sided travel bag — If you are traveling by plane with a hard-sided suitcase, you can leave it in a secure location in the village and retrieve your belongings upon your return. A soft-sided bag is necessary so it can be loaded onto the camels during the trek.
- External battery (optional)
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Book (or other quiet activity)
- Sunglasses
- Gourd
- Pen
- Toilet paper
- Lighter - to burn the paper after use (there are no toilets in the desert).
- Bath towel & washcloth
- Biodegradable soap or shower gel, or wet wipes — a “cat wash” is possible, but there are no showers in the desert.
- Thermal water for refreshing or washing your face
- Compeed / plasters
- Sunscreen
- After-sun
- Current treatments/medications (or natural solutions if you prefer)
- Hand sanitizer
- Toothbrush & toothpaste
- Shampoo (for the riad/hotel)
- Hairbrush / Comb
- Deodorant
- Lip balm (preferably with sun protection)
- Sanitary bags (if menstruating)
- A rubbish bag is provided for your use during the trek: nothing is left in the desert!
Yoga & Wellness
- Yoga mats - there are travel, lightweight, and foldable models available.
- Comfortable yoga outfits
Clothing to bring
- Long, wide-legged trousers, in a fabric (depending on the season)
- Loose-fitting sports shorts (depending on the season)
- loose-fitting T-shirts
- Long-sleeved T-shirt
- Sleepwear (comfortable and suitable for the temperature)
- Breathable underwear
- Socks
- Puffer jacket or fleece (depending on the season)
- Waterproof/windproof jacket
- Trail running shoes or walking sandals (or both) - avoid new or stiff shoes
- Cap or scarf (to be purchased locally in the village)
