This is not the usual New Year’s Eve.
There is no forced countdown, no rushed midnight toasts.
There is a fire burning between the dunes, the silence of the desert amplifying every emotion, and a group of people who have chosen to welcome the new year in a different way.
Celebrating New Year’s Eve in southern Morocco is an experience that stays with you.
Suspended between the essential beauty of the desert and the depth of the bonds created along the journey, this is more than a holiday: it is a rite of passage. A moment to close the circle of the year that is ending and open yourself—with intention—to the new one.
Why New Year’s Eve in the Moroccan desert is different
No chaos, no forced plans.
Here, you celebrate around a campfire, with the wind in your hair and the sky full of stars.
You dine under Berber tents, listen to ancient stories, and sip mint tea in front of warm, quiet embers. Every moment is real, every gesture tastes of authenticity.
The weather is perfect: mild, sunny days and cool—but not cold—nights.
It’s the ideal season to explore, to slow down, and to truly feel time shifting.
A journey that can transform you
The program offered by Ranch de Diabat for experienced riders is the 3-day, 2-night horseback trekking in Essaouira, designed to let you experience the essence of Morocco in an authentic, profound way.
You will cross majestic dunes, rugged canyons, endless beaches, and landscapes that feel suspended in time.
Each day will follow the rhythm of your horse, the powerful silence of the ocean, and sunsets that seem to speak to the soul.
And on the night of December 31st, while the rest of the world rushes to catch the “perfect moment” to celebrate, you will be there.
Far from the noise. At the very center of yourself.
If you don’t have much experience: discover the Beginner Riders Morocco program
You don’t need to be an expert to live an adventure on horseback in Morocco.
For those who have a basic riding foundation and still limited experience, a tailor-made program is now available: Beginner Riders Morocco.
It is a stationary experience based in Essaouira, Morocco, where you will be trained for Equestrian Tourism.
It is available all year round, including the end-of-year holidays, and is ideal for those who want to approach outdoor riding safely and authentically.
The program runs from Saturday to Saturday.
A full week of immersive preparation, between ocean beaches and the hills surrounding the Ranch, where you will learn:
- how to prepare the horse for Equestrian Tourism, including all necessary grooming;
- the specific feeding required during intense work;
- how to manage a horse outdoors;
- how to handle situations that may occur in nature while riding, with two outdoor sessions per day;
- your first independent experiences, giving you the skills needed to face an itinerant trekking in the future;
- all under the guidance of those who have practiced Equestrian Tourism for 25 years.
Tips to make the most of New Year’s Eve in Morocco
- Book early: New Year’s Eve is one of the most requested periods. The Essaouira trekking at Ranch de Diabat has limited spots and fills up quickly.
- Choose authentic experiences: rely on those who truly know this land. The Ranch has been working with travelers from all over the world for years, offering itineraries built with love and respect for the places, the animals, and the people.
- Travel light, with an open heart: you don’t need much to experience something extraordinary. Just the willingness to be surprised.
Start 2026 with an adventure, not just a toast
This year, don’t just celebrate New Year’s Eve.
Make the beginning of 2026 an experience that energizes you for the months ahead.
Morocco offers a stage unlike any other; Ranch de Diabat guides you step by step into the desert to make it unforgettable.
Choose to start the new year under the stars.
Share New Year’s Eve with your travel companions and your horse.
Light the first fire of the new year not to warm yourself, but to remember who you are.
Because it’s not just about beginning a new year.
It’s about beginning with yourself.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
What activity is available at Ranch de Diabat for New Year’s Eve?
The only activity available during the New Year period is a 3-day, 2-night horseback trekking experience in the desert. It is designed for riders with a minimum level of experience and offers an authentic, profound way to welcome the new year far from the chaos.
What level of experience is required to join the desert trekking?
A basic level of riding experience is required: you should feel comfortable in the saddle, be able to manage a horse outdoors, and handle walk, trot, and canter. You don’t need to be an expert rider, but the activity is not suitable for someone who has never ridden before.
What makes New Year’s Eve in the Moroccan desert special?
The silence, the star-filled skies, the fire lit between the dunes, and the deep connection with the horses and with yourself. It’s an experience that leaves a lasting impression—ideal for those who want to start the year with intention, far from conventional celebrations.
Is there an experience suitable for beginners?
Yes. The Beginner Riders Morocco program is designed for those with limited experience who want to approach equestrian tourism gradually and safely. It runs year-round and includes 8 days of technical and practical training around Essaouira, with Arabian-Berber horses and expert guides.
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