Standard camp €40 / person
The closest version to how nomads camp: wool tents with beds and blankets, shared bathrooms and a large communal rug around the fire.
- Private tent
- Dinner and breakfast
- Shower at the hotel in Merzouga
Camel trek and night in the Merzouga desert
The night in the Sahara you have been dreaming of: sunset caravan, Berber dinner, drums by the fire and a sky full of stars.
From €40 per person Book now
Highlights
- Camel trekking
- Sunset in the dunes
- Sunrise in Erg Chebbi
- Starry sky
- Campfire and drums
- Private tent
- Dinner and breakfast
- Optional sandboarding
A night in the Sahara, made simple
If you had to pick one place that sums up the magic of Morocco, this would be it: a sea of golden sand that changes colour by the minute, palm oases in the distance and, when night falls, one of the clearest skies you will ever see. There is no better way in than the way the caravans have always done it: on the back of a camel, the “ship of the desert”, with your indigo turban tied tight.
This experience is designed for those who make their own way to Merzouga — by hire car, by bus or in the middle of another trip — and want to spend the night in the dunes with a local agency. It is our simplest package and can be customised: a second night, a 4x4 excursion the next day or a special dinner for a celebration.
- Duration
- 1 night
- Departure
- approx. 4 pm
- Meeting point
- Beside the dunes
- Standard camp
- €40 / person
- Luxury camp
- €90 / person
- Availability
- All year round
The experience, step by step
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Time16h
Meeting in Merzouga and setting off by caravan
We meet at the edge of Erg Chebbi. You leave your car and bags in safe hands, we help you tie your turban and introduce you to your camel. The caravan moves slowly for a little over an hour and a half, while the evening light turns the dunes ochre, orange and pink.
- One camel per person
- Local camel handler throughout
- Photo stops
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Evening
Sunset from the top of a dune
Once at the camp you have free time: settle into your tent, grab a sandboard if you fancy it and climb the nearest dune. From the top the silence is total and the sun sinks behind a horizon of sand.
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Night
Berber dinner, fire and stars
Dinner is served hot: soup, tagine and seasonal fruit, with a vegetarian option if you ask when booking. Afterwards we light the campfire and the drums begin. When the fire dies down, you only need to walk a few metres away to see the Milky Way without a single light around.
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Morning
Sunrise, breakfast and return
We wake you before the sun comes up so you do not miss the sunrise. You have breakfast at the camp and ride back to the starting point. In the luxury camp you shower in your own tent; if you chose the standard camp, the shower is waiting at the hotel in Merzouga.
Choose your camp
Luxury camp €90 / person
Spacious tents with a large bed, electricity and a private bathroom with hot shower. A small canvas hotel in the middle of the dunes, with all the silence intact.
- Private tent with bathroom
- Dinner and breakfast
- Shower in your own tent
What’s included
- Private tent
- One camel per person
- Turban for each traveller
- Room to store your luggage
- Parking for your car
- Mineral water
- Dinner and breakfast
- Vegetarian menu (on request when booking)
- Sandboarding at the camp
- Evening with drums and campfire
What’s not included
- Alcoholic drinks
- Tips (optional)
- Transport to Merzouga
How do I get to the Merzouga desert?
It is the question we are asked most. There are three ways:
- On an organised tour. The easiest option: we collect you in Marrakech, Fez, Ouarzazate, Casablanca or Tangier and the road becomes part of the trip. See our tours from Marrakech and from Fez.
- In your own car. The road is paved all the way to the village. Write to us and we will tell you the meeting point and where to park.
- By bus. CTM and Supratours buses link Morocco’s main cities with Merzouga and Rissani. Tell us what time you arrive and we will be waiting.
Frequently asked questions
What time does the experience start?
At around 4 pm, about two hours before sunset. The exact time changes with the season: in winter we leave a little earlier and in summer later, to avoid the heat.
Where do we meet?
At the foot of the Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga. When you book we send you the exact location. You can leave your car parked there and your large luggage in a locked room.
What should I bring to the camp?
A small backpack with warm clothes for the night, comfortable shoes, sun cream, sunglasses, your toiletries and a power bank. We provide the mineral water and the turban.
Is there a vegetarian option?
Yes. Let us know about any diet, allergy or intolerance when you book and the camp cook will cater for it.
Is it cold in the desert?
From November to February nights can drop close to 0 °C, although the tents have thick blankets. From June to August daytime temperatures are very high and the trek takes place late in the afternoon.