1-Night Camel Trek in Merzouga: Erg Chebbi Desert Camp

Ride camels across golden dunes at sunset, sleep under stars in a Sahara tent, wake to sunrise over the sand.

A 1-night camel trek in Merzouga combines two camel rides (one at sunset, one at sunrise) with an overnight stay in a private nomadic tent in the Erg Chebbi dunes. The guide speaks English and leads the full experience. Dinner, breakfast, mint tea, Berber music and a campfire are included. You'll have a private bathroom and parking for your car at the camp.

The experience

The trek starts after you meet the guide in Merzouga. You'll ride a camel for roughly an hour and twenty minutes across the dunes to the camp, stopping midway to watch the sunset and take photographs. Once the light fades, the ride continues to the camp, where you're greeted with mint tea and settle in for the evening. Dinner, Berber music and a campfire under the stars fill the night before you sleep in your private tent.

The next morning you wake early for a sunrise camel ride across the same dunes, then return to the camp for breakfast. After eating, you ride back to Merzouga by camel. The return route depends on what you choose. The whole experience runs roughly twelve hours from start to finish, though the actual time in the saddle is split across two rides so neither one feels long.

A private bathroom is attached to your tent, and your car stays parked safely at the camp while you're out on the dunes. Water, dinner and breakfast are provided. Bring sunscreen and a hat for the rides, and wear layers because the desert cools sharply after dark.

What’s included

• Camel riding both mornings and the afternoon trek.
• private nomadic tent with private bathroom.
• dinner and breakfast.
• mint tea, coffee and one bottle of water.
• Berber music and campfire.
• camel guide in English.
• parking for your car at the camp.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 16:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (10 and older) · Child (4 to 9 years) · Infant (1 to 3 years): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 13 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Visit Merzouga

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English throughout, so you'll follow the commentary and know what's happening at each stop. A straightforward choice if this is your first time in the Sahara or you prefer clear direction over a shared group experience.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

43 verified traveler reviews

5 ★43

4 ★0

3 ★0

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 9 years); Infant (1 to 3 years): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the camel riding actually like in Merzouga?

You ride twice: once in the late afternoon heading to camp (about an hour and twenty minutes), with a sunset break in the middle, and again the next morning at sunrise. Both rides cross the Erg Chebbi sand dunes. The pace is steady and the camels are used to carrying visitors, so even first-time riders manage comfortably.

Do I need experience to do this overnight trek?

No. The trek suits all fitness levels and welcomes children from age one. The guide leads the whole experience in English, so you'll know what to expect at each step.

What happens at the desert camp overnight?

You sleep in a private nomadic tent with a private bathroom. Dinner, mint tea, Berber music and a campfire are part of the evening. Breakfast and coffee or tea come the next morning before your sunrise ride.

Where do I meet the guide, and how does the day start?

You meet the guide in Merzouga itself. From there, you head out on camel to the camp in the Erg Chebbi dunes, stopping to watch the sunset along the way.

Can I bring luggage or valuables to the camp?

Your car parks safely at the camp while you're on the dunes, so you can leave bags and valuables there. Bring only what you need for the overnight stay on the rides themselves.