Erg Chabbi Desert 2-Day Camel Trek: Sunrise & Sandboarding

Ride camels across Morocco's highest dunes, then sleep under stars at a working nomadic camp

A 2-day camel trek through Erg Chabbi desert in Merzouga, Morocco, with a live guide, all meals, and two nights at a camp near dunes reaching 300 meters. You ride camels, sand board on the slopes, walk to a nearby oasis, and spend evenings around a fire with music and drumming while learning how nomadic families live in the Sahara.

The experience

The trek starts with a camel ride into the desert, moving at the pace of the animals across sand and rock. Your guide has over a decade of experience leading treks from one to ten days, so the rhythm is steady and the camp is set up to handle the heat and the distance. Meals are prepared locally at the camp using traditional methods, and you eat with the group each morning, midday and evening.

The highest point of the two days is the sand boarding on dunes that rise around 300 meters, the tallest in Morocco, where you can slide down the slopes on boards. Sunrise and sunset are the moments the operator builds the schedule around, positioning you to watch the light change across the sand. A guided walk takes you to the oasis to see how water shapes life in this landscape, and you return to camp before dark.

Nights happen around a fire with music and drumming, a chance to sit with your guide and the nomadic families who run the camp. The starry sky is unobstructed this far from any town, and the camp stays open until you're ready to sleep. A live guide speaks English, Spanish or French, and children from age two are welcome on the trek.

What’s included

• All meals prepared at the camp.
• camel for the two days.
• guide in English, Spanish or French.
• two nights at the nomadic camp.
• sand boarding on the dunes.
• guided walk to the oasis.
• music and drumming around the evening fire.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 17:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (18 to 45 years) · Senior (46 to 65 years) · Youth (9 to 17 years) · Child (6 to 8 years) · Infant (2 to 5 years)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and French

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 effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Mohamed Salem ARIBI

Is this one for you?Book this trek if you want a small group experience with a working nomadic family rather than a commercial resort camp, and if you have two full days to spend in the desert without rushing back to town. The fixed two-day schedule means you arrive with enough time to adjust to the heat and the pace before the long ride out.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

4 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and French.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (9 to 17 years); Child (6 to 8 years); Infant (2 to 5 years).

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 exactly do I do on a camel trek in Erg Chabbi? Is it just riding, or are there other activities?

Camel riding is the main way you move through the desert, but the trek also includes sand boarding on the high dunes, a guided walk to the oasis, and time at the nomadic camp learning about desert life. Sunrise and sunset viewing are built into the schedule, and evenings feature music and drumming around the fire.

How many nights do I spend in the desert, and what is the camp like?

You spend two nights at the nomadic camp located near the highest dunes. The camp is run by local families and includes all meals prepared on-site using traditional methods, so you eat with the group and experience how people actually live in this part of the Sahara.

Is the camel trekking difficult, and do I need riding experience?

The trek is suitable for all physical fitness levels. Your guide sets the pace based on the group, and the camels are accustomed to carrying travelers. The operator has been running treks of one to ten days for over twelve years, so they adjust the route and timing to match who is in the group.

What is included in the price, and what do I need to bring?

All meals are included during the two days, along with the guide, the camel, and accommodation at the camp. You should bring sun protection, a light layer for cool nights, and sturdy shoes or boots for walking on sand and rock.