Erg Chebbi overnight: Camel ride, luxury camp, sandboarding

Ride into the dunes at sunset, sleep under the stars, sandboard at dawn

An overnight tour of Erg Chebbi departing from Merzouga that combines a one-hour camel ride through red sand dunes at sunset, a night in a luxury nomad tent with private shower and toilet, Berber dinner and breakfast, sandboarding, and sunrise viewing, with private 4x4 pickup and drop-off. The tour runs roughly 18 hours and accommodates groups up to 15 people. Children from age 3 are welcome, and guides speak English, Spanish or French.

Step-by-step itinerary

Camel ride, desert camp, and sunrise

• Pickup from accommodation in Merzouga
• Transfer to camel meeting point
• Ride camel through Erg Chebbi dunes
• Stop for sunset photos on big dune
• Arrive at luxury desert camp
• Enjoy Berber mint tea welcome
• Dine in Berber tent
• Watch stars by campfire
• Sleep in luxury nomad tent with bathroom
• Wake up early to watch Sahara sunrise
• Have typical breakfast at camp
• Try sandboarding or take photos
• Return by camel or 4x4 to Merzouga

The experience

Pickup happens in the late afternoon from your Merzouga accommodation, then a 4x4 brings you to the camel meeting point. You ride for about an hour through the red dunes, with a stop partway up to watch the sunset and take pictures before arriving at the luxury camp. A guide leads the camel, and the pace is built for the desert, unhurried and steady. Once you reach camp, mint tea waits, and the evening unfolds in a Berber tent over dinner while you watch for shooting stars around the campfire.

You sleep in a nomad tent with your own shower and toilet, then wake to the first light crossing the Sahara. Breakfast comes next, and after eating you can try sandboarding down the dunes or simply photograph the landscape in the early-morning colors. The ride back to Merzouga happens by camel or 4x4, whichever you prefer. You choose when you book.

What’s included

• Private 4x4 pickup and drop-off from your Merzouga accommodation.
• one-hour camel ride each way with a camel guide.
• overnight stay in a luxury nomad tent with private shower and toilet.
• Berber dinner and full breakfast.
• sandboarding equipment and access.
• mint tea on arrival and coffee or tea throughout.
• parking fees.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 16:00 and 17:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (13 to 90 years) · Child (6 to 12 years) · Infant (3 to 5 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and French

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 2 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 12 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Explore Morocco Travel SARL

Is this one for you?Groups stay under 15 people, so the camp doesn't feel crowded, and the camel ride moves at a pace that suits moderate fitness. This overnight works best if you want to actually sleep in the desert and experience the dunes across two different times of day rather than rush through in a few hours.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and French.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 12 years); Infant (3 to 5 years). Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.

How long is the camel ride each way?

The camel ride takes about one hour in each direction, with a stop on the way out to watch the sunset and take pictures.

What's the overnight accommodation like?

You sleep in a luxury nomad tent with a private shower and toilet inside, so you have the basics of comfort in the desert.

Is sandboarding included, and do I have to do it?

Sandboarding is included in the tour price. It's optional. If you'd rather rest or photograph the dunes at sunrise, that's fine too.

What meals are provided?

Dinner is a typical Berber meal served in a tent at the camp. Breakfast is a rich spread the next morning before you ride back. Coffee and tea are available throughout.