Erg Chigaga Overnight Desert Tour from Mhamid with Camel Ride

Summary

One Night Sahara Camping & Camel Trek in Erg Chegaga

If you want to really feel what it’s like to sleep out under Saharan stars and wake up with sand between your toes, this overnight Erg Chigaga trip is for you. You’ll ride camels, try sandboarding on real dunes, share stories around a campfire with locals—and see a side of Morocco most folks never do.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me stepping out of the 4x4 near M’hamid was the dry, warm air—like opening the oven door, but somehow cleaner. Our guide, Youssef, grinned as he handed out scarves for the wind. We set off mid-afternoon, bouncing along tracks that only locals seem to know, passing patches of hammada and the odd cluster of acacia trees. About halfway, we stopped at a tiny oasis. There’s this old stone well there, and if you listen close, you can hear water trickling below the palm fronds—a sound that’s oddly comforting in all that silence.

By late afternoon, the dunes of Erg Chegaga started to rise up ahead—huge, golden waves stretching out forever. We left the jeep and walked up the tallest dune (takes about half an hour; bring water). The sand felt cool underfoot as the sun dropped lower. Watching sunset from up there is something else—the colors shift every few minutes, and it goes quiet except for a bit of wind and someone’s laughter drifting from camp below. Back at the bivouac, mint tea was waiting. Dinner was simple but filling—tagine with fresh bread—and after dark, a couple of guys played darbouka drums by the fire while we tried to spot constellations I’d only ever seen in books.

Morning comes early in the desert. I woke up to soft light sneaking into my tent and the faint smell of coffee brewing somewhere nearby. After breakfast (flatbread, honey, strong coffee), we grabbed sandboards and hiked back up a smaller dune. Sandboarding down is pure fun—fast if you want it to be, or just gentle sliding if you’re not feeling brave yet. The drive back to M’hamid follows an old wadi track; it’s quieter on the way back, everyone kind of lost in their own thoughts or just watching the horizon blur by.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Mhamid to Erg Chegaga Dunes

• 4x4 ride from Mhamid to Chigaga dunes
• Stop at the sacred oasis
• Hike to the top of the highest dune for sunset
• Return to bivouac for tea, songs, dinner, and overnight camping

Day 2 — Erg Chegaga to Mhamid Return

• Breakfast at bivouac
• Return to Mhamid via Latch wadi tracks
• Sandboarding down Chegaga dunes

Top questions

Is this Erg Chigaga tour suitable for families?

Yes! Kids love riding camels and playing on the dunes. Just let us know ages so we can prepare everything comfortably.

What should I pack for one night in the desert?

Bring layers—it gets chilly after dark even if it’s hot during the day. Sunglasses and sunscreen are a must. We provide water and bedding.

Can I join if I have limited mobility?

The camp is wheelchair accessible and our team helps with transfers. Some dune activities may be more challenging but we’ll adapt where possible.

Are meals included? What kind of food will be served?

Dinner and breakfast are included—usually Moroccan tagine with bread and fruit for dinner; simple breakfast with coffee or tea in the morning.

What’s included

Your overnight trip includes bottled water throughout, dinner and breakfast at camp (with vegetarian options available), all transport by air-conditioned 4x4 vehicle from M’hamid to Erg Chegaga and back, camel ride at sunset, sandboarding gear, plus your tented accommodation under the stars. We take care of all logistics so you can just enjoy being out there.