Merzouga Camel Trek & Overnight Desert Camp at Sunset

Ride out at sunset, feed the camels, sleep under the stars in a real tent.

You ride camels ninety minutes into the Erg Chebbi dunes, spend a night in a luxury ensuite tent with dinner and breakfast included, feed the camels both mornings and evenings, watch the sunset and dawn from the sand, and try sandboarding if you want. The guide handles all the desert logistics, and you're back in Merzouga village by mid-morning on day two.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Camel ride and desert camp activities

• Ride camels 90 minutes to desert camp
• Climb dunes to watch sunset
• Feed local camels
• Enjoy sandboarding
• Dine traditional Moroccan dinner
• Listen to drum music by campfire
• Stay overnight in luxury tent

Day 2: Desert dawn and return to village

• Wake early to see desert dawn
• Shower and have breakfast in camp
• Ride camels back to Merzouga village

The experience

The camel ride to the desert camp takes about ninety minutes, and somewhere around the halfway point you stop noticing how sore your legs are because the dunes have swallowed everything else: the road, the village, the sound of engines. Your guide leads you deeper into Erg Chebbi, and the sand shifts color as the light moves. When you reach the camp, the tents are already there, fabric and wood rising out of the desert like they've always belonged. You have time to climb the nearest dune before sunset, and most people do, even though their thighs are already protesting.

Dinner happens around a fire, with drums playing and the sky doing that thing where it stops being blue and becomes something else entirely. The food is traditional (tagine, bread, tea), and it tastes different out here, maybe because you're eating it sitting on sand instead of at a table. After, you wander back to your ensuite tent, which has actual beds and a shower, so the "luxury" part isn't marketing. You fall asleep to the sound of nothing, which is louder than you'd think. In the morning, your guide wakes you early enough to catch the dawn from the dunes, then breakfast happens in camp before the camel ride back to Merzouga village. Some groups do sandboarding on the way. It's exactly what it sounds like, and the sand is nothing like snow.

The feeding camels part happens both days. You're not just riding past them. You're actually handling the animals, which changes how you think about the whole thing. The guides know the camels by name and temperament, and they'll show you how to hold the food so the animal doesn't mistake your fingers for dates. It's the kind of detail that sticks with you longer than the sunset photos.

What’s included

Your day includes camel rides from Merzouga village to the desert camp and back the next morning, one night in an ensuite tent at a luxury desert camp, dinner with drum music and a campfire, breakfast, soft drinks, feeding the camels, and sandboarding on the dunes. A desert guide leads both days, and all transport by camel is handled.

Information

Lasts 2d, runs every day at 16:00 and 17:00, from US$ 570 per person and with a live guide in English, Spanish and French.

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 16:00 and 17:00Another time? ›

GroupUp to 1234567899 private ›

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and FrenchOther languages ›

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 23 pickup points.

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (18 to 19 years) · Youth (11 to 17 years) · Child (4 to 10 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Merzouga Experience

Is this one for you?Right for travelers who want the Sahara without camping rough: the ensuite tent and hot meals take the edge off, which is what lets you focus on the camels, the dunes, and the quiet. Plan for two full days out of Merzouga, with physical activity both mornings and evenings. That's what makes the sunrise and sunset both possible.

Traveler reviews

4.50★★★★★★★★★★

8 verified 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: Youth (11 to 17 years); Child (4 to 10 years). Children under 4 can't be included in the booking.

How long is the camel ride each way?

About ninety minutes from Merzouga village to the desert camp, and the same back the next morning.

What's included in the price?

Camel rides, one night in an ensuite tent at the luxury camp, dinner, breakfast, soft drinks, and a desert guide. Sandboarding is part of the itinerary.

Do I need experience to ride a camel?

No. The guides work with all fitness levels and camel-riding experience. The pace is steady and the camels are accustomed to tourists.

What's the accommodation like?

Ensuite tents in a luxury desert camp, not a basic setup. You have a bed, a shower, and proper facilities.

Is there music and a campfire?

Yes. After dinner, there's drum music around the campfire, which is part of the evening in camp.

When do I get picked up from my hotel?

The tour starts in Merzouga village. Confirm pickup details with the operator when you book.

Can I do this if I'm pregnant or have back problems?

The tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries due to the camel riding.

What if I don't want to sandboard?

Sandboarding is offered as part of the itinerary, but you can skip it and spend the time climbing dunes or resting instead.