Merzouga Camel Trek & Luxury Desert Camp with Sandboarding

Summary

Overnight Sahara Adventure: Camel Ride, Sandboarding & Starry Camp

You’ll ride camels across Erg Chebbi’s golden dunes, feed them by hand, try your luck at sandboarding, and spend a cozy night in a luxury Sahara camp with local food and music under endless stars.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me stepping out into the late afternoon was the dry warmth—no wind, just that soft hush you only get in the desert. Our guide, Youssef, handed us scarves to wrap around our heads (trust me, you’ll want one for the sun and sand). The camels waited nearby, chewing quietly. I’d never fed a camel before—turns out they love dates and will nudge your hand for more. We set off from Merzouga village, swaying gently as the camels padded over orange dunes. It’s about an hour and a half to camp but it doesn’t feel long; there’s always something new to spot—a beetle trail here, a sudden burst of birdsong there.

We reached camp just as the sky started turning gold. There’s time to climb up the nearest dune—harder than it looks!—and watch the sun drop behind endless sand. Some folks tried sandboarding; I gave it a go and ended up with sand everywhere (worth it). Dinner was served under canvas: tagine bubbling away, bread still warm from the fire. Afterward, we gathered around a small fire while local drummers played rhythms that seemed to echo off the dunes. Later on, I wandered away from camp lights—the stars out here look close enough to touch.

Morning comes early in Merzouga. Our guide woke us before sunrise; I shuffled out of my tent (private bathroom inside—big plus) and climbed a dune with coffee in hand. The silence at dawn is something else. After breakfast—eggs, bread, sweet mint tea—we rode back toward Merzouga village as the sun warmed up the sand again. Even after brushing off all that grit from my shoes back at the hotel, I kept finding little reminders of the desert for days.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Camel Trek and Desert Sunset

• Camel trek to desert camp
• Sandboarding and feeding camels

Day 2 — Desert Dawn and Return Ride

• Watch desert dawn, shower, and breakfast
• Camel ride back to Merzouga village

Top questions

Is this camel trek suitable for beginners?

Yes—it’s beginner-friendly and our guides help you get comfortable with riding and feeding camels.

What should I pack for this overnight desert trip?

A scarf or hat for sun protection is handy; bring layers since nights can get chilly even if days are warm.

Are bathrooms private at the luxury camp?

Yes—each tent has its own ensuite bathroom for comfort and privacy.

Can I skip sandboarding if I’m not sure about it?

Of course! Sandboarding is optional—you can relax at camp or explore nearby dunes instead.

What’s included

This experience covers dinner and breakfast (with soft drinks), all camel rides led by local guides, your stay in a comfortable luxury tent with ensuite bathroom in Merzouga’s desert camp—and yes, plenty of time for feeding camels or trying sandboarding if you like.