Merzouga: Camel Trek & Overnight Sahara Camp with Dinner

Summary

Sleep under Sahara stars after a sunset camel trek in Merzouga

You’ll ride camels through Erg Chebbi’s golden dunes as the sun sets, share mint tea and laughter with your local guide, sleep beneath a sky crowded with stars at a Merzouga desert camp, and wake up early for sunrise before breakfast with panoramic views. Let yourself be surprised by quiet moments you didn’t know you needed.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what silence actually sounds like? I didn’t really get it until we were halfway out into the Merzouga dunes, the camels’ hooves making this soft crunch in the sand. Our guide, Hassan, handed us mint tea at the hotel — it was sweet and hot and somehow made the desert air feel cooler. I fumbled with my scarf (he tied it for me), and then we set off. The camels swayed so much more than I expected; my legs felt like jelly for a bit but you kind of get used to it. The sun was already starting to dip, turning everything gold-orange — cliché maybe, but honestly there’s no other way to say it.

We stopped on a high dune just as the last bit of sun disappeared behind the sand hills. Everyone got quiet for a minute. I could smell something earthy — not dust exactly, more like warmth. Hassan pointed out some distant lights: “That’s Algeria,” he said with a little grin. After dinner at camp (tagine — so good), some of the guys played Berber drums around a fire. I tried joining in but couldn’t keep up; they laughed and let me shake something that sounded like pebbles in a tin can. Later, lying back outside my tent, I counted shooting stars until I lost track.

The next morning came early — someone called softly to wake us for sunrise. It was cold enough that my breath showed up in little clouds. Climbing up another dune half-asleep felt weirdly peaceful; all you could hear was wind and maybe one or two sleepy voices nearby. The sky went from deep blue to pink and then suddenly everything was bright again. Breakfast tasted extra good after all that (Moroccan pancakes are my new weakness). Riding back through Erg Chebbi on camels again, I kept thinking about how different everything looked in daylight — less dramatic maybe, but more real somehow.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Camel trekking and desert camp stay

• Meet at hotel for mint tea
• Start camel trekking through desert
• Arrive at furnished desert camp
• Watch sunset from high dunes
• Enjoy dinner and Berber drum music
• Stargaze in clear desert sky

Day 2 — Sunrise and return camel trek

• Wake up early for sunrise
• Have breakfast with panoramic view
• Ride camels back through dunes
• Return to meeting point

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for the Merzouga camel trek?

Yes, pickup from your hotel is included before starting the camel trek.

What meals are provided during the overnight Sahara camp?

Dinner and breakfast are both included at the desert camp.

Can you try sandboarding during this Merzouga tour?

Yes, sandboarding is available as an optional activity at camp.

How long does it take to reach the desert camp by camel?

The camel ride through Erg Chebbi dunes takes about 1–2 hours depending on conditions.

Are tents private or shared at Merzouga desert camp?

You’ll have your own private nomad-style tent at the camp.

Is Berber drumming music part of this experience?

Yes, traditional Berber drum music is played after dinner at camp.

What should I bring for an overnight Sahara tour?

Bring comfortable clothes for riding camels, warm layers for night, and basic toiletries.

What’s included

Your journey includes hotel pickup in Merzouga, a guided camel trek across Erg Chebbi dunes to a furnished desert camp where you’ll enjoy traditional Moroccan dinner and breakfast, optional sandboarding if you’re up for it, Berber drumming music under the stars, plus sunrise and sunset moments before returning by camel after breakfast.