Merzouga Desert: Camel Ride & Sahara Camp Overnight

Summary

Ride camels at sunset sleep under Sahara stars with Berber music

You’ll cross Erg Chebbi’s high dunes by camel from Merzouga as the sun sets, sleep in a private tent with shared bathroom, share dinner and Berber music by firelight, then wake for sunrise before riding back. It’s all guided and includes meals—just bring your sense of wonder (and maybe warm socks).

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the sound—camel hooves sinking into the sand outside Merzouga, sort of soft and squeaky at the same time. Our guide, Hassan, handed me the reins and grinned like he knew what I was about to feel (nervous? excited? both). The sun wasn’t down yet but everything had that late-afternoon gold. We set off toward the Erg Chebbi dunes, which looked unreal up close—like someone had smoothed orange silk over giant hills. There was this smell too, kind of dusty but clean, if that makes sense.

We stopped somewhere deep in the dunes—no roads or buildings in sight—and just sat on our camels while the sky turned pink. I tried to take a photo but honestly it didn’t catch half of it. Hassan pointed out where Algeria started way off in the haze. He laughed when I nearly slid off trying to dismount (camels are taller than you think). Then we walked to camp together, shoes off because the sand was still warm from the day. The tents were simple but had these thick blankets and lanterns; I felt weirdly safe inside even though we were so far from town.

Dinner tasted smoky and sweet at once—tagine with vegetables because I’m vegetarian (they’d asked ahead about food stuff). Afterward there was drumming around a fire; some of us tried dancing but mostly we just listened. The stars were everywhere—like someone spilled salt across black velvet—and it got quiet except for laughter and one guy snoring nearby. In the morning we rode back to Merzouga village by camel again (you can take a jeep if you want), sun just coming up behind us. I still think about that cold air on my face before breakfast.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Camel ride to desert camp

• Take camels from village
• Cross high dunes of Erg Chebbi
• Stop to enjoy sunset in dunes
• Arrive at desert camp
• Dinner at camp

Day 2 — Return to Merzouga village

• Breakfast at camp
• Take camels or jeep back
• Cross dunes again
• End journey in village

Top questions

Is dinner included at the Merzouga desert camp?

Yes, dinner is included along with breakfast during your overnight stay.

Can vegetarians or vegans be accommodated?

Yes, dietary restrictions like vegetarian or vegan can be accommodated if you mention them when booking.

How do you get from Merzouga village to the desert camp?

You travel by camel across the Erg Chebbi dunes to reach the camp; return can be by camel or jeep.

Are bathrooms private or shared at the camp?

The tents are private but bathrooms are shared among guests at the camp.

Is there any entertainment at night?

Yes, there is traditional Berber music and a fire party after dinner at camp.

What is included in this Merzouga desert tour?

The tour includes a camel ride each person, private tent with shared bathroom, dinner, breakfast, sandboard use, and fire party.

Are children or infants allowed on this overnight tour?

Yes, infants are allowed but must sit on an adult's lap during transport.

Can solo travelers join this overnight desert experience?

Yes, solo travelers as well as groups of all ages are welcome on this tour.

What’s included

Your overnight trip includes a camel ride from Merzouga village into the Sahara with your own private tent (shared bathrooms), plus dinner and breakfast prepared for your dietary needs if you mention them ahead. There’s also sandboarding available and Berber music around a fire before you head back in the morning by camel or jeep.