Overnight Merzouga Desert Camp: Camel Ride & Sunrise

Camel ride at sunset, a night under the stars, sunrise over the dunes, sandboarding in the morning

An overnight desert tour from Merzouga takes you on a private camel ride across the dunes of Erg Chebbi, ending at a traditional Berber camp where you sleep in a private tent, eat dinner by a campfire with live music, wake for sunrise, and try sandboarding before riding back. The tour runs roughly 18 to 20 hours and includes a camel guide who speaks English, Spanish, Italian, French and one additional language.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Camel ride and desert camp experience

• Meet camel caravan in Merzouga
• Ride camels through dunes at sunset
• Arrive at Sahara Desert camp
• Enjoy Moroccan dinner by campfire
• Listen to Berber music and drums

Day 2: Sunrise, sandboarding, and return

• Wake up early to watch sunrise
• Have breakfast at the camp
• Sandboarding in the desert
• Camel ride back to Merzouga

The experience

The trip starts in the afternoon when you meet your camel caravan in Merzouga and ride across the color-changing dunes with the sunset ahead. You reach the desert camp just before dark, nestled in the middle of the Sahara. After time to take in the landscape, a Moroccan dinner is served under the stars next to a campfire, followed by Berber music and drums played by the local hosts late into the night.

You wake early the next morning to watch the sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast, you have time for sandboarding on the sand before a final camel ride back to Merzouga where the tour began. A camel guide travels with you throughout, and your car is parked safely at the hotel while you're in the desert.

The private tent is yours alone for the night. Coffee and tea are available in the camp. The tour accommodates vegetarian, vegan and halal meals on request. Just let the operator know when you book. Service animals are welcome, and the experience suits all fitness levels, though it's not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or cardiovascular concerns.

What’s included

• Private camel ride for each person across the dunes.
• private tent for the night.
• Moroccan dinner served by the campfire.
• coffee and tea in the camp.
• live Berber music and drums after dinner.
• sandboarding time the next morning.
• camel ride back to Merzouga.
• camel guide throughout.
• safe car parking at the hotel.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to2d before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German and Italian

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomeNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Morocco Safari Desert

Is this one for you?The overnight commitment means you spend roughly 18 to 20 hours in the desert, which leaves little room for other activities that day but gives you a full cycle of the Sahara (sunset, night, sunrise and morning) without rushing any of it. If your schedule allows only a few hours in Merzouga, this is not the tour to pick.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French, German and Italian.

What is Erg Chebbi and why does the tour go there?

Erg Chebbi is the massive sand dune field in the Merzouga region where the desert camp sits. The tour rides camels across these dunes specifically to reach the camp and to experience the Sahara landscape at sunset and sunrise, which is why the overnight stay centers on this location.

Do I need experience riding a camel?

No experience is necessary. The camel guide handles the animals and travels with you, and the ride is part of the tour structure. The pace is set for first-time riders, and the journey suits all fitness levels.

What happens if I have dietary restrictions?

The camp offers vegetarian, vegan and halal meals on request. Tell the operator your preference when you book, and they will prepare your dinner accordingly.

Is the overnight tent comfortable for sleeping?

You get a private tent in the traditional Berber camp. It is designed for overnight stays in the desert, though comfort is basic. The focus is on the desert experience itself rather than luxury amenities.

Can I leave my car somewhere safe while I'm in the desert?

Yes, safe parking for your car is included at the hotel in Merzouga. You leave your vehicle there when you depart for the desert and pick it up when you return the next day.