Lompoul Desert Camp: Overnight Camel Ride & Khaima Tent Stay

Summary

Spend a night in Lompoul’s desert with camels, sunset, and tents

You’ll cross Senegal’s Lompoul Desert by 4x4, meet local artisans near Thiès, ride camels at sunset, and sleep beneath stars in a khaima tent. With included meals and a friendly guide handling every detail, it’s an overnight escape you’ll remember long after you’ve brushed off the last grains of sand.

What’s the experience like?

We were still laughing about my failed attempt at “Thiès” when our driver pulled over by the basketry stalls — the colors just spill out onto the road, you know? Our guide, Amadou, waved to a woman weaving something bright yellow. He said her family’s been selling here for decades. The air smelled like straw and something sweet I couldn’t place. We poked around the decorative arts factory too — tapestries everywhere, some so detailed I had to lean in close.

Lunch was simple but good (rice and fish, lots of chili if you want it), then we bumped along in a 4x4 toward Lompoul village. That last bit into the desert feels like crossing into another world — sand gets everywhere, even inside my shoes. The silence hit me first. Just wind and camel bells somewhere far off. Amadou handed us mint tea while we watched the sun drop behind those orange dunes. I didn’t expect to feel so small or so calm at the same time.

The camel ride was… well, bumpier than I thought (my friend nearly slid off laughing), but seeing the sky go pink from up there is something else. Dinner at the oasis was under this big khaima tent — couscous, grilled chicken, that smoky smell from the fire. Some local guys played drums after; I tried clapping along but got lost halfway through their rhythm.

Woke up early with sand stuck to my face and that weird quiet again — no cars, just wind and maybe a goat somewhere? Breakfast was bread and coffee before heading back toward Thiès. I still think about that silence sometimes when things get noisy at home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival and Desert Experience

• Visit decorative arts factory and basketry markets
• Lunch en route
• Transfer to Lompoul desert by 4x4
• Enjoy sunset and camel ride
• Dinner and overnight in khaima tent

Day 2 — Morning in Lompoul and Return

• Breakfast and free time in desert
• Lunch en route
• Return to hotel

Top questions

Is transportation included from Thiès to Lompoul Desert?

Yes, air-conditioned car transport is provided from Thiès to Lompoul village and then by 4x4 into the desert.

What kind of accommodation is provided in Lompoul?

You’ll stay overnight in a traditional khaima tent at Okaï desert oasis.

Are meals included during the tour?

Yes, lunch en route and dinner in the desert are included on day one; breakfast is also provided before departure.

Is there a camel ride included?

Yes, a camel ride at sunset in the Lompoul Desert is part of the experience.

How long do we spend in the desert?

You’ll arrive in Lompoul in the afternoon and leave after breakfast the next morning—about 18 hours total.

Is this tour suitable for children or people with health issues?

The tour isn’t recommended for infants without adult supervision or travelers with spinal injuries or heart conditions.

Are there any cultural stops along the way?

Yes, you’ll visit decorative arts workshops in Thiès and see basketry markets before reaching Lompoul.

What’s included

Your trip includes air-conditioned transport from Thiès to Lompoul village with a 4x4 transfer into the desert itself; visits to local crafts markets; lunch on route; sunset camel ride; dinner under a khaima tent at Okaï oasis; overnight stay in traditional tents; plus breakfast before your return journey.