Erg Chebbi Desert Overnight in Tent with Camel Ride & Sandboard

Erg Chebbi at night is special because you do the classic Sahara rhythm in a tight 2-day format, from sunset dunes to an early sunrise breakfast. I like how it’s built around an included camel experience, timed for the best light. I also love the comfort angle: your private tent comes with an ensuite bathroom and a hot shower, not the usual desert compromise.

One thing to weigh is what is not included. There is no lunch, and you’ll be spending most of your time away from town, so plan your day before and after with snacks and a little flexibility.

Key points before you go

• Sunset-focused camel ride with a stop inside the dunes for photos
• Private deluxe tents with an ensuite bathroom, toilets, and hot water shower
• 26 sqm tent comfort with a king size bed plus a single bed and quality bedding
• Sandboarding included, so you get more than just sitting and watching dunes
• Berber drum party and bonfire plus a walk under the starry sky
• Sunrise breakfast with panoramic views, then back by camel or Jeep

Erg Chebbi overnight, the 2-day rhythm that works

This is the kind of desert trip you book when you want the Sahara feeling without needing a full week. You start in the Merzouga area, then head out toward Erg Chebbi for golden hour, sleep in camp, and do sunrise the next morning. The timing matters. Sunset and sunrise are when the dunes look dramatic and when the air feels calmer for photos, walking, and stargazing.

What makes this setup practical is that it keeps the day structured. Day 1 is centered on getting out onto the dunes, watching the sunset in the right spot, and transitioning to camp for dinner and music. Day 2 is a clean restart with an early wake-up for sunrise, then breakfast, then return.

Also, the camp side of the trip is not just a sleeping bag situation. The tents are described as spacious, with a king size bed and a single bed, and a private bathroom with hot water. That comfort piece changes how you experience the desert. You spend less time worrying about basics, and more time enjoying the night sky and the dunes in front of you.

Camel ride into Erg Chebbi, built for sunset and photos

Your day starts with transport from the Hassilabied meeting point area, then you park and switch to camels for the dune section. The camel ride portion is about 30 minutes, and it is designed around reaching the sunset viewpoint without the loud back-and-forth you see on rushed tours.

Here is the nice detail: you don’t just ride past dunes. You go out, then stop in the middle of the dunes until the sun goes down. That pause is where your photos get better, and where you can actually feel the quiet of the Sahara. You can ask your camel guide to help with pictures, and the guides are described as professional at taking photos, so you are not stuck guessing camera angles.

After sunset, the ride continues toward camp by camel. That keeps you in the desert mood, rather than cutting the experience short right at the viewpoint. If you are photo-focused, bring a way to keep your phone or camera secure during riding and keep a clean lens pocketed for the best shots.

Shooting Stars Camp, with private ensuite comfort in the dunes

The camp is called Shooting Stars Camp, and it is set up specifically for an overnight feel inside Erg Chebbi. You stay in one of 10 spacious tents, and each tent is described as having a toilet and a private shower. Inside the tent, you’ll have a king size bed plus a single bed, with quality bedding that includes pillows, sheets, and towels.

The bathroom details are the comfort win. You get soap, shampoo, and toilet paper, and the shower has hot water. That means you can actually freshen up after the camel ride and after dinner, instead of wiping off sand and calling it done.

The camp food setup also matters. Meals are served in a restaurant area that is open to the view of the dunes. You eat while the light shifts, so dinner does not feel like a generic stop. There is also mention that meals are prepared according to your dietary needs, which is a big deal if you avoid certain foods.

One practical consideration: private tents and private bathrooms are great, but you still want to treat this as a desert setting. Expect sand, and plan to keep valuables protected and your schedule relaxed.

Dinner, tea, Berber drums, and stargazing time you can actually enjoy

When you arrive at the camp after sunset, you are welcomed with tea and an almond pastry. After that, you get introduced to your private tent and ensuite bathroom. The early course of the evening is deliberately calm, so you have time to settle in before dinner.

Dinner and breakfast are included, and the dinner experience is set up around views and atmosphere. Meals are described as buffet style for breakfast and dinner, with the camp preparing food in line with dietary needs. You also get bottled water included for the meal time.

After dinner, the camp shifts into celebration mode. There is a campfire, and you’ll hear live local music, including Berber drums. The idea is simple: you sit outside, enjoy the music, and then have a moment for a walk under the starry sky.

This is where the best memories tend to form. Not because it is complicated, but because it is a break from screens and a rare setting where you can slow down. If you are the type who likes to get off the main path, this is the evening part that makes the trip feel real.

Sandboarding included, plus how to fit it into the day

Sandboarding is included, which is excellent value. It also changes the pace. Without sandboarding, desert overnights can feel like a long stretch of looking, photographing, and waiting for light changes.

With sandboarding, you get an activity that uses the dunes themselves. You will want comfortable clothing and footwear that can handle sand. The tour description doesn’t spell out equipment or instruction, so I would bring goggles or at least be ready for sand in your eyes, and ask the camp team what to do for the safest setup once you arrive.

Timing-wise, sandboarding is listed as included, so you should treat it as part of your camp day flow rather than something you’ll schedule on your own. The camp vibe is flexible enough that you are not forced into a hard sprint between activities. Still, if you have strong preferences about when to ride, you can ask staff during check-in so you don’t miss the moment you want.

Day two sunrise and breakfast, then back by camel or Jeep

Day 2 starts early for sunrise. The pitch is quiet desert calm, not a crowd scene. You wake up to watch the sunrise over the dunes, then you head to breakfast in the restaurant with panoramic views.

Breakfast is buffet-style and included. It is a nice reward for getting up early, because the morning light is different than sunset. After breakfast, you have a choice for the return. You can take camels back through the dunes to your car, or you can return by Jeep, depending on what is offered for your group.

That choice matters. Camel riding can be slow and peaceful, while Jeep return can be faster and more comfortable if you want to reduce time in the saddle. Either way, the experience ends back at the same meeting point in Hassilabied.

If you are someone who hates feeling rushed on departure, this structure is a plus. You have breakfast and time to regroup before heading back.

Price and value for $69.79 per person

At $69.79 per person, this is positioned as an affordable way into Erg Chebbi overnight comfort. The real value is the mix of inclusions: camel ride, sandboarding, dinner, breakfast, tea, bottled water for meals, plus private transportation.

What stands out is that you are not paying extra for the big pieces. A lot of desert tours charge separately for the camel segment and for activities. Here, the key elements are bundled, and the camp comfort is described in detail, including hot showers and ensuite bathrooms. That is where the price starts to feel reasonable, because comfort costs add up fast when you book them separately.

The main gap on value is lunch. Since lunch is not included, you are effectively budgeting for a gap between breakfast and dinner. If you are arriving from town the day before, plan to eat lunch near your starting area so you do not end up hungry during the middle of the day.

One more note: the camp mentions that commission is high, and you can contact them before booking through email or a phone number to get a price without the high commission and more details. If you are shopping around, it is worth asking, because small price differences matter at this level.

Who this fits best, and what to watch for

This trip fits best if you want classic Sahara moments with real comfort. You’ll enjoy it most if you care about sunrise and sunset, like a campfire with local music, and want an experience that includes sandboarding rather than only passive sightseeing.

It’s also a good match if your priorities are:

• Private tent comfort with a hot shower
• Food on-site with breakfast and dinner included
• Guided camel riding aimed at good sunset light and photo stops

What to watch for:

• There is no lunch, so manage your meal timing around the included breakfast and dinner.
• Alcoholic beverages are not included, and only available to those over 18 years old, so don’t plan on using alcohol to fix any gaps in the day.
• It is a private tour/activity, so you get only your group. That is great for comfort, but it can also mean you might feel the experience is paced exactly for your group, not adjusted to the widest possible crowd.

Packing tip, practical and simple: keep a small dry bag for phone and camera, and wear clothes you do not mind getting dusty. You are in the dunes.

Should you book this Erg Chebbi overnight with camels and sandboarding?

If you want the Erg Chebbi overnight experience with private hot-shower tent comfort, plus sandboarding and a campfire night with Berber drums, this is a strong choice. The price looks fair for what you get, especially with dinner and breakfast handled and the camp designed around views.

I would book it if sunset and sunrise matter to you, and if you like your desert time structured but not rushed. I would think twice if you are picky about meal timing and want lunch included, or if you dislike the idea of spending most of your time away from town after pickup.

FAQ

What is the duration of this Erg Chebbi overnight tour?

It is listed as approximately 2 days, with Day 1 and Day 2 activities centered on Erg Chebbi at sunset and sunrise.

Where does the tour start and where does it end?

It starts at 6284+H5P in Hassilabied, Morocco, and ends back at the same meeting point.

What’s included in the price?

Included items are dinner, breakfast, sandboarding, private transportation, camel ride, deluxe tent, tea, drum party, and bottled water for meals only.

Is pickup included?

Pickup is offered, and private transportation is included.

Is lunch included?

No, lunch is not included.

Are sandboarding and camel rides included?

Yes. Sandboarding and the camel ride are both included.

Do the tents have private bathrooms and hot showers?

Yes. Each tent includes an ensuite bathroom with a private shower, and the showers provide hot water.

What about alcohol?

Alcoholic beverages are not included. Alcohol is only available to those over 18 years of age.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It is private, so only your group participates.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are allowed.

How does cancellation work?

Free cancellation is available, and you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.