Private Luxury Tents ,Camel ride and Sandboard in Merzouga Desert

A night in the Sahara usually means “roughing it.” This one goes the other way, with private luxury tents and a camel ride through the big dunes of Erg Chebbi. You get the romance of the desert, but with real creature comforts waiting at camp.

I love the way this experience builds from slow sunset drama into an easy, small-group camp life. Two standouts for me are the Erg Chebbi sunset stop in the dunes and the included chance to sandboard after the camp experience settles in.

One possible drawback: the included campfire moment may feel a bit improvised. You should still enjoy it, but do not expect a perfectly staged fire show every time.

Key highlights to look for

• Erg Chebbi camel sunset pause right in the middle of the dunes
• Private tent with toilet and shower so mornings are not miserable
• Sandboarding included, not an optional add-on
• Small group size (max 10) for a calmer, more personal vibe
• Dinner, breakfast, and a fire party under the stars at camp
• Return by camel or jeep for flexibility on your way back

Merzouga at 5:00 pm, with a dune sunset built in

This tour is designed around timing. You start at 5:00 pm and head straight out toward Erg Chebbi, the famous dune field near Merzouga. That matters, because the desert changes fast after late afternoon, going from bright sand to warm light that makes the dunes look sculpted.

The meeting point is at MERZOUGA QUAD BIKES (AKABAR), Ksar Tanamouste (the location code provided is 3XHQ+3QR). From there, the schedule is simple: you move toward camp on camel, with a sunset stop planned before you arrive.

The whole thing feels like it runs on “slow travel” logic. You are not rushing through photo stops. You are walking out into the dunes, letting the light do its job, then settling into camp for dinner and night sky time.

What you really get for the price ($69.79)

At $69.79 per person, this can feel like a bargain if you value comfort and included activities. Here is what the price covers:

• Private tent with private bathroom
• Breakfast and dinner
• Camel ride for each person
• Fire party
• Sandboard

What you should mentally subtract before booking: lunch is not included, and extra drinks cost extra. So if you are the type who gets hungry in the middle of the day, plan for lunch separately.

Also, this is a max 10 travelers setup. That is not just a crowd statistic. Smaller groups usually mean less waiting around, fewer people to coordinate, and a better chance that the day feels calm instead of chaotic.

Day 1: Erg Chebbi, camel ride, and that sunset stop in the dunes

Day 1 is the payoff day. You take camels from the village, crossing the dunes of Erg Chebbi toward the camp. The schedule includes a 30-minute sunset pause in the middle of the dunes before you reach your tent.

That pause is the heart of the first day. Sitting still while the sky shifts color gives you the Sahara feeling people chase. The dunes look different from every angle, and the light makes even the “boring” parts of the ride look cinematic.

A few practical tips that will make this smoother:

• Wear shoes that are okay for sand, not smooth sandals.
• Bring something light for evening, even in warm months, because desert air can cool after sunset.
• If you want photos, plan to stop trying to frame perfection. Let the sunset and dune shapes do the work.

When you finally reach camp, you transition from motion to comfort. That is where this tour scores. Your tent is private, and it comes with a toilet and shower, so you are not stuck with “desert hygiene improvisation.”

Camp time: dinner, stargazing energy, and a fire party moment

After the camel ride and arrival, the camp experience takes over. You are included for dinner and a fire party under the stars.

The best part here is the pace. This is not a check-in, rush-through dinner situation. It is a camp rhythm: eat, look up, then hang around the fire area as the sky deepens.

From the review you have to keep in mind, the fire setup can be a little rough. One person noted the fence around the fire felt improvised and the fire was often not really burning. That tells you something important: treat the fire party as part of the atmosphere, not as guaranteed theater.

Still, even when the fire element is imperfect, the “under the stars” setting is the real star. When you are in Merzouga desert air, the sky does not need a show to impress you.

Your private tent and bathroom: why it changes the whole trip

One of the biggest quality markers is the private tent with private bathroom. The overview also states all tents have toilets and showers, which is a rare upgrade for this kind of itinerary.

Why does that matter? Because comfort affects everything else.

• You can wash up after the desert, without sharing a bathroom line.
• If you wake up early, you can use the toilet without walking out into the dark.
• Evening is less stressful. You can actually enjoy dinner and night sky time instead of worrying about logistics.

If you are comparing desert camp options, this is the feature that can turn “I survived” into “I enjoyed it.”

Day 2: back across the dunes by camel or jeep

Day 2 is the return day. You cross the dunes again, either on camels or a jeep, depending on how the plan works that day for your group.

This is where flexibility is useful. A camel return keeps the day feeling consistent with Day 1. A jeep return can cut down on time and energy, especially if you are not thrilled about riding again after a full night in the dunes.

Either way, your journey ends back at the meeting point, so you are not stuck searching for a way out. This also helps you plan what comes next after the tour, since you can build the rest of your day around a known finish point.

Sandboarding: the fun slot you should not skip

Sandboarding is included, and it is one of those activities that makes the desert feel playful, not just scenic. Erg Chebbi dunes are ideal for this kind of thing because the sand surface gives you a workable slide.

What to expect practically:

• It is an included activity, not a paid add-on.
• Your main work is showing up and paying attention to the basics, like how to get on, when to go, and how to stop safely.
• Your biggest risk is probably not the sand itself. It is exhaustion and sunburn if you forget to protect yourself.

Bring a sense of fun. Even if you have never tried sandboarding before, this is usually approachable compared with more technical board sports.

Safety and comfort: what to take seriously before you go

The operator states safety is a top priority, and the itinerary is built around planned movement between camp and dunes.

But you should still take the usual sensible steps:

• Listen when staff talk about mounting camels and sandboarding.
• Keep your phone secured. Wind and sand can turn a careless moment into a problem.
• Dress for temperature swings: light layers for day, something warmer for evening.

Also note: near public transportation is listed. That is helpful if you want to connect to other parts of Morocco after the tour without scrambling.

Who this tour fits best (and who should look elsewhere)

This is a great fit if you want:

• Comfort in the desert, meaning your own tent and a private toilet and shower
• A sunset camel ride into Erg Chebbi, then a relaxing camp night
• Included meals (dinner and breakfast)
• A small max 10 group for a calmer experience
• Sandboarding as part of the package

It may not be your best choice if:

• You expect a tightly produced, always-burning campfire performance. The campfire moment can be hit or miss.
• You want lunch included, because lunch is not part of the package
• You prefer a longer, deeper schedule. This is about 2 days, so you get a highlight-focused taste rather than an extended desert immersion.

Booking rhythm, tickets, and flexibility that matter

The tour uses a mobile ticket, and you receive confirmation at booking. That is handy when you are juggling multiple stops in Morocco.

Dietary needs are a real selling point here. They say they can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary restrictions if you list them in special requirements when booking. If food restrictions are important to you, do not wing it. Add your needs early so they can plan.

The start time of 5:00 pm is another detail worth planning around. It is not a morning tour. You will want a clean transition from your previous day’s activities.

Should you book this tour?

Book it if you want the Sahara experience without sacrificing basics. The combination of Erg Chebbi camel sunset, sandboarding, and a private tent with toilet and shower is strong value for the price. The small group size and included dinner and breakfast make it feel like a complete package, not a “you do the rest” setup.

Skip or shop around if your priority is a perfectly polished campfire show or if you dislike scheduling around a start time in the late afternoon. Also, if lunch is important to you, remember you will pay for it separately.

If you fit the “comfort plus adventure highlights” style, this one is easy to recommend. It is the kind of desert night where you can enjoy the dunes and then actually get clean afterward.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point and what time does the tour start?

The tour starts at MERZOUGA QUAD BIKES (AKABAR), Ksar Tanamouste, Morocco (3XHQ+3QR). Start time is 5:00 pm.

How long is the experience?

The duration is 2 days (approx.).

How many people are in the group?

The tour has a maximum of 10 travelers.

What’s included in the price?

Included are breakfast, dinner, a private tent with private bathroom, camel ride each person, a fire party, and sandboarding.

What is not included?

Lunch is not included, and extra drinks are not included either.

Do the tents have private bathrooms?

Yes. The tents are described as equipped with toilets and showers, and the package includes a private tent with private bathroom.

Does everyone get a camel ride?

Yes. The tour includes a camel ride each person, with camels used for the ride to the camp on Day 1 and camels or jeep used for the return on Day 2.

Is sandboarding included?

Yes. Sandboarding is included as part of the experience.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount you paid is not refunded.