Camel Trekking & 1 Night in Merzouga Desert Camp

A stay in the Sahara is already special, but an overnight camel trek in Merzouga takes it from a photo stop to a real experience. You ride out into the high Erg Chebbi dunes, watch the desert shift colors at sunset, then wake up for sunrise from the same sand-world.

Two things I like a lot: the combination of camel riding plus a night in a nomad-style desert camp, and the focus on timing, sunset first and sunrise second. One possible drawback to plan for is that camp comfort can be basic, with options that may include shared bathrooms and shower depending on the camp setup.

Key highlights you’ll feel right away

• Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset and sunrise: the desert looks different hour to hour, and this tour times it well
• Camel ride support: you get help to get on and you’re not left figuring it out alone
• Berber drumming and starry skies: evening entertainment is part of the rhythm of the night
• Optional sandboarding: an easy add-on if you want one more active moment
• Food included, drinks not included: you’ll eat well, but you should plan water or drinks separately

Why this overnight Erg Chebbi camel trek is worth the money

Merzouga sits at the edge of one of the Sahara’s most famous dune fields, the Erg Chebbi area. What you’re buying here is not just a camel ride. You’re buying two key moments that most short tours miss: the desert after dark and the desert before the sun gets fully up to speed.

This kind of 2-day trip also saves you time. Instead of trying to sort out transport, schedules, and a camp on your own, you’re guided from Merzouga to the dunes and back. At about $57.93 per person for a full night out there, it’s the kind of value that makes sense if you want the classic experience without paying boutique prices.

Still, it helps to set your expectations. A desert camp is not a hotel. It’s a night under the stars, with traditional touches and simple sleeping arrangements. If you’re the type who needs hot water on demand, build in that reality from the start.

Getting started in Merzouga at 5:00 pm (and why the timing matters)

The tour begins at 5:00 pm, meeting at MOUHOU APARTMENTS in Merzouga. The description notes it is about 700 meters from the post office, so it’s not hard to reference if you’re already in town. The guide also offers hotel pick-up, which is handy if you do not want to navigate to the meeting point.

The timing is smart. You start in the late afternoon, so you’re not trudging through dunes in peak heat, and you arrive at the camp area with enough light to enjoy sunset. That means you get a real build-up, not a rushed scramble.

Also, this is a private tour/activity, meaning only your group participates. That matters more than people think. In a small group, you can move at a calmer pace, ask questions, and spend more time looking at the dunes instead of waiting for everyone to catch up.

Day 1: Camel trekking through the dunes, sunset photos, and sky full of stars

Day 1 starts with something small but helpful: mint tea after you arrive. It’s a simple welcome that helps you slow down before you’re on a camel. Then you set off for camel trekking across the Erg Chebbi dunes, with the goal of reaching the camp area and then heading toward the high dunes for sunset.

Here’s the part you’ll remember: sunset over dunes, where the sand looks almost lit from the inside. You can plan your photos, but even if you do not care about photos, it’s still worth seeing. The light changes the shape of the dunes, and that creates a natural sense of scale. This is one reason Erg Chebbi is so famous.

After the sunset, you settle into camp and enjoy the evening. The experience includes dinner and Berber drumming, plus time to watch the sky when it clears. On a clear night, the stars can feel close enough to touch.

What to watch out for on the ride

A camel ride can be smooth or bumpy depending on sand texture and your camel. You should expect it to feel physical, especially if you have any sensitivity in your legs or back. The good news is that the tour includes help getting on, and you are guided through the desert rather than left to figure it out on your own.

Your desert camp night: nomad-style tents, drumming, and basic comfort

Overnight, you stay in a furnished camp set in the desert, with traditional Berber drum music and a star-filled night. One of the strongest positives is the sense of organization and care. The guide support shows up again and again, including a helpful approach to getting you ready for the camel ride.

One practical detail: the style of camp can affect comfort. A review specifically describes staying in a standard camp with a private tent but shared WC and shower. So treat this as a real “camp” experience. It can still be special, but it’s not about luxury.

What’s included with dinner matters here, too. You get traditional Moroccan food, which makes the camp feel like part of the journey instead of a random stop for a meal. And because you’re eating in the desert, you’re not distracted by other plans. You can actually enjoy the calm.

If you’re sensitive to cold at night, consider bringing a warm layer. Desert nights can get chilly, even when the day feels mild. The tour does not list blankets or specific temperature details, so it’s smart to pack like you might need an extra layer after sunset.

Day 2: Sunrise quiet, panoramic breakfast, optional sandboarding, and the ride back

Day 2 starts early, for the sunrise. This is the payoff moment. The desert looks still and quiet early in the morning, and you’re experiencing the dunes in a completely different mood than at sunset. If you like calm travel moments, you’ll appreciate it.

After sunrise, you return to enjoy breakfast in a restaurant area with a panoramic view. It’s a nice touch because it gives you a chance to sit down, eat, and take in the wider dune field without walking or climbing.

The tour also includes the option to do sandboarding. The details say sandboarding is optional, and breakfast is provided. Since the exact timing isn’t spelled out minute-by-minute, the safe way to think about it is that it is built into the camp experience around the morning schedule. If you want it, tell your guide when you arrive back from the dunes so you can fit it in.

Once breakfast is done, you take camels back through the Erg Chebbi dunes to the meeting point.

A reality check on the morning ride

The morning can feel more active than you expect because you’re moving after an early start, even if sunrise is peaceful. If you’re prone to getting sore after rides, plan on taking it easy afterward. This is one of those days where you’ll come back tired in a good way.

What you actually get included (and what you’ll need to budget for)

The tour includes the essentials for a full desert overnight:

• Breakfast and dinner
• Camel trekking through the Erg Chebbi dunes
• Sunset viewing over the dunes
• Overnight stay at the desert camp
• Berber drumming music
• Starry sky night
• Sunrise in the desert
• Traditional Moroccan food
• Sandboarding activity (optional)

What is not included: drinks.

That one line can change your budget. If you drink water regularly while traveling, bring extra or plan to buy it in Merzouga ahead of time. Heat, movement, and desert air can make hydration easy to overlook.

Price and value: how $57.93 pencils out for a 2-day desert night

At $57.93 per person, this is a value-focused way to do Merzouga the classic way. You’re paying for transport from the meeting point into the dunes, camel handling support, camp overnight, meals, and the “timed moments” that define the Sahara experience.

If you tried to plan it yourself, you’d likely spend time and money matching up camels, a suitable camp, and the right window for sunset and sunrise. This tour removes that decision work. In practical terms, you’re paying to reduce friction so you can focus on the dunes.

It’s also booked pretty far ahead on average, around 30 days, which hints that this is a popular slot for travelers who want the Erg Chebbi experience without waiting at the last minute.

Guides, real support, and the small things that matter

A big part of whether a desert trek feels smooth is the person leading it, especially during camel mounting and during the transition between sunset, camp, and the morning.

One review highlights a guide named Youssef, described as helpful with getting on the camel and making the ride easy. That matches what you should look for in this kind of tour: someone calm, clear, and used to helping guests who are doing this for the first time.

There’s also evidence of flexibility. In one case, a booking day was mistaken, and Youssef handled the fix without forcing the traveler to redo everything. You should still double-check your date before you go, but it’s reassuring to know the operation responds when real-world mistakes happen.

Who should book this, and who might want a different option

This tour fits you best if you want:

• A first-time friendly Sahara experience with camel riding and camp included
• The classic timing, sunset and sunrise from the dunes
• A private setup for your group
• Included meals and an evening cultural touch, like Berber drumming

You might reconsider if:

• You need hotel-level comfort, because the camp can involve shared bathrooms and shower even when you have a private tent
• You want unlimited drinks included, since drinks are not included
• You have mobility concerns and prefer more time off the camel or fewer transitions

On the plus side, it says most travelers can participate, so it is not built only for extreme adventurers.

Practical tips so you enjoy the camel ride and the night

Here are the things that tend to make or break desert overnights, based on how these tours run:

• Bring a warm layer for the night. Even if the day is comfortable, desert evenings can cool down fast.
• Wear comfortable shoes you can walk in around the camp area. Desert sand changes everything underfoot.
• If you do sandboarding, tie your hair back and consider eye protection. Sand has a way of finding weak spots.
• Plan hydration. Since drinks are not included, keep water on your mind.
• Pack for photos, but also pack for reality. The desert is stunning, and you will want to move. Keep your day bag simple.
• If you’re a first-time camel rider, take the guide’s advice on balance and where to place your hands. Small corrections make the ride feel steadier.

Should you book Camel Trekking & 1 Night in Merzouga Desert Camp?

Book it if you want a straightforward, memorable Sahara overnight that hits the moments that matter most: camel trekking, sunset over Erg Chebbi, Berber drumming, a night in the desert camp, and then sunrise plus breakfast the next morning.

Skip it or shop alternatives if you’re expecting luxury amenities or want drinks included. Also, if you know you will be uncomfortable on rides, you should think carefully about how long you’ll spend on the camel during both transitions.

For most people, though, this is a strong way to experience Merzouga without overcomplicating the trip. The price is reasonable for a full night out, and the structure keeps you focused on the dunes instead of logistics.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The activity starts at 5:00 pm.

How long is the Camel Trekking and desert camp experience?

It runs for 2 days (approximately), with Day 1 and Day 2 time blocks listed as about 4 hours and about 3 hours.

Is it a private tour?

Yes. It’s described as a private tour/activity, so only your group will participate.

What are included meals?

The tour includes breakfast and dinner.

Are drinks included?

No. Drinks are not included.

Is sandboarding included?

Sandboarding is listed as optional, and it is included as an optional activity.

Where does it start and where do you end up?

It starts at MOUHOU APARTMENTS | Merzouga Excursions & Desert Camps in Merzouga. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

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