Sandboarding & Overnight in Merzouga Desert Camp Camel Trekking

Overnight camel treks in Merzouga sound like a movie plot, but the real magic is that you are actually out on the Erg Chebbi dunes after dark, watching the light change as the desert cools down. You ride camels into the dunes, climb for sunset views, and then wake up for sunrise with the camp right there in the sand.

I love that you get camel trekking and sandboarding as part of the same overnight experience, so you are not just passing time in a tent. I also like the practical setup: pick-up from your hotel, a private nomad-style tent, and a morning that includes breakfast and a hot shower.

One consideration: this involves riding camels and climbing dunes, and the activity is listed for travelers with moderate physical fitness. If you want only flat, easy walking, the dune time might feel like work.

Key things you should know before you go

• Sunset and sand time, built in: the ride includes a stop for dune views, photos, and sandboarding.
• Private nomad-style tent: you sleep in your own tent setup in the desert camp.
• Real meals, not just snacks: dinner on arrival and breakfast in the morning are included.
• Small group limit: capped at a maximum of 20 travelers.
• Guide support in two languages: English and Spanish are included with the guide.
• Good comfort extras: hot shower in camp and a place to charge your phone.

Why an overnight Merzouga camel trek feels different than a day trip

The big difference with an overnight camel trek is timing. In Merzouga, the dunes are spectacular at sunset, but they are something else at night. When you are out after dark, you trade crowds and car schedules for quiet, sky time, and that slow shift from bright desert light to a dim, star-filled calm.

This is also a good format if you like experiences with a rhythm. You get an afternoon start, then a dune climb for sunset and sandboarding, and you end with dinner in a private tent camp. The next morning is not a rushed departure either, because sunrise comes first, then breakfast and a hot shower.

Price and what you actually get for $58.16

At $58.16 per person for a roughly 2-day experience, this is priced like an economy-friendly way to do the classic Merzouga overnight. The value comes from what is included, not from what is missing. You are getting a private tent, dinner and breakfast, camel trekking, and sandboarding, plus safe parking for your car and charging space for your phone.

Two practical notes help you judge the value:

• Drinks are not included, so plan for water and any extras you want.
• The camp includes essentials that make overnight desert travel feel less awkward, like a hot shower the next morning and a place to charge devices.

Also, the fact that this gets booked about 49 days in advance on average is a clue you should lock it in early if your dates are popular. When you wait, you can end up picking from whatever is left.

Getting to the desert camp: timing, ride length, and group feel

The action starts in Merzouga. The experience says you get picked up from your hotel, and the drive to the desert camp begins in the afternoon, typically 4 to 5 p.m. depending on the season. From there, the camel ride to reach the camp takes about 1.5 hours, with a break built in for resting, climbing dunes for views, and sandboarding.

Two things matter here. First, you will want to be on time for pick-up, because the schedule is designed around daylight on the way in. Second, the group size is capped at 20, so you are not swallowed by a huge crowd. It still feels social, but it stays manageable.

One more thing to double-check with your confirmation: the meeting point lists a start time of 5:00 a.m. This can be for the overall activity schedule shown by the provider, while the camel trip to the camp usually starts mid-afternoon. Your ticket or confirmation should clarify the exact timing for your date, so follow that printed schedule.

Day 1 in Merzouga: sunset dunes, mint tea, and sandboarding

The first afternoon is built for momentum. You ride out from Merzouga, then swap the vehicle for camels. The camel trek to the desert camp is about 1.5 hours and includes a break, so this is not a nonstop sit-and-suffer ride.

A key part happens while you are out on the dunes. You climb for great views, stop for photos, and then you get sandboarding. That sequence is smart: you enjoy the height and the sunset colors first, then you make the sand do the work for you.

When you arrive at the camp, you are not thrown into chaos. You start with traditional mint tea in the desert as a welcome. Then you settle into a Berber Beduin-style private tent and move into the evening meal.

Dinner is included, and the overall camp vibe is the point here. You are in a private desert camp setting, not a roadside stop. Even if you do not plan to stay out for every camp activity, it feels good knowing you have a calm base waiting for you.

Practical tip: sand and sunset can make everything feel warmer than it is. Bring what helps you feel comfortable in shifting temps, especially if your trip lands outside peak summer heat.

Camp life in a private desert tent: comfort basics that matter

The camp includes the basics that keep an overnight from becoming stressful. You have a private tent, and you also get a place for charging phones, which is a small detail that turns out to matter a lot when you want a camera, a map, or just proof you were there.

You also get dinner and the next morning’s breakfast, so you do not need to plan meals. Drinks are the only thing not included, so budgeting a little for bottled water or other drinks is smart.

From the way the camp is described and the way the experience is run, it is set up for comfort and safety. The experience mentions a guide in English and Spanish, and the overall group size stays under 20 travelers, which helps with coordination when everyone is moving around in sand.

Day 2: sunrise, breakfast, hot shower, and choosing how to return

The second morning is about one thing: sunrise. Getting up early in the desert sounds like effort, but it is also the moment you remember later. You wake up to sunrise over the dunes, then the camp serves breakfast.

A hot shower is included, and that single detail changes the whole “desert overnight” equation. You are going back to town after sand, heat, and camel dust, and you want a way to reset before you continue your Morocco trip.

After breakfast and shower time, you have a choice about how you return. The experience says you can take camels back to the Kasbah Hotel in town, and the overnight camel trek ends back at the meeting point. If you prefer a less “camel-focused” exit, ask your guide how the return option is timed for your day.

Camel trekking tips: what to expect, and how to make it easier

Camel trekking in Merzouga is not just a photo moment. You are balancing on an animal that moves at a steady pace, and you will likely spend time in areas where the sand is uneven.

Here are the practical expectations you should plan for:

• Expect some dune climbing time at key photo points.
• Expect sandboarding as the fun add-on, usually after you get the sunset view.
• Plan for a moderate fitness level, since dunes and getting on and off the camel both take a bit of effort.

Comfort strategies that usually help (and are consistent with what this kind of trek demands) include wearing closed shoes with grip and bringing a layer for early morning. Also, keep your phone secure while sandboarding is happening, since wind and sand can ruin electronics fast.

If you are traveling with kids, teens, or mixed ages, the controlled group size and the included guide support make a big difference. The day is structured, and you are not left to figure anything out on your own.

Sandboarding: fun, but treat it like an activity, not a souvenir photo

Sandboarding is included, and it is one of the best parts of the trip because it gives you motion and a real payoff for the work of climbing the dunes. The experience description ties it to the sunset-view break, which means you are likely boarding when the light is flattering.

What to keep in mind:

• You will be in sand, so expect some dust and a need to brush off afterward.
• Control matters more than speed. If you are new to it, go slow and focus on staying stable.
• Take photos after you are done boarding, so you do not spend your only run trying to frame shots.

If you are the kind of traveler who wants more than sitting and watching, this included sandboarding makes the overnight trek feel complete.

Who this is best for, and who should look at alternatives

This overnight Merzouga camel trek and sandboarding camp is perfect if you want the classic dunes experience with real structure. It suits:

• First-timers to Merzouga who want the highlights in one shot.
• Travelers who like guided support and a small group size.
• People who want an actual overnight with dinner and breakfast, not a quick in-and-out.

It may not be ideal if:

• You dislike riding animals or feel uneasy on uneven terrain.
• You want minimal physical effort, because the dunes and camel movement require some stamina.
• You are only looking for a short photo stop rather than a full, time-based experience.

The practical checklist I would follow before booking

Based on what is included and what is clearly called out, here is what I would plan for before you go:

• Bring water or be ready to purchase drinks, since drinks are not included.
• Charge your phone before pick-up, since you may rely on the camp charging space.
• Wear closed shoes with decent grip, since sand can be slippery.
• Follow your confirmation for your start time, since the activity schedule can vary by season and the meeting point shows a 5:00 a.m. start time.

Also, if you are driving, the experience includes safe parking for car, which is a nice convenience. It reduces the stress of coordinating a rental car or finding a place to leave it.

Should you book this overnight camel trek in Merzouga?

I think you should book it if your goal is a real overnight in the desert, with both camel trekking and sandboarding, plus dinner, breakfast, and a hot shower. At this price point, it offers more than a short ride, and it keeps the group small enough to feel personal.

I would not book it if you want zero dune climbing, zero early mornings, or a trip that is mostly vehicle-based. This is a “sand and stars” experience. The trade-off is physical effort for authenticity.

If you want the classic Erg Chebbi night, this is a solid way to do it, especially because the camp setup includes the comfort basics you need to enjoy the desert instead of just surviving it.

FAQ

What does the overnight Merzouga desert camp experience include?

It includes dinner, breakfast, camel trekking, sandboarding, a private tent, safe parking for your car, and a guide in English and Spanish. The camp also provides a place to charge phones.

How long is the camel trek and desert camp experience?

It runs for about 2 days, with the camel trek to the desert camp taking about 1.5 hours.

When does the trip start and where do I meet?

The meeting point is MOUHOU APARTMENTS in Merzouga. The start time listed is 5:00 a.m., and your specific timing should be confirmed in your booking confirmation.

Is dinner included and what about drinks?

Dinner is included, and breakfast is included the next morning. Drinks are not included.

Will I have a place to shower in the morning?

Yes. The morning includes a hot shower in the camp.

Is sandboarding included or optional?

Sandboarding is included as part of the experience.

How big is the group?

The experience has a maximum of 20 travelers.

Is there a guide and what languages do they speak?

Yes. The guide is provided in English and Spanish.

Can I cancel if my plans change?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience’s start time for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid is not refunded.