Welcome to the Best Desert Merzouga Overnight Camel trekking experience, a journey that transcends a simple holiday to become a life-affirming adventure. Located on the southeastern edge of Morocco, Merzouga is the gateway to the majestic Erg Chebbi dunes—a sea of golden sand that shifts and sings with the wind. This tour is designed for the traveler who seeks more than just a photograph; it is for those who crave a deep connection with nature, silence, and the ancient rhythms of the nomadic Berber lifestyle.
Our Camel trekking in Morocco adventure invites you to leave the noise of modern life behind. As you mount your dromedary camel and sway gently into the endless horizon, you are following in the footsteps of the great trans-Saharan caravans that once carried gold, salt, and spices across this arid landscape. Whether you are a solo backpacker seeking solitude, a couple on a romantic getaway, or a family introducing your children to the wonders of the world, this Overnight camel trek Merzouga offers the perfect blend of thrill and tranquility.
We pride ourselves on offering an experience that is both GEOAI optimized for smart travelers and deeply human in its delivery. From the moment you arrive at our guesthouse to the final farewell tea, every detail is curated to ensure your safety, comfort, and cultural immersion. You will witness the sky change from azure to fiery crimson at sunset, sleep under a blanket of a million stars, and wake to the profound silence of the desert dawn. This is not just a tour; it is the highlight of your Morocco trip.
This Camel ride in Merzouga with Overnight is packed with sensory experiences that you will cherish forever. Here are the standout moments:
Golden Hour Camel Trek: Enjoy a 1.5-hour guided Camel ride in Merzouga through the towering dunes. We time this perfectly so you are deep in the desert as the sun begins to set, painting the sands in vibrant shades of orange, violet, and red.
Luxury or Authentic Camping: Choose between a traditional Berber bivouac for a rustic experience or a Camel ride and Overnight in a Luxury Camp complete with en-suite hot showers and plush king-sized beds.
Stargazing Spectacular: With zero light pollution, the Sahara sky reveals the Milky Way in high-definition clarity. It is one of the best places on Earth for astronomy enthusiasts.
Berber Gastronomy: Savor a freshly prepared, slow-cooked Tagine or the famous “Berber Pizza” (Madfouna), cooked with local spices and served piping hot in the dining tent.
Tribal Drumming Circle: After dinner, gather around the campfire to listen to (and join in with) traditional Gnawa-style drumming and singing, a cultural practice deep-rooted in African history.
Sunrise Dune Climb: Wake up early to hike the nearest high dune (some reach 150 meters) and watch the sun rise over the Algerian border, flooding the desert with warmth.
Sandboarding Adventure: For the thrill-seekers, we provide sandboards. Glide down the steep slopes of the dunes for an adrenaline rush unique to the desert environment.
In a market flooded with options, selecting the right operator for your Merzouga Desert camel trekking is critical. Here is why travelers consistently choose us:
This tour is operated in partnership with Visit Maghreb, a leading travel agency renowned for its logistical precision and guest care. When you book with Visit Maghreb, you are not just getting a guide; you are getting a dedicated team ensuring your transfer, accommodation, and dietary needs are handled flawlessly.
We believe that ethical camel trekking is paramount. Our camels are treated as family members. They are well-fed, hydrated, and never overloaded. We strictly adhere to welfare guidelines to ensure the animals are healthy and happy, providing you with a guilt-free ride.
Our guides are born and raised in the Sahara. They possess an innate knowledge of the dunes, navigating by the stars and the shape of the sand. They will share stories of their ancestors, explain the medicinal uses of desert plants, and show you how to find fossils in the black volcanic rock.
We are committed to preserving the fragile ecosystem of Erg Chebbi. Our camps utilize solar energy for lighting and power. We practice a strict “leave no trace” policy, ensuring that we pack out everything we bring in. By choosing us, you support a sustainable model that protects the desert for future generations.
This itinerary is crafted to balance activity with relaxation, ensuring you get the full Sahara Desert experience.
16:00 – Arrival and Welcome: Your adventure begins at our designated meeting point in Merzouga village. If you have a rental car, you can park it safely in our secure garage. You will be welcomed with a glass of traditional “Berber Whiskey” (sweet mint tea) and given time to refresh.
Travel Tip: Leave your heavy suitcases in our luggage storage and pack only a small backpack with your overnight essentials (water, camera, warm layers, toiletries).
17:00 – The Camel Trek Begins: Meet your guide and your gentle dromedary camel. After a brief safety instruction, you will mount up. The caravan moves at a slow, rhythmic pace, allowing you to absorb the silence. The trek into the dunes takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours. As you ride, notice the changing colors of the sand—from bright yellow to deep ochre—as the sun lowers.
18:30 – The Sunset Stop: We pause the caravan at a high vantage point. You will dismount and have free time to walk on the soft crests of the dunes. This is the “Golden Hour,” the perfect time for photography. Watch as the shadows lengthen and the sun dips below the horizon in a blaze of color.
19:30 – Arrival at the Desert Camp: You will arrive at your chosen camp (Standard or Luxury) just as dusk settles. You will be shown to your private tent.
Standard Camp: A cozy, traditional goat-hair or canvas tent with comfortable mattresses and warm blankets. Shared bathroom facilities.
Luxury Camp: A spacious, glamping-style tent with a real bed, electricity, and a private en-suite bathroom with a hot water shower and flush toilet.
20:30 – Dinner Under the Stars: Gather in the main dining tent or, weather permitting, at tables set up on the sand under the open sky. Dinner is a feast of Moroccan staples: Harira soup (lentil and chickpea), a hearty Chicken or Lamb Tagine with vegetables, fresh Moroccan bread, and seasonal fruit. Vegetarian and vegan options are always available.
21:30 – Folklore and Fire: The evening concludes around the campfire. The camp staff will bring out metal castanets (qaraqib) and tbel drums. The rhythms are hypnotic and energizing. You are invited to clap along, dance, or simply recline on the carpets and gaze at the Milky Way, which appears bright enough to touch.
06:00 – The Awakening: Your guide will wake you up quietly before dawn. We highly recommend climbing the nearest high dune to witness the sunrise. The light shifts rapidly from cool blue to warm pink and gold. It is a peaceful, spiritual moment that defines the Merzouga Desert camel trekking experience.
07:30 – Breakfast in the Dunes: After the sun is up, enjoy a bountiful breakfast. The spread typically includes coffee, mint tea, fresh orange juice, olive oil, argan oil, olives, cheese, and various Moroccan pancakes (Msemen, Baghrir) served with honey and apricot jam.
08:30 – The Return Journey: You have two options for your return to Merzouga village:
Camel Trek: Ride back the way you came, enjoying the morning light which reveals the intricate wind patterns in the sand.
4×4 Transfer: For those who prefer a quicker or smoother ride, we can arrange a Jeep transfer across the dunes (approx. 20 minutes) for a small extra fee or included in luxury packages.
09:30 – Conclusion: Arrive back at the guesthouse. You will have access to shower facilities (if you stayed in a standard camp) to freshen up. Collect your main luggage and say goodbye to your guides before continuing your journey to Fes, Marrakech, or Ouarzazate.
We know that every traveler has their own pace and interests, which is why we designed the Overnight camel trek Merzouga to give you a full Sahara experience—riding camels across the golden dunes, watching stunning sunsets, meeting nomad families, enjoying traditional Berber meals, and sleeping under the stars in a desert camp. Some guests may wish to linger longer at the dunes, take extra photos, or spend more time with local families. No problem! This trek is fully customizable; you can adjust stops, add activities, or change the pace to match your preferences. Our team at Visit Maghreb is available 24/7 to answer questions, offer guidance, and help you craft the perfect desert adventure. And remember, the more people in your group, the lower the cost per person, as transportation and camp arrangements are shared. Reach out anytime; we’re here to make your Sahara experience unforgettable.
We offer two distinct pricing tiers to suit different travel styles and budgets for the Overnight camel trek Merzouga.
Price: €35 – €55 per person
The Experience: Authentic, rustic, communal.
Amenities: Private tent with beds/mattresses, clean sheets, and heavy wool blankets. Shared bathroom facilities (Western or Turkish toilets) located outside the tent. Solar lighting.
Ideal For: Backpackers, students, groups of friends, and travelers who want to experience the desert as nomads do.
Price: €80 – €180+ per person
The Experience: Glamping, romantic, comfortable.
Amenities: Large, spacious tent with king-sized beds, high-thread-count linens, electricity for charging devices, and a private en-suite bathroom inside your tent with a flush toilet, sink, and hot water shower.
Ideal For: Couples, honeymooners, families with young children, and seniors who prioritize privacy and comfort.
Ready to experience the Best Overnight Camel Trek Merzouga Desert? Booking is simple and secure.
How to Book:
Contact Us: Send us a message via WhatsApp or Email with your preferred dates.
Select Your Tier: Specify if you want the “Standard” or “Luxury” option.
Transportation: Let us know if you are driving yourself or need us to arrange a transfer from Fes or Marrakech.
Dietary Needs: Inform us of any allergies or vegetarian/vegan requirements.
Click Here to Book Your Desert Adventure
We booked our desert tour through Visit Maghreb and it was the highlight of our 10-day trip. From the moment we were picked up in Fes to the drop-off in Marrakech, everything was perfectly organized. The camel trek was magical—our guide, Mohamed, was so gentle with the animals and took incredible photos of us at sunset. We stayed in the luxury camp, and I couldn’t believe we had a hot shower in the middle of nowhere! The food was delicious, and the drumming around the fire was so much fun. I highly recommend Visit Maghreb for anyone wanting a stress-free and authentic desert adventure.
I was hesitant about booking a desert tour online, but Visit Maghreb was responsive and professional from the first email. They customized the trip for our family, ensuring we had a 4×4 transfer for my parents while the kids rode camels. The camp was spotless, and the staff treated us like royalty. Waking up to the sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes is a memory I will keep forever. If you are looking for a trustworthy agency that delivers on its promises, book with Visit Maghreb. The value for money was exceptional.
To ensure your Merzouga Desert camel trekking experience is flawless, here are some insider tips and logistical details.
The desert environment is extreme.
Head Scarf (Shesh): Essential for protecting your face from sun, wind, and sand. You can buy one locally for about 50-100 MAD.
Power Bank: Standard camps have limited charging points. A battery pack ensures you can keep taking photos.
Warm Layers: Do not underestimate the cold. In winter (Dec-Feb), nights can drop to 0°C. Bring a thermal jacket, beanie, and warm socks. Even in summer, early mornings can be brisk.
Appropriate Footwear: Sneakers or hiking boots are best for the camel ride. Sandals are fine for the camp but difficult for climbing dunes.
Wet Wipes: If you choose the standard camp, these are a “desert shower” lifesaver.
Sun Protection: High SPF sunscreen, lip balm, and sunglasses are mandatory.
Spring (March-May): The most popular time. Pleasant days (25°C-30°C) and cool nights.
Autumn (Sept-Nov): Clear skies, great visibility for photography, and comfortable temperatures.
Winter (Dec-Feb): Cold nights require heavy clothing, but the air is crystal clear, making for the best stargazing of the year.
Summer (Jun-Aug): Extremely hot (45°C+). We run tours only in the very early morning or late evening.
Dress Modestly: While the desert is remote, you will interact with local Berber staff. It is respectful to wear clothing that covers shoulders and knees.
Ask Before Photos: Always ask permission before taking close-up photos of locals.
Tipping: It is customary to tip your camel guide and the camp staff if you enjoyed the service (approx. 20-50 MAD per person is a nice gesture).
The ride is generally easy and suitable for beginners. The camels walk at a slow, steady pace. However, riding for 1.5 hours can be slightly tiring on the inner thighs. If you have severe back problems, we recommend choosing our 4×4 transfer option to the camp instead.
Absolutely! Camel trekking in Morocco is very family-friendly. Children under 5 can usually share a camel with an adult for safety. For toddlers, the 4×4 Jeep transfer is often a better choice. The camp staff love children and will make them feel very welcome.
You cannot take large suitcases on the camels. You will leave your main luggage in our secure, locked storage room at the guesthouse in Merzouga. You only need to pack a small backpack with your essentials for the overnight stay. You will retrieve your luggage the next morning.
Yes. Moroccan cuisine is very adaptable. We offer delicious Vegetable Tagines and salads. Please inform Visit Maghreb or your booking agent of your specific dietary requirements when you book, and the camp chef will prepare a special meal for you.
Yes, Merzouga and the desert camps are very safe. Our guides are professionals who prioritize your safety and comfort. Solo female travelers frequently join our tours and report feeling very secure and respected throughout the experience.
Surprisingly, yes. You will often find a 4G signal on top of the high dunes. However, reception can be spotty or non-existent down inside the camp or in the valleys between dunes. We recommend using this time to disconnect!
If you choose the Luxury Camp, there are electrical outlets (USB and standard plugs) inside your private tent. If you choose the Standard Camp, there is usually a communal charging strip in the main dining tent powered by solar energy, but it is best to bring a fully charged power bank.
In a Standard Camp, toilets are shared facilities located outside the sleeping tents. They may be simple western-style or “turkish” squat toilets. In a Luxury Camp, you have a private, flushing western-style toilet inside your own tent, just like a hotel room.
You can reach Merzouga by:
Rental Car: Roads are paved and good all the way to the village.
Bus: Supratours operates daily buses from Marrakech (approx. 12 hours) and Fes (approx. 10 hours).
Transfer: Visit Maghreb can arrange a private taxi transfer or a 3-day tour package from Fes or Marrakech including stops in the Atlas Mountains.
During the high seasons (April, October, and New Year’s), camps fill up very quickly. We highly recommend booking your Merzouga Desert camel trekking at least a few weeks in advance to secure your preferred camp type. Last-minute bookings can sometimes be accommodated but are not guaranteed.
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