Merzouga · Erg Chebbi · Sunset
Merzouga Camel Trekking & Night in the Desert
Ride a camel into the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi at sunset, then spend the night in our standard or luxury desert camp with dinner, Berber music and a sky full of stars.
- Sunset camel ride
- Standard or luxury camp
- Dinner & breakfast
1 night
Longer treks on request
From US$43
Per person, camp included
1.5 hours
Camel ride each way
Start: Merzouga
Late afternoon
The experience
The classic Sahara experience
There is no better way to arrive in the Sahara than on the back of a camel. In the late afternoon you meet your Berber camel guide in Merzouga, climb on and set off into the Erg Chebbi dunes – the highest sand dunes in Morocco, rising up to 150 metres.
As the sun goes down, the caravan stops on a dune so you can watch the sand turn orange, red and purple. You then continue to the camp for mint tea, dinner and an evening of Berber drums around the fire. You choose your comfort level: our standard camp with shared bathrooms or our luxury camp with private ensuite bathrooms.
In the morning, wake up early for sunrise over the dunes, enjoy breakfast and ride (or drive) back to Merzouga.
- Calm, well-cared-for camels and experienced guides
- Choose standard or luxury camp
- Possible as a 4x4 transfer if you prefer not to ride
Highlights
Highlights of the camel trek
Sunset on the dunes
Watch the colours of Erg Chebbi change from a high dune.
Camel caravan
Ride in a traditional caravan led by a Berber guide.
Night in camp
Standard or luxury tent in the heart of the dunes.
Dinner & breakfast
Home-made Moroccan dishes and mint tea.
Berber music
Drums and songs around the fire.
Sunrise & stars
Clear night sky and sunrise over the Sahara.
Prices
Camel trek + night in camp
Price per person per night, including camel ride both ways, dinner, breakfast, sandboarding and music.
| Camp | Bathroom | Price per person / night |
|---|---|---|
| Standard camp | Shared, clean bathrooms | US$43 |
| Luxury camp | Private ensuite bathroom & hot shower | US$76 |
Example: 2 people in a double luxury tent for 1 night = US$151. Children and longer stays – ask us.
Your trek
How the evening goes
Times change with the seasons – we always plan your ride around sunset.
- 15:00–17:00Meet in MerzougaMeet your camel guide; leave big luggage safely in the village.
- Before sunsetRide into the dunesAbout 1.5 hours by camel into Erg Chebbi.
- SunsetStop on a high dunePhotos and the most beautiful light of the day.
- EveningCamp, tea & dinnerCheck into your tent, mint tea, then dinner.
- NightMusic & starsDrums around the fire and stargazing.
- SunriseBack to MerzougaSunrise, breakfast and the ride back.
Price & what’s included
What the price includes
Included
- Camel ride to the camp and back
- Night in a private tent (standard or luxury)
- Dinner and breakfast
- Sandboarding and traditional music
- Experienced Berber camel guide
- Safe parking
Not included
- Transport to Merzouga
- Drinks other than tea and water
- Optional activities (quad, buggy, 4x4)
- Tips (optional)
From €40
per person / night
Standard camp from US$43, luxury camp from US$76 per person.
Pay 15% deposit online – the rest on arrival. Or pay in full (+5% taxes/TVA).
Good to know
Practical information
- Meeting point: our office or hotel in Merzouga, where you can park your car – the exact location is sent with your booking confirmation
- Arrive between 3 and 5 pm for the sunset ride
- Camel rides are not recommended for pregnant women or people with back problems – a 4x4 transfer is available
- Online booking closes 6 hours before arrival
- Longer camel treks of 2–5 days are possible
What to bring
- Long trousers for riding
- Scarf or turban against sun and sand
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Warm layers for the night
- A small backpack for the night
Suitable for
Almost everyone: couples, families with children, friends and solo travellers. No riding experience needed.
Book online
Book your camel trek & desert camp
Choose your dates and options. Pay a 15% deposit (the rest on arrival) or the full amount securely with PayPal or card – you receive your receipt by email right away.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Can’t find your answer? Message us on WhatsApp at +212 673 555 408 – we usually reply within a few hours.
No. The camels are calm and led by a guide on foot. Just hold on and enjoy.
About 1.5 hours each way, with a stop for sunset.
Yes, children usually ride with a parent or on their own camel led by the guide.
We can take you to the camp by 4×4 – about 20 minutes.
Yes – see our Sahara trekking and wild camping pages, or contact us for a plan.
Camel trek prices in US dollars
The sunset camel trek comes with your night at our camp: from US$43 per person in the standard camp or US$76 in the luxury camp. Next morning you can add a quad ride or a 4×4 trip. Prices in US dollars are approximate – the 15% deposit is charged in euros by PayPal and the rest is paid at the camp.
Travelling to Merzouga from the US
Coming from the US? Here’s how to reach the dunes and what to know before your night in the Sahara.
Getting to camp
Fly nonstop to Casablanca from JFK, Dulles, Miami or LA with Royal Air Maroc, then connect to Marrakech or Fes. Merzouga is 7–8 hours by road from Fes and 9–10 from Marrakech; we can arrange your transfer.
US passports
No visa needed for stays of up to 90 days, and overstays are taken seriously. Your passport needs 6 months’ validity and a blank page for the entry stamp.
Paying for your stay
Prices in $ are a guide; the 15% deposit is charged in euros by PayPal and the rest is paid in Merzouga. $1 ≈ 9.75 MAD.
When American guests come
Fall and spring are ideal. Spring break, Thanksgiving week and Christmas are our busiest weeks for American guests, so book early.
What to pack
Desert nights get chilly from December to February, so pack a fleece. Bring a plug adapter (Type C/E, 220V); most phone and laptop chargers are dual-voltage.
First camel ride?
Camels kneel for you to climb on and the ride is slow and steady. Wear long pants and closed shoes; sneakers are fine.
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Explore the Magic of Merzouga
Sunset, dunes and a night under the stars – book your camel trek today.