Overnight stay in desert camp & Camel trekking in the Sahara

Sleep beneath Sahara stars. This two-day private trip from Merzouga combines a camel trek into Erg Chebbi with a night in a private desert tent. I like the simple rhythm: ride out, watch the sunset, eat tagine, listen to Berber drums, then wake for sunrise. I also like that dinner, breakfast, tea, parking, taxes, and a camel are included for $69.79 per person.

The main thing to weigh is timing and comfort. The ride may not begin right when you arrive, and one account found no sandboards at camp despite sandboarding being advertised. You also should not expect air conditioning, and the return trip is by camel unless you pay extra for a 4X4.

• Sunset and sunrise from Erg Chebbi dunes: The camp sits close to high dunes, giving you two strong photo opportunities.
• A private tent for the night: Your group stays together rather than joining a mixed public tour.
• Tagine, mint tea, and drum music: Dinner and evening entertainment bring a local touch to a basic desert camp.
• Camel rides in both directions: You ride from Merzouga to camp on day one, then return after breakfast on day two.
• Optional desert add-ons: A 4X4, ATV, or buggy ride can be arranged for an added cost.
• Flexible cancellation window: You can receive a full refund if you cancel at least three full days before the start time.

Riding Into Erg Chebbi From Merzouga

This experience begins at Riad Akabar in Merzouga. You meet the local team there, settle in with a cup of Berber tea, and prepare for the camel ride into the desert.

The meeting point matters because this is not a hotel pickup tour across Morocco. You need to make your own way to Merzouga and arrive ready for the afternoon ride. The tour is near public transportation, and free parking is included, which helps if you are driving through the region.

The exact timing deserves attention. The suggested arrival window is roughly 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., with earlier arrival preferred. One booking arrived at 4 p.m. but did not begin the camel ride until about 5 p.m. That hour may be used for tea, preparation, or waiting for the best departure time. I would not book this if you need a perfectly timed start.

Once you set off, the camels carry you toward the dunes of Erg Chebbi. The ride is the central event, not just transport to the camp. You get a slow view of the sand, the changing light, and the widening distance from Merzouga.

The supplied details describe a camel journey of about three hours in one account. The exact riding time may vary, but you should prepare for a long period in the saddle. Camel riding can be hard on your legs and back, especially if you have never done it before. The slow pace is part of the appeal, but it is not the right choice if you want to reach camp quickly.

The local camel guide walks with the group and helps direct the animals. Ahmed and Ishmael are specifically praised for being friendly and helpful, so you may find the human side of the tour as rewarding as the setting itself.

Sunset From the High Dunes

After reaching camp, you walk to a high dune to watch the sun go down. This is one of the strongest parts of the trip because the desert gives you a wide, uncluttered view. You can take photographs from the ridge, then return to camp as the light fades.

The walk to the dune is short in description but can still feel demanding after a camel ride. Sand shifts under your feet, and climbing a high dune takes effort. Wear shoes that can handle loose sand, and bring water even though tea and coffee are provided at camp.

The sunset stop also gives you a break before dinner. Rather than rushing directly from the camel to a meal, you get time to look around, take pictures, and settle into the desert setting.

If photography matters to you, this is when you should have your camera ready. The setting changes quickly in the final minutes of daylight. Keep your phone or camera easy to reach during the walk, but protect it from blowing sand as much as you can.

A Private Tent, Tagine Dinner, and Berber Drums

The camp provides a private tent for your group. It is described as equipped and comfortable, though the available details do not specify the exact facilities inside. The inclusion of a private tent is useful if you want a quieter night with your own companions rather than a shared sleeping arrangement.

Dinner includes a traditional tagine, followed by an evening around the fire with music played on Berber drums. One especially appealing detail is the chance to join in with the drums after dinner. The sound, the fire, and the open desert sky create the social heart of the overnight stay.

Mint tea and coffee are included. These small details matter because the camp is remote, and you will not be stopping at a restaurant or shop between Merzouga and the dunes.

The meal is one of the better values in the $69.79 price. You receive dinner, breakfast, tea or coffee, the camel ride, a private tent, the guide, parking, and taxes. Lunch is not included, but the schedule does not describe a daytime lunch stop as part of the experience.

The night sky can be spectacular when conditions are clear. The tour description places special emphasis on stars shining over the camp. That depends on cloud cover and weather, so treat it as a possibility rather than a guarantee. Still, the absence of city lights gives this part of the night a real sense of place.

Sandboarding: A Useful Question to Ask First

Sandboarding is advertised as part of the camp experience. After arriving, you may have the chance to slide down the high dunes, adding a bit of action to an otherwise gentle trip.

There is one important catch. A booking account reported that no sandboards were available at camp. That does not prove the activity will always be missing, but it does mean you should confirm availability before you rely on sandboarding as a major reason to book.

The dunes make a natural setting for the activity, but climbing back up after each run takes work. If boards are available, you should expect a simple, informal activity rather than a full instruction program. The available information does not mention lessons, equipment quality, or a dedicated instructor.

The optional 4X4 and ATV or buggy rides are separate extras. They may suit you if you want a faster, more motorized way to see the desert, but they raise the total cost. At the base price, the main transport is the camel.

Sunrise, Shower, and the Return Ride

Day two begins early for anyone who wants to see sunrise. You walk to the high dune next to camp, watch the sun come up, and take pictures before returning for breakfast.

This is worth the early alarm. The sunset and sunrise offer different moods, and the morning light can make the dunes appear smoother and more sharply shaped. You do not have to go up for sunrise, but skipping it means missing one of the main reasons to sleep in the desert.

After sunrise, you return to camp for a shower and breakfast. The shower is available at the meeting point or camp area described by the provider, and it gives you a chance to freshen up before the return journey. The facilities are basic by nature, so I would keep expectations practical rather than expecting a full hotel bathroom.

Breakfast is included, and you have time to take a break before joining the camels again. That pause is welcome after an early morning walk and the previous day’s ride.

The return route takes you back to the meeting point in Merzouga village by camel. The service ends at the same meeting point where you began. A 4X4 vehicle is not included, so ask about the optional cost if you would rather skip the second camel ride.

What $69.79 Really Gets You

At $69.79 per person, this is a strong package if you value the full overnight experience rather than luxury facilities. A camel ride in each direction, a private tent, two meals, tea, a guide, sunset, sunrise, and evening music cover the main elements most people want from a first desert stay.

The private format is another advantage. Only your group participates, which gives you more control over the pace and makes the night feel less like a large camp production.

The price does not include lunch, air conditioning, or optional motor activities. Air conditioning is not listed as part of the camp, so you should prepare for a simple desert setup. The lack of air conditioning may not matter during a cool night, but it is worth noting if you expect hotel-level comfort.

The value is best for someone who wants atmosphere and scenery without paying for a high-end luxury camp. If your priority is a large private bathroom, climate control, or polished entertainment, this package may feel too basic.

Who Will Enjoy This Camel Tour Most

I would recommend this trip to first-time Sahara visitors who want the classic Merzouga experience in a compact two-day format. It suits couples, families, and small private groups who like slow travel, open scenery, and a night away from town.

An eight-year-old joined one camel trek without the ride feeling too long for the family involved. That suggests the tour can work for some children, but every child handles a long camel ride differently. You should think about your child’s patience and comfort before booking.

The tour also suits photographers and anyone who wants sunset and sunrise in the dunes. The high dune stops give you clear moments for pictures without requiring a full multi-day desert expedition.

I would be more cautious if you have trouble sitting for long periods, dislike animals, or want a tightly managed schedule. The waiting period before departure and the camel ride itself require patience.

The private setup is helpful for groups with different energy levels. You can enjoy the sunset, dinner, and drums together without sharing the entire outing with strangers.

Practical Tips for a Smoother Night

Arrive within the suggested afternoon window, but do not assume the camel ride will start the moment you reach the meeting point. A short wait may be part of the process.

Bring water, sun protection, and clothes that can handle sand. You will walk on dunes after the ride, and loose sand gets into shoes, bags, and clothing quickly.

Wear something suitable for sitting on a camel for an extended period. The most important comfort issue is not the walk to camp but the time in the saddle.

Keep a layer for the evening and early morning. The information does not give exact temperatures, and desert conditions can change between daylight and night.

Ask specifically about sandboards and any optional 4X4 or ATV activity before departure. This avoids building your plans around an activity that may not be available or may cost extra.

Finally, keep your schedule open enough for the experience to run at a relaxed pace. The tour lasts about two days, but the practical timing depends on arrival, the camel departure, the sunset walk, and the return after breakfast.

Booking, Refunds, and Weather Concerns

Confirmation is sent within 48 hours, subject to availability. Since the experience is often booked about 36 days ahead, planning early is sensible if your Morocco route has fixed dates.

You can cancel for a full refund up to three full days before the local start time. Cancellations or changes made within three days are not refunded or accepted.

Weather can also affect the outing. If poor weather causes cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of participants is not met, although this is a private activity for your group.

The experience is listed as suitable for most people and near public transportation. It is not described as fully accessible, so anyone with mobility concerns should confirm the details before paying.

Should You Book This Merzouga Desert Stay?

I would book it if your main goal is a classic Sahara night at a reasonable price: camel rides, Erg Chebbi dunes, sunset, sunrise, tagine, tea, drums, and a private tent.

I would ask about sandboarding before booking, and I would confirm the return options if you do not want another camel ride. The possible wait at the start is minor for most people, but it matters if you have a tight schedule.

For $69.79, this is a good fit for a private group that wants strong desert scenery and local touches more than luxury. Go with realistic expectations about facilities, timing, and camel comfort, and the experience should give you the memorable Sahara night you came for.

FAQ

Where does the camel tour start?

The tour starts at Riad Akabar in Merzouga, Morocco.

Where does the experience end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point in Merzouga village after the return camel ride.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts approximately two days. The return portion on the second day is listed as about two hours.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. Only your group participates in the private activity.

Is a camel included for each person?

Yes. One camel is included for each person.

Are meals included?

Dinner and breakfast are included. Lunch is not included.

Is sandboarding included?

Sandboarding is advertised as part of the experience, but availability should be confirmed because it may not always be available at camp.

Can I take a 4X4 or ATV instead of riding camels?

A 4X4, ATV, or buggy ride is available as an optional extra activity. It is not included in the base price.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can receive a full refund if you cancel at least three full days before the local start time. Cancellations within three days are not refunded.