Stars replace screens in the Sahara. This Merzouga camel trek with a night in an ensuite luxury desert camp is built around the big moments: riding deep into Erg Chebbi, then watching sunset and dawn right from the dunes. I also like how hands-on it feels, with time to feed local camels and join the camp vibe with drummers and campfire music.

One possible drawback: if you expect everything to be perfectly timed and warm all the way through, go in with flexibility. Some stays have reported issues like power cuts and meals that weren’t served as hot as you’d hope.

Key things to know before you go

• 90-minute camel ride from Merzouga to camp, the main event that sets the tone fast
• Sunset dune time plus space to climb to a summit viewpoint
• Camel feeding with a local guide, not just a photo stop
• Sandboarding time may be available during the Merzouga desert segment
• Drummers and campfire evening adds energy after a day of riding
• Ensuite tent at the camp, so you’re not just sleeping in the open

Camel trek to Erg Chebbi: what that first ride really means

The experience starts in Merzouga and quickly moves you off the roads and into sand. You’ll spend about 90 minutes on camel to reach the desert camp area. For many people, that first stretch is where the trip turns from sightseeing into something physical and real—you feel the rhythm of the walk, the sway, and the way the desert changes your sense of distance.

You don’t just arrive and get whisked away. You’ll have time at the camp area to get oriented and enjoy the dunes in your own way. That matters because Erg Chebbi is all about atmosphere, and you’ll want a little breathing room before the sky does its sunset show.

If you want an easy win, wear comfortable footwear you can tolerate on sand. And yes, bring something for sun and dust—your eyes will thank you when you’re checking out the dune views.

Sunset dune climb in Merzouga: the moment everyone remembers

After the ride, you get a block of free time tied to sunset. You can climb the dunes up toward a summit viewpoint and catch that slow color shift that makes Erg Chebbi famous. This is one of the best parts because it’s not just the sunset itself—it’s the silence you get while you’re up there, with the desert stretching out in every direction.

You’ll also understand why this region works as a short overnight. Even though you only spend two days total, the timing gives you two full sky moments: late-day light and morning light.

Practical tip: go up at a steady pace and plan to take it slow on the climb. Sand looks gentle from below, but the top layer can feel soft underfoot when you’re walking uphill.

Camel feeding and sandboarding: hands-on desert fun

One of the strongest highlights here is the chance to feed local camels. It changes the trip from passive to participatory. You’re learning how camels are cared for in this setting, and you get a better sense of the people and routine that make the desert tourism work.

You may also get time for sandboarding during the Merzouga desert segment. That’s a big deal if you like the idea of turning the dunes into a playground rather than only a viewpoint. Even if you only try it once, you’ll remember the feeling of sliding on sand more than the photo you take of it.

A small reality check: sand activities can be dusty. If you’re sensitive to dry air and grit, protect your eyes and consider bringing a scarf or buff. You’ll enjoy the fun more when you’re not wiping your face the whole time.

Dinner under the stars: ensuite tent plus drummers by the campfire

That night in camp is where the trip starts feeling like a proper adventure, not a long day. You’ll dine after camel time, and the camp evening includes drummers and drum music. The sound carries differently in the desert at night, and it turns dinner into an event.

You’ll also stay in an ensuite tent, which is a major quality-of-life upgrade. Instead of sleeping in basic conditions, you get the comfort that helps you actually enjoy your day-two dawn without feeling wrecked.

Now the balanced part: some past stays have mentioned that dinner and breakfast were cold or more like catering than a hot, tailored meal. Other stays have described the food and hosts as excellent. So your best bet is to treat the meal as part of the experience—enjoy it—but don’t assume it will always be piping hot.

If you care about drinks during the evening, keep expectations flexible. A couple of reports mention drinks being unavailable at times. It’s smart to plan for that possibility so it doesn’t turn into a frustrating surprise.

Day 2 dawn routine: sunrise, shower, and breakfast in camp

You’ll be woken in the morning to catch the desert dawn. This is the second big reason people choose an overnight: dawn here feels different from sunset. The light builds slowly, and the sand texture makes everything look sharper as the sky brightens.

After that, you’ll have a shower and breakfast in camp. That sequence matters because it makes the day start clean and comfortable. You’re not just stumbling out of a tent—you’re getting the chance to freshen up, eat, and then continue the journey.

One more thing: this is the easiest morning to savor if you keep your schedule simple. Don’t overpack your brain with extra plans. Let the morning be the morning.

Return to Merzouga: the last camel ride and the soft landing

After breakfast, you’ll ride camels back to Merzouga village or to your hotel. That return ride is usually shorter than the initial push to camp, but it still gives you a last stretch to take in the shifting dunes.

By this point, most people are in a calmer headspace. The desert has done its job—removing noise, slowing time, and making you notice small details, like how quiet it is when the camp lights shut off.

When you get back, you’ll probably feel like you experienced more than two days. That’s common with desert overnights: you’re not just traveling—you’re living inside a place for a short, memorable window.

Price and value: is $589.01 per person worth it?

At $589.01 per person for about two days, you’re paying for the whole package: camel transport, experienced guides, an ensuite desert camp night, and meals (dinner and breakfast), plus soft drinks. In plain terms, you’re buying time in the Erg Chebbi area without having to log all the details yourself.

Here’s the honest value math. The expensive part of desert trips is not the hotel—it’s the logistics, the animals, and the camp setup that makes one night possible. If you land on a night where everything runs smoothly, this price can feel like a fair trade for the sky moments, the camp atmosphere, and the comfort of an ensuite tent.

If you end up in a situation where meals are served cold, there are power issues, or drinks are hard to find, the value can feel weaker. That doesn’t erase the beauty of sunrise and sunset, but it can affect your overall satisfaction.

If you’re the type who cares deeply about smooth service and hot food, ask yourself a simple question: will you still love the dunes and drummers even if one comfort detail isn’t perfect? If yes, this can be money well spent.

Guide and hosts: why Hassan’s name keeps coming up

The human factor matters a lot in the desert. One name stands out: Hassan, described as thoughtful and attentive to clients best interests. That kind of guide care is more than friendly—it can change how safe and comfortable you feel during camel time and transitions between dunes, camp, and morning routines.

The hosts also get credit in positive accounts for friendliness and attention to details, including special touches like a surprise birthday cake. That doesn’t affect everyone, but it’s a good indicator of how seriously the camp team tries to make the experience feel personal.

And when something goes off-script, a good guide makes it easier to roll with it. If check-in felt vague at first in one account, the ride and camp flow became smooth once things were underway—another sign that you should give the process a moment to settle.

Potential hiccups you should plan for (so they don’t ruin the magic)

Erg Chebbi can be popular, and some reports describe it as busy. That doesn’t stop the sunrise and sunset from being spectacular, but it can change the feeling of solitude depending on timing and crowd levels.

Power cuts have also been reported during at least one stay. The important takeaway for you: in the desert, comfort sometimes depends on camp conditions. If you’re relying on phone charging or being fully connected, plan for limited reliability.

Meal temperature and service style are another variable. Some accounts praised the food, while others described dinner and breakfast as cold and more like catering. You can protect your enjoyment by keeping the meal in perspective: it supports the experience, but the dunes and sky are the main event.

Finally, drinks availability can be inconsistent. Since soft drinks are included, it’s reasonable to expect you’ll have some, but it’s also smart to bring a small personal buffer mindset—especially if you know you get cranky when thirsty.

Who should book this Merzouga camel trek?

This is a great fit if you want:

• A short overnight that still delivers both sunset and dawn
• A mix of action and calm: camel riding plus dune viewpoints plus drummers
• Comfortable camping elements, since the camp includes ensuite tent accommodation

It’s especially good for couples and small groups who like meaningful downtime. If you love nature at night, star-gazing type moments, and you don’t need constant modern conveniences, you’ll probably feel at home here.

If you’re traveling with small kids or have mobility concerns, note that most travelers can participate, but camel rides and dune climbing will still be physically demanding. You’ll want to be realistic about comfort with sand, stairs, and getting on and off camels.

Should you book this tour or skip it?

Book it if your top goal is the Erg Chebbi sky show plus a comfortable desert sleep. The combination of a 90-minute camel trek, sunset dune time, camel feeding, and an evening with drummers is exactly the kind of package that makes a “once-in-a-lifetime” trip feel complete.

Skip or adjust expectations if your priorities are strict service timing, guaranteed hot meals, and perfectly consistent camp power. Some stays have mentioned issues there, and you can’t control the desert. You can only choose whether the dunes and dawn are worth it to you anyway.

One last practical note: this experience is non-refundable and can’t be changed once booked. So only lock it in if your dates are firm.

FAQ

How long is the camel trek experience?

It runs for about 2 days.

Where does the tour take place?

The tour is in Merzouga, Morocco, with time in the Erg Chebbi desert area.

Is pickup offered?

Yes, pickup is offered.

What meals are included?

Dinner and breakfast are included.

Do you stay in an ensuite tent?

Yes, you’ll sleep in an ensuite tent at the luxury desert camp.

Is sandboarding included?

Sandboarding may be available during the Merzouga desert stop.

How long is the camel ride to reach the camp?

The ride to the desert camp is about 90 minutes.

Do you ride camels back on the second day?

Yes, you ride camels back to Merzouga village or your hotel.

Are tips included in the price?

No, tips are not included.

Is this booking refundable?

No. It is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason.

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