REVIEW · MERZOUGA
Camel trekking overnight in Merzouga desert camp
Book on Viator →Operated by Morocco Sahara Exploration · Bookable on Viator
Merzouga at sunset is one of those rare travel moments that feels quiet and huge. This camel trekking overnight pairs a slow golden ride through Erg Chebbi dunes with a night in a traditional desert camp, complete with dinner and music around the fire. The plan is simple: ride in, sleep in the dunes, ride out at sunrise.
What I really like is the timing and pacing. Day 1 starts at 5:00 pm, giving you that sweet spot for sunset on the dunes, and the camel walk is short enough (about 40 minutes) that you can enjoy it instead of just surviving it. I also like that you get included activities like sandboarding plus the camp evening with authentic Berber music.
One thing to think about: drinks aren’t included, and the desert can cool down fast after sunset. If you hate carrying a small amount of stuff, plan ahead for water and something warm for the night.
In This Review
- Key highlights you will care about
- Erg Chebbi camel trekking at 5 pm: sunset timing that actually works
- Merzouga Berber camp overnight: dinner, tents, and campfire music
- Day 2 sunrise ride and breakfast, then back to town
- Price and value: what $63.88 gets you in the dunes
- What to pack for sand, cold nights, and camel comfort
- Who this Merzouga camel overnight suits best
- Should you book this Merzouga camel trekking overnight?
- FAQ
- What time does the camel trekking start?
- Where do I meet in Merzouga?
- How long is the camel trek on Day 1?
- Is sandboarding included?
- What meals are included?
- Are drinks included with the dinner and breakfast?
- How many people are in the group?
- Is phone charging available in the camp?
- Does the tour end back at the meeting point?
- Is free cancellation available?
Key highlights you will care about
- 5:00 pm start gives you a real sunset ride on Erg Chebbi, not just a late-day look
- Short camel trek (about 40 minutes) on Day 1, so it’s more fun than work
- Sandboarding is included if you want a playful break from the camel pace
- Berber dinner and campfire music make the overnight feel like a cultural evening, not just sleeping somewhere
- Phone charging and safe parking mean less stress and more comfort before and after the dunes
- Small group size (max 18) keeps the camp experience from turning into a circus
Erg Chebbi camel trekking at 5 pm: sunset timing that actually works
The whole experience hinges on one smart choice: leaving right at 5:00 pm from the Merzouga camp area. It’s the kind of time that gets you into the dunes before the sky turns dramatic. You meet up at MOUHOU APARTMENTS | Merzouga Excursions & Desert Camps and you can even drive your car to the camp via secure parking, which is a big help if you’re arriving independently.
After a cup of tea (because Morocco runs on tea logic), you start the camel trek. The walk is around 40 minutes, which is perfect for first-timers. It gives you time to settle in on the camel without feeling rushed, and it still leaves room for stops where you can actually take pictures and enjoy the dunes as the light shifts.
The sunset part is the payoff. You’ll ride out to catch that classic Morocco sky change, the kind where the sand turns from warm gold to deeper orange while your shadows get long. There’s also a break mid-trek for photos and a chance to just stand there for a moment and take it in.
If sandboarding is on your wish list, this is when it fits. The program includes sandboarding, and you can do it if you feel like turning one quick ride into a fun, slightly ridiculous souvenir of your day.
One practical note: camels move slower than you expect. That’s a plus for the views, but it also means you’ll want to bring a calm mood and some patience. You’re not on a racehorse. You’re in the dunes.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Merzouga.
Merzouga Berber camp overnight: dinner, tents, and campfire music
Once the camel trek ends, you’re in camp mode. This is where the overnight earns its keep. The setting is built around traditional Berber hospitality, with a dinner, music around the campfire, and large tents for sleeping.
The evening plan feels designed for real relaxation. You don’t just eat and disappear. You sit, you listen, you watch the light fade, and you get that desert-calm rhythm. A starlit sky is part of the magic here, and the camp atmosphere is a big part of why people love this night.
Food is included, and the vibe is authentic Moroccan: you’ll have dinner plus an easy, desert-friendly meal experience after you’ve worked up an appetite. Then comes the music. Berber music around the campfire is one of those details that turns the night into an actual memory, not just a sleeping arrangement.
Comfort varies by camp setup, but the positive feedback is consistent: many people describe the camp as clean with good food. Some mention upgrades like a private shower and bathroom, comfortable beds, and even WiFi in the dunes. I wouldn’t count on every tent having the same level of comfort, but the overall impression is that this isn’t a bare-bones survival stop.
Two small comfort perks matter more than you’d think. First, there’s a place for charging phones, so you’re not stuck with a dead battery when you want sunset photos or a sunrise video. Second, there’s safe parking, so you’re not worrying about where your vehicle goes once the desert plan starts.
What’s not included: drinks. That’s not a deal-breaker, but it does affect how you plan the evening. If you want bottled water, soda, or anything else, you’ll need to buy it separately or plan your own supply.
Day 2 sunrise ride and breakfast, then back to town
Day 2 starts early, because sunrise on Erg Chebbi is the whole point of doing an overnight. You’ll wake up for a sunrise camel trek over the dunes. If Day 1 is about sunset drama, Day 2 is about quiet light. The dunes look different in the morning, and it’s often less crowded than the evening feel.
After the ride, you get breakfast in camp. This is the practical bridge between adventure and getting back on with your day. You eat, you reset, and then you head by car toward the next part of your Morocco route.
Even though the schedule mentions car transfer after breakfast, the end result is clear: the activity ends back at the meeting point in Merzouga. So you’re not wandering around trying to find transport while the day is moving forward.
How long the whole Day 2 feels depends on timing, but the program notes about 3 hours for this portion. That’s enough time to do sunrise well, eat, and get you back with your schedule intact.
If you’re thinking about the overall value, this is a key point: you get two distinct camel moments—sunset and sunrise—plus meals and the camp evening. That’s a lot for a short, 2-day window.
Price and value: what $63.88 gets you in the dunes
At $63.88 per person, this isn’t the kind of price that screams luxury hotel. But it does translate into real value when you break it down by what’s included.
You’re paying for:
- Two camel trekking sessions (sunset Day 1 and sunrise Day 2)
- Dinner and breakfast
- Sandboarding
- Berber music around campfire
- A camp setup with room to sleep in the desert, plus charging and secure parking
That combination is what keeps this from feeling like a gimmick. You’re not just paying for a camel ride photo. You’re paying for an entire half-day adventure package that ends with a full desert evening.
One sign of good value is the group size cap: maximum 18 travelers. Smaller groups usually mean less chaos at meals, less crowding around activity time, and a calmer feel in the camp when the music starts.
There’s also a practical booking trend: this kind of experience is typically booked around 103 days in advance on average. That’s a hint that popular dates fill up. If you have fixed travel plans, booking earlier gives you better chances of getting the timing you want.
Bottom line: if you want the dunes, the night, and the two camel moments, the price makes sense. If you want drinks included, private luxury every single time, or a long multi-day trek, you’d likely need a different style of tour.
What to pack for sand, cold nights, and camel comfort
This is the part that saves you from a grumpy evening.
Bring something warm for after dark. Even when the daytime feels pleasant, desert nights can turn chilly. The camp is in tents, and while comfort is generally good, you still want layers.
Wear shoes that work on sand. Camel treks and walking in dunes aren’t made for delicate soles or slick footwear. You’ll be happier with closed-toe shoes you trust.
Plan for a little chaos with sandboarding. Sand has a way of getting everywhere. Comfortable clothing matters more than you think, because you’ll likely come back dusted.
Since drinks aren’t included, have a plan for water and any extras you like. If you run on caffeine or hate plain water, decide before you reach camp.
Good news: you’ll have charging available. That means you can use your phone for sunset videos and don’t have to live off battery anxiety.
And lastly, keep expectations simple with the camel. It’s not a roller coaster. It’s a slow ride with stops. If you treat it like that, it turns into a surprisingly relaxed way to experience the dunes.
Who this Merzouga camel overnight suits best
This is best for you if you want:
- A short desert experience that still feels complete (not just a drive-by)
- Two special moments: sunset and sunrise camel trekking
- A cultural night with Berber dinner and campfire music
- A group that’s not huge (max 18)
It also works for people with dietary needs. The program states they can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc. If you eat carefully, that’s a reassuring detail.
If you hate early mornings, consider that Day 2 is sunrise-focused. It’s not a late start kind of tour.
If you require lots of included drinks or you want a fully guaranteed high-end room setup every time, you should ask questions before booking. The data confirms strong comfort impressions, but the exact level of luxury can vary by camp set-up.
Service animals are allowed, and the experience is near public transportation, which helps if you’re not driving in.
Should you book this Merzouga camel trekking overnight?
If you want a classic Merzouga desert night with two camel treks, included meals, sandboarding, and a camp evening with Berber music, I think this is a strong choice. The price feels fair for what you get, especially because the overnight isn’t just sleeping in the desert—it’s riding, eating, and sharing an evening atmosphere.
Book it if sunset and sunrise dunes are on your must-do list, and you’re okay bringing or buying your own drinks. I’d skip it if you’re chasing a totally luxury, hotel-like experience with guaranteed drink inclusion and zero cold-night discomfort.
FAQ
What time does the camel trekking start?
The experience starts at 5:00 pm.
Where do I meet in Merzouga?
The meeting point is MOUHOU APARTMENTS | Merzouga Excursions & Desert Camps, about 700 meters from the post office of Merzouga.
How long is the camel trek on Day 1?
Day 1 camel trekking is listed as about 40 minutes, focused on seeing sunset in the dunes.
Is sandboarding included?
Yes. Sandboarding is included in the listed activities.
What meals are included?
Dinner on Day 1 and breakfast on Day 2 are included.
Are drinks included with the dinner and breakfast?
No. Drinks are not included.
How many people are in the group?
The maximum group size is 18 travelers.
Is phone charging available in the camp?
Yes. The camp has a place for charging phones.
Does the tour end back at the meeting point?
Yes. The activity ends back at the meeting point.
Is free cancellation available?
Yes. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
