The Sahara can feel bigger than your phone. This overnight camel trek from Merzouga to Erg Chebbi turns a bucket-list idea into a real, slow-moving journey through sand, stars, and sunrise.

I love how the night is built around the desert rhythm: Berber tea to settle in, then a sunset walk on the dunes, followed by dinner in camp. I also really like the practical comfort points—private tent plus a shower available when you’re back near Merzouga.

One thing to keep in mind: timing can be a little flexible, and sandboarding isn’t always as straightforward as you’d expect. If it matters to you, ask when you arrive and double-check the sandboard situation before you settle into dinner mode.

Key highlights worth your attention

• Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset and sunrise for photos that actually feel epic (without needing a drone)
• Private tent camp in the middle of the sand, with tagine dinner and breakfast included
• Berber drums in camp that set the mood fast, especially after the meal and tea
• Sandboarding on the dunes (and it’s smart to confirm it on the day)
• Names to remember: Ahmed and Ishmael, who come through as friendly, helpful hosts in the experience

Camel Trek From Merzouga: the pace, the views, the reality

Merzouga is the classic jumping-off point for the Sahara, and the experience is designed around one big idea: swap paved roads for slow travel. You ride out from Merzouga onto the dunes of Erg Chebbi and spend the night at a camp placed among the sand.

What makes this tour work well for most people is the balance of effort and payoff. Camel trekking isn’t marathon mode—you’re moving, but at an easy pace that lets you look around. In many cases the camel portion runs about three hours, and that’s a manageable window even if you’re traveling with kids or you’re just not into long hiking days.

If you like the idea of watching the desert change color in real time, you’ll also love the way the itinerary layers timing: sunset on Day 1, sunrise on Day 2. It’s not just scenery for scenery’s sake; it’s the best way to feel the scale of the Sahara without guessing.

Day 1 in the dunes: Berber tea, camel ride, sunset, and Berber drums

After you meet at Riad Akabar Merzouga, the first step is simple: you head into the hotel area for a cup of Berber tea and get ready. Then it’s off to the camel ride, heading out into the dunes where the camp is set up for the night.

Here’s the sequence that tends to make Day 1 feel special:

• You ride out and watch the desert open up around you.
• When you reach camp, you head toward the high dunes to catch sunset.
• Dinner happens after the photos and the sky show, with traditional Berber drums playing in camp.

That sunset window matters. The dunes shift from bright to muted, shadows stretch, and everything looks different than it did an hour earlier. If you’re into photography, this is the moment you’ll want to be awake, not half-thinking about dinner logistics.

Then comes camp life. You’ll eat a tagine-style dinner with mint tea, and the drums help the evening feel like a real event rather than a campsite routine. Based on the experience vibe, having Ahmed and Ishmael as friendly, hands-on hosts is part of why the night feels smooth. It’s the kind of attention that helps when you’re tired, sun-exposed, and carrying your expectations in a backpack.

The overnight camp: private tent comfort and what camp actually means

A big selling point here is that you don’t sleep in a shared, chaotic setup. You get a private tent for the night. In a desert camp, that difference is huge—you can actually rest without feeling like you’re in a crowded outdoor waiting room.

Your camp experience includes:

• Dinner and mint tea
• Tea/coffee (included)
• Music via traditional Berber drums
• Time to walk up to the high dunes for sunset

The practical side is that the camp is still a camp. You should expect a desert night with changing temperatures and a sky that can look shockingly clear. If you plan to take advantage of the stars, bring a layer you’ll actually want to wear after dark.

One more detail worth knowing: you may hear about extras like a sandbath while you’re there. It isn’t presented as a formal “included” feature in the basics of the tour, but the fact it comes up in the experience story tells me it’s something your hosts may suggest if conditions are right.

Day 2 sunrise: early dune time, shower, and breakfast before you ride back

The tour gives you the option to wake up early for sunrise. If you’re serious about seeing the desert in its soft light, this is the part you’ll remember longer than the camel ride.

The flow is usually:

• Wake up early (if you want sunrise)
• Head to the high sand dune next to the camp for photos
• Return to camp afterward
• Shower and breakfast
• Then you join the camels back to Merzouga and the service ends at the meeting point

The shower point is a quiet win. Desert travel can make everything feel dusty—hair, clothes, even your mood if you stay “gritty” too long. Having a shower available when you’re back near the meeting point makes the end of the experience feel like you can clean up and re-enter normal life.

Breakfast after sunrise is also key. You’ll have used energy without realizing it because the ride is steady, and you’re walking around dunes taking in views. Breakfast helps you feel human again before you finish.

Sandboarding on Erg Chebbi: fun, but confirm the details

Sandboarding is listed as a highlight, and the vibe is exactly what you want: slide down a dune, then laugh a little at how fast gravity wins. The tour includes sandboarding as part of the experience flow.

That said, one caution from real-world experience is that sandboarding doesn’t always show up exactly as you pictured. If sandboards aren’t visible at camp when you’re expecting them, it can ruin the timing of your plans (and your photos).

So here’s my practical advice: when you arrive and your hosts explain the schedule, ask a direct question:

• Are sandboards provided at the camp?
• When exactly do you plan to do it?

If you get a clear answer, great. If it’s vague, ask again. It’s not a complaint—it’s just good desert logistics.

Price and value: is $69.79 per person a smart deal?

At $69.79 per person for roughly two days, this is priced to be accessible, especially since it includes the big-ticket parts of the desert overnight: camel for each person, private tent, and meals (dinner and breakfast), plus tea/coffee and a shower.

Value-wise, here’s what you’re really paying for:

• Guided desert transport (the camel work, not just a pickup)
• Camp setup and private sleeping space
• Food in the middle of nowhere
• The experience moments: sunset, sunrise, and music in camp

Things not included are also fairly normal for this kind of trip:

• Lunch
• Optional extras like 4×4 and ATVs/quad/biggy biking
• Air conditioning (it’s the desert—plan accordingly)

If you’re comparing this to DIY trips, the main difference is safety and timing. A guided camel overnight removes the guesswork about where to camp, how to structure sunrise/sunset, and how to coordinate the ride back.

This is also a solid option if you want private tour comfort. You’re not sharing the whole camp and schedule with random strangers, which can make a big difference after a long travel day.

Who this overnight Sahara tour is best for

This tour fits best if you want the Sahara experience without turning it into a multi-day survival project.

You’ll likely love it if:

• You want a classic Merzouga-to-Erg Chebbi desert night
• You care about sunrise and sunset photos with real dune time
• You prefer a private tent over crowded camping setups
• You like traditional touches like mint tea and Berber drums

It might be less ideal if:

• You need a perfectly locked timetable down to the minute
• Sandboarding is your top priority and you don’t want to confirm details
• You’re expecting a fully “resort-style” setup (camp is comfortable, but it’s still in the desert)

What to pack and how to make the ride feel easier

Even with a short overall duration, this is desert travel. You don’t need a fancy kit, but you do need smart basics.

Bring:

• A warm layer for the night (desert temps can shift)
• Sun protection (hat/sunglasses/sunscreen)
• Comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting sandy
• A small flashlight or phone flashlight for tent life after dark
• Water plan: you’ll have tea, but you’ll still want to stay hydrated

During the camel trek, the biggest comfort factor is attitude. Sit back, keep your balance, and treat it like a slow ride—not a back-to-back activity. You’ll enjoy it more when you stop rushing the experience to get to the next photo.

And if you’re going for sunrise, set up your routine fast the moment you arrive so you’re not scrambling in the dark. Desert mornings are short and cool.

A note on weather and flexibility

This tour requires good weather. If conditions are poor, your date may be changed or you can receive a full refund. That’s not a “maybe” detail—it’s a big part of how desert camps work, since visibility and safety depend on the day.

Because of this, I’d treat this as a “weather-aware” plan, not a strict calendar appointment. If you’re traveling around it, keep a little breathing room in your schedule.

Should you book this overnight camel trek in the Sahara?

Book it if you want a real desert overnight with the main ingredients: camel trekking from Merzouga, a private tent camp, sunset and sunrise dune time, tagine dinner with mint tea, and a night with Berber drums.

Skip it or at least ask more questions first if sandboarding has to happen exactly as advertised, or if you can’t handle small timing shifts. A quick confirmation at arrival will save you stress.

For most people, though, this is a strong value way to experience Erg Chebbi up close—without the hassle of organizing it yourself. And if Ahmed and Ishmael are guiding your group, you’re getting the kind of friendly support that helps the desert feel welcoming, not confusing.

FAQ

What is the starting and ending point?

The tour starts at Riad Akabar Merzouga in Merzouga, Morocco, and ends back at the same meeting point.

How long is the overnight desert camel trek?

It lasts about 2 days (approx.), with the activity including an overnight stay in a desert camp.

Is the tour private?

Yes. This is a private tour/activity, meaning only your group participates.

What’s included in the price?

The included items are dinner, breakfast, all fees and taxes, camel per person, private tent, tea/coffee, a local camel guide, free parking, and a shower in the meeting point.

Is lunch included?

No, lunch is not included.

Is sandboarding included?

Sandboarding is listed as a highlight and is part of the experience, but it’s smart to confirm it on the day so you’re not left waiting for equipment.

Do I need good weather?

Yes. The experience requires good weather. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

When will I get confirmation?

You should receive confirmation within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 3 days in advance for a full refund, with cut-off times based on local time.

You Might Also Enjoy

Climb Mount Toubkal: 3-Day Trek from MarrakechEverest Base Camp TrekEverest Base Camp Trek 16 DaysEtna Summit 3300m: Trekking on the Active Volcano