Sahara desert camp among the dunes of Merzouga, Morocco

What to Expect in a Sahara Desert Camp

For most travellers, the night in a Sahara desert camp in Merzouga is the moment they remember for years. But what exactly happens there? Where do you sleep, what do you eat, is there a shower? Here is a simple, honest guide to your night in the dunes of Erg Chebbi.

Arrival and sunset camel ride

You usually arrive in Merzouga in the late afternoon. Your camel guide meets you at the edge of the dunes, helps you get on your camel and leads the caravan into the Sahara. The camel ride to the camp takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, and the timing is planned so that you watch the sunset from the top of a dune. Bring your camera: the colours change from gold to orange to deep red in a few minutes.

Your tent

Desert camps in Merzouga are made of traditional Berber tents set in a circle among the dunes. Inside you find real beds with clean sheets and warm blankets, carpets on the sand and soft lighting. There are two main types of camp:

Standard desert camp: comfortable tents with beds and shared toilets and showers.
Luxury desert camp: larger tents with a private bathroom, hot shower, electricity and a more refined decoration. Perfect for couples, honeymoons and families.

Sunset over the Sahara from the terrace of a desert camp in Merzouga

Dinner under the stars

After a glass of Moroccan mint tea, dinner is served in the camp: usually a warm harira or vegetable soup, a chicken or beef tajine, bread baked in the sand and fresh fruit. Vegetarian meals are no problem, just tell us in advance.

Berber music and campfire

After dinner, the camp team lights a fire and plays traditional Berber drums. Everyone is invited to join in. Then walk a few metres away from the lights, lie on the cool sand and look up: far from any city, the sky of the Sahara is full of stars, and on clear nights you can see the Milky Way with your own eyes.

Sahara desert camp lit up at night among the dunes of Merzouga

Sunrise over the dunes

Wake up early, climb the nearest dune and watch the sun rise over the Sahara. It is quiet, cool and magical. After breakfast with bread, honey, jam, eggs and coffee or tea, you ride your camel back to Merzouga, where your driver is waiting to continue the trip.

Practical tips for your desert night

Take only a small backpack: your main luggage stays in the car. See our packing list for a Morocco desert tour.
Bring a warm layer: nights can be cold, especially from November to March.
Charge your phone before you leave: electricity can be limited in standard camps.
Ask your guide to show you how to tie a Berber scarf before the ride.
Check the best time to visit Merzouga for the season of your trip.

Frequently asked questions

Is it safe to sleep in a desert camp in Merzouga?

Yes. Camps are run by local Berber families, staff stay with you all night, and the Merzouga area is very safe and welcoming for travellers.

Is there a toilet and shower in the desert camp?

Yes. Standard camps have shared toilets and showers, and luxury camps have a private bathroom in each tent.

Can I go to the camp by 4×4 instead of camel?

In most cases, yes. If you prefer not to ride a camel, ask us and we can arrange a 4×4 transfer to the camp.

Spend a night in the Sahara

Our Merzouga desert tours include a night in a Sahara desert camp: the 2-day Fes to Merzouga desert trip, the 3-day Marrakech to Merzouga tour and the 3-day Marrakech to Fes desert tour. Want a luxury tent? Tell us and we’ll arrange it.