Merzouga desert activity

Camel Trekking in Merzouga

Camel Trekking in Merzouga — ride a camel into the orange dunes of Erg Chebbi at sunset, sleep in a Berber camp under the stars and ride back at sunrise.

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The journey

Camel Trekking in Merzouga overview

There is no better way to meet the Sahara than on the back of a camel. In the late afternoon you leave Merzouga with your camel man and ride slowly into the dunes of Erg Chebbi, where some of the sand mountains rise up to 150 metres.

The ride takes about one hour and a half each way. You stop on a dune to watch the sunset, arrive at your camp for mint tea and dinner, and listen to Berber drums by the fire. Early the next morning you watch the sunrise from the sand and ride back to Merzouga for breakfast.

It is simple, quiet and unforgettable. And like all our activities, it is private.

Route

Merzouga → Erg Chebbi camp → Merzouga

Duration

2 days / 1 night

Tour type

Private — only you and your people

Distance

Approx. 12–16 km by camel

Why you’ll love it

Tour highlights

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Sunset camel ride into Erg Chebbi

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Stop on a high dune for photos

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Mint tea and dinner at the camp

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Berber drums by the fire

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A sky full of stars

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Sunrise ride back to Merzouga

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Sandboarding at the camp

Day by day

Day-by-day itinerary

Every ride is private, with your own camel man. Times change with the season and the light.

Day 01

6–8 km by camel

Merzouga → Erg Chebbi → Desert Camp

You meet your camel man at the edge of the dunes in the late afternoon. Leave your big luggage safely in Merzouga and take only a small bag for the night. The camels kneel down so you can climb on, and then, with a gentle swing, you are up and walking into the sand. The ride is slow and calm, and the camel man leads the way on foot.

After about an hour you stop on a high dune to watch the sun go down, as the sand turns gold, then orange, then pink. You arrive at the camp at dusk. The team welcomes you with mint tea, and dinner is a big tagine with soup and fruit. After dinner, the drums come out by the fire. Walk a few steps from the light and look up at the Milky Way.

Key stops

Merzouga · Erg Chebbi dunes · sunset dune · desert camp

Stay

Desert camp in Erg Chebbi

Meals

Dinner

Day 02

6–8 km by camel

Desert Camp → Erg Chebbi → Merzouga

Your camel man wakes you before the sun. Climb the dune next to the camp and wait for the first light from the east. The desert is completely silent, and the dunes slowly turn red. It is one of the most beautiful moments of any trip to Morocco.

Then you climb back on your camel and ride across the dunes to Merzouga, where breakfast and a hot shower are waiting at the hotel. You can continue your tour from here, or join one of our other Merzouga activities like a 4x4 excursion or a horse ride.

Key stops

Sunrise dune · Erg Chebbi · Merzouga

Stay

Experience ends in Merzouga

Meals

Breakfast

Along the way

Camel Trekking in Merzouga gallery

The details

What’s included

Included in your journey

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Private camel trek with a camel man

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1 night in a desert camp (standard or luxury tent)

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Dinner and breakfast

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Mint tea and music by the fire

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Sandboard at the camp

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Safe storage for your luggage

Not included

Transport to Merzouga (can be added)

Drinks

Tips for the camel man and camp team

Start your journey

Request your dates

Tell us when you would like to travel. We’ll reply with availability, your private quote and all the details you need.

From

Private quote on request

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

Is the camel ride difficult?

No. The camels walk slowly and a camel man leads them. The ride takes about one hour and a half. If you prefer, we can take you to the camp by 4x4.

What is the desert camp like?

It is a Berber-style camp between the dunes of Erg Chebbi. You can choose a standard tent with shared bathrooms or a luxury tent with a private bathroom and a real bed.

Can children ride the camels?

Yes. Children ride with or near an adult, and the camel man stays with them the whole time.

Is the trek private?

Yes. Your camel caravan is only for you and your group.

When is the best time to go?

October to May is the most comfortable. In summer the days are very hot, so we start early and rest in the afternoon. Winter nights in the desert are cold, so bring a warm layer.