Unforgettable Merzouga Camel Ride & Desert Experience
Experience the magic of a Merzouga camel ride across Erg Chebbi dunes. Enjoy sunset views, overnight desert camping, and authentic Berber hospitality. Book your adventure today!
Journey into the heart of the Sahara Desert with our signature Merzouga camel ride experience. As the golden sun casts long shadows across the rippling Erg Chebbi dunes, you’ll sway gently atop your desert companion, venturing deeper into one of Morocco’s most breathtaking landscapes. Our carefully crafted overnight desert adventures combine authentic Berber hospitality with the timeless magic of the Sahara, creating memories that will stay with you long after the sand has been shaken from your shoes.
Your Merzouga Camel Ride Journey
Our Merzouga camel ride experience offers the perfect balance of adventure and comfort. As desert specialists with over a decade of experience, we’ve crafted an itinerary that showcases the best of the Sahara while ensuring your journey remains comfortable and memorable.
The Magic of Erg Chebbi Dunes
The towering dunes of Erg Chebbi rise majestically from the desert floor, reaching heights of up to 150 meters. These iconic sand formations create a mesmerizing landscape that changes color throughout the day – from soft gold in the morning to deep orange at sunset. Your camel trek takes you through this stunning natural wonder, following ancient caravan routes used for centuries.
Begin Your Desert Adventure
Spaces fill quickly during peak seasons. Secure your Merzouga camel ride experience today.
One Night in Desert Merzouga: Your Itinerary
Our most popular experience combines a magical sunset camel ride with an unforgettable night under the Sahara stars. Here’s what your journey will include:
Day 1: Sunset Camel Ride to Desert Camp
Your adventure begins in the late afternoon when the desert heat subsides and the light turns magical. We’ll meet you at our Merzouga base, where our experienced guides will introduce you to your camel companion and provide a brief safety orientation.
As the sun begins its descent, you’ll mount your camel and begin the gentle trek into the heart of the dunes. The approximately 1-hour journey offers spectacular photo opportunities as the setting sun paints the landscape in brilliant golds and reds.
Upon arrival at our traditional Saharan desert camp, you’ll be welcomed with refreshing mint tea while you settle into your comfortable tent. Climb the nearby dune to witness a breathtaking Sahara sunset before returning to camp for a delicious traditional dinner under the stars.
After dinner, gather around the campfire where our Berber hosts will entertain you with traditional music and stories of desert life. As the fire dies down, marvel at the canopy of stars above – far from city lights, the Sahara offers some of the most spectacular stargazing on earth.
Day 2: Sunrise Merzouga Experience & Return
Wake early to experience the magic of a Sahara sunrise. Your guide will wake you before dawn, allowing time to climb a nearby dune and watch as the first rays of sunlight bring the desert to life in a spectacular display of color and shadow.
After this memorable moment, return to camp for a hearty breakfast before mounting your camel for the return journey to Merzouga. The morning light offers a completely different perspective of the dunes, with new shadows and colors to admire.
You’ll arrive back at our Merzouga base by mid-morning, with plenty of time to continue your Moroccan adventures or simply relax and reflect on your desert experience.
Ready for Your Desert Adventure?
Our one night in desert Merzouga experience is available year-round with special considerations for seasonal conditions.
Desert Camp Accommodation
Your home for the night is our authentic yet comfortable Sahara desert camp, nestled between the majestic dunes of Erg Chebbi.
Standard Desert Camp
Our standard camp offers the perfect balance of authenticity and comfort. You’ll sleep in traditional Berber tents equipped with proper beds, clean linens, and blankets to keep you comfortable during cool desert nights. Shared bathroom facilities with basic amenities are available.
From €40/person
Luxury Desert Experience
For those seeking additional comfort, our luxury camp features spacious tents with private ensuite bathrooms, premium bedding, and tasteful Moroccan décor. The luxury experience also includes enhanced dining options and additional amenities while maintaining the authentic desert atmosphere.
From €75/person
“The desert camp exceeded all our expectations. Comfortable beds, delicious food, and the stargazing was incredible. Our guide, Mohamed, made the experience truly special with his knowledge and hospitality.”
Preparing for Your Merzouga Camel Ride
What to Pack
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing (long sleeves/pants recommended)
- Warm layer for cool desert nights (even in summer)
- Comfortable closed shoes for walking in sand
- Sunhat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
- Small backpack for overnight essentials
- Camera with extra batteries
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Personal medications and toiletries
- Water bottle (we provide water, but bringing your own is recommended)
Camel Riding Tips
- Relax and move with the camel’s rhythm
- Hold the handlebar firmly but not tensely
- Keep your back straight but not rigid
- Wear sunscreen even in winter – desert sun is intense
- Bring a scarf to protect from occasional sand breezes
Best Time for a Camel Ride in Merzouga
| Season | Months | Temperature | Considerations |
| Peak Season | October – April | 15-25°C day, 5-15°C night | Ideal conditions, book well in advance |
| Shoulder Season | May, September | 25-35°C day, 15-20°C night | Good balance of weather and fewer crowds |
| Summer | June – August | 35-45°C day, 20-25°C night | Very hot, limited daytime activities |
Photography Tip: The “golden hour” just before sunset and after sunrise offers the most spectacular lighting for desert photography. The low angle of the sun creates dramatic shadows and brings out the rich colors of the sand.
The Berber Cultural Experience
Your Merzouga camel ride is more than just a desert trek – it’s an immersion into the rich cultural heritage of Morocco’s Berber people, who have traversed these dunes for centuries.
Traditional Music & Stories
As night falls in our desert camp, our Berber hosts share their cultural heritage through music and storytelling. The rhythmic beats of traditional drums and the haunting melodies of string instruments create an atmospheric backdrop to tales of desert life and Berber history.
This authentic cultural exchange offers insights into a way of life that has adapted to one of earth’s most challenging environments for thousands of years.
Berber Cuisine
Your desert experience includes delicious meals prepared in the traditional Berber style. Dinner typically features a tagine – a slow-cooked savory stew named after the conical earthenware pot it’s prepared in – accompanied by fresh bread, salads, and seasonal fruits.
Breakfast includes Moroccan pancakes, bread, jams, olive oil, and the ever-present mint tea – known as “Berber whiskey” for its cultural importance (though it contains no alcohol).
Extend Your Merzouga Desert Experience
While our one-night camel trek offers an unforgettable taste of the Sahara, many travelers choose to enhance their desert experience with these popular additions:
4x4 Desert Exploration
Discover remote areas of the desert inaccessible by camel. Our 4×4 car tours take you to nomadic settlements, hidden oases, and the Gnawa music village of Khamlia to experience traditional music.
From €45/person
Sandboarding Adventure
Experience the thrill of surfing down the magnificent dunes of Erg Chebbi. No experience necessary – our guides provide all equipment and instruction for this exhilarating desert activity.
From €25/person
Extended Desert Trek
For the true desert enthusiast, our 2-3 days camel treks venture deeper into the Sahara, following ancient caravan routes and experiencing the desert’s changing moods from dawn to dusk.
From €120/person
Customize Your camel trekking merzouga
Contact our team to create a personalized Merzouga experience that perfectly matches your interests and schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is camel riding difficult or uncomfortable?
Camel riding is surprisingly accessible for most people. The initial mounting and dismounting requires some flexibility, but once seated, most find it comfortable. Our guides provide clear instructions and assistance. The rhythm takes a few minutes to adjust to, but most travelers quickly adapt and enjoy the experience.
Are there bathroom facilities at the desert camp?
Yes, our standard camps have shared bathroom facilities with basic toilets and washing areas. Our luxury camps feature private ensuite bathrooms with shower facilities. While not as luxurious as hotel accommodations, they provide necessary comfort during your desert stay.
Is the Merzouga camel ride suitable for children?
Yes, children generally love the camel ride experience. For very young children (under 6), we recommend they share a camel with a parent. Children between 6-12 can ride their own camel, which will be led by one of our experienced guides. We offer family-specific tours that cater to the pace and interests of younger travelers.
How do I get to Merzouga?
Merzouga can be reached by public transport (Supratours buses) from Marrakech (12-hour journey) or Fes (overnight bus). For more comfort, we offer private transfers from major Moroccan cities or can arrange your transport from Errachidia airport, which has connections to Casablanca. Many travelers include Merzouga as part of a broader Morocco itinerary.
Book Your Merzouga Camel Ride Experience
Why Choose Our Merzouga Desert Experience
- Authentic Experience: Our camps are located in the heart of the dunes, not on the outskirts like many operators
- Expert Local Guides: All our guides are native Berbers with deep knowledge of the desert
- Quality Equipment: Well-maintained camels and comfortable camp facilities
- Sustainable Tourism: We follow eco-friendly practices and support local communities
- Customizable Options: From standard to luxury experiences, we cater to your preferences
- Excellent Safety Record: Your wellbeing is our top priority
“The highlight of our Morocco trip! The camel ride was fun, the camp was comfortable, and watching the stars in the desert silence was magical. Highly recommended!”
Begin Your Sahara Adventure
Spaces are limited, especially during peak season (October-April). Secure your unforgettable Merzouga camel ride experience today.
Need assistance? Our team is ready to help you plan your perfect desert adventure. Contact us directly for personalized recommendations or special requests.
Finding Us in Merzouga
Our desert adventure center is located in the heart of Merzouga village, just a short distance from the magnificent Erg Chebbi dunes.