Camel trekking tour in Merzouga desert
Program of our Camel Trekking Tour in Merzouga Desert
The camel trekking will start before sunset. You will travel with a team in a caravan from the hotel in the city of Merzouga. The caravan must carry food, blankets, and everything else needed for the trip. You will have the opportunity to see the sunset in the Sahara, one of the most beautiful sights ever. It is highly recommended to take photos at this moment to document it.
After reaching the camp, you can relax with a Moroccan mint tea and enjoy the beautiful weather as it gets colder.
The camps always entertain in the form of a traditional band playing mesmerizing drum sounds.
The sky will be fascinating. The desert is one of the best places in the world to see the clear night sky. Try to name some of the basic constellations if you know any; it’s the most fun.
After you enjoy everything, you can go to sleep, but you need to get up early because you don’t want to miss the sunrise.
After breakfast, you can return to the hotel on your camel, where you can take a long shower.
Why Merzouga is the Ultimate Destination for a Camel Trekking Experience
Merzouga is more than just a gateway to the Sahara; it’s a place where adventure, culture, and natural beauty blend to create one of Morocco’s most unforgettable desert experiences. If you’re dreaming of a camel trek that goes beyond the ordinary, Merzouga delivers in every sense.
Step into the Peaceful Heart of the Sahara
Camel trekking in Merzouga isn’t just a ride through the dunes; it’s an immersion into an incredibly peaceful world. As you sway gently on camelback across the golden sands of Erg Chebbi, you’ll quickly notice the profound silence that blankets the desert. With nothing but the soft padding of your camel’s hooves and the whisper of the wind through the dunes, you’ll feel completely disconnected from the modern world and deeply connected to the rhythms of nature. This tranquility is one of Merzouga’s greatest gifts.
Live the Authentic Berber Experience
One of the most captivating elements of camel trekking in Merzouga is the chance to engage with Morocco’s indigenous Berber communities. Whether you’re welcomed into a traditional desert camp, enjoying fresh mint tea under the stars, or listening to the hypnotic beat of Berber drums around a campfire, you’ll find that the local people are eager to share their ancient customs and warm hospitality.
Some tours even include a visit to nomadic Berber families or the nearby village of Khamlia, where you can enjoy a live performance of Gnawa music, a spiritual fusion of African rhythms and Moroccan soul.
Marvel at the Ever-Shifting Dunes of Erg Chebbi
Merzouga lies at the foot of Erg Chebbi, a massive expanse of towering sand dunes that rise up to 150 meters high. These dunes are constantly sculpted by the wind, offering a new landscape every day. During your camel trek, you’ll have the chance to climb to the top of a dune and take in panoramic views that stretch as far as the eye can see. It’s an awe-inspiring setting that looks like something out of a dream or a movie.
Catch the Most Breathtaking Sunsets and Sunrises
Few things in life rival the beauty of watching the sun dip below the horizon or rise over the sea of sand in Merzouga. The color palette changes by the minute, from deep golds to fiery reds to soft purples, creating a surreal, cinematic experience. Whether you’re perched on a high dune or relaxing at your desert camp, these moments are made for reflection, photography, and pure wonder.
Sleep Beneath a Blanket of Stars
As night falls in the Sahara, a whole new spectacle begins. Far from city lights, Merzouga’s sky lights up with countless stars, planets, and constellations. Many desert camps offer comfortable tents or luxury lodges, but nothing compares to lying back in the cool sand, wrapped in a warm blanket, and gazing up at the Milky Way. For astronomy lovers, this is one of the best natural observatories on Earth.
What Else Can You Do in Merzouga?
To make the most of your camel trekking journey, Merzouga offers several additional experiences worth exploring:
Sandboarding: Ride the dunes like a snowboarder! Sandboarding is a fun and thrilling activity that can be enjoyed during your trek.
4×4 Desert Excursions: For a faster-paced adventure, take a 4×4 tour across the desert to visit remote oases, fossil beds, and scenic plateaus.
Quad Biking & Buggy Rides: For adrenaline junkies, these motorized adventures offer a high-speed way to explore the dunes.
Visit Lake Dayet Srij: A seasonal lake just outside Merzouga, where you can see flamingos and other migratory birds, especially in spring.
Explore the Fossil Sites: Merzouga is home to millions of years-old marine fossils. You can visit fossil museums or even go fossil hunting with a local guide.
Enjoy a Traditional Hammam (Bathhouse): After a dusty ride, relax in a Moroccan hammam in the nearby villages.
Frequently Asked Questions – Camel Trekking Tour in Merzouga Desert
A camel trekking tour in Merzouga is a traditional desert experience where travelers ride camels across the sand dunes of Erg Chebbi, usually during sunrise or sunset. It typically includes an overnight stay in a desert camp with local music, dinner, and stargazing.
The duration varies depending on the package:
Sunset/Sunrise Tour: 1.5 to 2 hours.
Half-Day Tour: 3 to 4 hours with optional tea or lunch in the dunes.
Overnight Camel Trek: Starts around 4–5 PM and ends the next morning after breakfast.
Multi-Day Tours: 2 or more days into the deeper Sahara with nomadic experiences.
Contact us to customize your choice.
Clothing: Lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants to protect from sun and sand. A scarf or turban (called cheich) for head and face covering.
Footwear: Closed shoes or sandals with straps.
Essentials: Sunscreen, sunglasses, water bottle, small backpack, camera, flashlight, warm layers for cold desert nights.
Camel rides can be bumpy, especially for people with back or knee problems, but it’s generally suitable for most fitness levels. If you’re concerned, check with the operator in advance — many offer 4×4 alternatives or a shorter ride.
Camel ride to and from the camp
Sunset and sunrise views over the dunes
Accommodation in a traditional or luxury desert camp
Entertainment (Berber drums, campfire music, stargazing)
Yes, it’s very safe. Merzouga is a popular tourist destination with experienced local guides. Camels are well-trained, and the routes are well-traveled. However, always go with a reputable guide or company.
Yes, children can join as long as they are comfortable on the camel. For younger kids, it’s often possible for them to ride with a parent. Always inform your tour operator in advance to make arrangements.
Standard Camp: Basic tents, shared bathrooms, traditional meals.
Luxury Camp: Comfortable beds, private en-suite bathrooms, electricity, gourmet meals, and often Wi-Fi access.
Yes, most camps cater to dietary restrictions if informed in advance. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meals can be arranged.
The ideal months are:
Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November): Pleasant temperatures, fewer sandstorms.
Winter (December to February): Cold nights but beautiful clear skies.
Avoid mid-summer (July–August): Extremely hot temperatures can exceed 45°C (113°F).
From Marrakech or Fes, you can take a private or shared desert tour that includes transportation.
Alternatively, drive yourself and we will meet you in Merzouga
In most luxury camps, there is Wi-Fi and decent mobile reception. In standard or remote camps, signal may be weak or unavailable, a perfect time to disconnect and enjoy nature.
Yes! The Merzouga Desert is one of the best places in Morocco for stargazing, especially on clear nights with no light pollution. You’ll likely see the Milky Way and countless constellations.
Tipping is customary and appreciated. While not mandatory, a tip of 50–100 MAD per person is a kind gesture to the guide or camp staff for good service.
Absolutely. Many solo travelers join group tours or book private camel treks. It’s also a great way to meet fellow adventurers around the campfire.
