OvernightCamel Trek with Desert Camp Stay
A camel trek paired with the desert camp that suits your budget and comfort level.
Contact us for a priceView details
Erg Chebbi dunes, Merzouga
Overnight Camel Trek to a Desert Camp
This is the full Sahara experience in one night: a camel caravan at sunset, dinner and music at camp, a sky full of stars (moon and weather permitting) and the ride back at dawn.
- approx. 18 h (afternoon to next morning)
- Overnight
- Erg Chebbi dunes, Merzouga
About this activity
You leave your luggage at a hotel at the dune edge, keep a small overnight bag, and set off with your guide and camels in the late afternoon. The ride into camp takes roughly 1–1.5 hours through the dunes, timed so that sunset happens along the way or shortly after arrival. Most routes start from Merzouga or Hassi Labied, and the camps lie among the dunes rather than at the edge, so the village quickly disappears behind you.
Camps in Erg Chebbi range from simple to very comfortable, and you choose the level when booking. Dinner is usually a Moroccan meal such as tagine, followed in many camps by drumming around the fire — where fires are permitted. On a clear, moonless night the stars can be extraordinary; with a full moon the dunes glow instead. Before dawn you climb a nearby dune to watch the sunrise, have breakfast, and ride back out — or take a 4x4 transfer if you prefer. Large-bag storage, showers and other facilities depend on the camp chosen and are confirmed at booking.
- Camel caravan into the dunes at sunset
- Night at a desert camp — budget, standard or luxury
- Dinner and breakfast at camp (typical plan)
- Stargazing, moon and weather permitting
- Sunrise over the dunes before riding back
Typical plan
- approx. 2 h before sunsetMeet at the dune-edge hotel; store large luggage; briefing.
- Late afternoonCamel ride to camp (approx. 1–1.5 h), sunset on the way.
- EveningMint tea, dinner, and time by the fire or under the stars.
- Before sunriseWalk up a dune to watch the sunrise.
- MorningBreakfast, then camel ride (or 4x4) back to the dune edge.
Timings shift with the season (sunrise and sunset change by more than two hours across the year).
What’s included at camp
- Camel ride
- Included
- 4x4 transfer
- Optional (on request)
- Meals
- Included — dinner and breakfast (typical plan)
- Private bathroom
- To be confirmed — depends on camp category
- Shower
- To be confirmed — depends on camp category
- Electricity
- To be confirmed — often solar; charging may be limited
Facilities differ between camps and seasons; we confirm them for your exact dates.
What’s included
Typically included
- Camel rides to and from camp with a guide
- One night at a desert camp (category chosen at booking)
- Dinner and breakfast (typical plan — to be confirmed)
Not included
- Drinks other than water and tea (to be confirmed)
- Transfers from outside Merzouga (can be arranged)
- Tips
We confirm these details in your written quote:
- Camp category and its exact facilities
- Whether bottled water is included
- Luggage storage arrangements
- Weight guideline for riders
Safety, ages & accessibility
Camel riding is gentle but not for everyone. The camel kneels for you to mount and dismount, and the two lurches as it stands and sits can jar the back, so tell us beforehand about back or neck problems, recent surgery or hip issues. We do not recommend riding during pregnancy. A weight guideline applies for the animals’ welfare — the exact limit is set by the operator and must be confirmed before booking. On steep descents your guide may ask you to dismount and walk, which is safer for you and easier on the camel. Our camels are rested between rides, watered, and never overloaded; a guide leads the caravan on foot at all times. Nights can drop close to freezing in winter; camps provide blankets but bring warm layers. A 4x4 transfer can replace the camel ride on request.
Good to know
- Pack a small overnight bag — torch, warm layer, toothbrush, power bank.
- Charging at camp may be limited, especially at simpler camps.
- Fires are lit only where permitted and conditions allow.
- Tell us about dietary needs in advance.
Price & booking
Contact us for a price. Every trip is priced for your dates, group size, tour type and accommodation level. Send us your plan on WhatsApp or by email and we will send you the price. [TO CONFIRM: payment method (e.g. bank transfer), deposit amount and balance deadline]. A booking is confirmed only after we confirm availability and payment arrangements in writing. We never ask for card details on this website.
FAQs
Can I go to camp by 4x4 instead of camel?
Yes. A 4x4 transfer can be arranged on request, either one way or both ways.
Does the camp have showers and private toilets?
It depends on the camp level. Luxury camps typically have en-suite tents; simpler camps share facilities. We confirm exactly what your camp offers before you book.
Will I see the stars?
On clear nights, yes — but the view depends on the moon phase and the weather. Around full moon fewer stars are visible.
Where it happens & what pairs well
Combine it with
See allRelated experiences
Overnight
OvernightStandard Desert Camp Stay
Comfortable, mid-range desert tents — a good balance of experience and value.
Contact us for a priceView details
Short (≤ 2 h)Stargazing in the Sahara
Lie back on the sand and discover constellations, planets and desert sky stories under dark Sahara skies.
Contact us for a priceView details