2-Day Merzouga Desert Experience

Highlights

• Sunset camel trek into the dunes of Erg Chebbi
• A night in a desert camp – budget, standard or luxury
• Dinner and traditional drumming around the campfire (typical plan)
• Sunrise from the dunes before the ride back
• Optional sandboarding, quad biking or a 4x4 loop
• Safe parking or meeting point for self-drive travellers (on request)

Merzouga → Erg Chebbi desert camp → Merzouga

Best for: Independent travellers, bus and self-drive visitors, families with children and anyone with limited time who is already in the south-east.

Activities

• Sunset camel trek
• Sunrise on the dunes
• Campfire drumming
• Optional sandboarding
• Optional quad biking or buggy in designated areas
• Optional Khamlia village visit

Itinerary

Driving times are approximate and exclude long stops; they vary with weather, roads and traffic.

1. 1

   Merzouga – Sunset Camel Trek – Desert Camp

   No long drive – short local transfers only

   We meet you in Merzouga village, at your hotel or at the bus stop, or pick you up in Rissani or Erfoud on request. After mint tea and time to repack a small overnight bag, the afternoon is yours: rest by a pool, try sandboarding on a nearby slope, or book a guided quad or 4x4 session in a designated area. About an hour and a half before sunset you meet your camel handler and ride out into Erg Chebbi, stopping on a ridge to watch the colours change across the dunes. On arrival at camp you settle into your tent, then share dinner and, typically, an evening of Amazigh drumming around the fire. On clear nights with little moonlight, the stars are remarkable.

   OvernightErg Chebbi – desert camp (budget, standard or luxury, chosen at booking)

   MealsDinner (typical plan – to be confirmed)
2. 2

   Sahara Sunrise – Return to Merzouga

   No long drive – optional local excursions

   Climb a dune near camp before dawn to watch the sun rise over the sand sea towards the Algerian border hills. After a simple breakfast at camp, you ride back to the village by camel – or by 4x4 transfer if you prefer, or if riding is not comfortable. Freshen up at a partner hotel or auberge (a shower can usually be arranged on request). The rest of the day is flexible: continue your journey by bus or car, add a visit to Khamlia village to hear Gnawa music, or extend with a Rissani and Khamlia loop. If you would like to stay longer, we can suggest a second night in a camp or hotel and plan your onward route.

   OvernightNot included – end of programme

   MealsBreakfast (typical plan – to be confirmed)

Inclusions & exclusions

Accommodation, meals & transport

The night is spent in a camp in the Erg Chebbi dunes. Budget camps have shared bathrooms and simple tents; standard camps usually offer tents with en-suite facilities; luxury camps have larger furnished tents, private bathrooms and a more refined dinner. Facilities such as hot showers and electricity vary by camp and are confirmed at booking.

Dinner at camp and breakfast are part of the typical plan. Transport is by camel, with a 4x4 transfer to or from camp available for anyone who prefers not to ride. Pickups from Rissani or Erfoud can be added; self-drive guests can usually leave their car at a partner auberge (to be confirmed).

Good to know

Departure

Merzouga

Finish

Merzouga

Possible departure cities

Merzouga, Rissani or Erfoud (pickup on request)

Tour type

Private or Shared

Group size

Confirmed on request

Pickup & drop-off

Meeting point in Merzouga village or at your hotel; pickup from Rissani or Erfoud on request.

Shared departures run on selected dates and need a minimum number of guests — availability is confirmed before booking.

Safety, age & accessibility

Camel riding is gentle but not recommended for people with back problems or during pregnancy; a 4x4 transfer can be arranged instead. Quad and buggy activities run only in designated areas with a briefing and protective gear, and minimum ages are set by the operator – to be confirmed. Desert temperatures are hot by day in summer and cold at night in winter, so bring layers, sun protection and water. Sand makes walking tiring and camps are not generally wheelchair-accessible; tell us about mobility needs in advance so we can suggest the most suitable camp.

Price

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.

Payment & cancellation

[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.

[TO CONFIRM: cancellation windows and refund conditions]. See our Cancellation Policy. Read the policy, our booking terms and the Sahara tour FAQs.

Destinations you visit

• Merzouga & Erg Chebbi travel guide

FAQs