Merzouga Sunset Camel Trek & Overnight Desert Camp

This overnight camel trek is for travellers who are already in Merzouga, whether you drove yourself, came by bus or are staying at a local guesthouse. It is the simplest way to spend a night in the Sahara with our team, from late afternoon until breakfast the next morning.

Into the dunes at golden hour

We meet you at our base in Merzouga in the late afternoon, usually around 16:30 in spring and autumn, later in summer and earlier in winter. You leave your big bags with us, and we help you tie a cheche (desert scarf) against the sun and sand. Our camel handlers are from local families who have worked these dunes for generations, and they lead the caravan on foot at a calm walking pace.

The ride to camp takes about 1.5 hours. Around halfway we stop so you can climb a dune and watch the sun set over Erg Chebbi, a sand sea about 22 km long with dunes reaching roughly 150 m. The colours change quickly from gold to deep orange to pink, so have your camera ready.

An evening at our desert camp

At camp we welcome you with mint tea and snacks. Dinner is served in the dining tent or outside on calm nights: usually harira or vegetable soup, a chicken or vegetable tagine, bread and seasonal fruit. Afterwards the team brings out drums, and you are welcome to join in or simply sit by the fire and look at the stars. Tents have real beds, clean bedding and blankets, and you can choose a standard tent with shared bathrooms or a comfort tent with a private toilet and shower.

Sunrise and the ride back

We wake you about half an hour before sunrise. Climbing the dune behind camp takes 10 to 20 minutes, and watching the light spread across the Sahara is, for many guests, the moment they remember most. After that, the camels take you back to the village, where breakfast and a hot shower are waiting.

Practical tips

If riding a camel is not for you, we can take you to camp by 4x4 instead. Children from about six years old usually ride comfortably. To add more time in the dunes, combine this with our sandboarding and stargazing session in Erg Chebbi on another evening.