Desert Camp and Camel Ride in Merzouga: What to Expect, Timings and Tips
A camel ride into the dunes followed by a night in a desert camp is the classic Merzouga experience. You leave the village in the late afternoon, ride a camel through the Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset, arrive at a camp for dinner, music and stars, then wake up for sunrise and ride back. It is simple, memorable and suitable for most travellers, including families and first-timers. This guide explains how it works, what is included, how long each part takes, what to pack and how to choose a good camp.
Times, distances and inclusions vary by camp and season, so treat the details below as typical and confirm them with your host when you book.
Camel Ride and Desert Camp at a Glance
| Question | Typical answer |
|---|---|
| Where does it happen? | Erg Chebbi dunes, next to Merzouga village |
| Camel ride length | Usually about 1 to 1.5 hours each way, depending on where the camp is |
| When do you leave? | Late afternoon, so you ride at golden hour and sunset |
| What is included? | Camel, guide, dinner, breakfast, bed or tent and a night in camp (confirm with your host) |
| Luggage | Small bag only, the rest stays at the hotel or in the vehicle |
| Who can do it? | Most people, including children, if they can sit on a camel and hold on |
| Best months | October to April for comfortable temperatures |
How the Day Works, Step by Step
1. Arrival in Merzouga (afternoon)
You arrive in Merzouga from Marrakech, Fes or another city, or you meet your host at your hotel. You leave the main luggage behind, keep a small bag with your essentials and meet your camel guide. This is also a good time to ask any last questions about the camp. If you are still planning how to get here, read how to travel to Merzouga.
2. The camel ride (late afternoon to sunset)
The camels walk in a line behind a guide, at a slow and steady pace. The ride usually takes between one and one and a half hours. As you move deeper into the dunes, the village disappears and the light turns gold and then orange. Your guide will stop at a good spot so you can climb a dune on foot, take photos and watch the sun go down.
3. Arrival at the camp (dusk)
You arrive at the camp around dusk. Your host shows you to your tent or room, offers mint tea and gives you time to freshen up. Camps vary: some are simple, with shared facilities, while others have private tents with beds and an en-suite bathroom. Ask what kind you are booking.
4. Dinner, music and stars (evening)
Dinner is usually a Moroccan meal such as a vegetable or chicken tagine, with bread, salad and fruit. After dinner, the team often plays Berber drums around a fire. Once the lights are low, the sky fills with stars. On clear nights, with no city lights nearby, it is one of the best views in the country.
5. Sunrise and return (early morning)
You wake early, climb a nearby dune for sunrise, then have breakfast at the camp. After that you ride back to Merzouga on camels, collect your luggage and continue your trip. Count on being back around mid-morning, but ask your host for the exact time if you have a long drive ahead.
Types of Desert Camp
| Camp type | What you get | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Standard camp | Shared tent or basic room, blankets, shared bathroom | Budget travellers and groups |
| Private tent camp | Your own tent with beds and often a private bathroom | Couples and families |
| Luxury camp | Larger tents, better beds, extra services | Honeymoons and special occasions |
You can see our options on the desert camps page or book directly the camel ride and night in a desert camp.
How to Choose a Good Desert Camp
- Ask where the camp is. Camps near the village are easier to reach but may feel less remote. Camps deeper in the dunes feel quieter.
- Check what is included. Dinner, breakfast, camel ride and transfers should be clear before you pay.
- Ask about beds and bathrooms. Private or shared, with or without hot water.
- Read recent reviews from other travellers, not only the camp’s own photos.
- Prefer small groups. A smaller camp usually means a calmer evening.
- Confirm the cancellation rules in case of bad weather or delays.
For a longer checklist, read how to book a Merzouga desert tour.
Is the Camel Ride Comfortable?
Most people find it comfortable after the first few minutes. The camel stands up and sits down with a rocking movement, so hold the saddle handle at those moments. The pace is slow and the ride is not tiring. Some travellers feel a little sore afterwards, especially on a longer ride. If you prefer something shorter, ask your host to choose a camp close to the village. If you want a full day of trekking, see our camel trekking guide.
What to Pack for One Night in the Desert
- A small backpack, since the main luggage stays behind
- A scarf or shawl to protect your face from sun and sand
- Sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat
- Warm layers for the night, because the desert gets cold after sunset
- Closed shoes or sandals that stay on, plus socks for the evening
- A headlamp or phone torch
- A power bank, as charging in camps can be limited
- A small amount of cash in dirhams for tips and drinks
- Toiletries and wet wipes
Not sure how cold it gets? Read does Merzouga get cold at night.
Best Time of Year
| Season | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Spring (March to May) | Warm days, mild nights and busy camps. Sandstorms are possible |
| Summer (June to August) | Very hot days, so rides start later. Nights are warmer |
| Autumn (September to November) | Pleasant days, clear skies and comfortable evenings |
| Winter (December to February) | Sunny days and cold nights, so bring warm clothes |
One Night or Two?
One night is enough to enjoy the camel ride, dinner and sunrise. Two nights give you time to add a 4×4 tour, a quad ride, sandboarding or a visit to a nomad family without rushing. Read how many days to stay in Merzouga to decide. We offer both a 1-night plan and a 2-night plan.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Arriving too late in Merzouga and missing the sunset ride
- Bringing a large suitcase into the dunes
- Underestimating the cold in winter and at night
- Booking only on price without checking what is included
- Planning a tight onward trip right after sunrise, which leaves no time to relax
- Not telling the camp about dietary needs in advance
Safety and Comfort
Camel rides and desert camps are a normal part of travel in Merzouga and are generally safe for most travellers. Listen to your guide, drink water often, protect yourself from the sun and keep a torch with you at night. Shake out shoes in the morning and keep your tent closed, which is standard practice in the desert. For more detail, read our guide to scorpions in the Sahara and camp safety. Check your own government’s travel advice before you go.
How to Get to Merzouga for Your Camp Night
Merzouga is far from the big cities, so plan the journey. From Marrakech it is a long day by road, and many travellers join a 3-day or 4-day tour instead. Read our guide to Marrakech to Merzouga, and see how the tour works in the Marrakech desert tour of 4 days. For the dunes themselves, see the Erg Chebbi dunes guide and things to do in Merzouga.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the camel ride to the desert camp?
Usually about one to one and a half hours each way, depending on where the camp is located.
Is it worth sleeping in a desert camp?
For most travellers, yes. Sunset, dinner, music, the stars and sunrise are what make the experience, and you can only enjoy them fully by staying the night.
Can children do the camel ride?
Many families do it. Younger children may ride with an adult. Tell your host the ages in advance so they can plan.
What food is served at the camp?
Typically a Moroccan dinner such as tagine with bread and salad, and breakfast the next morning. Tell your host about vegetarian or other dietary needs when you book.
Is there electricity and Wi-Fi in the camp?
It depends on the camp. Many have limited charging and no reliable internet, so bring a power bank and treat it as a chance to disconnect.
What if the weather is bad?
Strong wind, sandstorms or rare rain can change the plan. Your host will advise on the safest option, so check the cancellation rules when you book.
Do I need to book in advance?
We recommend it, especially from March to May and from September to November, and at Christmas and Easter.
Book Your Camel Ride and Desert Camp
We are a local team in Merzouga, and every trip is private and flexible. Message us on WhatsApp at +212 620 628 083 or use our contact page with your dates and group size, and we will recommend the best camp for you.