Camel ExperiencesPrivate or shared
Merzouga camel trek: sunset ride or overnight camp
Ride into the golden dunes at sunset, sleep in a Berber camp and return with the sunrise
- Duration
- 2 days / 1 night
- Group
- Private or shared
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Starts in
- Merzouga
Why you'll love it
- Sunset and sunrise from the crest of Erg Chebbi, with dunes up to about 150 m
- A night in a Berber camp, in a standard or luxury tent
- Campfire evening with Gnawa music
Your route
Day by day
2 days
From Merzouga you ride a dromedary, led by a cameleer, into the dunes of Erg Chebbi. Choose a two-hour sunset ride with tea, or the classic overnight trek with dinner, a campfire with Gnawa music, a night in a Berber camp and a sunrise ride back. Longer circuits of two or three days can be arranged on request.
Day 1Camel ride into Erg Chebbi, sunset and camp
Merzouga → Erg Chebbi → Dune crest at sunset → Berber camp in a dune hollow
Meet your dromedary and cameleer at the edge of Erg Chebbi, ride into the dunes with mint tea on arrival and climb to a dune crest for the sunset. Dinner follows at the Berber camp, with a campfire, music and stargazing.
- Overnight
- Camp
- Meals
- Dinner
Day 2Sunrise ride and return to Merzouga
Berber camp in a dune hollow → Merzouga
Watch the sunrise over the dunes, have breakfast at camp and ride back to Merzouga, arriving in the late morning.
- Overnight
- No overnight
- Meals
- Breakfast
What's included
Included
- A dromedary with a Berber cameleer
- Berber guide speaking English, French and Arabic
- Desert turban and riding clothes on request
- Sunset and sunrise viewpoints
- Overnight trek: traditional camp, dinner, breakfast and mint tea
- Campfire evening with Gnawa music
- Transfer between your Merzouga accommodation and the dunes
Not included
- Transport to and from Merzouga (can be arranged)
- Sleeping bag in winter (hire locally)
- Alcoholic drinks
- Travel insurance
- Single supplement for a private tent
- Sandboarding (optional extra)
- Tips and personal expenses
Good to know
- Difficulty
- Easy: no fitness needed beyond short walks on sand
- Best season
- October to April (Best in spring and autumn; in summer rides run early in the morning or at dusk and winter nights are cold)
- Crew and guide languages
- Arabic, English, French
Meeting point
Pick-up at your accommodation in Merzouga. Getting to Merzouga is not included but can be arranged. The time is confirmed with the team.
Preparation
Wear light clothes and closed shoes, and bring a warm layer, sun cream and a headlamp. In winter bring or hire a sleeping bag. A desert turban and riding clothes are available on request.
What to bring
- Closed, comfortable shoes (trainers or light boots)
- Warm layers: desert nights are cold from October to March
- Sun hat, sunglasses and sun cream
- Headlamp and a scarf for wind and sand
Read before you go: Zagora or Merzouga: Which Desert Trip Should You Choose?
Questions
Can beginners and children ride?
Yes. A cameleer leads every camel, so no experience is needed. Children are welcome, and children under 5 can share a camel with a parent.
What is included in the sunset ride compared with the overnight trek?
The two-hour sunset ride includes the camel, the cameleer and tea on return. The overnight trek adds the camp, dinner, breakfast, mint tea and the campfire evening.
How far is Merzouga from Marrakech and Fes?
About 550 km from Marrakech, a drive of 8 to 9 hours, and about 340 km from Fes. We can arrange a private transfer or include Merzouga in a longer tour.
When is the best time to go?
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the most comfortable, with warm days and fresh nights. Winter nights are cold, so bring warm layers. Summer is very hot and not recommended for walking.
What should I pack?
Comfortable closed shoes, light clothes you can layer, a warm layer for the night, sun protection, a scarf and a headlamp, in a small bag. The camp provides bedding.
How do I book this trip?
Send an enquiry from this page with your dates, group size and any wishes. We reply by email, confirm availability and agree the details with you. There is no online payment on the website.
Ask about this trip
Erg Chebbi Camel Trek from Merzouga: Sunset Ride or Overnight Camp
2 days
From €65 per person
- When
- Not chosen yet
- Travellers
- 2 adults
Step 1 of 2
When and who
- No payment online
- Private trip for your group
- Reply by email or WhatsApp
Similar trips
4 days / 3 nights
4-Day Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour via Erg Chebbi
Fes → Merzouga → Erg Chebbi …
From €515 per person
5 days / 4 nights
5-Day Erg Chebbi and Erg Chigaga Tour from Marrakech
Marrakech → Ait Ben Haddou → Ouarzazate …
Price on request
From €65 per personno payment online
Check dates