Ride a camel into Erg Chebbi, watch the dune crest glow at sunset, sleep in a Berber camp and climb a dune for sunrise. This overnight trek pairs easy riding with authentic desert hospitality and simple comforts.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
A low sun spills across a sea of ribs and hollows—an expanse of dunes that change from gold to orange as the day cools. You mount a camel outside a Merzouga guesthouse and fall into the slow sway of a caravan; the animals lead you into Erg Chebbi where footsteps erase themselves in the wind.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
24 hours (1.5-hour camel ride + overnight)
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; should be able to walk short stretches on sand and mount a camel
Wildlife
History
Erg Chebbi sits along historical trans-Saharan routes; local Berber culture blends Amazigh traditions with long-standing hospitality practices to travelers.
Conservation
Dune ecosystems are fragile; stay on guided routes, avoid trampling vegetation, and pack out all waste to reduce impact.
Reserve your spot on the Camel Ride & Overnight Berber Camps in Merzouga Desert today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Time your ride
Start late afternoon (about 5pm in summer, 3pm in winter) to avoid midday heat and to arrive in camp for sunset.
Protect against sand
Bring goggles or wraparound sunglasses and a buff or scarf to keep windblown sand out of eyes and nose.
Choose your camp level
If you need a shower and a private toilet, book a luxury tent; basic camps provide mattresses and blankets only.
Hydrate and move slowly
Carry water and take your time on dune climbs—sand hiking is energy intensive even after a relaxed camel ride.
Closed-toe walking shoes
Protects feet from hot sand and gives traction for dune climbs.
Light layers and wind shell
Temperatures swing; a windproof layer helps against cold desert evenings.
Sunglasses and buff
Shields eyes and face from glare and blowing sand.
summer
Headlamp or small torch
Useful in camp for nighttime movement and early-morning dune hikes.