OVERVIEW OF OVERNIGHT CAMEL TREK MERZOUGA DESERT

An Overnight Camel Trek in Merzouga is far more than a simple excursion—it is a deeply immersive journey into the heart of the Moroccan Sahara. This experience invites you to disconnect from the modern world and embrace the timeless rhythm of desert life, guided by the gentle pace of a camel caravan crossing the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi.

As you travel into the vast expanse of sand, the landscape unfolds in waves of amber and gold, shaped by wind and silence. The journey culminates in a traditional desert camp nestled among the dunes, where authenticity meets comfort. Guests may choose between two distinct camp styles: a refined luxury desert camp offering private en-suite tents with elevated amenities, or a traditional nomadic camp designed for those who seek a more rustic and intimate connection with the desert environment.

Both options promise attentive hospitality, carefully prepared Moroccan cuisine, and the rare privilege of sleeping beneath one of the clearest night skies in the world. Surrounded by silence and illuminated by countless stars, this overnight camel trek becomes an experience that lingers long after the journey has ended.

HIGHLIGHTS OF OVERNIGHT CAMEL TREK MERZOUGA DESERT

• Scenic camel ride across the sweeping dunes of Erg Chebbi
• Sunset views in the heart of the Sahara Desert
• Optional sandboarding on the soft desert slopes
• Overnight stay in a traditional or luxury desert camp
• Insight into the nomadic way of life
• Evening campfire gathering with traditional Berber music
• Spectacular sunrise over the dunes

ITINERARY FOR: OVERNIGHT CAMEL TREK MERZOUGA DESERT

Your overnight camel trek begins in the late afternoon at your hotel or meeting point in Merzouga village. After a short period of rest and preparation, you will be introduced to your camel and experienced desert guide. A brief explanation ensures comfort and safety before departure.

As the caravan sets off toward the dunes, the changing light of the Sahara begins its remarkable transformation. The ride into the desert typically lasts between one hour and one hour and a half, depending on the location of the camp. During this time, you will traverse rolling dunes and open desert plains while witnessing the gradual descent of the sun. The colors intensify—from pale gold to deep orange—creating extraordinary opportunities for photography and quiet reflection.

Midway through the journey, a pause allows you to climb a dune on foot and observe the sunset from an elevated vantage point. This is often considered the most powerful moment of the excursion: the horizon stretching endlessly, the sand glowing beneath the fading light, and the profound silence of the Sahara enveloping you.

Upon arrival at the desert camp (bivouac), you will be warmly welcomed with traditional mint tea. You may choose to relax, explore the surrounding dunes, practice sandboarding, or simply sit in contemplation while absorbing the stillness of the environment.

Dinner is served under the open sky or within the communal tent, featuring freshly prepared Moroccan dishes that reflect local culinary traditions. Afterward, the evening continues around the campfire. Members of the Berber team perform traditional drumming music, inviting guests to participate in singing or gentle dancing, creating an atmosphere of shared joy and authenticity.

Later in the night, you retreat to your private nomadic tent—whether traditional or luxury—where the desert silence becomes your companion. The absence of artificial noise and light allows for unparalleled stargazing; the Milky Way often appears vividly across the sky.

At dawn, you will be gently awakened to witness the sunrise over the dunes. As the first light touches the sand, the landscape once again transforms, offering a serene and unforgettable spectacle. After breakfast at camp, you will return to Merzouga either by camel or, if preferred, by 4×4 vehicle.

The excursion concludes back in the village, leaving you with a profound appreciation for the beauty, simplicity, and spiritual depth of the Sahara Desert.