OVERVIEW OF SUNSET CAMEL TREK IN MERZOUGA DESERT

A sunset camel trek in the Merzouga Desert, across the majestic dunes of Erg Chebbi, is one of the most evocative and memorable experiences the Moroccan Sahara has to offer. This short yet profoundly immersive excursion invites you to slow down, disconnect from the modern world, and enter a landscape defined by silence, light, and infinite horizons.

As you gently sway atop your camel, following ancient caravan routes once traveled by desert traders, the surrounding scenery gradually transforms. The dunes shift in tone from pale gold to deep amber, then to glowing shades of orange and rose as the sun descends toward the horizon. The village of Merzouga slowly fades into the distance, replaced by the vast serenity of sculpted sand.

The air carries the subtle scent of warm earth and dry desert wind. The stillness is broken only by the soft footsteps of camels crossing the dunes. This intimate encounter with the Sahara at sunset creates a moment of rare tranquility—one that lingers in memory long after the journey ends.

Whether you are traveling as a couple seeking a romantic escape, a family wishing to share a unique adventure, or an individual traveler drawn to natural beauty, this sunset camel ride offers an unforgettable glimpse into the magic of the desert.

HIGHLIGHTS OF SUNSET CAMEL TREK IN MERZOUGA DESERT

• Enjoy a traditional camel ride across the iconic dunes of Erg Chebbi
• Witness a spectacular Sahara sunset from the heart of the desert
• Optional sandboarding experience on the soft golden dunes (+5€)
• Ideal for couples seeking a romantic desert moment
• Suitable and safe for families and first-time camel riders
• Capture extraordinary panoramic photographs of the Sahara landscape

ITINERARY FOR: SUNSET CAMEL TREK IN MERZOUGA DESERT

The sunset camel trek typically begins in the late afternoon, around 5:30 pm, depending on the season and the timing of the sunset. You will meet your experienced camel guide in Merzouga village, where a brief introduction to the ride and safety instructions will be provided.

Once mounted, the caravan sets off at a gentle pace toward the dunes of Erg Chebbi. The rhythmic movement of the camels allows you to fully absorb the surrounding landscape as the village gradually disappears behind you. The journey to the main dunes takes approximately thirty minutes, offering ample opportunity to enjoy the changing light and photograph the evolving scenery.

Upon reaching the base of the larger dunes, the camels will rest while you continue on foot toward one of the higher crests. A short walk—approximately 80 meters—leads you closer to the summit. For those wishing to enjoy a truly panoramic perspective, a further ascent of about ten minutes will bring you to the top of a high dune, where uninterrupted views stretch across the vast Sahara.

From this elevated vantage point, the spectacle of the sunset unfolds in extraordinary detail. The sun slowly sinks below the horizon, casting long shadows across the rippled sand and transforming the dunes into a palette of fiery orange, copper, and soft lavender hues.

If you prefer not to climb the higher dunes, the area near the camels offers a comfortable and equally beautiful setting to watch the sunset in peaceful surroundings.

For guests interested in a touch of adventure, sandboarding can be arranged on request, allowing you to glide down the smooth slopes of the dunes before sunset.

After enjoying this serene and magical moment, you will return by camel to Merzouga village before nightfall. Along the way, a brief stop is made at a traditional desert garden, where your guide will provide a concise explanation of the ancient irrigation system—known locally as khettara—that sustains life in this arid environment. This insight offers a deeper understanding of how local communities have adapted ingeniously to desert conditions for centuries.

The excursion concludes with your arrival back in the village, leaving you with indelible memories of the Sahara bathed in the golden light of sunset.