REVIEW · SAHARA DESERT MOROCCO
1 night Camel Trek in Merzouga Desert
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by Moroccan Activities · Bookable on GetYourGuide
Camel-drawn silence, then a desert sunrise. This 1-night camel trek in Merzouga is built around two unforgettable moments—sunset and sunrise over Erg Chebbi—plus a real nomadic-style camp with dinner, fire, and Berber music. I also like the practical comforts for such a remote place: your tent setup comes with bathroom access, so you’re not just “roughing it.” One consideration: camel riding can feel bumpy and not everyone finds it comfortable, so expect a bit of saddle time.
What makes this trip work for most people is the tight, focused plan. You ride in the late day, settle into camp, then get up early enough to catch the dunes in morning light. You’ll be traveling with an English-speaking guide in a private group, and your guide will be easy to spot—wearing a red and white striped shirt at the meeting point.
In This Review
- Key things I’d mark on your mental map
- Merzouga’s 1-night camel trek: the value of doing it now
- Lac du Sahara to the dunes: getting your bearings fast
- Sunset at Erg Chebbi: why the timing matters
- The desert camp night: your tent, the bathroom reality, and the music
- A quick warm-clothes warning (seriously)
- Sunrise camel ride: the morning you’ll remember
- Food and comfort: what’s included and what to mentally prepare for
- Price and logistics: is $113 per person a fair deal?
- Who should book this, and who should skip it
- Getting there and meeting your guide
- Should you book this overnight camel trek?
- FAQ
- How long is the camel trek?
- What’s included in the price?
- Where does the tour start?
- What’s the meeting point like?
- Is the tour guided in English?
- What should I bring?
- Is it wheelchair accessible?
Key things I’d mark on your mental map
- Erg Chebbi at two angles of the day: warm dunes at sunset, then crisp light for sunrise
- Campfire energy with Berber music: songs, dancing, and even drumming moments
- Your own tent with bathroom options: private luxury or standard with shared bathroom
- Two camel rides that let you photograph without rushing: you’ll have chances to get off and pose
- Star viewing far from city lights: the night sky is a major part of the experience
- Tidy inclusions for a one-night trip: dinner, breakfast, tea/coffee, and water with dinner
Merzouga’s 1-night camel trek: the value of doing it now
If you only have one night, this is a smart way to experience the Sahara without turning your trip into a full week of logistics. For me, the appeal is that the core promise stays simple: you get camel riding, a desert night, and the big sky moments—sunset and sunrise—without distractions.
At $113 per person, the price feels reasonable because the “heavy lifting” is handled for you: camel guide time, your tent, meals, and the timing that makes the dunes look their best. You’re not just buying a ride—you’re buying the sequence that turns a visit into a memory.
Also, it’s designed for people who want something guided but not sterile. You’ll be with a team that knows the area around camp and dunes and will explain what you’re seeing as you go.
Lac du Sahara to the dunes: getting your bearings fast
Your day starts near Lac du Sahara, and from there it becomes a slow shift from everyday travel mode to sand-and-sky mode. You’ll be guided, and you’ll ride your camels during the main desert segments rather than doing only a quick photo stop.
The first camel ride is the big threshold moment. Even if you’ve never ridden before, the guides keep it moving at a pace that feels doable, not chaotic. After about an hour or so on the camel (for many groups), you reach the camp area and transition from “travel” to “arrival.”
Practical tip: even if you’re excited, don’t treat the camel time like a seated ride on rails. Keep your balance, hold on where you’re told, and expect a bit of bouncing. It’s beautiful, but it’s still a camel.
Sunset at Erg Chebbi: why the timing matters
Erg Chebbi is famous for its dunes, but the real magic is how the light changes. Late afternoon into sunset is when the sand goes from pale to warm, and it’s the moment that makes photos look like more than Instagram luck.
This tour is built around that timing, including sunset as part of what’s included. That matters because you’re not left hunting for the right moment. The plan gets you there, then supports the part you actually came for: sitting with the dunes, snapping pictures, and letting the stillness land.
One detail I really like: you’re not just stuck in one spot. With the guide’s flow, you’ll have chances to hop off at different points so you can step around, frame the dunes, and get your best angles without feeling like you’re being marched.
The desert camp night: your tent, the bathroom reality, and the music
Sleeping in the Sahara is the whole point, but the way this trip handles the camp makes a big difference. You arrive, have a welcome routine with tea, then you get shown your tent and settle in.
Tent choice is where the comfort upgrade shows. Your package includes:
- Private tent with bathroom inside for the luxury option
- Private tent with shared bathroom for the standard option
Either way, it’s a notable upgrade over the “basic camp” image people carry in their heads. You’re still in the desert, but you’re not dealing with a no-planning-for-everything setup.
Dinner is included, typically featuring a tagine as the main course, plus coffee and/or tea. You also get one bottle of water with dinner, which is a small detail that can save you from scrambling after a long camel session.
Then comes the atmosphere: after dinner, campfire time turns the night into something social. You’ll enjoy Berber music, dancing, and music-led moments where you can join in—some teams also bring drumming into the mix. The point is simple: you’re in an isolated place, so the camp becomes your community for the night.
Finally, stars. Since you’re far from city lights, you’ll likely get a sky that feels unusually clear. If the night is even slightly clear, this is when the Sahara stops being a line on a map and becomes a whole experience of its own.
A quick warm-clothes warning (seriously)
Even in warm desert regions, nights can get chilly. Bring warm layers, because sleeping comfortably is much easier when you’re prepared.
Sunrise camel ride: the morning you’ll remember
If sunset is the cinematic look, sunrise is the quiet one. After a night in camp, you’ll wake up early and go back out by camel to catch the morning light on the dunes.
This is one of those moments where the scenery does the talking. The dunes look softer, shadows stretch longer, and the whole desert feels calmer. It’s also a great time for photos because the light isn’t harsh.
Your schedule includes breakfast after the morning ride, so you get the full rhythm: dune light, then food, then the return.
Food and comfort: what’s included and what to mentally prepare for
Here’s what you can count on:
- Dinner (with tea/coffee and a bottle of water)
- Breakfast
- Coffee and/or tea
- One bottle of water with dinner
What you should prepare for is the “desert reality” side of travel. The food will be a key part of the evening, but the desert night also means you may not control everything like weather and timing. For example, if the sky is cloudy, the stars might be less dramatic. The organization can’t control that.
Comfort-wise, your tent is the main anchor. Many people get surprised by how spacious the tents can feel, and a comfortable bed makes the early morning ride much more tolerable. The bathroom setup is where you’ll notice the difference between standard and luxury, so pick the option that matches your comfort expectations.
Price and logistics: is $113 per person a fair deal?
For a one-night desert experience, $113 can actually feel fair because so much is bundled:
- Camel riding for each person
- Camel guide
- Desert camp experience
- Sunset and sunrise
- Dinner and breakfast
- Tea/coffee
- Tent with bathroom access
- Car parking in the area
Where it gets tricky is comparing “cheap” to “complete.” A truly low price sometimes means you’re missing things like proper camp time, meals, or the bathroom setup that helps you sleep without stress. Here, the inclusions are strong enough that you can show up without bringing extra problem-solving skills.
One more thing: you’re not joining a big open-bus crowd. This is listed as a private group, which usually means less waiting and more direct attention from your guide.
Who should book this, and who should skip it
This camel trek is a great fit if you:
- Want a classic Merzouga desert night without committing to multiple days
- Like cultural atmosphere (music, campfire time, guide stories)
- Prefer a tent setup that includes bathroom access
- Want English guidance and a straightforward plan
It may not be for you if you:
- Are pregnant
- Have altitude sickness concerns (the tour lists this as not suitable)
- Are over 95 years old
And if you know you hate long rides on bumpy animals, go in with eyes open. You’ll still get the dunes and the camp, but you may feel the camel part more than you expect.
Getting there and meeting your guide
The meeting point is set up for easy identification: your guide will be wearing a red and white striped shirt. That’s a practical detail that matters in Morocco, where finding the right person quickly prevents that awkward waiting-in-the-wind feeling.
If you want to remove uncertainty, use the provided contact: you can WhatsApp 00212 666 341 603 for questions. The tour also notes they’re open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Should you book this overnight camel trek?
Book it if you want a one-night, high-impact Sahara experience with sunset, sunrise, a real camp night, and comfort upgrades that make sleeping and morning timing easier.
Skip it if your priority is total comfort over all else. Camel riding isn’t a spa treatment—it’s part of the adventure. But if you’re traveling for the dunes, the night sky, and the camp atmosphere, this is exactly the kind of trip that delivers.
My “yes” checklist for you: bring warm layers, expect some camel-bump time, and plan to treat the night as the main event, not just the transport between day points.
FAQ
How long is the camel trek?
It’s listed as a 1-day experience with an overnight in the desert.
What’s included in the price?
You get camel riding for each person, a camel guide, sunset and sunrise, dinner and breakfast, coffee and/or tea, one bottle of water with dinner, and a private tent with a bathroom (either private inside for luxury or shared bathroom for standard).
Where does the tour start?
The starting location is Lac du Sahara.
What’s the meeting point like?
Your guide will be wearing a red and white striped shirt.
Is the tour guided in English?
Yes, there is a live tour guide in English.
What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID card. Also, plan for cold desert nights and pack warm clothes.
Is it wheelchair accessible?
Yes, it’s listed as wheelchair accessible.
