One night in the dunes changes your pace. I like this Merzouga escape for the Erg Chebbi sand you walk into at sunset, plus the full rhythm of camel trek to camp, dinner, then sunrise. The main thing to consider is that you’re sleeping in standard tents, and cold nights can sneak up on you, especially if you expect Marrakech-style evenings.

What makes it feel good is the pacing and the people. With a max of 15 travelers, you’re not swallowed by a giant crowd, and the team runs it in a family-style way—Hassan and his crew are repeatedly praised for being present and helpful. My only caution: lunch and drinks aren’t included, so you’ll want to budget extra food for daytime gaps.

Key Things I’d Plan Around Before You Go

• 1-hour camel ride into camp with time to soak up the dunes before dark
• Sandboarding included (about 15 minutes) on smooth, golden sand
• Sunset and sunrise are built in, so you get the classic desert light both ways
• Dinner + breakfast included, served at the camp after music and storytelling
• Standard tents overnight, so pack for desert temperature swings
• Small group (max 15) for a calmer, more personal feel

From Marrakech Roads to Erg Chebbi Dunes

This desert stop isn’t just about the sand. A lot of bookings are part of a longer road trip south from Marrakech, with big scenery days in between—think Atlas Mountains driving, the Tizi-n-Tichka mountain pass, and major sights like Ait Benhaddou and the Dades Valley before you reach Merzouga.

What I like about doing it this way is that the desert doesn’t feel random. You earn it. By the time you arrive near Erg Chebbi, you’ve already watched the geography change—mountain stone to desert breath—and your first views of the dunes hit harder.

You’ll travel in an air-conditioned minibus, which matters if your day starts with heat and winding roads. And because the experience is listed at about 18 hours, plan it like a real outing: you’ll be on the move, then fully present once you’re in camp.

Camel Trek Into the Desert: Sunset Is the Real Ticket

The camel part is the headline, and you start with about a 1-hour ride. This isn’t a quick photo op. It’s long enough to feel the rhythm of the animals and to understand how quiet the desert gets once you’re away from roads and buildings.

Right after that, you get a short sandboarding session—about 15 minutes—which is one of the best “try it once” activities in the area. It’s not just for adrenaline. It’s also the easiest way to understand how the dunes move and why the sand looks different from every angle.

When the sun drops, you’ll have that warm, golden light moment to take photos and just stare. The sky changes fast out there, and even if you’ve seen desert pictures before, the real thing has more contrast than your camera expects. If you’re hoping for golden-hour shots, this is where you’ll get them.

A small practical note

Camel rides can feel bumpy, and temperatures can drop after sunset. Bring layers you can handle quickly. If you’re doing sandboarding, wear shoes you’re comfortable losing a little grit in.

Sandboarding and the Camp Setup: What the Night Actually Feels Like

Once you reach the camp area, the atmosphere shifts from motion to stillness. You’re greeted with a camp layout designed to fit the dunes rather than fight them—traditional décor, standard tent accommodations, and open views out over the sand.

What I value here is that the camp isn’t only about sleeping. The evening is part of the show:

• You’ll settle in and get a panoramic look at the desert.
• Dinner happens around the campfire.
• There’s traditional music and storytelling, the kind of desert-night pacing that makes conversation easy because everyone’s winding down together.

A few reviews also point to the camp being well maintained and run with a family feel. One detail that came up more than once: the host families live very close to the dunes, so the experience doesn’t feel like a distant booking desk. That closeness often translates into practical help—figuring out where to go, handling small needs, and making sure you’re fed.

Standard tents: the one trade-off

Standard tents are exactly what they sound like: they’re not luxury hotels. The positive is that they’re part of the experience. The trade-off is comfort planning—especially warmth. If you’re the type who sleeps cold, bring a warmer layer than you’d normally pack for an evening in Morocco.

Dinner, Music, and Stargazing: The Part You’ll Remember

The dinner setup is simple but satisfying: you’ll eat after you’ve taken in sunset, and then the camp shifts into an evening program. Music and storytelling keep the night from feeling like a long wait.

Then comes the sky.

One of the best parts of doing this in Merzouga is that the stars don’t have much competition. The camp is far enough from city lights that the night sky can feel startlingly clear. If you want a calm moment, this is when you’ll get it—after dinner, when the group quiets down and everyone looks up.

If you’re picky about service

I paid attention to the service style because camp nights can either feel organized or chaotic. The repeated feedback here is that Hassan and his crew go above and beyond to take care of guests—especially with transportation help and making sure you know what to do next. If you like hosts who are hands-on (not just sent an instruction list), this is a good fit.

Sunrise and Breakfast: Then You Get to Choose How to Leave

Morning is short on drama and heavy on beauty. You’ll wake up for a desert sunrise, with the dunes taking on that early glow. It’s a great reset after the quiet of the night—like the desert is reminding you you’re in the right place.

After sunrise, you’ll have breakfast. Dinner the night before + breakfast in camp is one of the strongest value points of this experience because it cuts down what you have to plan and pay for while you’re out there.

The best part for me is that the return isn’t locked into one method. After breakfast, you can go back either:

• by camel, if you want more of the desert pace, or
• in a jeep, if you want quicker, easier movement.

Pick based on your energy. If your legs feel fine and you want the full journey vibe, choose camel. If you’ve had enough bumpy travel for one day, jeep is the comfort play.

Price and Value: Why This Camel-and-Camp Package Works for $50

At $50 per person, this is priced like a straightforward desert night—camel ride, sandboarding, dinner, breakfast, and one overnight at camp. For a single-night experience in Erg Chebbi, that’s a solid value when the core activities are included.

Here’s what you’re paying for, in practical terms:

• 1-hour camel ride into the dunes
• sandboarding (about 15 minutes)
• sunset and sunrise timing
• dinner + breakfast
• overnight in standard tents

What’s not included:

• lunch
• drinks
• any extra fees or purchases you choose to add

That’s the main budgeting reality. If you arrive without a plan for daytime food or you assume drinks are covered, you’ll feel it later. If you’re the kind of traveler who buys water and snacks anyway, you’ll be fine.

Also, the small group cap (max 15) is part of the value. Larger groups often mean less attention and more waiting. Here, you’re more likely to get the kind of service that shows up in the details—like getting picked up or helped with finding the camp.

Practical Notes That Will Save You Hassle

A few things I’d treat as non-negotiables for a smooth desert night:

Bring warmth for the tent night

Even when the desert day is hot, the cold can come fast after sunset. If you’re worried about getting cold, don’t assume the desert will be gentle.

Plan for extra food and drinks

Lunch and drinks aren’t included. If your day before the camp has a long gap, eat early or keep some snacks/water ready.

Use the exact meeting point for pickup

The meeting point is listed at Camp camel tour sahara in Ksar Tihariene, Merzouga (with the full address provided). If you’re worried about getting lost, you can also rely on GPS directions—Hassan’s team is specifically described as making the location easier to find.

If you need direct communication, ask

One review mentioned Chinese travelers can even contact the team via WeChat. If you prefer messaging, ask if that’s an option for your group.

If you’re paying with cards, confirm ahead

There’s mention of credit cards/PayPal/bank accounts being accepted in some cases, but it sounds like you should confirm payment method in advance. Don’t count on everything being card-only for extras like snacks and drinks.

Who This Experience Fits Best

This works especially well if:

• you want a first taste of Sahara life without signing up for a week-long trek
• you like hands-on activities (camel ride + sandboarding + camp dinner)
• you prefer small groups over big bus tours
• you’re okay with standard tents and plan for warmth

It may be less ideal if:

• you expect hotel-style comfort
• you don’t want bumpy travel and tent sleeping
• you want lunch and drinks fully included

Should You Book This Camel Trek and Berber Camp Night?

Yes—if you want the core desert magic done in one night. The sunset-to-sunrise structure, the camel ride into camp, and the fact that dinner + breakfast are included make it feel efficient and worth the time. With a max of 15 travelers, it also has a calmer feel than the mega-tour versions of Merzouga.

Hold off or choose a different style of camp if tent sleeping sounds miserable to you. Also budget for lunch and drinks, because that’s the one part people usually forget to plan for.

If you’re deciding between options in Merzouga, I’d pick this one for the built-in rhythm: camel trek, sandboarding, camp dinner with music, then sunrise before you head back.

FAQ

How long does the desert camel excursion take?

The experience is listed at approximately 18 hours.

Where does the experience start and end?

It starts at Camp camel tour sahara in Ksar Tihariene, Merzouga, and ends back at the same meeting point.

What’s included in the price?

Included are a 1-hour camel ride, sandboarding, 1 dinner and 1 breakfast, sunset and sunrise, and an overnight in standard tents.

Is sandboarding included, or is it optional?

Sandboarding is included as part of the experience (about 15 minutes).

Do I return from the camp by camel or jeep?

After breakfast you can return either by camel or in a jeep, depending on your preference.

What food and drinks are not included?

Lunch and drinks are not included.

How big is the group?

The maximum group size is 15 travelers.

Is this only for people who are already experienced with camels?

Most travelers can participate, so you don’t need previous camel experience.

What are the cancellation rules?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Within 24 hours, the amount paid is not refunded.

What happens if weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

You Might Also Enjoy

Pu Luong 3-Day Adventure: Trekking, Cycling & Local Cooking ClassMount Rinjani Trekking 2D/1N Summit Sunrise & Sunset Views10 Days Annapurna Base Camp Trek From PokharaChiang Mai: 2-Day Jungle Trek with Elephant Farm & Raft Ride