Merzouga to the dunes is pure magic, and this private overnight camel trek into Erg Chebbi delivers the desert feeling fast. I love the tagine dinner with mint tea, and I love the Berber drums that turn the camp into a proper evening event.

One possible drawback to plan around: the timing can run a bit “desert-slow.” If you arrive between 4 pm and 5:30 pm, your camel ride may not start until around 5 pm, and sandboarding may not be clearly set up at camp, so it’s smart to ask early.

Erg Chebbi Camel Trek: What Makes This 2-Day Desert Camp Work

This is the classic Sahara setup: you ride out from Merzouga, spend the night in an outfitted desert camp, then return with sunrise memories that feel bigger than the clock. For the price, the value is in the bundle: camel ride, private tent, and full camp meals are included, not piecemealed.

What you’re really paying for isn’t just transportation into sand. It’s a full “day-to-night-to-morning” rhythm: afternoon ride, sunset dunes, dinner plus Berber music, then an early wake-up for sunrise on the high dunes. That structure matters because it turns the trip into more than a short photo stop.

Day 1: From Riad Akabar to Sunset Dunes in the Sahara

Your tour begins back at Riad Akabar Merzouga. After meeting, you head to the hotel area to start with a cup of Berber tea, then you get organized for the camel portion. Expect a real transition from town life into desert life: you’ll be moving with a local camel guide, and you’ll leave the dunes behind as darkness starts to build.

Once you arrive at the camp area, you’ll walk up toward the high dunes for sunset. This is where your camera roll starts earning its keep. The timing is designed so you can watch the light change over the sand and get those “Sahara at its best” pictures.

A big plus on Day 1 is the camp atmosphere. There’s traditional Berber drumming during the evening, not just quiet dinner-with-a-view. And when the sky is clear, the whole night atmosphere feels extra special—stars show up with real intensity.

Camp Night: Private Tent, Tagine Dinner, Drums, and Sandboarding

Dinner is a highlight: you’ll eat a tagine meal with mint tea, which is exactly the kind of simple, comforting food that fits the setting. You’re not eating in a restaurant environment—you’re eating in the dunes, under night sky conditions that feel totally different than anywhere else in Morocco.

After dinner, you’ll settle into a private tent. This part is worth paying attention to because it’s what turns the trip into an overnight experience, not a long day excursion. You’re also close enough to the dunes that you can feel the camp as a base point, not just a stop along the route.

Sandboarding is listed as part of the experience on the Erg Chebbi dunes, and it’s the kind of activity that makes the night memorable beyond photos. One practical consideration: setup isn’t always obvious when you arrive at camp, so if sandboarding matters to you, ask about boards right away. It saves time and avoids that awkward wait in a place where you don’t have a lot of alternatives.

If you hear mention of a sandbath during your evening, it’s an extra “desert ritual” that some people find really relaxing. It’s not something you should demand, but if your guide suggests it, it can be a fun, low-effort add-on.

Day 2: Sunrise on the High Dunes, Breakfast, Shower, and Back to Merzouga

Day 2 starts early if you want sunrise. You’ll head to the high sand dune next to the camp to catch the sunrise and take photos. This is one of those moments where “optional” turns into “you’ll be glad you did it.” The dunes shift tone as the sun comes up, and the early start is the price for that payoff.

After sunrise, you return to camp. You’ll have time for breakfast, and then you’ll move back toward Merzouga with your camels. At the end, your service wraps up back at the meeting point.

A small comfort detail: you can get a shower at the meeting point. It’s not described as a spa shower inside the desert camp, so don’t plan on full on “hotel routine” back there. Still, having shower access after two intense days outdoors is a big quality-of-life win.

Price and What You Actually Get for Around $69.79

At $69.79 per person, this tour is priced to be accessible for most budgets, and you get a lot in the base cost. Here’s what’s included:

• Dinner and breakfast
• Camel rides per person (with a local camel guide)
• A private tent
• Tea/coffee
• Free parking
• A shower at the meeting point

What’s not included:

• Lunch
• 4×4 vehicle (optional extra activity)
• ATVs/quad or buggy biking (optional extra activity)
• Airco

That “what’s included” list is the core value. You’re not paying extra for your main transport into the dunes, your sleeping setup, and your two camp meals. And because it’s private, you’re not stuck in a large mixed group where timing becomes chaos.

If you compare it to tours that charge separately for camel time, dinner, and basic sleeping arrangements, the math usually gets better here. The key is to treat lunch as your planning gap and manage expectations on optional add-ons.

Timing Reality Check: Arrival Window and When the Ride Starts

This trip is run to the desert clock, not the city clock. In practice, you’re asked to arrive sometime between 4 pm and 5:30 pm, and earlier is usually better. One reported hiccup: even if you arrive at 4 pm, you might not start riding until closer to 5 pm.

So do yourself a favor: don’t schedule a tight dinner plan right before pickup. Think of the day as flexible. If you arrive early, you may wait. If you arrive late, you can lose the rhythm of the sunset walk and camp timing.

Also, sunset and sunrise are the “bookends” of this whole experience. That means your schedule depends on the camp’s setup and the day’s conditions—not just a rigid itinerary page.

Who Should Book This Overnight Camel Trek (and Who Should Think Twice)

This tour is a strong fit if you want:

• A true overnight in a desert tent camp (not just a sunset ride and immediate return)
• The classic Sahara experience: camel trekking, Berber drumming, tagine dinner, sunrise dunes
• A more personal feel, since it’s private for your group
• A chance to do sandboarding on Erg Chebbi dunes

It’s especially family-friendly in spirit. One example is an experience that was done with an 8-year-old, where the camel trek through the Sarah felt manageable for the group.

Think twice if you need modern comfort. Airco isn’t included, and you’re relying on basic camp conditions rather than hotel amenities. Also, this experience requires good weather, so if the forecast is bad, you should expect changes to your plan.

Quick Booking Notes That Matter Once You’re There

You’ll receive confirmation within 48 hours of booking (if available), and you get a mobile ticket. The tour ends back at the meeting point in Merzouga, so you’re not doing any complex transfers at the end of the desert night.

One more practical detail: the camp experience depends on conditions. If weather doesn’t cooperate, the tour can be adjusted (another date or a full refund). That’s normal for desert operations.

Should You Book This Camel Trek to the Erg Chebbi Desert Camp?

Yes—if your goal is a genuine Sahara night with the big moments built in: tagine dinner with mint tea, Berber drums, a sunset walk on the dunes, and a sunrise option the next morning. The private tent and camel ride package are what make the price feel fair.

Book with a couple of smart expectations:

• Arrive in the stated window and don’t plan anything super strict right beforehand.
• If sandboarding is a must for you, ask about boards early at camp.
• If you want an extra desert moment like a sandbath, be open to what your local guide suggests.

If you’re chasing maximum comfort or you hate uncertainty, this might feel a bit rough around the edges. But if you want to trade convenience for real desert atmosphere, this is a strong pick.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Riad Akabar Merzouga in Merzouga, Morocco, and it ends back at the same meeting point.

How long is the experience?

It’s approximately 2 days.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It’s listed as private, so only your group participates.

What meals are included?

Dinner and breakfast are included.

Is sandboarding included?

Sandboarding is listed as one of the highlights and is presented as part of the experience on the dunes of Erg Chebbi.

Do I get a shower?

A shower is included at the meeting point after the desert portion.

What sleeping setup is included?

You get a private tent for the overnight stay in the desert camp.

What’s not included in the price?

Lunch is not included, and optional extras like a 4×4 car and ATVs/quad or buggy biking are not included. Airco is also not included.

What happens if the weather is poor?

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

Are there any optional activities besides the camel trek and camp?

Yes. There are optional extras such as 4×4 car and ATVs/quad or buggy biking.

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