REVIEW · MERZOUGA
Desert excursion with camel trek into the camp Dinner breakfast
Book on Viator →Operated by Ouattou Morocco Tours · Bookable on Viator
Waking up in the dunes is a different kind of quiet. This Merzouga excursion mixes a camel trek into the Sahara camp, a sunset sandboarding moment, and a real dinner around the campfire. You also get sunrise views and breakfast before heading back.
I especially love the way the day is built around simple, high-impact moments: a full 1-hour camel ride, plus sandboarding time on the dunes. I also like the camp vibe: dinner with local music/storytelling, then stargazing away from city lights.
One consideration: it’s a standard tent overnight, so comfort won’t feel like a hotel. If you’re expecting five-star bedding and quiet walls, you’ll want to set your expectations first.
In This Review
- Key things that make this desert trek work
- Where the Merzouga desert day really starts
- The 1-hour camel ride: your first real taste of the dunes
- Sunset sandboarding: short, fun, and timed right
- Arriving at camp: dinner, music, and stargazing
- Overnight in standard tents: comfort is the trade-off
- Sunrise + breakfast, then your choice of return
- Price and value: what $50 buys in real life
- Group size and what it means for your experience
- Practical tips before you go (so the desert night feels easy)
- Who should book this trek—and who might skip it
- Should you book? My straight answer
- FAQ
- How long is the Merzouga desert excursion?
- How much does it cost?
- What does the camel trek include?
- Is sandboarding included?
- What meals are included?
- What kind of accommodation is provided overnight?
- How do you return after sunrise and breakfast?
- How many people are in the group?
- What happens if weather is poor or the minimum number of travelers isn’t met?
- When will I receive confirmation after booking?
Key things that make this desert trek work
- 1-hour camel ride right in the Erg Chebbi dunes area, paced for photos and views
- Sandboarding included for about 15 minutes on the smooth golden sands
- Campfire dinner with music and stories in a setting designed to fit the dunes
- Sunrise + breakfast so you’re not rushing the day after a long evening
- Small group feel with a maximum of 15 travelers
- Return option in the morning by camel or in a jeep, depending on your preference
Where the Merzouga desert day really starts
This experience is based in Merzouga, with pickup and drop-off at the camel tour camp meeting point near Ksar Tihariene. The whole outing runs about 18 hours, so plan it as a full-day + night commitment, not a quick stop.
Most people get a mobile ticket, and the operator confirms bookings at the time of booking. If you book close to your travel date (within 9 days), confirmation comes within 48 hours subject to availability. I like that clarity because desert plans can hinge on timing.
Because it’s run by Ouattou Morocco Tours (often with Hassan/Hssaine and the crew in the camp-side experience), you’re usually not dealing with a giant faceless system. In past trips, people have said the team provided GPS directions or helped with transport connections, which is a big deal if you’re arriving on your own.
A few more Merzouga tours and experiences worth a look
The 1-hour camel ride: your first real taste of the dunes
Your desert time kicks off with a 1-hour camel ride. That hour matters. It’s not a 20-minute “look how cute the camel is” photo stop. It’s enough time to get used to the pace and enjoy the dunes as they change color and shape with the light.
The ride is also where you start thinking like a desert traveler. You’ll stop long enough to take photos, then move again. You’ll notice how the dunes aren’t flat—each step shifts the view. If you’re the kind of person who likes to look first and ask questions later, this part will feel satisfying.
Practical note: camel saddles and the ride position can feel different for different bodies. If you have back or mobility issues, it’s worth mentioning that in advance so the team can guide you on the best way to get comfortable.
Sunset sandboarding: short, fun, and timed right
After the camel ride, you get about 15 minutes of sandboarding. This isn’t a long training session. It’s more like a “try it” window that’s long enough to get the feel of the dune surface and take a few solid runs.
What makes it work is the timing. You’re typically doing this around the late-day light, when the sand looks almost golden and the dunes feel like sculpted waves. Even if you’re not a thrill-seeker, the sandboarding gets you moving fast in a place that’s otherwise slow and quiet.
If you’re worried about how much you’ll actually use the board, don’t. The setup is built around quick enjoyment. Just wear something that you don’t mind getting dusty and plan to brush sand off after.
Arriving at camp: dinner, music, and stargazing
When you reach the camp, the focus shifts from motion to atmosphere. You’re greeted with a warm setup and accommodations in standard tents. The tents are what you should expect in this kind of overnight: simple, functional, and meant for sleeping under the dunes sky—not fancy hotel comfort.
Once you settle, you’ll have time to relax and take in the panoramic views. Then the evening centers on dinner around a campfire, with local music and storytelling. This is the part that turns the desert from scenery into an experience you actually remember.
One of the strongest impressions from people is the starry sky. When city lights are gone, you feel it. The camp set-up is designed to let you slow down and look up for real, not just during a quick photo moment.
Food-wise, dinner is included (and breakfast the next day too). You won’t be planning your own meals here, which makes the overnight easier on your schedule and budget.
Overnight in standard tents: comfort is the trade-off
You’ll sleep overnight in standard tents. That’s the key detail. It’s not just a “bring your own sleeping bag” thing in the sense of total DIY. It’s still an organized camp stay, but the expectation is basic shelter, not luxury.
At least one person who did this trek said it ended up being the warmest accommodation they booked in Morocco—so comfort can be better than some people fear. Still, if you’re very sensitive to sleeping conditions, you should expect a more rustic setup than you’d get on a city hotel night.
My advice: treat it like a night in the desert, not a hotel stop. Bring layers for changing conditions, and don’t plan on sleeping like you do at home. The night sky and early morning sunrise are part of the deal.
A few more Merzouga tours and experiences worth a look
Sunrise + breakfast, then your choice of return
In the morning, you’ll wake up for a desert sunrise. This is one of those moments where timing matters: you’re up early enough to catch the dunes glowing, and you’re still fresh enough to enjoy it.
After sunrise, you’ll get breakfast. Then you choose how to get back: by camel or in a jeep, based on your preference. I like that flexibility because people have different comfort levels after the night in tents and the previous evening’s activities.
If you want the slower, more traditional feeling, choose camel. If you’d rather reduce physical strain and get back faster, choose jeep. Either way, the morning return still keeps you connected to the desert views for the final stretch.
Price and value: what $50 buys in real life
At $50 per person, this is a budget-friendly way to get a full desert overnight with the big ticket items included. Here’s what you actually get for that price:
Included:
- 1 hour camel ride
- Sandboarding (around 15 minutes)
- 1 dinner + 1 breakfast
- Sunset and sunrise
- Overnight in standard tents
Not included:
- Lunch
- Drinks
- All fees and taxes (not spelled out in the details you provided)
That’s a strong value mix. You’re paying for the experience components that are hard to DIY safely or efficiently: coordinated desert transport to the camp area, animal-based trekking, and the overnight structure. You’re also not stuck trying to find food after sunset. Dinner and breakfast cover the two biggest meal moments.
If you’re counting costs, plan to budget for lunch and drinks on top. That’s the main “watch your spend” piece.
Group size and what it means for your experience
This tour has a maximum of 15 travelers. In practice, that keeps the day from feeling like a cattle-car operation. It also helps with the camp atmosphere. You’re more likely to have space for photos and for staff to address people’s needs without a constant shuffle.
The experience can be private or small-group, depending on what you book. If you want more control over pacing or you’re traveling with family, private can be worth it. If you’re solo or friendly, small-group is usually the sweet spot.
Also, some people have said the camp crew goes above and beyond to make sure you’re looked after—especially when guests connect from bus stations or need help getting to the camp.
Practical tips before you go (so the desert night feels easy)
A few things I’d do before booking a trek like this, based on what’s clearly part of the experience:
- Wear dust-friendly clothes for the sandboarding. You’ll come away with sand on you no matter what.
- Pack light for the camel ride. You don’t want extra bags banging around while you’re riding.
- Bring a way to handle the mobile ticket (since you’ll have it digitally). Screens drain fast if you’re taking nonstop photos.
- Plan for a long day. With about 18 hours total, you’ll want a normal breakfast or snack before you start, since lunch isn’t included.
- Ask about comfort expectations if you’re unsure about sleeping in standard tents. Set the right mindset early.
If you’re arriving to Merzouga on your own, take advantage of any GPS directions the operator provides or request pickup help. People have said it made finding the meeting location much easier.
Who should book this trek—and who might skip it
Book this if you want:
- A genuine Sahara camp night without the stress of organizing animals and lodging yourself
- The core duo: camel trek + sandboarding
- Camp dinner that includes music/storytelling and serious stargazing time
You might rethink it if:
- You need hotel-style comfort for sleeping
- You don’t like long days (it’s about 18 hours, with activities clustered around sunset and sunrise)
- You want meals fully covered (lunch and drinks are not included)
This is a great fit for couples, small groups, and anyone who wants one iconic desert night rather than a multi-stop itinerary.
Should you book? My straight answer
Yes—if you’re in Merzouga and you want the classic Sahara experience done in a straightforward way. The price makes sense because you’re getting the big elements together: camel ride, sandboarding, sunset/sunrise, dinner, breakfast, and the camp sleep.
I’d only hesitate if you’re very picky about bedding and nighttime comfort, or if you’re hoping lunch and drinks are fully included. If you can handle a standard tent night and plan for lunch on your own, this is one of the simplest ways to turn “I want to see the desert” into a real memory.
FAQ
How long is the Merzouga desert excursion?
The experience lasts about 18 hours.
How much does it cost?
It’s priced at $50.00 per person.
What does the camel trek include?
You get a 1-hour camel ride as part of the experience.
Is sandboarding included?
Yes. You have a sandboarding session of about 15 minutes.
What meals are included?
Dinner and breakfast are included. Lunch and drinks are not included.
What kind of accommodation is provided overnight?
You’ll sleep overnight in standard tents at the desert camp.
How do you return after sunrise and breakfast?
You can return either by camel or in a jeep, depending on your preference.
How many people are in the group?
The tour has a maximum of 15 travelers.
What happens if weather is poor or the minimum number of travelers isn’t met?
The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. If a minimum number of travelers isn’t met, you’ll also be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
When will I receive confirmation after booking?
You’ll receive confirmation at the time of booking, unless you book within 9 days of travel—in that case, confirmation comes within 48 hours, subject to availability.
