There’s something movie-like about camel trekking at Erg Chebbi. This overnight trip in Morocco takes you out of Merzouga for a sunset ride, a dune climb with picture stops, and time on the sand while you watch the light change fast.

What I really like is that it’s not just riding: you get a private nomad-style tent, mint tea on arrival, dinner under the desert sky, and a morning breakfast with a hot shower before you head back. The one thing to plan for is timing and comfort—this is a 2-day experience with early morning sunrise and a moderate physical level, so it helps to be ready for cool desert temperatures at night and some uphill dune climbing.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset and sunrise: two major light shows, not just one.
• Mint tea welcome in the desert: traditional hospitality right when you arrive.
• Camel trek plus sandboarding: included, so you get both thrills and views.
• Private nomad-style tent: your own space for the night, with a charging spot.
• Hot shower on day two: a lifesaver after the desert morning.
• Small group (max 20) with English/Spanish guide: easier pacing and questions.

Why Erg Chebbi Camel Trekking Feels Like Movie Magic

Merzouga sits in one of Morocco’s most famous dune areas, the Erg Chebbi dunes, and the overnight format is the secret sauce. Day trips can be great, but they usually miss the best part: the shift from bright-golden desert at dusk to quiet darkness after dinner, then that first pale sunrise glow.

I also like that the trip is structured around simple, human moments. You ride in the afternoon, you reach camp, you eat, you sleep, and you ride again in the morning. No complicated schedule. Just the desert, with breaks built in.

And yes, you’ll likely see why this place gets talked about so much. The dunes don’t stay the same color for long. One moment the sand looks warm and bright; the next, it turns darker and softer. That change is part of the experience, not just a backdrop.

Day 1: Afternoon Pickup, Camel Ride, Dune Views, and Sandboarding

This starts from your hotel in Merzouga in the afternoon, typically 4–5 p.m. depending on the season. The camel ride itself takes about an hour and a half to reach the desert camp, with a rest break along the way. You’re not just being transported—you’re traveling in a way that lets you actually look around.

When you stop, you’ll climb the dunes for great views of the sunset, take pictures, and sandboard. Sandboarding is included, and it’s one of those activities that feels different here than it does on a ski slope—because the sand changes under you fast. Even if you’ve never done it before, this is the kind of included extra that makes the night feel like more than a scenic ride.

At camp, you get a welcome mint tea served traditionally. Then it’s dinner and time to relax in the Berber Beduin tent for the night. The dinner isn’t described in menu detail, but it is included, and the overall tone from the camp experience is consistent: warm hospitality, simple desert comforts, and a focus on enjoying the night rather than rushing through it.

One practical consideration: the itinerary timing is tied to day length. If you’re sensitive to schedules, confirm your exact pickup time with the provider when you book. The meeting point info lists a 5:00 am start time, but day one is clearly set for afternoon departure, so your confirmation message should spell out what applies to your exact date.

The Private Desert Camp: Your Berber Tent, Dinner, and a Real Night Away

The camp is the part that turns an outing into a memory. You spend the night in a private nomad-style tent in the Erg Chebbi dunes area, so you’re not sharing sleeping space with strangers. That matters when you’re tired from the ride and want a place that feels like yours.

Expect the camp to be set up for basic comfort. You’ll get:

• a place to charge your phone
• dinner included
• time to enjoy the dunes around you once the sun goes down

Even better, you should plan for cooler temperatures at night. Some families and groups specifically mention that the weather was comfortably cool, which made the desert feel pleasant instead of harsh. Still, “cool” in the dunes can catch you off guard, so pack a warm layer even if the daytime feels mild.

What I’d call the emotional payoff here is the slow pace. Dinner and evening time give you a chance to settle into the desert rhythm: watch the light fade, listen to the camp atmosphere, and just look up at the sky. With an overnight stay, you’re not leaving while it’s still interesting.

Also, the trip is guided. You’ll have an English and Spanish guide, and the experience is described as being cared for by people who understand desert hospitality. That tends to matter most at the edges—when you’re tired, when it’s dark, and when you’re trying to figure out how things work.

Day 2 Sunrise Camel Ride, Breakfast, Hot Shower, and Getting Back to Merzouga

Day two starts early because sunrise here is the headline. The plan is to wake up early enough to see the sunrise over the dunes, then enjoy a full breakfast at the camp. If you’re only thinking about photos, sunrise still pays off—but it’s more than a photo moment. The dunes look different when the air is cooler and the light is softer.

After breakfast, you’ll get a hot shower in the camp. That’s not a small thing. Desert mornings have a way of drying you out and dusting you over time, and having a real shower helps you go back to regular life feeling human.

For the return, you can choose to take camels back to the Kasbah Hotel in town. If you prefer to keep it simple, you may also just follow the standard end-of-tour transfer back to the meeting point, since the activity ends back at the meeting point.

Then the tour finishes with the kind of wrap-up you’d expect: you leave with a lot of memories, and likely a new way of thinking about the desert—less as an idea, more as a place that feels quiet, physical, and real.

Price and Value: Why This Feels Fair for an Overnight in Erg Chebbi

At $58.16 per person for an approximately 2-day experience, the value depends on whether you actually want the overnight part. If you only want daytime scenery, you can sometimes find cheaper options. But for a sunset ride, a full evening at camp, plus sunrise, dinner, and breakfast—this price is easier to justify.

Here’s what you’re getting that would cost money if you had to piece it together yourself:

• camel trekking (including the ride up to camp)
• sandboarding
• dinner and breakfast
• a private tent for the night
• a hot shower on day two
• phone charging space

You also get safe parking for your car. That may not sound like a “desert” feature, but in practice it reduces stress before you even leave town.

What’s not included is drinks. So if you’re counting on bottled water or soft drinks, plan for that extra cost. The tour includes food, but not beverages.

Finally, the group limit matters. This caps at 20 travelers, which is typically more comfortable than the giant buses-and-lines style. It also makes it easier for a guide to keep track of people, especially when the activity includes sand climbing and sandboarding.

What to Expect on the Camel Ride (Comfort, Pace, and Safety)

Camel rides are usually slower than they look in photos. In this case, you’re riding for about 1.5 hours to reach camp, and you also ride again in the morning. You’ll get rest breaks, especially on the way to camp, which makes a big difference if you’re not used to being on rough terrain.

The tour calls for moderate physical fitness. That doesn’t mean you need to train for a hike, but you should be comfortable climbing dunes and getting on/off camels without too much trouble. If you have mobility limits, you’ll want to think carefully and ask questions before booking.

Safety-wise, the experience is guided and organized, and the camp includes a structured schedule (tea, dinner, sleep, breakfast, shower). That organization tends to help with small things that become annoying otherwise—dust management, timing, and where to stand during dune photo climbs.

Also, the tour is built around having guides who speak English and Spanish, which reduces confusion when questions pop up in the dark or when you’re tired.

Who This Trip Is Best For (and Who Might Prefer Another Option)

This is a great fit if you want a true overnight desert experience, not just a quick photo stop. It works well for couples who want a romantic break and for families who want kids to enjoy camel trekking and sandboarding as a real activity, not a short ride.

It also seems to work for groups with a shared focus—yoga retreats and friends traveling together show up in the broader experience patterns around this region. The overnight camp layout is the kind of setting where people can actually talk, relax, and enjoy the evening without the pressure of constantly moving.

If you’re traveling solo, you’ll still enjoy it because the small group size keeps things social but not chaotic. You don’t need to know anyone ahead of time.

Who might want a simpler option:

• If you hate early mornings, sunrise will feel like a must-do, not a bonus.
• If sand climbing is difficult for you, ask how much time you’ll spend on dune slopes during the sunset climb and sandboarding stops.
• If cold nights are a problem for you, pack layers. The desert can surprise you after dark.

Practical Tips: What to Pack and How to Prepare for the Desert Night

This is the kind of trip where smart packing makes the experience feel effortless.

Bring:

• a warm layer for the evening and night (cool desert temperatures are common)
• comfortable shoes you can walk in around sand
• sun protection for the day ride and dune views (hat and sunscreen)
• a small flashlight or phone light for tent setup and late-night movement
• any motion-sickness remedy if you’re sensitive to rides on uneven ground

Plan your expectations:

• You’ll be in a tent environment, so don’t expect hotel-style luxury. The strong point is the setting and the simplicity.
• Drinks aren’t included, so decide ahead of time if you want to buy water or soft drinks locally.
• You’ll use camels and you’ll do sandboarding, so keep your day bag light.

And one more tip: charge your devices whenever you can during the day. The tour includes a place for charging phones at camp, but you’ll still appreciate having your battery full before you go out into the dunes.

Booking Timing and What the Mobile Ticket Means for You

This is the kind of popular Merzouga experience that gets booked ahead. On average, it’s booked 49 days in advance, which is a good sign for availability and planning.

You’ll receive a mobile ticket, which makes day-of logistics easier. Still, I’d recommend you double-check the confirmation details for your exact pickup and return times, especially because the meeting point info lists 5:00 am while day one departure is described as 4–5 p.m. depending on the season.

Should You Book This Merzouga Camel Trek With Sandboarding?

I’d book it if you want the full desert arc: afternoon camel ride, sunset dune views, sandboarding included, a private tent for the night, then sunrise and a hot shower next morning. For the price, the mix of activities and comfort basics is solid, especially with dinner, breakfast, and guide support included.

Skip it if you only want quick sightseeing and you’re not interested in waking up early for sunrise. This trip is built around that rhythm, and it’s better when you actually want both the sunset and the morning.

If you’re the type of traveler who likes simple, guided experiences with clear inclusions, this one makes it easy: camel trekking, sandboarding, private tent, and real meals—without you needing to plan the desert part yourself.

FAQ

How long is the camel trekking and overnight camp experience?

It’s approximately 2 days.

Where does the tour start, and when?

It starts at MOUHOU APARTMENTS | Merzouga Excursions & Desert Camps in Merzouga. The meeting point start time is listed as 5:00 am, and the day one departure is described as starting in the afternoon (4–5 p.m. depending on the season), so your confirmation should confirm your exact pickup.

Is sandboarding included?

Yes, camel trekking and sandboarding are included.

What meals are included?

Dinner is included on day one, and breakfast is included on day two.

Are drinks included?

No, drinks are not included.

Will I sleep in a private tent?

Yes, you sleep in a private nomad-style tent.

Is there a shower during the trip?

Yes, there is a hot shower in the camp on day two.

What languages does the guide speak?

The guide is available in English and Spanish.

What group size should I expect?

There’s a maximum of 20 travelers.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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