SunsetSunset camel ride
Ride out to the Erg Chebbi dunes by camel to watch the sunset and return to the village or your accommodation.
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Viajes al Desierto
Camel Trekking
Camel rides across the Merzouga dunes, a night at a camp, Berber dinner, return by 4x4 and 1- or 2-night experiences in the Sahara.
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Experiences in Merzouga
Camel Trekking in the Desert
Camel trekking in Merzouga is one of the most sought-after experiences in the Moroccan desert. It takes place in the Erg Chebbi dunes, an area of golden sand next to the village of Merzouga, ideal for watching the sunset, sleeping in a Berber camp and seeing the Sahara sunrise.
We organise private outings for couples, families and groups, with the option of a short ride, dinner at the camp, return by 4x4 at night, or one or two nights in the desert. We can also help you with private transport to Merzouga from Marrakech, Fes, Casablanca, Errachidia, Ouarzazate or any city in Morocco.
Sunset
1 nightOne night in the desert
Ride by camel to the camp, have dinner under the stars, enjoy Berber music and sleep in a tent.
Night at the campView details →
2 nightsTwo nights in the desert
First night at the camp, camel ride, 4x4 tour of the dunes, visit to nomads and a second night in the Sahara.
Complete experienceView details →
Complete guide
What does a camel ride in Merzouga include?
The experience usually starts in Merzouga or near your accommodation. Our team prepares the camels and we head out to the Erg Chebbi dunes, with time to take photos and enjoy the silence of the Sahara.
Depending on the option you choose, you can enjoy just the sunset, have dinner at a desert camp or sleep in a traditional tent with dinner, breakfast and Berber music around the fire.
- Camel ride across the Erg Chebbi dunes.
- Stop to watch the sunset or sunrise over the Sahara.
- Option of a Berber dinner at the camp.
- Option of a night in a standard, superior or luxury tent.
- Return by camel or 4x4, as you prefer.
- WhatsApp assistance before you arrive in Merzouga.
How to get to Merzouga
How to get to Merzouga for camel trekking
Merzouga is in south-eastern Morocco, near the Algerian border and next to the Erg Chebbi dunes. There is no direct train to Merzouga, so the most comfortable way is to travel by private car, on an organised route, by bus or by plane to Errachidia followed by a road transfer.
From Marrakech to Merzouga
It's a long journey, about 9–10 hours by road. We recommend a 2- or 3-day route via the High Atlas, Ait Benhaddou, Ouarzazate, the Dades Valley and the Todra Gorge.
Recommended route2 or 3 days
From Fes to Merzouga
From Fes it takes about 7–8 hours. The road goes through Ifrane, the Cedar Forest, Midelt and the Ziz Valley. It is one of the most direct routes to the Sahara.
Direct route1 long day
From Errachidia to Merzouga
The nearest airport is Errachidia. From there it's about 2 hours by road to Merzouga. We can arrange a private pick-up at the airport.
Nearby airport2 hours
From Casablanca to Merzouga
From Casablanca it's a long trip. The most comfortable option is a private tour via Rabat, Meknes and Fes, then on to Merzouga.
Complete tour3-4 days
From Ouarzazate to Merzouga
From Ouarzazate you can travel via the Dades Valley, Todra, Erfoud and Rissani. It's a beautiful route combining kasbahs, oases and desert.
Scenic route5-6 hours
By bus or private transport
There are buses to Merzouga or Rissani, but private transport is more flexible because it allows stops, adapted schedules and direct arrival at your accommodation.
Most comfortablePrivate
Programme: 1 night in the desert
Afternoon
Camel ride to the camp
We leave Merzouga by camel in the afternoon to cross the dunes and enjoy the sunset in Erg Chebbi.
Night
Dinner and night at the camp
Arrival at the camp, welcome tea, traditional Berber dinner, music around the fire and a night in a tent.
Morning
Sunrise and return
We wake up early to watch the sunrise, have breakfast and return by camel or 4x4, as you prefer.
Programme: dinner at the camp and return at night by 4x4
Afternoon
Camels at sunset
Camel ride across the dunes to enjoy the Sahara sunset.
Dinner
Traditional dinner at the camp
Berber dinner at the camp, Saharan atmosphere, tea and local music.
Night
Return by 4x4
After dinner, return at night by 4x4 to Merzouga or your accommodation.
Programme: 2 nights in the desert
Day 1
Camels and first night at the camp
Camel ride, sunset over the dunes, dinner, Berber music and a night at the camp.
Day 2
4x4 tour of the dunes
4x4 tour of Erg Chebbi, visit to nomad families, the village of Khamlia, oases and scenic spots.
Day 3
Sunrise and return
Sunrise in the Sahara, breakfast and return to Merzouga by camel or 4x4.
Tips to prepare your camel ride
Clothing
What to wear in the desert
Wear comfortable clothes, a cap or scarf, sunglasses and closed shoes. It can be cold in winter or at night, so we recommend a jacket.
Photos
Best time for photos
Sunset and sunrise offer the best light for photographing the Erg Chebbi dunes. Protect your camera or phone from the sand.
Children
Camel rides with children
The activity is suitable for families. We can adapt the duration, arrange a 4x4 return and organise a comfortable experience for children.
Frequently asked questions
Questions and answers about camel trekking in Merzouga
Can't find your answer? Write to us and we'll reply within minutes.
Ask on WhatsAppWhere does the camel ride take place?
The camel ride takes place in the Erg Chebbi dunes, next to the village of Merzouga, in south-eastern Morocco. It is one of the most famous areas of the Moroccan Sahara for its high dunes and golden sand landscapes.
How do I get to Merzouga from Marrakech?
From Marrakech to Merzouga it's about 9–10 hours by road. To enjoy the trip more, we recommend a private 2- or 3-day route with stops in the High Atlas, Ait Benhaddou, Ouarzazate, the Dades Valley and the Todra Gorge.
How do I get to Merzouga from Fes?
From Fes to Merzouga it's about 7–8 hours by road via Ifrane, the Cedar Forest, Midelt and the Ziz Valley. We can arrange private transport from your hotel or riad in Fes to Merzouga.
When is the best time for a camel ride?
The best time is from September to May, when temperatures are more pleasant. It's also possible in summer, but we recommend going at sunset or sunrise to avoid the hottest hours.
Can you sleep in the Merzouga desert?
Yes. You can sleep at a desert camp in a standard, superior or luxury tent. The experience usually includes a camel ride, Berber dinner, local music, a night at the camp, breakfast and the return.
Can I do just the sunset without staying overnight?
Yes. If you don't want to sleep at the camp, you can do a sunset camel ride and return to Merzouga. We also offer dinner at the camp with a return by 4x4 at night.
Is camel riding safe for children?
Yes, it's a safe, family-friendly activity. We adapt the pace and length of the ride to the children's age. For families with small children we can also arrange 4x4 support.
What should I bring to the desert?
We recommend comfortable clothes, closed shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, water, a scarf or cap, a camera and a jacket for the night, especially between October and April.
Travellers' comments
Reviews of camel trekking
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TripAdvisor 5.01,200+ reviews
LM
Laura Méndez🇪🇸 Madrid, Spain · 22 contributions
★★★★★
“Magical sunset in Erg Chebbi”
The sunset camel ride was spectacular. Our guide was very friendly and told us a lot about life in the desert. An unforgettable experience.
TB
Thomas Bauer🇩🇪 Múnich, Germany · 15 contributions
★★★★★
“An incredible night at the camp”
We chose the one-night option in the desert. The Berber dinner was delicious, the music around the fire very authentic, and sleeping in the tent under the stars was unique.
CR
Carla Rossi🇮🇹 Roma, Italy · 31 contributions
★★★★★
“Two nights in the Sahara, perfect”
We chose two nights and it was the best decision. The 4x4 tour of the dunes, the visit to the nomads and the camp were wonderful. We recommend it to everyone.
JF
Jean François🇫🇷 Lyon, France · 9 contributions
★★★★★
“Dinner and 4x4 return, very well organised”
We did the camel ride, had dinner at the camp and came back by 4x4 at night. Everything was very well organised, the driver was professional and the atmosphere at the camp was great.