Merzouga: Overnight in Luxury camp with camels dinner

Merzouga: Overnight in Luxury Camp with Camels and Dinner – An Authentic Sahara Experience

Travelers seeking a memorable night under the stars in Morocco’s Sahara will find this tour to be a compelling option. Offering a blend of adventure, comfort, and culture, it promises to highlight the mesmerizing beauty of Erg Chebbi’s dunes. While it isn’t the cheapest desert experience out there, the value lies in the well-organized activities, authentic surroundings, and the chance to truly connect with the desert landscape.

What makes this experience particularly appealing is the opportunity to enjoy a camel trek at sunset, spend the night in a luxury Berber tent, and wake up early for a sunrise that’s hard to beat. Plus, the inclusion of dinner, breakfast, and sandboarding adds extra layers of enjoyment for those craving a full desert immersion. However, some reviews mention occasional coordination hiccups, so managing expectations around timing and communication is wise.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a comfortable desert night with authentic touches, but are also prepared for a bit of spontaneity or minor logistical snafus. It’s ideal for first-timers or those on a tight schedule looking for a cost-effective yet memorable Sahara experience in Morocco.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Combines camel riding, a desert camp stay, and cultural activities for a well-rounded Sahara overnight.
• Comfortable Accommodation: Stay in a luxury Berber tent with private bath and toilet inside.
• Spectacular Views: Watch sunset and sunrise over the dunes, with options like sandboarding included.
• Good Value: At $80 per person, the experience offers a balanced mix of activities, meals, and transport.
• Organized Tour: Pick-up, drop-off, and activities are well-structured, though some reviews note slight coordination issues.
• Authentic Cultural Touches: Dinner with Moroccan flavors and music shows add to the immersive feel.

Exploring the Experience in Detail

How the Tour Begins

Most travelers are picked up from their hotel or the bus station in Merzouga, with an option for pickup from Errachidia Airport at extra cost. Once everyone is gathered, you’ll head to a designated parking lot to leave your car if you’re driving yourself. This initial transfer makes logistics simple, especially if you’re staying in Merzouga or nearby.

Camel Trek to the Desert Camp

The heart of this experience kicks off with a camel ride through the dunes of Erg Chebbi. Expect a gentle, scenic trek that lasts around an hour, giving you ample time to soak in the vastness and tranquility of the desert. The guides are noted for being friendly and knowledgeable—Cesare praises the “perfectly organized activity” and the “phantasmagorical” tents.

You’ll likely stop at a good viewpoint to watch the sunset, a highlight loved by many. As Lieselotte describes, the sunset viewing was “completely fine” and a magical way to start the overnight adventure. Keep your camera ready—this is the prime moment for stunning landscape shots.

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The Luxury Desert Camp

Arriving at the camp, you’ll find Berber tents that blend traditional style with modern comforts. Many tents feature en-suite baths, which elevate the experience beyond basic camping. The setting feels intimate and peaceful, with the vast dunes stretching around you. Some reviews note the camp’s organization as “good value for money,” offering a rare chance to enjoy luxury in such a remote location.

Dinner and Evening Activities

Before dinner, you’ll enjoy Moroccan mint tea and perhaps some local entertainment. The dinner itself is typically served at around 9:30 p.m., with a variety of traditional dishes. Guests often mention the authenticity and hearty flavors of the food, with some noting the importance of bringing extra money to buy souvenirs or crafts from local vendors walking with the camels.

Post-dinner, there’s usually a music show or cultural performance to add to the atmosphere. Many guests find this a charming addition, though more coordination could improve the experience—some mention a lack of clarity about timing and activities.

Stargazing & Nighttime Calm

One of the undoubted highlights is the stargazing. With minimal light pollution, the desert sky reveals a breathtaking canopy of stars. Guests often comment on the peacefulness and beauty of this moment, making it a perfect time to reflect or simply enjoy the silence.

Early Rise for Sunrise & Sandboarding

The next morning, you’ll wake early—around sunrise—to witness the sun crest over the dunes, offering spectacular photo opportunities. Following sunrise, many tours include sandboarding, which adds a fun, adrenaline-filled element to the morning. This activity is appreciated for its accessibility and the chance to have a bit of fun on the dunes.

Return Journey

After breakfast, you’ll board camels for the trek back to the starting point—an experience that many find nostalgic and enjoyable. From there, a transfer will take you back to your vehicle or accommodation, completing the desert adventure.

The Realities: What to Expect & Consider

Transportation & Timing

The tour typically includes pick-up and drop-off in Merzouga or the bus station, making it convenient if you’re staying locally. If arriving via Errachidia Airport, additional arrangements are necessary. The overall duration from pick-up to return is usually a full day or overnight, so plan your schedule accordingly.

Group Size & Atmosphere

While the tour is generally well-organized, some reviews indicate occasional miscommunications about dinner times and activities. The group size isn’t specified but is likely small to medium, allowing for a more personal experience.

Cost & Value

At $80 per person, the price point is quite competitive, especially considering the included activities—camel ride, overnight camp, dinner, breakfast, and sandboarding. The added value of the private bath in the tent and the chance to relax in comfort makes this a solid choice for budget-conscious travelers who still want a touch of luxury.

What to Bring

Travelers should pack essentials like sunglasses, camera, sunscreen, water, and long pants. Nights can get chilly, so a light jacket might be helpful, and sturdy shoes are good for sandboarding or walking in the dunes.

Authenticity & Guest Feedback

From Cesare’s glowing review about the “phantasmagorical” tents and well-organized activity, to Lieselotte’s notes on walking in the desert and the opportunity to purchase local crafts, it’s clear that many guests appreciate the genuine cultural experience. However, some mention that coordination could be improved, especially regarding timing and activity descriptions—so patience and flexibility are advised.

What Guests Love

• Stunning sunset and sunrise views over the dunes
• The comfortable, authentic tents with private bathrooms
• The friendly guides and local hosts
• The fun of sandboarding and camel rides

Possible Drawbacks

• Occasional miscommunication about schedules
• Some guests felt activities could be better coordinated
• The experience may not suit travelers seeking a highly formal or structured program

The Sum Up

This overnight desert experience in Merzouga offers a thoughtful balance of adventure, relaxation, and cultural authenticity. The inclusion of a luxurious tent, camel rides, and a traditional Moroccan dinner makes it a worthwhile choice for those wanting a memorable Sahara night without breaking the bank.

It’s perfect for first-time desert visitors, couples, or small groups eager to enjoy the dunes in comfort. While some minor coordination issues may arise, the overall warmth of the guides and the extraordinary scenery provide a genuinely magical experience. If you’re after a well-rounded Sahara adventure with authentic touches, this tour hits many of those notes.

For travelers craving a comfortable night in the desert, combined with iconic landscape views and culture, this experience delivers on its promise.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes pick-up and drop-off at your hotel or bus station in Merzouga, a camel ride to and from the camp, an overnight stay in a luxury Berber tent with private bath, dinner, breakfast, and free activities like sandboarding. Sunset and sunrise views are also part of the package.

Can I book from Errachidia Airport?
Yes, pickup from Errachidia Airport is available at an extra cost, but most arrangements start from Merzouga or the local bus station.

How long does the camel ride last?
The camel trek to the camp lasts about an hour, giving plenty of opportunity to enjoy the scenery and take photos.

What should I bring for this experience?
Pack sunglasses, a camera, sunscreen, water, long pants, and possibly a light jacket for the early morning chill. Comfortable shoes are recommended for walking and sandboarding.

Is there a specific check-in or activity schedule?
The schedule generally includes sunset viewing upon arrival, dinner around 9:30 p.m., optional music shows, stargazing, and early morning sunrise. However, some reviews mention a lack of precise timing details, so flexibility helps.

What is the accommodation like?
Guests stay in luxury Berber tents equipped with private bathrooms, blending traditional design with modern comfort. The tents are praised for their cozy yet authentic feel.

Is this suitable for families or pregnant women?
Pregnant women and those with back problems are advised against participating, due to the physical nature of camel riding and the desert environment.

How do reviews perceive this experience?
Reviews highlight the beauty of the scenery and the friendly guides, though a few note coordination issues. Overall, many find it a worthwhile and memorable experience.

This desert overnight in Merzouga offers an authentic, comfortable, and scenic taste of the Sahara—perfect for those wanting more than just a quick visit. Prepare to relax, take in breathtaking views, and enjoy a taste of Moroccan hospitality in the heart of the dunes.

You can check availability for your dates here: