Erg Chebbi Desert Overnight in Tent with Camel Ride & Sandboard

Planning a night in the Sahara might seem like a lofty bucket-list item, but this Erg Chebbi desert experience offers a surprisingly seamless blend of adventure, comfort, and authentic local vibes. While we haven’t personally slept in these tents, countless reviews and detailed itineraries suggest it’s a compelling choice for anyone dreaming of starry skies and vast dunes.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the professional guides and friendly staff ensure you get the most out of your time in the desert. Second, the stunning sunset and sunrise views over the dunes are genuinely breathtaking. Third, the comfortable tents with private bathrooms add a layer of convenience often missing in desert camping. The only consideration? The price point might be slightly higher than some budget options, but the overall value — especially considering the inclusions — is hard to beat. This experience is perfect for travelers who want a genuine desert adventure with a touch of comfort and culture.

Key Points

• Authentic Sahara experience with professional guides and cozy tent accommodations
• Stunning sunset and sunrise views over the dunes, ideal for photography
• Comfortable tents with ensuite bathrooms, hot water, and high-quality bedding
• Cultural activities like Berber drum parties and star gazing add local flavor
• All meals included, with dietary considerations accommodated upon request
• Value for money given the inclusions and personalized touch

How the Tour Begins: Transportation and First Impressions

The tour starts from a designated meeting point in Hassilabied, Morocco. Private transportation means a smooth, air-conditioned ride from your pickup spot straight into the heart of the desert. The journey itself is straightforward, and since the tour is private, your group won’t be mixed with strangers, allowing for a more personalized experience.

Day 1: From Car to Dunes – The Camel Ride and Sunset Magic

Once you arrive at the designated parking area, you’ll mount a camel guided by seasoned professionals. The guides, like Mustapha, are specifically praised for their friendliness and expertise. They make sure everyone feels comfortable, even if you’re new to camel riding. Expect a 30-minute ride into the dunes, which is long enough to feel the thrill and capture some great photos without it becoming tiring.

The highlight here is the sunset, a moment that many reviewers describe as unforgettable. One reviewer, Hermann D, called it a “dream event,” praising the guide’s efforts to take photos and the breathtaking views. The guides are attentive and know the best spots for sunset photos—so don’t hesitate to ask for a picture with the expansive dunes as your backdrop.

Camping in Style: Shooting Stars Camp

Arriving at the camp, you’ll be greeted with traditional Moroccan tea, almonds, and a warm smile. The tents are spacious (26 sqm), with decor that combines comfort and authenticity. Each features a King-size bed, a single bed, and an ensuite bathroom with hot water, soap, shampoo, and towels—meaning a good night’s sleep is assured amid the dunes.

The camp itself offers cozy communal spaces, perfect for relaxing and soaking in the desert atmosphere. The dinners are buffet-style, prepared to accommodate dietary needs, and enjoyed with panoramic views of the dunes. The real magic happens after dark, with a campfire, traditional Berber drum music, and stargazing under a clear desert sky. One reviewer highlighted the “super diner and breakfast,” emphasizing the high-quality food and warm hospitality.

Night in the Desert: The Starry Skies and Campfire Sing-alongs

As night falls, the desert turns into a canvas of stars. The live music around the campfire creates a relaxed, communal vibe that many find both authentic and fun. If you’re patient enough, the clear desert air offers some of the best star-gazing moments you’ll find in Morocco.

Day 2: Sunrise and Return Journey

The early morning sunrise over the dunes is a must-see. We loved that the tour includes a timed wake-up call to catch this stunning spectacle. Watching the light change over the dunes, with quietness and solitude, makes it clear why this is such a treasured moment for many travelers. After breakfast, you can choose to return via camel or Jeep, giving flexibility based on your energy and schedule.

Included in the tour are all meals (breakfast and dinner), a camel ride, sandboarding, private transportation, a deluxe tent with private bathroom, tea, bottled water, and a lively drum party. These are significant value-adds, especially the private, comfortable tents and meals prepared to your dietary preferences.

Not included are lunch and alcoholic beverages. If you’re looking to keep costs down, you might want to bring your own snacks or drinks, but overall, the package is quite comprehensive.

Practical Details

Timing-wise, the tour spans roughly 2 days, with pickup arranged from a central location in Hassilabied. The experience is designed for most travelers, including those with limited mobility, thanks to the private transportation and comfortable tents. Because it’s a private tour, your group size remains small, enhancing the personal touch.

What impresses most about this tour is how it balances authentic desert adventure with modern comfort. The tents are praised for their high quality, with reviewers noting the use of pillows, sheets, and hot showers—rare luxuries in desert camping. The professional guides, like Mustapha, are recognized for their friendliness and knowledge, making the experience feel safe and welcoming.

The sunset camel ride is often highlighted as a highlight, with guides eager to help you take photos and find the best vantage points. The campfire nights with Berber drums provide a lively taste of local culture, a feature many find adds depth to what could otherwise be a purely visual experience.

Considering the Cost and Value

At around $70 per person, this tour offers an impressive range of activities and comforts. The reviews confirm that the experience is well worth the price, especially considering the inclusions and the personalized service. The fact that the tour is bookable 12 days in advance makes it accessible for travelers planning their Morocco adventure ahead of time.

This experience is ideal for travelers seeking a balanced Sahara adventure—someone who wants the iconic dunes and camel rides but also appreciates a comfortable stay and local cultural touches. It’s perfect for those who value good food, stunning scenery, and authentic interactions with guides and hosts.

If you’re traveling with a group or family, the private nature of the tour adds a layer of intimacy and flexibility. It’s also a good choice for first-timers who want a safe, well-organized desert experience without sacrificing comfort.

This Erg Chebbi overnight experience offers a well-rounded taste of the Sahara, blending adventure with comfort, and culture with stunning natural beauty. The professional guides, beautifully maintained tents, and memorable sunset and star-gazing moments make it a strong choice for anyone wanting to see and feel the magic of Morocco’s desert.

While the price might be slightly higher than some basic camping options, the quality of the tents, meals, and guided service makes it a worthy investment. It’s particularly appealing for travelers who want to avoid roughing it and prefer a more immersive, yet comfortable, Sahara adventure.

All in all, this experience delivers on its promises and provides the kind of memorable desert night that lingers long after your departure.

What is included in the tour?
All meals (breakfast and dinner), camel riding, sandboarding, private transportation, a deluxe tent with private bathroom, tea, bottled water, and a drum party are included.

Can I customize dietary preferences?
Yes, the dinners are prepared according to your dietary needs, so just let the staff know your preferences in advance.

How long do the camel rides last?
The camel ride to the sunset vantage point lasts about 30 minutes, and you’ll also enjoy riding back to the camp after sunset.

Are the tents comfortable?
Absolutely. The tents are 26 sqm with King-sized beds, single beds, and ensuite bathrooms with hot showers, making for a surprisingly comfortable stay in the desert.

Is this tour suitable for everyone?
Most travelers can participate, including those with limited mobility, as private transportation and comfortable tents are provided.

What is the best time to see the sunset and sunrise?
The sunset is during the late afternoon, and the sunrise occurs early morning, both of which are included in the tour schedule.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start, allowing flexibility if your plans shift.

This desert overnight adventure combines authentic Moroccan culture, stunning scenery, and comfort, making it a top choice for travelers eager to experience the Sahara in style.