Merzouga: 2-Nights Camel Trek in Erg Chebbi Desert

Planning a desert adventure in Morocco? The 2-night camel trek in Erg Chebbi, offered by CAMEL SAFARIES for $230 per person, promises an authentic experience of the Sahara’s vastness and serenity. While it’s not a luxury escape, it provides a genuine taste of desert life that’s perfect for travelers craving adventure and culture.

What makes this tour stand out? We love the chance to enjoy stunning sunset views from the dunes, the opportunity to stay in a traditional Berber tent, and the visit to a nomadic Berber family to learn about their lifestyle. The authentic campfire evenings with drumming and music elevate the experience, creating a genuine Sahara atmosphere. On the flip side, a possible consideration is that the tour is quite basic in terms of luxury amenities, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with rustic conditions and outdoor living. This experience fits travelers eager for adventure, cultural exchange, and the chance to slow down and connect with Morocco’s desert soul.

Key Points

• Authentic Sahara Experience: Spend nights in traditional Berber tents with real desert activities.
• Cultural Encounters: Visit nomadic Berber families and learn about their lifestyle.
• Stunning Views: Sunrise and sunset over the dunes are highlights, perfect for photos.
• Adventure & Relaxation: Camel rides, sandboarding, and relaxing at the camp.
• Value for Money: At $230, it offers a well-rounded experience considering the included activities.
• Practical Prep: Pack warm clothing, sunscreen, and water for comfort and safety.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Tour

This camel trek is a well-organized, balance of adventure and cultural exchange. From the moment you arrive in Merzouga, the tour guides focus on creating an authentic and memorable Sahara experience. The journey spans three days, with two nights spent under the stars in a traditional Berber tent, and plenty of opportunities to explore and unwind in the desert landscape.

Day 1: Setting Out on the Camel Ride

Your adventure kicks off in the afternoon with a meeting point in Merzouga, a small town that acts as the gateway to the Sahara. The guides, often multilingual, start by helping you prepare your essentials—packing light is recommended since space is limited in the tents. Expect a laid-back yet organized start, with friendly guides like Brahim, who’s known for his engaging storytelling.

As you mount your camel, you’ll appreciate the gentle sway of your camel’s gait, a calming rhythm that helps you transition into desert life. Riding through the towering dunes of Erg Chebbi, you’ll witness the landscape transform as the sun begins to set. The visual of golden and orange hues lighting up the dunes is truly unforgettable and perfect for photos. The feeling of being surrounded by such vastness is humbling and awe-inspiring.

Once at the camp, you’ll settle into your Berber tent, which offers a genuine taste of desert hospitality. The interior is simple but cozy, with carpets and blankets, creating a rustic but welcoming atmosphere. Evenings are spent around the campfire, where you’ll listen to Berber music and participate in drumming sessions—an aspect that many reviews praise for its lively, authentic feel.

Day 2: Exploring the Desert

Waking early for the sunrise camel ride is a highlight for many. The desert dawn offers a quiet, almost meditative moment, with the horizon glowing in pinks and reds. Returning to camp for breakfast, you’ll find yourself energized by the fresh air and anticipation for the day’s activities.

The day is flexible, with options like sandboarding—something many travelers find surprisingly fun and a good way to get a different perspective of the dunes—or hiking nearby. This kind of free time allows you to soak in the silence and beauty of the Sahara at your own pace.

A significant part of the experience is the visit to a nomadic Berber family. This optional stop gives a glimpse into their traditional lifestyle—simple, resourceful, and deeply connected to the desert environment. Travelers often mention that these visits deepen their understanding of desert life and are a genuine highlight.

Later in the day, another trek to a different dune spot provides spectacular sunset views, perfect for relaxing and taking photos. As dusk falls, the camp transforms again into a lively spot with more traditional Moroccan dinners and entertainment, making your second night memorable.

Day 3: Returning to Merzouga

The tour concludes with an early morning camel ride back to Merzouga, offering a peaceful, almost meditative start to the day. Many reviews mention that the early morning silence and the soft light make for a deeply calming experience.

Arriving back in Merzouga, a hearty breakfast at the Kasbah Hotel signals the end of your desert adventure. You’ll have some time to shower and freshen up before continuing your journey—an essential moment to reflect on the serene moments spent in the Sahara.

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The Experience in Detail

Camel Ride & Dune Exploration: Riding a camel through the massive Erg Chebbi dunes is the core activity. The guides, like Brahim and others, often share local stories and insights that enrich the experience. The ride feels gentle and meditative, allowing travelers to truly connect with the landscape.

Overnight in Berber Tent: Staying in traditional tents offers an authentic feel, amplified by the campfire nights and Berber music. Many reviewers find these nights surprisingly comfortable, given the rustic setting, with blankets and carpets adding warmth.

Sunset & Sunrise Views: These moments are often cited as some of the most breathtaking aspects of the tour. The dunes glow in golden hues, and the vastness of the desert stretches in all directions, making it an ideal backdrop for photography.

Cultural Encounters: Visiting a nomadic family allows a rare look into desert life, often described as eye-opening. These visits help travelers understand the resilience and resourcefulness of desert dwellers, and many say they leave with a new appreciation for the Berber way of life.

Campfire & Entertainment: Nighttime around the campfire is lively with traditional drumming and music. Guests often find these evenings a highlight, feeling the warmth of community amid the desert silence.

Optional Activities: Sandboarding, hiking, and exploring different dunes are available, giving you flexibility to tailor your experience.

Logistics and Practicalities

Duration & Group Size: The tour spans three days, with a typical group size of around 10-15 people, which balances camaraderie with intimacy. The timing aligns with the sunset and sunrise, so you’ll be immersed in the desert’s natural rhythms.

Price & Value: At $230 per person, this trek offers a substantial experience considering the included activities—camel rides, overnight in tents, meals, and cultural visits. It’s a good deal for travelers seeking genuine adventure without luxury extras.

Transport & Accessibility: The tour begins in Merzouga, which travelers typically reach via private transfer or local transport. The guides emphasize arriving before the trek begins, so planning your transportation in advance is advisable.

What to Pack: Essentials include comfortable shoes, warm clothing (nights can be cool), sunscreen, a hat, and a camera. Light packing is recommended due to the limited space in tents, and bringing water is essential to stay hydrated.

Environmental & Cultural Respect: Travelers are reminded to avoid littering and respect local customs, which helps preserve the environment and the authenticity of the experience.

Final Thoughts

This 2-night camel trek in Erg Chebbi provides an authentic, memorable taste of desert life. It’s built for those who crave a mix of adventure, cultural exchange, and stunning scenery. The experience is straightforward but deeply immersive, with highlights like sunrise views, local music, and visits to nomadic families enriching the journey.

While it’s not a luxury tour—plenty of reviews mention the simple comfort of the tents and camp setups—it’s perfect for travelers prepared for rustic conditions and looking for genuine connection with the Sahara. The value for money is solid, especially considering the included activities, the cultural elements, and the breathtaking scenery.

If you’re seeking a straightforward, authentic desert experience with plenty of opportunities for photography, cultural interaction, and outdoor fun, this tour will meet your expectations and likely leave you with stories to tell for years to come.

FAQ

• What is included in the tour?

The tour includes camel treks, an overnight stay in a desert camp, traditional Moroccan dinner, breakfast, sandboarding (optional), a visit to a nomadic Berber family (optional), and campfire entertainment with drumming and music.

• How long is the trek?

The entire experience lasts three days, with two nights spent in the desert camp.

• What should I bring?

Pack comfortable shoes, warm clothing for cool desert nights, a hat, sunscreen, water, and a camera. Light packing is recommended.

• Is transportation to Merzouga included?

No, travelers need to arrange their own transport to Merzouga, but the tour starts there. It’s best to arrive before the trek begins.

• Can I do sandboarding?

Yes, sandboarding is an optional activity, and many reviews mention it as unexpectedly fun.

• What’s the best time to go?

While not explicitly stated, the sunset and sunrise activities suggest that clear, dry weather is ideal—generally spring or fall.

• Are the tents comfortable?

They are simple but cozy, with carpets and blankets. Reviewers often describe them as surprisingly comfortable given the rustic setting.

• Is this tour suitable for all travelers?

Not for pregnant women, people with back problems, or heart conditions. Be prepared for outdoor conditions and temperature changes.

• How many people are in each group?

Typically around 10-15 travelers, fostering a friendly, intimate environment.

• Can I cancel?

Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

This desert trek offers an authentic, visually stunning adventure that balances natural beauty, cultural exchanges, and outdoor fun. Perfect for those eager to experience the Sahara’s quiet majesty without fuss or frills, it’s a trip that will likely stay with you long after you leave the dunes behind.

You can check availability for your dates here: