Travelers seeking an authentic Moroccan desert adventure will find this Sahara Camel Trekking tour to be a compelling option. With a perfect 5-star rating from six reviews, the experience promises an overnight stay in traditional Berber tents, a scenic camel ride over the dunes, and plenty of cultural flavor.
What we love about this tour is how well it combines the thrill of camel trekking with genuine Berber hospitality, all at a reasonable price of around $141 per person. The included dinner, overnight stay with private bathroom, and the opportunity to watch the stars make it a well-rounded desert escape.
A potential consideration is the early start time of 5:00 am for the pickup, which might be challenging for some travelers depending on your plans the night before. This experience is ideal for those craving a truly immersive desert adventure, whether you’re backpacking Morocco or celebrating a special occasion.
Key Points
- Authentic Experience: The tour offers a genuine taste of Berber culture with music, drumming, and traditional food.
- Scenic Camel Ride: Expect roughly one hour riding over the iconic Erg Chebbi dunes, perfect for photos.
- Comfortable Accommodation: The overnight stay in private tent with a bathroom ensures a cozy desert night.
- All-Inclusive Value: Dinner, breakfast, camel trek, sandboarding, and parking are included.
- Expert Guides: Guides like Mohamed and Youssef add a personable touch, sharing insights and local knowledge.
- Flexible Cancellation: Full refund available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.
An In-Depth Look at the Sahara Camel Trekking Experience
Looking for more options in Merzouga? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Starting Point in Merzouga
Your adventure begins early in Merzouga village, a small but lively hub famous for its towering dunes. The tour’s pickup service takes the hassle out of arranging transport, especially for those traveling from Marrakech or other Moroccan cities. You’ll be collected from your hotel or specified location, allowing you to focus on the excitement ahead. The tour starts promptly at 5:00 am, giving you ample time to soak in the desert landscape as the sun rises.
Camel Trekking: Riding Through the Dunes
The core of this experience is the approximately one-hour camel ride, which takes you over the vast Erg Chebbi dunes. Riding on the back of a camel, you’ll feel the rhythmic sway as your guide leads you across the undulating sands. Reviewers highlight how the guides like Mohamed go “over and beyond” to ensure guests’ comfort and safety, making the ride enjoyable even for first-timers.
The panoramic views during this trek are exceptional—expect to see expansive golden dunes stretching as far as the eye can see. Many mention that the shadow shots of the camels and riders are fantastic photo opportunities, especially as the sunlight hits the dunes at different angles.
The Berber Camp: A Night Under the Stars
Once at the camp, you’ll settle into a traditional Berber tent with a private bathroom and shower inside. The accommodation is surprisingly comfortable, providing a welcome retreat after a day in the desert sun. The setup allows you to relax, chat around the campfire, and enjoy the communal atmosphere.
Evening entertainment features Berber music and drumming, creating a lively, authentic vibe. Reviewers note that the guides and hosts tend to be friendly and welcoming, sharing stories and engaging guests with their musical talents. As night falls, you can wander the dunes or simply lay back and marvel at the starry sky—a highlight that many visitors remember vividly.
Dining and Cultural Experiences
The tour includes a delicious dinner served around the campfire, often praised for its flavor and freshness. Some reviews mention that the food offered is “tapas-style,” with a variety of Moroccan dishes that satisfy without feeling heavy. The following morning, breakfast is provided, allowing you to gear up for the return trek.
Sandboarding and Additional Activities
Sandboarding is available as an optional activity, offering a fun twist on the usual desert trek. Many guests find it adds an extra layer of adventure, gliding down the dunes and enjoying the thrill of sliding over the soft sands.
Drop-off and Convenience
The tour concludes with the guide returning you back to your hotel or accommodation the next day. The round-trip transportation, included in the price, makes this experience hassle-free, especially considering the early start and remote location.
Analyzing the Price and Overall Value
At $141.36 per person, this tour offers excellent value for a full day and night of desert adventure. The cost covers transportation, meals, guided camel riding, overnight camping, and activities like sandboarding. Given the positive reviews about the quality of guides and the comfort of the tent accommodations, you’ll likely find this experience more rewarding than many budget options that cut corners on essentials.
Why it’s Worth Considering
Travelers who appreciate authentic culture will love the experience of Berber music and storytelling around the fire. Photographers will find ample opportunities for stunning desert shots. For those wanting a meaningful overnight stay in the Sahara rather than just a day trip, this tour ticks all the boxes.
Practical Details: What You Need to Know
Duration and Timing
The entire experience lasts approximately 12 to 14 hours, making it a full-day adventure. The early pickup at 5:00 am means you’ll start your journey in the cool morning hours, and the return the following day will likely be in the late afternoon or early evening.
Group Size and Atmosphere
With a maximum of 30 travelers, the group size remains manageable, fostering a more intimate and relaxed environment. The reviews suggest that guides like Mohamed and Youssef are personable and attentive, enhancing the overall experience.
Included and Not Included
Everything essential is included—dinner, breakfast, camel trekking, sandboarding, parking, and overnight in the tent with private bathroom. Extras like tips are not included, so budgeting a small amount for gratuities is advisable.
Accessibility and Booking
Confirmation is received immediately upon booking, and the tour is suitable for most travelers. Service animals are permitted, and the tour is close to public transportation, easing access for many.
Cancellation Policy
If your plans change, cancel at least 24 hours in advance for a full refund—adding flexibility to your trip planning.
Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tour Best For?
This Sahara Camel Trekking experience is perfect for travelers seeking authenticity and adventure in Morocco’s iconic desert landscape. It suits those eager to spend a night under the stars, enjoy traditional Berber hospitality, and capture stunning desert scenery.
It’s also a solid choice for first-time visitors wanting a guided, all-inclusive experience that covers transportation, meals, and activities comfortably. If you prefer a more rustic or luxury camping experience, some may want to explore options with different amenities, but for genuine charm and value, this tour delivers.
For anyone looking to combine scenic camel rides, culture, and a memorable overnight stay in the Sahara, this tour offers a compelling package. Just remember to pack your camera, some layers for the evening chill, and an appetite for Moroccan hospitality.
FAQ
Is pickup included in the tour?
Yes, pickup from your hotel or specified location is offered, making it convenient to start your desert adventure.
What time does the tour begin?
The tour starts early at 5:00 am, which is ideal for catching the sunrise and avoiding the heat of midday.
How long is the camel ride?
The camel trek lasts approximately one hour, providing plenty of time to enjoy the dunes and take photos.
What’s included in the price?
Included are dinner, breakfast, camel trekking, sandboarding, parking, and an overnight stay in a private tent with bathroom facilities.
Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the scheduled start.
Is the accommodation comfortable?
Yes, the tents come with private bathrooms, and the overall setup is cozy, cozy enough for a desert night with some creature comforts.
Are children or non-royal travelers allowed?
Most travelers can participate, and service animals are permitted.
What activities are available in the camp?
Guests often enjoy the campfire, sampling Moroccan food, and stargazing in the clear desert sky.
How do guides enhance the experience?
Guides like Mohamed and Youssef are praised for their friendliness, local knowledge, and their efforts to make guests comfortable and engaged.
Is sandboarding worth trying?
Absolutely. Many reviewers find it adds an exciting element to the trip and offers a fun way to enjoy the dunes.
This Sahara camel trek in Merzouga combines natural beauty, cultural authenticity, and excellent value, making it a memorable highlight for any Morocco trip. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, the magic of the desert awaits.