3 days
VISIT MAGHREB · TOUR PACKAGE
3-Day Marrakech to Merzouga Desert Tour, Erg Chebbi
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from € 389per person
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VISIT MAGHREB / Desert Activities / Camel Trek in Merzouga – 1 to 3 Nights in the Sahara
Quick answer
You leave Merzouga on camelback in the late afternoon and ride into the Erg Chebbi dunes as the light turns gold. Your camp waits between the dunes, and you sleep there under the stars. Duration: 1–3 nights · Merzouga, Erg Chebbi · from € 40 per person.
A camel trek is the slow way into the Sahara. You leave Merzouga in the late afternoon, on a camel led by your guide, and ride into the Erg Chebbi dunes as the sun drops. The dunes here rise up to 150 metres, and the camp waits between them — a cluster of tents with dinner cooking and a fire lit.
The camp is a Berber desert camp: canvas tents, rugs on the sand, dinner cooked over the fire, and music after dark. After dinner the group sits around the fire while the guides play drums and sing. Then the sky takes over — far from any town, the stars are bright and the Milky Way runs overhead.
You can stay one, two or three nights. One night is the classic trip: ride in at sunset, sleep in camp, ride back after sunrise. Two nights give you a full day in the dunes, with time to walk the ridges and rest in the shade. Three nights give you more time in the dunes, with longer rides and a slower pace.
A camel trek fits easily into a longer desert tour. Most tours from Marrakech and Fes end with a night in the dunes, but you can also book the trek on its own if you are already in Merzouga. The best months are March to May and September to November, when the days are warm and the nights are cool but not freezing.
You ride out in the late afternoon, when the light is low and the sand turns gold. The camp appears between the dunes as the sun goes down.
Canvas tents, rugs on the sand, and a fire lit. The camp is simple and comfortable, and the night is quiet once the music ends.
Dinner is cooked at camp, and after dark the guides play drums and sing around the fire.
Far from any town, the sky is dark and full of stars. The Milky Way is clear on most nights.
Wake early and climb a dune to watch the sun rise over the sand. Then a last ride back to Merzouga.
One night is the classic trip. Two nights add a full day in the dunes, and three nights give you the slowest pace of all.
Arrive in Merzouga in the afternoon and meet your guide and camels at the edge of the village. Ride into the dunes as the sun goes down, and reach camp as the light fades. Dinner is served, and the evening ends with music around the fire.
For two- and three-night treks: wake to sunrise over the dunes, then a slow day in camp and on the sand — a morning walk along the ridges, rest in the shade, and an afternoon ride. One-night treks ride back to Merzouga after breakfast instead.
For three-night treks: a longer day with more time on the camels and a slower pace, and a third night under the stars.
Wake early, watch the sun rise over the dunes, and ride back to Merzouga in the morning light.
Bring a small overnight bag: a warm layer for the night, sunscreen, a scarf for the sand, and closed shoes. Leave the rest of your luggage in Merzouga.
Desert nights are cold, especially from November to February. The camp has blankets, but bring a warm layer to sleep in.
You ride dromedaries — one-humped camels — led by your guide. The pace is a slow walk, and the guide stays with you the whole way.
Camps have simple shared toilets, and some have showers. If you want more comfort, ask us about the luxury camp options when you enquire.
Merzouga is about 560 km from Marrakech, a 9- to 10-hour drive spread over two days. From Fes it is 7 to 8 hours. Errachidia airport is about 1.5 hours from Merzouga.
March to May and September to November are the best months: warm days and cool nights. Summer days are very hot, and winter nights are cold.
Camel treks start from €40 per person for one night in a standard camp. Two nights start from €130 per person. The exact price depends on the number of nights and the camp you choose. Send us an enquiry with your dates, and we will give you the exact price.
The ride from Merzouga into the dunes is unhurried, at a slow walking pace, and timed so you reach camp as the sun sets. Your guide sets the pace and stays with you.
No. The camels walk slowly, the guide leads them, and you ride in a saddle with something to hold on to. The ride is gentle, and there are stops along the way.
A small overnight bag with a warm layer, sunscreen, a scarf and closed shoes. Bring a torch or headlamp for the night, and a camera for the sunset and the stars.
Yes, children can ride with an adult. Ask us about the age limits when you enquire, and we will plan the trek for your family.
A Berber desert camp: canvas tents with mattresses and blankets, dinner cooked at camp, and music around the fire. Facilities are simple — ask us about the luxury camp options if you want more comfort.
March to May and September to November. The days are warm, the nights are cool, and the light is at its best. In summer the days are very hot, so the rides are at sunset and sunrise.
Yes — it is the overnight part of most Merzouga desert tours. Tours from Marrakech and Fes usually end with a night in the dunes. Tell us when you enquire and we will build it into your tour.
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