Merzouga: 1-Night Camel Trek & Erg Chebbi Luxury Camp

4.90

(134 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the sand to feel so cool at sunset. We met our camel guide just outside Merzouga—he called my camel “Sultan” and grinned when I looked nervous about climbing on. The camels moved slow, swaying side to side, and honestly, I was worried I’d drop my phone trying to take pictures of the Erg Chebbi dunes. Our group got quiet for a while—just the sound of hooves in the sand and the wind. It’s strange how peaceful it gets out there.

We stopped halfway for the sunset. The sky went from this pale gold to something almost purple, and someone tried sandboarding (I passed—the idea of eating sand didn’t appeal). Our guide poured us sweet mint tea right there, which tasted way better than I expected after an hour on a camel. He told us about growing up nearby—how his family used to cross these dunes for days at a time. There was something grounding about hearing that while sitting in all that emptiness.

The camp itself felt like a mirage—big tents with real beds (and yes, private bathrooms). Dinner was tagine by lantern light. Afterward, some guys from the camp played Berber drums around a fire; they handed me one but I had no rhythm at all—everyone laughed, including me. That night I lay awake for ages listening to distant drumming and watching stars I’d never seen before. Next morning we rode back just as the sun came up over Erg Chebbi; my legs were sore but I didn’t care. There’s still sand in my shoes.