Camel Trekking in Merzouga and the Erg Chebbi Dunes

Erg Chebbi Sunset & Sunrise Treks Overnight Adventures
Quick answer

Camel trekking in Merzouga means riding dromedaries from the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes, Morocco's tallest Sahara sand sea, to a desert camp. The ride takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, timed to watch sunset from a dune crest, followed by dinner and a night in camp, and a ride back at sunrise. It suits most ages, needs no experience, and is part of every desert tour to Merzouga from Marrakech or Fes.

Key facts

  • WhereErg Chebbi dunes, Merzouga, south-east Morocco
  • Ride lengthAbout 1 to 1.5 hours each way
  • TimingLate afternoon to sunset, return after sunrise
  • OvernightDesert camp; comfort tents with own bathroom and toilet
  • PriceFrom €45 per person
  • Best seasonMarch to May and September to November

The Timeless Allure of a Sahara Camel Caravan

Imagine the rhythmic sway of a camel, the soft crunch of its feet on golden sand, and a horizon painted with the fiery colors of a setting sun. This is the timeless allure of camel trekking in Morocco, an experience that transcends mere tourism to become a journey into the soul of the desert. For centuries, these "ships of the desert" were the lifeblood of trans-Saharan trade, and today, they offer travelers a unique and authentic way to connect with the vast, silent beauty of the Sahara.

A camel trek is more than just one of the many Sahara desert activities in Morocco; it's a rite of passage. It’s your chance to disconnect from the modern world and embrace the slow, deliberate pace of nomad life. Whether you're gliding through the towering dunes of Erg Chebbi or exploring the wild expanse of Erg Chigaga, this adventure promises unforgettable moments, from the profound silence of the dunes to the dazzling spectacle of a star-filled sky. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to plan your ultimate Moroccan camel trekking adventure.

What to Expect on Your Camel Trekking Adventure

Your nomad experience in Morocco begins the moment you meet your cameleer and your gentle, dromedary companion. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of this magical desert activity.

Step 1: The Meet and Greet

Your journey starts at the edge of the dunes, usually in a town like Merzouga. Here, your local Berber guide will greet you with a warm smile and introduce you to your camel. They'll show you the simple technique for mounting your seated camel and how to hold on as it gracefully rises to its feet. These guides are desert-born, and their knowledge of the terrain and the animals is second to none.

Step 2: The Ride into the Dunes

As your caravan sets off, you'll immediately be struck by the peace and quiet. The only sounds are the soft padding of camel feet and the occasional word from your guide. The ride, typically lasting 1 to 1.5 hours for an overnight tour, is a meditative experience. You'll traverse towering sand dunes, watching as their shapes and colors shift with the changing light. This is the perfect time for photos and quiet contemplation of the immense landscape.

Step 3: The Magical Sunset

Your guide will expertly time your trek to reach a high dune just as the sun begins its descent. This is the highlight for many. Dismounting your camel, you can climb to the crest of a dune and watch in awe as the sky explodes in shades of orange, pink, and purple. The sight of the sun dipping below the endless sea of sand is a profound and unforgettable moment, core to all desert tours in Morocco.

Erg Chebbi vs. Erg Chigaga: Where Should You Ride?

Morocco boasts two main desert regions for camel trekking, each with a unique character.

  • Erg Chebbi (Merzouga): The most famous and accessible dune sea. Known for its iconic, towering orange dunes that can reach up to 150 meters. It's the classic choice for most Morocco desert adventures, offering easy access to incredible scenery and a wide range of desert camps.
  • Erg Chigaga (M'hamid): For the more adventurous traveler. Erg Chigaga is wilder, more remote, and requires a 4x4 journey to reach. The dunes are more spread out, creating a feeling of true isolation and endlessness. It offers a more rugged and authentic desert experience.

See also: Our 3-Day Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour which includes a camel trek in Erg Chebbi.

Your Camel Trekking Questions Answered

Is camel trekking safe in Morocco?

Yes, camel trekking in Morocco is overwhelmingly safe, especially when booked with a reputable tour operator. The camels are well-trained, and you will be accompanied by an experienced local guide who knows the desert intimately. They ensure both your safety and the well-being of the animals.

Is riding a camel uncomfortable?

The experience varies. The rocking motion can take some getting used to, and you might feel a bit sore after an hour, similar to horseback riding for the first time. However, the unique experience and incredible views more than make up for any minor discomfort. Wearing comfortable, non-restrictive pants helps a lot.

How long is a typical camel trek in the Sahara?

The most popular option is the overnight trek, where the camel ride to the camp takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. This is perfectly timed to enjoy the sunset. The following morning, you'll ride back for about the same duration. Shorter sunset-only or sunrise-only treks are also available, as are multi-day treks for a deeper nomad experience.

What should I wear for a camel ride?

We recommend wearing long, comfortable trousers (like linen pants or loose-fitting jeans) to prevent chafing. Wear layers on top, as the desert temperature can change quickly. A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential for sun protection. Closed-toe shoes are better than sandals.

Can children ride camels?

Yes, children can absolutely enjoy camel trekking. For younger children, they can safely ride on the same camel as a parent or guide. It's a fantastic adventure for the whole family.

How a Sahara camel trek in Merzouga works, hour by hour

Time (approx.)What happens
Mid to late afternoonArrive at the edge of the dunes, leave your main luggage, take a small overnight bag
About 1.5–2 hours before sunsetMeet your cameleer, mount the seated camel and set off in a short caravan
SunsetStop below a high dune, climb on foot to the crest and watch the light change
DuskShort ride on to camp, mint tea on arrival
EveningDinner, music around the fire, stargazing
DawnWatch sunrise from the dunes, then ride back for breakfast and the onward drive

Exact times move with the seasons: sunset is roughly 17:30 in winter and after 19:30 in midsummer. A camel ride to camp depends on camel availability that day. If none are free, you drive to camp by 4x4 with a sunset stop on the dunes, and ride the camels the next morning on the way back instead.

Where to go camel trekking in the Sahara desert

Morocco's two main dune seas are Erg Chebbi near Merzouga and Erg Chigaga near M'hamid. Our camel treks take place in Erg Chebbi, where dunes rise up to around 150 m and the camps are reachable on a camel ride of about an hour. Because Erg Chebbi is popular and has many camps, a completely isolated experience cannot be guaranteed, and we do not organise wild or mobile private bivouacs.

If you would like more time in the dunes, an alternative is two nights: one at a camp with a nomad village, and one at the comfort camp with a hot shower and private tent. If you are short of time and leaving from Marrakech, the smaller dunes of Zagora are closer; our comparison of Merzouga vs Zagora explains the difference.

Desert tours that include a camel trek

Merzouga is roughly 550 km from Marrakech and about 470 km from Fes, so the camel trek is usually part of a multi-day tour rather than a day trip:

Already in Merzouga? Camel treks can also be booked locally, from €45 per person. Ask us about availability for your dates.

Your night at the desert camp

The camel trek ends at a camp in the dunes. In our comfort camp, each tent is private, normally for two people, with its own bathroom and toilet. A partner camp with air-conditioned tents is also used, which makes a real difference from late spring to early autumn. Dinner is served in camp, often a tagine with soup and fruit, followed by drumming and music around the fire. With almost no light pollution, the night sky is spectacular, especially around the new moon.

Read more about the camp itself in a night in a Merzouga desert camp, or combine the trek with sandboarding and quad biking from our list of Sahara desert activities in Merzouga.

Camel trekking info: what to pack and practical tips

  • Small bag only: your main suitcase stays behind. Pack a torch or headtorch, toiletries, a power bank, medication and a change of clothes.
  • Warm layers: even after a hot day, desert nights can be cool, and in winter they approach freezing.
  • Head and face: a scarf or cheche protects against sun and blowing sand; your cameleer can show you how to tie it.
  • Cameras: keep phones and cameras in a zipped bag; sand gets everywhere.
  • Getting on and off: lean back as the camel stands up and lean back again when it kneels down, holding the saddle handle.
  • Respect: ask before photographing your cameleer or nomad families, and do not feed the camels without asking.
  • Tips: tipping the cameleer is customary but voluntary; carry some cash in dirhams (MAD).

For the wider region, see our Merzouga and Sahara travel guide.

Frequently asked questions

Is a sunset or sunrise camel trek better?

On an overnight trek you get both: you ride out in the late afternoon to watch sunset from a dune and ride back after sunrise. If you only have time for one, sunset is more popular because it leads straight into the evening at camp, while sunrise is quieter and cooler, especially in summer.

What happens if no camels are available?

The camel ride depends on camel availability that day. If none are free, you travel to the desert camp by 4x4, with a stop on the dunes to watch sunset, and do the camel ride the following morning on your way back. You still get the full camel experience, just in a different order.

Can I walk instead of riding the camel?

Yes. Some travellers prefer to walk alongside the caravan for part or all of the way, which is a good option if you are uncomfortable on the camel. Walking in soft sand is tiring, so wear closed shoes and carry water. Let your cameleer know before you set off.

Do I need any experience to ride a camel?

No experience is needed. Camels kneel down for you to mount, and your cameleer leads the animal on foot the whole way, so you do not need to steer. Just hold the handle, lean back when the camel stands up or kneels, and relax into the rocking movement.

Can I do a camel trek in Merzouga as a day trip from Marrakech?

Not realistically. Merzouga is roughly 550 km from Marrakech, around 9 to 10 hours of driving each way. Most travellers take a 3 day tour with one night in the desert. If you only have a day or two, the dunes near Zagora are a closer alternative.

Are camel treks in the Sahara suitable in summer?

Yes, but timing matters. In July and August afternoon temperatures in the desert often exceed 40 °C, so rides start late in the day and return early in the morning. Drink plenty of water, cover your head, and ask about the partner camp with air-conditioned tents.

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