Erg Chebbi Camel Trek and Overnight

Nothing says Merzouga like riding a camel into the great sand sea of Erg Chebbi. This overnight trek leaves from the edge of the village in the late afternoon, when the heat eases and the dunes turn from pale yellow to deep orange. A guide leads a string of dromedaries across the sand for roughly an hour to an hour and a half, depending on where the camp sits, and you arrive with enough light left to climb a dune on foot and watch the sun drop. Camp life then settles into a pleasant rhythm: mint tea, a tagine dinner, drumming around a fire and a very quiet night under an extraordinary spread of stars. At first light you can climb the dune again for sunrise, eat breakfast and ride back to the village.

Overnight packages vary a great deal in comfort, so read the details before you choose. Basic bivouacs use shared Berber tents with thick blankets and shared washing facilities, while the more expensive camps offer proper beds, private bathrooms, heaters for winter and sometimes air conditioning in summer. Most trips include the camel ride, dinner, breakfast and a night in the tent, but transfers, drinks and extras such as sandboarding can differ.

Ask whether the camp is deep in the dunes or close to the village edge, because a camp in the first line of dunes can feel busy when several groups arrive at once, while a deeper camp is quieter and takes longer to reach.

The ride itself is gentle and slow, but camel saddles are not designed for comfort, and the first few minutes of mounting and standing can feel startling. Wear long trousers, closed shoes you do not mind filling with sand, and carry a scarf to wrap around your face if the wind rises.

Keep camera gear in a zipped bag, since fine sand finds every gap. Temperatures swing sharply: summer afternoons can be fiercely hot, while winter nights can drop close to freezing, so bring a fleece and a warm hat for the evening even in spring and autumn.

Travellers who want a real sense of the Sahara without a long expedition will find this the best-value experience in the area. It suits couples, friends and families with children old enough to sit confidently on a camel, and it combines easily with a quad ride, a 4x4 loop or a nomad visit on the day before or after. If you have only a single night in Merzouga, spend it in the dunes rather than in the village, because the evening and dawn light are the real prize.

A few practical details make the night smoother. Arrive in Merzouga with time to spare, since the ride leaves while the light is still strong, and confirm the meeting point because several tracks lead to the dunes. Carry only what you need, as luggage can often be left at the starting point or in your hotel.

Bring cash for tips and for drinks, which are often extra. If you are sensitive to cold, ask for an additional blanket at check-in rather than waiting until midnight. Finally, treat the animals kindly: let the guide lead, keep your hands inside the saddle and avoid sudden movements.