The golden dunes of Erg Chebbi at Merzouga are one of Morocco’s most iconic landscapes — and arriving at your desert camp by camel at sunset is one of the most unforgettable experiences in the country. Our Erg Chebbi camel trekking tours range from short sunset rides to multi-hour desert treks, all guided by experienced local camel handlers who know these dunes intimately.
Camel Trek Options
Sunset Camel Trek (1.5–2 hours)
The classic Merzouga experience. Mount your camel as the afternoon light turns golden and ride through the sculpted dunes of Erg Chebbi to your desert camp, arriving just in time to watch the sun sink behind the dunes. Dinner, live Gnawa music, and a sky full of stars await at camp.
Sunrise Camel Trek (1–1.5 hours)
Rise before dawn and ride into the dunes to watch the Sahara sunrise from the back of a camel. The early morning light on the dunes is extraordinary, and the desert is completely silent. Return to camp for breakfast before your onward journey.
Extended Desert Trek (Half Day or Full Day)
For adventurous travellers who want to go deeper into the Sahara, our half and full-day camel treks cover more remote sections of Erg Chebbi, passing nomad encampments and reaching viewpoints rarely seen by tourists.
What to Expect on Your Camel Trek
No experience is needed — the camels are calm and led on foot by your cameleer, so all you do is sit back and take in the scenery. You will ride single file in a caravan over the soft sand, with the dunes rising up to 150 metres around you and constantly changing colour with the light. The pace is gentle and unhurried, with stops for photos at the most beautiful viewpoints. It is equal parts adventure and meditation — one of those rare moments of complete calm and wonder.
Your Desert Camp
Most camel treks include an overnight stay in a desert camp among the dunes. Choose from comfortable standard Berber tents or luxury camps with private en-suite bathrooms, real beds, and hot showers. Both include a traditional tagine dinner, campfire music under the stars, and a sunrise over the dunes — the perfect bookend to the sunset ride in.
What’s Included
- Experienced local camel guide (cameleer)
- Camel with traditional saddle and blankets
- Overnight stay in luxury or standard desert camp (optional)
- Dinner and breakfast at camp (with overnight option)
- Stargazing and live Gnawa/Berber music at camp
- Blue turban for the desert — the traditional Tuareg headwrap
What to Wear & Bring
Wear comfortable, loose clothing and closed shoes that keep out the sand. Bring a warm layer for the evening (desert nights are cool, and cold in winter), sunglasses, sunscreen, a scarf for wind and sun, and a small bag with water and your overnight essentials — your main luggage can stay in the vehicle.
Combine with Other Desert Experiences
Add more adventure to your desert stay with a Sahara quad biking tour, or make the camel trek part of a full 3 Day Marrakech to Merzouga tour. Browse all our Merzouga desert tours for more options.
Book Your Merzouga Camel Trek
Available as a standalone activity or as part of any desert tour from Marrakech or Fes, our Erg Chebbi camel treks are private and tailored to you. Contact us to book or customise your Sahara camel trekking experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a camel trek at Erg Chebbi?
A sunset trek to camp takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, a sunrise trek about 1 to 1.5 hours, and extended treks can run for a half or full day deeper into the dunes.
Is camel trekking suitable for beginners?
Yes. No experience is needed — the camels are calm and led on foot by your guide, and the pace is gentle, making it suitable for almost everyone.
Can children do the camel trek?
Yes. The ride is gentle and guided, and children usually love it. For very young children, we can adjust the route or duration.
What should I bring for a camel trek?
Bring a warm layer for the evening, closed shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, a scarf, and a small bag with water and overnight essentials. Your main luggage stays in the vehicle.
Do you stay overnight in the desert?
An overnight in a desert camp is the most popular option, with standard and luxury camps available, but shorter rides without an overnight can also be arranged.
Ready to ride into the Sahara? Contact Morocco Tours Expert to book your Erg Chebbi camel trekking tour.