Merzouga Camel Ride & Desert Camp: A 2025 Honest Review

You’ve pretty much seen the pictures of endless orange sand and people on camels, right? In some respects, that is exactly what a trip to Merzouga is like. As a matter of fact, the pictures of the Sahara often don’t do it justice. The feeling of being out there, with literally nothing but sand dunes for miles, is a bit hard to put into words. This is basically my experience, a full rundown of spending a night in the Merzouga desert, you know, what it was really like in 2025. It’s actually a very unique experience, unlike anything else. I mean, we’ll cover the camel ride, the stay at a Berber camp, the food, and all that stuff. Honestly, this information is for anyone wondering if the trip is really worth it. To be honest, you’re going to get a straight-up look at what happens. So, we want you to be prepared for what could be an amazing part of your Moroccan travels.

The Camel Trek into the Erg Chebbi Dunes

Okay, so the camel ride itself is almost always the first big thing you do. You basically meet your guide and your camel at the edge of the dunes, you know, where the sand sea begins. At first, getting on the camel feels sort of high up and a little wobbly, to be honest. But after a few minutes, you really get into the rhythm of its slow, swaying walk. As a matter of fact, the pace is incredibly calming. You just have all this time to look around at the Erg Chebbi dunes, which are these giant waves of sand that are apparently some of the tallest in Morocco. The color of the sand keeps changing, you know, from a pale yellow to a deep, rich orange as the sun starts to go down. Frankly, the silence is what hits you the most; it’s a very deep quiet, with only the soft sound of the camels’ feet on the sand.

Your guide, often a young Berber man who has, more or less, grown up in this very desert, leads the way. It’s pretty clear he knows these dunes like the back of his hand. He will usually point things out, like animal tracks, but honestly, there’s not much talking. Instead, you just kind of soak it all in. The ride to the camp typically takes about an hour to an hour and a half, so you have plenty of time. It’s a bit like a meditation, really. As you move deeper into the desert, you pretty much lose sight of any roads or buildings. By the way, this is when you really feel like you’ve left the regular world far behind you. For instance, the sheer scale of it all is hard to grasp. You’re just a small caravan in a huge, golden expanse, which is a very humbling feeling.

Arriving at the Berber Camp: A Night Under a Billion Stars

Just as the sun is about to set, you’ll actually see the camp appear between the dunes. It looks like a little circle of white tents, you know, right in the middle of nowhere. The guides help you dismount, and your legs will probably feel a little strange, like you’ve been on a boat for a while. You are almost always greeted with a glass of sweet mint tea, which is a sign of hospitality in Morocco. This little ritual is a very welcome moment, a chance to sit and just take in the view. The camp is, in a way, your home for the night. You’ll be shown to your tent, which can be a pretty simple affair or something quite a bit more comfortable, depending on what you picked. Seriously, this moment of arrival is kind of magical.

As darkness falls, the temperature starts to drop quite a bit. Anyway, the sky is what really steals the show. At the end of the day, you’ve never seen stars like this before. With absolutely no city lights to wash them out, the sky becomes a blanket of countless, brilliant points of light. You can clearly see the Milky Way arching across the sky; it’s honestly incredible. People often just find a spot on a dune, lie back, and stare up at the universe for a really long time. The silence of the night is almost absolute, something city-dwellers might find a little unsettling at first. In fact, it’s a profound sort of peace that lets your thoughts settle. This part of the experience is, in my opinion, what makes the whole trip worth it.

Food, Fire, and Traditional Rhythms

Now, let’s talk about the food because you’re probably quite hungry by now. Dinner is usually served in a larger communal tent. The main course is pretty much always a tagine, which is a slow-cooked stew. You might have chicken with lemon and olives, or perhaps beef with prunes and almonds, you know, that kind of thing. It’s cooked right there at the camp, and it’s actually very flavorful and comforting food. You’ll sit at a low table with the other guests, sharing bread and conversation. Frankly, it’s a simple, friendly meal that feels just right for the setting.

After dinner, everybody usually gathers around a big bonfire outside. This is really the heart of the camp’s social life. Your Berber hosts will bring out their drums, or ‘djembe,’ and start playing these deep, rhythmic beats that seem to echo across the dunes. Sometimes they sing traditional songs and tell stories or riddles. To be honest, you might not understand the words, but you definitely get the feeling of community and history. You’ll probably be invited to try playing the drums yourself, which is kind of fun. This time around the fire isn’t just a performance; it’s literally them sharing a piece of their culture with you, and it feels very genuine and not just for show.

What to Pack and Prepare for Your Desert Adventure

Okay, so packing for the desert is sort of a unique challenge. The key is layers, really. During the day, especially in the sun, it’s quite hot, so you’ll want lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and loose pants to protect your skin. Yet, the moment the sun goes down, it gets cold surprisingly fast, you know. So, a warm jacket or fleece is absolutely something you need to bring. You should also pack a hat and sunglasses, as a matter of fact, the sun can be very strong. And, of course, don’t forget your sunscreen. Seriously, the desert sun is no joke.

Another item you will definitely want is a scarf, like the traditional Berber ‘cheche’. You can buy one in town before you head out, and your guide can show you how to wrap it properly to protect your face from sand and sun. In terms of footwear, closed-toe shoes like sneakers are probably a better idea than sandals, to keep the sand out. Also, it’s a good idea to have a small bag with you for just the overnight stuff, like your toiletries, a change of clothes, and any medication. You’ll likely leave your main luggage at your hotel or with your driver. Finally, bringing a power bank to charge your phone or camera is a really smart move, as electricity at the camps can be limited or nonexistent.

Choosing Your Camp: What’s the Difference Between Standard and Luxury?

One of the main questions people have is about the type of camp to choose, basically, standard or luxury. Honestly, the difference is pretty significant, and it really comes down to your personal comfort level and budget. A standard camp is more or less a more traditional, rustic experience. The tents are typically smaller, with beds or mattresses on the floor, and shared bathroom facilities that are usually in a separate tent block. It’s a bit more like actual camping, you know. This option is great if you are on a tighter budget or want something that feels a little more authentic and back-to-basics.

On the other hand, a luxury camp is almost like a hotel in the desert. The tents are much larger, more like permanent structures with a proper king-sized bed, nice rugs, and Moroccan-style furniture. The big selling point is that you almost always get a private, en-suite bathroom, often with a flushing toilet and sometimes even a hot shower. So, that’s a huge step up in comfort. The food at a luxury camp tends to be a bit more elaborate, too, with more courses and a wider selection. At the end of the day, neither option is wrong; it just depends on the kind of experience you are looking for. Are you there for a rugged adventure or for a comfortable getaway with an amazing view? It’s really up to you.

“At the end of the day, it’s not just about the camel ride. It’s about the silence, the stars, and the real connection you feel to this huge, empty space. You honestly have to experience it for yourself.”

Key Takeaways for Your Merzouga Trip

The camel ride is peaceful: You get used to the swaying motion pretty quickly, and it’s a calm way to see the dunes.
The stars are incredible: With no light pollution, the night sky is absolutely a highlight of the trip.
Nights are cold: Even after a hot day, temperatures drop significantly, so you really need to pack warm layers.
Choose your camp wisely: A luxury camp offers a lot more comfort (like private bathrooms), so decide what’s right for you.
It feels authentic: The bonfire with Berber music and shared tagine meal feels like a genuine cultural experience.
Prepare for simplicity: You’re in the desert, so things like Wi-Fi and electricity are not a given. A power bank is a really good idea.

Read our full review: Camel Ride & Overnight Berber Camps in Merzouga Desert Full Review and Details

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