Sahara Desert Camel Ride & Camp: A 2025 Review

So, the idea of sleeping in the Sahara desert is, you know, one of those big bucket-list items for a lot of people. You have these pictures in your head of towering orange dunes, a line of camels walking into the sunset, and a sky filled with more stars than you’ve ever seen. Well, I can tell you that the real thing is pretty much all of that and then some. Actually, my experience on the ‘Overnight in Sahara Desert Camp’ was a little bit different from what I expected, in some really good ways. It’s almost more about the silence and the sheer scale of the place than anything else. This is just my honest take on what the whole adventure feels like, from getting on the camel to waking up with sand pretty much everywhere. It’s obviously an incredible thing to do, but there are definitely some things you should probably know before you book your spot for 2025.

First Impressions and Getting to the Dunes

Frankly, the build-up to the main event is its own kind of adventure. You’re typically driven to a point near the massive dunes, like Erg Chebbi near Merzouga, and this part of the trip is pretty eye-opening. You pass through all these little towns and see the landscape change from rocky plains to, well, the first signs of serious sand. The driver we had was, like, a super cool local guy who pointed out all sorts of stuff along the way. Anyway, that first moment you see the dunes proper is just… wow. Honestly, pictures don’t really capture the size of them; they are literally like a mountain range made of fine, orange-pink sand. It’s at this point that you meet your guides and, of course, the camels. Everything feels very real and, you know, a little bit excitingly chaotic as everyone gets their headscarves tied Tuareg-style and is assigned their camel for the trek.

The Camel Ride Itself: What’s It Really Like?

Alright, so getting on a camel is sort of an interesting experience. They are very tall animals, and the way they stand up is a bit of a lurch, first backwards and then forwards. My camel, who I basically decided to call Bartholomew, had a very chill personality. The ride is not really a gallop across the desert; it’s more of a slow, swaying walk, which is actually very peaceful. You sort of get into a rhythm with the gentle rock-rock-rock motion. At first, you might feel a little awkward, but after about ten minutes, you kind of relax into it. The best part is that once you’re moving, there’s almost no sound except for the soft padding of the camels’ feet on the sand and maybe the quiet chatter of the guide. It’s in these moments that you can really just look around at the insane scenery. The sun starts to get lower in the sky, and you see all these long shadows forming across the dunes, making them look even more dramatic. To be honest, it is slightly uncomfortable on your sit bones after an hour or so, but it’s definitely manageable and so worth it.

A Word on Camel Welfare

You may want to think about the animals, and that’s a good thing. Actually, this is a topic more and more travelers care about. You can usually tell a lot about an operation by looking at the condition of the camels. The ones we had looked very healthy and well-cared-for. Look for animals that aren’t too skinny, have clear eyes, and don’t have any obvious sores from their saddles. A good sign is also the way the guides interact with them. Our guides were clearly very attached to their camels, speaking to them gently and making sure they were comfortable. Basically, these animals are their livelihood, so responsible operators take very good care of them. You can always ask your tour provider about their animal welfare policies before booking, which is a really good idea, right?

Arriving at the Sahara Desert Camp

So, after about an hour and a half of swaying through the sand sea, you see it: the camp. It just sort of appears in a dip between some huge dunes. Our camp was a circle of big, sturdy Berber tents around a central area with carpets and low tables. It felt very secluded and, honestly, quite magical. I was kind of expecting a very basic setup, but these tents were more like ‘glamping’ style. I mean, we had a proper bed with blankets, a small light, and even a little private area with a flush toilet and a sink, which was an absolutely unexpected luxury. After you get off your camel and drop your bag in the tent, you usually have some free time. Most people, including us, immediately scrambled up the nearest giant dune to watch the sunset. It is, you know, a bit of a workout climbing that soft sand, but the view from the top is something you’ll never forget. Seeing the sun dip below the endless horizon of sand is just spectacular.

An Evening Under a Billion Stars

Once the sun goes down, the desert gets cool very quickly, so it’s time to put on a jacket. The evening is, in a way, the main event. We all gathered in the main tent for dinner, which was a surprisingly delicious and hearty meal. They served us a big tagine with chicken and vegetables, plus salads and bread—seriously, it was a feast. After eating, the guides brought out their drums and started a campfire. This is where the real connection happens. Sitting there, in the middle of nowhere, listening to traditional Berber music under the stars is a very profound experience. And the stars… well, I mean, you’ve never seen a sky like this. With absolutely no light pollution, the Milky Way is so clear it looks like a thick cloud of light painted across the sky. You see shooting stars every few minutes. It’s just you, the crackling fire, the soft drumming, and this massive, silent, star-filled universe. It’s a feeling that’s hard to put into words, you know?

Morning in the Desert and the Ride Back

Okay, so someone will gently wake you up before dawn. It’s pretty early, and it’s cold, but you have to get up. The guides will point you to the best dune to climb for the sunrise. The walk up is, again, a bit of a challenge in the soft sand, but you get to the top just as the sky starts to change color. Seeing the sun come up over the dunes is arguably as amazing as the sunset. The colors shift from deep purples and blues to bright oranges and golds. It’s completely quiet except for the wind. Once the sun is up, you head back down to camp for a simple breakfast of coffee, bread, and jam. Then, it’s time to find your camel again for the ride back. The desert looks completely different in the morning light. The shapes and shadows are all new, so it’s like you are seeing it for the first time. The ride back feels a bit quicker, and before you know it, you’re back at the edge of the dunes, feeling a little dusty, a bit tired, but totally full of wonder.

“The real takeaway from the Sahara isn’t just a photo; it’s the feeling of that immense quiet and the incredible beauty of the night sky. It’s a very grounding experience, really.”

Quick Tips and Key Takeaways

At the end of the day, this whole experience is pretty much a must-do if you’re in Morocco. It’s not just a touristy thing; it feels like a genuine adventure that gives you a tiny peek into a totally different world. The silence and the sheer scale of the desert are what will really stick with you. The blend of a slightly rugged adventure with the surprising comfort of the camp makes it accessible to most people. You don’t have to be some kind of hardcore explorer to enjoy it. It’s for anyone who wants to see something truly magnificent and feel a little bit small in the best possible way. Just be prepared for sand, you know, everywhere. Like, for days.

Pack Layers: The desert gets surprisingly cold at night, even after a hot day. You’ll definitely want a warm jacket, a hat, and maybe even gloves for the evening and early morning.
Bring Sunglasses and a Scarf: These are not just for style. The sun is intense, and a scarf (or the Tuareg-style head wrap they give you) is a huge help against wind and blowing sand.
Manage Expectations: This is the desert. While the camps can be very comfy, it’s still an outdoorsy experience. A little sand in your bag is just part of the fun, right?
Camera and Power Bank: You will want to take a million photos. Just make sure your camera and phone are fully charged, and bring a power bank. Most camps have limited electricity.
Cash for Tips: It’s a good practice to have some small cash on hand to tip your guides. They work incredibly hard to make sure you have a great time.

Read our full review: Camel Ride and Overnight in Sahara Desert Camp Full Review and Details

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