Merzouga Activities

2-night Camel Trek in Merzouga

2-night camel trek in Merzouga: two nights in an Erg Chebbi desert camp with a full day between them to explore the dunes by 4×4.

Duration2 Nights
DifficultyEasy to moderate
Group SizePrivate
LocationErg Chebbi, Merzouga
LanguagesEnglish / Spanish / Italian / French / Portuguese

Overview

Slow Down and Stay in the Sahara

One night in the desert is unforgettable; two lets you actually rest there. You ride in at sunset on the first evening exactly as on the overnight trek, with dinner, music and a night in your private tent.

The second day shows you the country around the dunes. After sunrise and breakfast a private 4×4 takes you to the Gnawa village of Khamlia, a nomad family, the seasonal lake of Dayet Srji and the oasis of Hassi Labied, with lunch on the way. You are back at camp for a second sunset and another evening by the fire, and on the third morning, after sunrise and breakfast, we transfer you to the meeting point in Merzouga.

Two nights in camp
Camel rides at sunset and sunrise
4×4 day around Erg Chebbi
All meals at camp

2-Night Camel Trek & Desert Camp

Price on request

Duration: 2 Nights
Start time: flexible, on request
Location: Erg Chebbi, Merzouga
Group: private experience
Languages: English / Spanish / Italian / French / Portuguese
No payment needed to enquire
Best price guarantee

Detailed programme

Your Two Nights in the Desert, Day by Day

FormatPrivate
01 Day 1Merzouga – camel ride and sunset – first night in the desert camp
02 Day 2Sunrise – explore the Merzouga desert by 4×4 – second night at camp
03 Day 3Sunrise – breakfast – transfer to the meeting point

A camel caravan at sunset in Erg Chebbi. Part of our 2-Night Camel Trek & Desert Camp with Magic Morocco Tours.

Day 1

Merzouga – camel ride and sunset – first night in the desert camp

We welcome you in Merzouga in the afternoon and look after your car and large bags. In the late afternoon you mount your camel and ride into the dunes of Erg Chebbi, stopping on a high crest to watch the sun set over the Sahara. At dusk you arrive at the camp for mint tea, settle into your private tent, then enjoy dinner and Berber music around the fire.

Pack a small overnight bag for the two nights and leave the rest with us in Merzouga. The camel ride takes about an hour to an hour and a half; if someone in your party prefers not to ride, a 4×4 can take them to camp. You choose your level of comfort when you book: the mid-range luxury camp, with private tents, en-suite bathrooms, hot showers and comfortable bedding, or the luxury camp, with more spacious tents, air conditioning and heating, premium bedding and elegant traditional décor.

Camel ride into Erg Chebbi
Sunset from the dunes
Dinner and first night at camp
MealsDinner
OvernightDesert camp, private tent
TransportCamel (4×4 on request)

A 4x4 on the dunes near Merzouga — A 4×4 on the dunes near Merzouga. Part of our 2-Night Camel Trek & Desert Camp with Magic Morocco Tours.

Day 2

Sunrise – explore the Merzouga desert by 4×4 – second night at camp

Rise early for the sunrise from the dune behind your tent, then return for breakfast. Your driver arrives with the 4×4 and you spend the day exploring the country around Erg Chebbi: the Gnawa musicians of Khamlia, tea with a nomad family, the seasonal lake of Dayet Srji, the palm gardens of Hassi Labied and the old mines of M’Fis, with lunch on the way. You are back at camp in good time for a second sunset, dinner and another evening under the stars.

The day is private, so your driver sets the pace around you. In Khamlia you sit with the musicians of the village and hear the drums and iron castanets of Gnawa music. On the black volcanic plain a nomad family pours tea in their tent and shows how they live with their animals. When there has been rain, Dayet Srji fills and flamingos gather on it. Lunch is taken on the way, usually the local stuffed bread known as Berber pizza or a tagine. If you would like a slower afternoon, you can return early to rest at camp, sandboard or walk up the high dune for the sunset.

Sunrise over the dunes
4×4 tour of the Merzouga desert
Lunch on the way
Second night at camp
MealsBreakfast, lunch, dinner
TransportPrivate 4×4 with driver

A desert camp in the early morning. A highlight of our 2-Night Camel Trek & Desert Camp.

Day 3

Sunrise – breakfast – transfer to the meeting point

One more desert sunrise, for those who want it, followed by an unhurried breakfast. You then leave the camp by camel or 4×4 and we transfer you to the meeting point in Merzouga, where your car or your onward transport is waiting.

There is no rush on the last morning. Hot showers are available at camp before you leave, and breakfast is served whenever you come down from the dunes. At the meeting point in Merzouga you collect your luggage and car, or join your driver if this trek is part of one of our private tours. Tell us your onward plans when you book and we will time the transfer to suit them.

Final sunrise
Breakfast at camp
Transfer to the meeting point
MealsBreakfast
TransportCamel or 4×4
EndsMerzouga meeting point

This is a private experience, so times and stops can be adjusted to your arrival, your pace and the season.

The experience

What to Expect

1Evening OneSunset camel ride into the dunes, dinner and music at the camp.
2A Day in the DesertSunrise and breakfast, then a 4×4 tour of the Merzouga desert: Khamlia, a nomad family, the lake and the oasis.
3Evening TwoA second sunset from the high dunes and another night under the stars.
4Morning ThreeSunrise, breakfast and the transfer to the meeting point in Merzouga.

Why choose this experience

More Than Passing Through

Most travellers see the dunes for a single evening. Staying a second night gives you the empty hours in between, when the desert belongs to the people who live in it.

Local and authentic experience
Private, just your party
Flexible timing
Local guides and hosts
Suitable for families, couples and solo travellers

What’s included

Camel for each person on all rides
Local camel guide
4×4 tour of the Merzouga desert on day 2, with driver-guide
2 nights in a desert camp, private tent with en-suite bathroom
2 dinners, 2 breakfasts and lunch on day 2
Music around the campfire
Sandboarding
Secure parking and luggage storage in Merzouga

Not included

Drinks other than water and tea
Tips for the camp team
Optional quad bikes or buggy

Good to know

Recommended clothingComfortable clothes, closed shoes, sunglasses and a hat or scarf.
Best timeOctober to April. In high summer the midday hours are very hot, and we recommend one night instead.
Suitable forMost travellers; a basic level of fitness helps.
Good to knowIf you would rather rest at camp on day 2, the 4×4 tour can be shortened or replaced with a dune walk; tell us in advance.

Location

2-night Camel Trek in MerzougaErg Chebbi, Merzouga

“The second evening is when the desert really gets to you.

Frequent questions

2-night Camel Trek in Merzouga: Frequently Asked Questions

What do we do on the second day?

After sunrise and breakfast you explore the Merzouga desert by private 4×4: Khamlia and its Gnawa music, a nomad family, Dayet Srji lake and the Hassi Labied oasis, with lunch on the way. You return to camp for the sunset.

Is two nights too long?

Not if you enjoy quiet places. Guests who choose two nights usually tell us the second evening was the one they enjoyed most.

Do we stay in the same camp both nights?

Yes, by default. If you would like to spend each night in a different part of Erg Chebbi, ask us and we will see what is possible on your dates.

Is this a private activity?

Yes. It is arranged for you and the people you travel with, so the timing and pace are yours.

How do I book?

Send us a message on WhatsApp or by email with your date and the number of people. We reply with availability and the price, and nothing is charged for enquiring.