Merzouga – Desert Camel Trek

Merzouga is the legendary gateway to the Erg Chebbi dunes, providing the starting point for Morocco’s most iconic adventure: the desert camel trek. More than just a ride, this is an immersive journey into a land of profound silence and staggering beauty. Leaving the edge of the village behind, you are immediately transported into a timeless landscape where towering sand dunes stretch to the horizon in a mesmerizing sea of gold and ochre.

This trek is a pilgrimage to experience the solitude, witness the awe-inspiring desert sunset from atop a ridge, and spend a night in a Berber camp. The culmination is sleeping beneath a canopy of stars so bright and numerous they defy description. The Merzouga camel trek is an essential Moroccan adventure that promises transformation, tranquility, and truly unforgettable moments.

The Destination: Erg Chebbi

• The Dunes: Merzouga sits right beside the Erg Chebbi, a vast expanse of magnificent, high dunes (some reaching 150 meters). These dunes are famous for their golden-orange color and their dramatic, sculpted peaks.

   
   

• The Vibe: The environment here is one of stark beauty, intense silence, and powerful light, which changes moment-by-moment throughout the day.

The Core Experience: The Camel Trek

This is the focus of any trip to Merzouga, typically organized as an overnight experience (though longer treks are available).

• The Start: Treks usually begin late in the afternoon (around 4-5 PM). You meet your camel guide and your “ship of the desert” at the edge of the dunes.

• Sunset Ride: The one-to-two-hour ride takes you deep into the Erg Chebbi. This timing is deliberate to allow you to dismount and climb a high dune to watch the spectacular sunset, painting the sand in deep crimson and shadow.

• Overnight Camp: You arrive at your desert camp, which ranges from traditional tents to luxurious private setups. Dinner is served (usually a delicious tagine), followed by a mesmerizing evening of Berber drumming around a campfire.

   
   

• Stargazing: Due to the remote location and lack of light pollution, the Sahara offers one of the world’s most incredible venues for stargazing.

• Sunrise: Waking up early to climb a dune and witness the sunrise is the final, essential highlight before trekking back to Merzouga.

Practicalities & Logistics

• The Journey: Merzouga is very remote. It requires a long, multi-day drive from major cities like Marrakech (minimum 3 days) or Fes (minimum 2 days), passing through mountains, valleys, and historic kasbahs.

   

• Best Time to Visit: Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November) offer the most pleasant temperatures. Summer is intensely hot, and winter nights can be near freezing.

   

• What to Bring: Sunscreen, a hat, water, comfortable loose clothing, and very warm layers for the cold desert night.