Desert Sahara Life · Morocco

Camel Trek Erg ChebbiRide the Golden Dunes of Merzouga

Discover the magic of a camel trek Erg Chebbi — Morocco’s most iconic dune sea, rising dramatically from the Sahara floor near Merzouga. Ride dromedaries across sweeping orange dunes, watch the sun melt into the horizon, and fall asleep under an infinite sky of stars. From a single sunset ride to multi-day desert immersions, Desert Sahara Life crafts the perfect camel trekking experience for every traveller.

1–3 Days
Duration Options
From €65
Per person
Small
Group size
Merzouga
Departs from

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Expert Berber Guides
Always Small Groups
All Meals Included
Luxury & Standard Camps
Trusted Since 2010

Why Choose Us

Why Book Your Camel Trek Erg Chebbi with Desert Sahara Life

A camel trek Erg Chebbi is one of Morocco’s most unforgettable experiences — and how you do it matters. Desert Sahara Life has been organising authentic Erg Chebbi camel treks since 2010, pairing travellers with expert Berber guides who know every trail, dune, and stargazing spot on these legendary sands. Whether you’re looking for a romantic overnight stay or a longer desert immersion, we have an option for you. Explore our full range of Sahara tours or discover our Erg Chebbi luxury camps for the ultimate in desert comfort.

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Authentic Dromedary Experience

Our well-cared-for dromedaries are led by experienced Berber cameleers who have ridden these dunes their entire lives. Your comfort and the animals’ welfare are both our priority throughout every camel trek Erg Chebbi.

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Sunrise & Sunset Magic

Timing is everything in Erg Chebbi. We position every group on the perfect dune crest to catch the first gold of sunrise or the deep amber of sunset over the Sahara — moments that no photograph can fully capture. What to wear on a camel ride.

Desert Camps Under the Stars

Our overnight camel trek packages include a night in a traditional Berber camp or luxury glamping tent deep in the dunes of Erg Chebbi. Dinner, tea, and live music around the campfire are all part of the experience. See our Erg Chebbi luxury camps.

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Flexible Options for Every Traveller

From a 2-hour sunset camel ride to a 3-day Erg Chebbi trekking circuit, we design every itinerary around you. Families, couples, solo travellers, and groups — all are welcome. Compare our options with the Sahara trips planner tool.

Your Journey

What Happens on a Camel Trek Erg Chebbi

Here is what a classic overnight camel trek Erg Chebbi looks like — from your first steps into the sand to your return the following morning with memories that last a lifetime.

1

Arrival & Welcome in Merzouga

We pick you up from your riad or hotel in Merzouga village and transfer you to the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes. Your Berber guide introduces you to your dromedary, fits you with a desert turban, and gives you a brief orientation before the trek begins. The dunes of Erg Chebbi rise immediately before you — up to 150 metres of rippled orange sand.

2

Camel Ride into the Heart of Erg Chebbi

The camel trek begins as the afternoon sun starts to soften. You ride and walk through the dunes, climbing to elevated crests for panoramic views across the vast Erg Chebbi dune sea. Your guide shares stories of Berber nomadic life, points out wildlife tracks in the sand, and leads you toward your camp just as the sky turns gold.

Mint Tea on arrival
3

Sunset from the Dune Crest

There is no better vantage point on earth for a Sahara sunset than the top of Erg Chebbi. Your guide brings you to the perfect spot as the light turns the dunes from gold to copper to crimson. This moment — the silence, the scale, the colour — is what travellers from around the world come to Merzouga to experience.

Sunset over Erg Chebbi dunes Merzouga Sahara Morocco
4

Dinner & Overnight in Berber Camp

Your Berber camp is set up in a sheltered dune hollow, surrounded by silence and sky. After a traditional Moroccan dinner — harira soup, tagine, mint tea — the evening is spent around a campfire with music and stargazing. The Milky Way is visible in extraordinary clarity from the heart of Erg Chebbi, far from any light pollution.

DinnerBreakfast
Berber desert camp dinner under stars Erg Chebbi
5

Sunrise Camel Ride & Return

Wake before dawn and climb the dunes one more time for sunrise — the most spectacular moment in Erg Chebbi. After breakfast, your camel returns you to Merzouga village, arriving in the late morning. You leave with sand in your shoes, tea in your memory, and Sahara light in your photographs.

Breakfast
Sunrise camel ride Erg Chebbi Merzouga Sahara

About the Destination

Erg Chebbi: Morocco’s Most Iconic Dune Sea

Where Is Erg Chebbi and How Do You Get There?

Erg Chebbi is located near the village of Merzouga in the Draa-Tafilalet region of southeastern Morocco, approximately 55 km south of Erfoud and 340 km southeast of Fès. It is the most accessible major dune system in Morocco, making it the ideal starting point for any camel trek in the Sahara. From Marrakech, the drive takes roughly 8 to 9 hours via the Tizi n’Tichka pass and the Ziz Valley — a spectacular road journey in its own right.

The dunes of Erg Chebbi rise to 150 metres and stretch over 22 kilometres, forming a dramatic apricot-coloured wall of sand that erupts from the rocky Hammada plain with no warning. Unlike smaller dune formations, Erg Chebbi offers a true sense of the Sahara’s scale and remoteness — especially once you are an hour’s camel ride from the village edge. For a deeper desert experience west of Merzouga, explore our Erg Chigaga tours and Erg Chegaga tours from Marrakech.

The best seasons for a camel trek Erg Chebbi are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when daytime temperatures are ideal for riding and the evening light on the dunes is extraordinary. Summer treks are possible early morning and at dusk. For practical tips on preparing for your ride, read our guide on what to wear on a camel ride in the Sahara.

What’s Covered

What’s Included in Your Camel Trek Erg Chebbi

✓ Included

  • Dromedary camel with experienced Berber cameleer
  • Desert turban and traditional riding attire on request
  • Berber guide fluent in English, French, and Arabic
  • Traditional overnight camp (standard or luxury tent)
  • Dinner, breakfast, and mint tea at camp
  • Sunset and sunrise viewpoints on the dune crests
  • Campfire evening with traditional Gnawa music
  • Transfer from/to your Merzouga accommodation

✗ Not Included

  • Transport to/from Merzouga (can be arranged separately)
  • Sleeping bag (can be hired locally — recommended in winter)
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
  • Single supplement for private tent
  • Tips and personal expenses
  • Sandboarding (optional add-on)

Pricing & Options

Camel Trek Erg Chebbi Prices

Available year-round. Private and group departures run daily from Merzouga.

Sunset Camel Ride

€65 / per person

A 2-hour guided camel ride at sunset into the Erg Chebbi dunes, with tea on return. Perfect as a standalone Sahara experience or as part of a longer Morocco trip.

2–3 Day Erg Chebbi Trek

Custom

Explore deeper into Erg Chebbi over multiple days. Use our Sahara trip planner or contact us for a tailored quote.

🐪 Availability — Daily Departures Year-Round

Sunset rides — every evening
Overnight treks — daily
Multi-day — on request
Private groups — any date
Best season: Mar – May
Best season: Sep – Nov
Winter (Dec–Feb) available
Summer (early morning only)

Reserve Your Spot

Book Your Camel Trek Erg Chebbi Now

Ready to ride into the Sahara? Fill in the form below and our team will confirm your camel trek within 24 hours. Have questions? Visit our contact page or build your own itinerary with the Sahara trips planner tool. You can also explore our full range of Sahara tours for more options.

Please enter your first name.
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Please enter your phone number for contact.
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Tell us about your dream desert tour.
This field is required.
What is your estimated budget for the tour?
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Common Questions

FAQs About Camel Trek Erg Chebbi

Our camel trek Erg Chebbi options range from a 2-hour sunset ride (€65 per person) to an overnight experience including dinner, campfire, and a sunrise return (€120 per person). For those who want to explore deeper into Erg Chebbi, we also offer 2 and 3-day trekking circuits — contact us or use the Sahara trip planner to design your itinerary.
Absolutely. No prior experience is needed to enjoy a camel trek Erg Chebbi. Our Berber cameleers lead every dromedary and walk alongside you at all times, especially on dune ascents and descents. The pace is gentle and the experience is designed to be accessible to all ages and fitness levels. For more tips on preparation, read our guide on what to wear on a camel ride in the Sahara.
For a camel trek Erg Chebbi, pack light breathable clothing for the day and a warm layer for the cool desert nights — temperatures can drop significantly after sunset. Bring sturdy closed-toe shoes or boots (sand gets into sandals), high-factor sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a small daypack, and a headlamp. A sleeping bag is not included but is recommended for winter visits and can be hired locally in Merzouga. See our full packing guide on what to wear on a camel ride.
The best seasons for a camel trek Erg Chebbi are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when daytime temperatures range from 20–30°C and the evening light on the dunes is extraordinary. Summer (June–August) is very hot — if you visit in summer, treks are scheduled early morning or at sunset to avoid peak heat. Winter treks are beautiful but cold at night; a warm sleeping bag is essential. We run camel treks year-round.
Yes — a camel trek Erg Chebbi is one of the best family activities in Morocco. Children typically love riding dromedaries and exploring the dunes. We recommend the overnight experience for families as it allows time for sandboarding, dune play, and stargazing. Children under 5 can sit with a parent on the same dromedary. For families wanting maximum comfort in the desert, see our Erg Chebbi luxury camps.
Merzouga is located approximately 340 km southeast of Fès and around 550 km from Marrakech. The most common approach is a private 4×4 transfer or organised tour from Marrakech (passing through the High Atlas, Ouarzazate, and the Ziz Valley) or from Fès (via Midelt and Erfoud). We can organise full transport as part of a wider Sahara tour from Marrakech, including a stop at Erg Chebbi. There is also a night train from Casablanca to Oujda connecting to buses toward Errachidia and Merzouga.

Ready for Your Camel Trek Erg Chebbi?

The golden dunes of Erg Chebbi are waiting. Let Desert Sahara Life take you there — all you have to do is climb on and let the Sahara do the rest.