In this article
Sleeping in the desert is the dream of almost every traveller who comes to Morocco. But how does a desert camp really work? Here are the answers to the questions you ask us most often.
How you get to the camp
You usually set off in the late afternoon. Your big luggage stays safe at the hotel or in the vehicle, and with a small backpack you get on the camel: in about an hour you reach the camp, just in time for sunset. If you don’t want to ride a camel you can arrive by 4×4.
What kinds of camp are there
In Merzouga there are camps for every taste:
- Standard: Berber tents with real beds, sheets and blankets; shared bathrooms and showers.
- Superior: bigger tents, often with a private bathroom.
- Luxury: real canvas rooms with a double bed, private bathroom with a hot shower, stylish furnishings and dinner served at the table.
You’ll find the details in our experiences Berber desert camp and luxury desert camp.
What you eat
Dinner is the most convivial moment: usually harira or Moroccan salads, a chicken, beef or vegetable tajine, fruit and mint tea. For breakfast, bread, msemen, jam, honey, eggs and coffee. If you have allergies or follow a special diet, let us know beforehand.
What you do in the evening
After dinner the fire is lit and the camp staff play drums and sing. Then you move away from the lights to look at the stars: with no light pollution the Milky Way is visible to the naked eye.
Is it cold?
It depends on the season. From November to February night temperatures can drop close to zero: the tents have heavy blankets, but bring a warm jacket. In summer nights are mild and many people sleep outside, under the stars.
Is it safe?
Yes. The camps are run by local families and small business owners who live from tourism, and there’s always someone from the staff on hand during the night. The desert around Merzouga is peaceful and visited by travellers from all over the world.
And with children?
Children love the desert: the camel, the sand, sandboarding, the fire. For the little ones we recommend arriving by 4×4 and a tent with a private bathroom.
Ready to try it? The most popular option is the desert night by camel, with a sunset caravan and sunrise over the dunes.
