Merzouga Luxury Desert Camp: 3 Days in the Sahara Dunes

Introduction

After crossing Morocco by road, from the cities to the coast and the mountains, we finally reached what felt like the highlight of the trip: spending two nights in a Merzouga luxury desert camp. Sleeping in a tent in the middle of the dunes of Erg Chebbi was one of those experiences you don’t forget—peaceful, surreal, and a little magical.

Merzouga itself is a small town on the edge of the Sahara Desert, right next to the Algerian border. It’s the gateway to the Erg Chebbi dunes, a sea of golden sand that stretches as far as the eye can see. While technically part of the Pre-Saharan steppe, this landscape is what most people picture when they dream of the Sahara.

We chose to stay in one of the Merzouga luxury camps, combining comfort with the raw beauty of the desert. From riding camels at sunset to sitting by the fire under a sky full of stars, everything about the desert luxury camp in Merzouga felt unique.

In this article, we’ll share how we spent two unforgettable nights glamping in a Merzouga desert camp, with tips to help you plan your own adventure.

Read: Our complete 2-week Morocco Road Trip Itinerary

Getting there

Getting to a Merzouga desert camp is part of the adventure, and while it may seem remote, there are a few good ways to reach it. Most travelers come either from Marrakech or Fes, but the best option is still Marrakech.

• By car: Renting a car gives you the most freedom. The drive from Marrakech to Merzouga is about 556 km and takes around 9 hours. It’s a long trip, but incredibly scenic, passing through mountain passes, valleys, and historic towns like Aït Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate. If you have the time, it’s worth splitting the journey with a stop along the way.
• By tour: If you prefer not to drive, you can join an organized tour. From Marrakech, popular choices include the 2-Day Sahara Tour to Zagora & Aït Ben Haddou or the 3-Day Merzouga and Sahara Desert Tour, which takes you straight to the Erg Chebbi dunes where most Merzouga luxury camps are located.
• By bus: Supratours runs a direct bus from Marrakech to Merzouga, taking around 12 hours. It’s the cheapest option, but you’ll miss out on the many amazing places along the way.

No matter how you get there, the moment you step into a desert luxury camp in Merzouga, the long journey will feel completely worth it.

We recommend to rent a car through Discover Cars with free cancellation. Book your rental car here.

Moving Around

Reaching your Merzouga luxury desert camp is simple, as most camps organize a free 4×4 transfer from the town of Merzouga into the dunes. It’s a short but exciting ride, and before you know it, you’ll be surrounded by the golden sands of Erg Chebbi.

Once you’re in the camp, you won’t need any transport—everything you need is right there. You can walk around the dunes freely, enjoy the silence of the desert, and soak in the views from every angle. If you’d like to do extra activities, such as camel rides, quad biking, or guided excursions, these can usually be arranged directly through your desert luxury camp in Merzouga.

In short, once you’ve arrived, life slows down. You’re in the middle of the Sahara, and the best way to move around is simply on foot, taking it all in.

Check our Google Map of Morocco

When to Visit

Staying in a Merzouga luxury desert camp is incredible any time of year, but the desert climate can change your experience a lot depending on the season. Here’s what to expect:

• Spring (March – May): Spring is one of the best seasons to visit Merzouga. Daytime temperatures range from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F), while nights are cooler around 10°C (50°F). It’s perfect for camel rides, exploring the dunes, and relaxing in your Merzouga desert camp.
• Summer (June – August): Summer is extremely hot, with temperatures often hitting 40°C (104°F) or higher during the day. Nights are still warm, averaging 25°C (77°F). Staying in a desert luxury camp in Merzouga is still possible, but be prepared to limit activities to early morning and late evening.
• Autumn (September – November): Autumn is another great season, with pleasant days between 22°C and 32°C (72°F to 90°F). The air is clear, sunsets are stunning, and the cooler evenings make glamping in Merzouga luxury camps very comfortable.
• Winter (December – February): Winter days are mild, averaging 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F), but nights are cold, dropping close to 0°C (32°F). If you’re staying in a Merzouga desert camp, make sure to pack warm layers, as desert nights can be freezing.

Tip: Spring and autumn are the most comfortable times for a Merzouga luxury desert camp experience, balancing warm days with cool, pleasant nights.

We usually travel with Airalo eSIMs, but when we need unlimited data for work, we go with Holafly.

Where to Stay

There are several Merzouga luxury camps to choose from, each offering a mix of comfort and authentic desert charm. Prices vary depending on the level of luxury, but no matter which you pick, spending at least one night under the Sahara sky is an unforgettable experience.

• (€): Merzouga activities camp: A budget-friendly option, still offering the glamping experience with tents set right in the dunes.
• (€€): Sahara Desert Luxury Camp: The camp where we stayed, and one we strongly recommend. Comfortable tents, great food, and a warm atmosphere made our 2 nights here special.
• (€€€): Sunrise Sahara Camp: A higher-end choice, with larger tents, more amenities, and beautiful details for a truly indulgent stay in the desert.

While 1 night in a Merzouga desert camp is enough to give you a taste of the Sahara, staying 2 nights makes the experience even better. With an extra day, you get time to fully enjoy the silence of the desert, take in the views, and try activities without feeling rushed.

Here are all your accommodation options in Merzouga

What to Eat

When you stay in a Merzouga luxury camp, most sites include half-board as standard—meaning breakfast and dinner are part of your rate. Lunch can usually be added for a small fee if you decide to spend the day at the camp instead of going on an excursion.

During our 2-night stay at Sahara Desert Luxury Camp, we ate all our meals on-site and were really impressed. The food was delicious, varied, and served in a relaxed atmosphere right in the middle of the dunes.

Breakfast was buffet style, with plenty to choose from: omelets, spreadable cheese, fresh bread, cakes, fruits, jams, yogurt, and of course Moroccan tea and coffee.

Lunch and dinner were both four-course meals that changed daily. On our first night, we started with olives, then a barley soup, followed by a tajine with grilled cheese and tomatoes. The main dish included a mix of grilled vegetables, a vegetable pastilla (with chicken for those who eat meat), and dessert was a creamy vanilla pudding.

Throughout the day, you can always ask for Moroccan tea, often served with biscuits—a simple but perfect treat while watching the dunes or relaxing around camp.

The Merzouga Luxury Desert Camp Experience

Day 1: Arriving at the camp

Reaching the camp

There are two main ways to reach your Merzouga luxury desert camp:

• By 4×4 transfer, which is usually included in your booking.
• By camel ride combined with a sunset tour (around 15€ per person).

Since we arrived too late for the sunset camel ride, we opted for the 4×4 transfer from the meeting point at Résidence Touristique Merzouga, where private parking is available. The camel ride was saved for our second night.

At the meeting point, we met Daan and Puck, a Dutch couple traveling through Morocco for 10 days, and we all hopped into the 4×4 together. After just a few minutes, we were already surrounded by the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. Our driver even stopped along the way so we could get out, take some photos, and soak in the view—it was our first real taste of the Sahara.

Tip: Get exactly this experience: Sahara Desert Luxury Camp.

Welcome drink

A few minutes later, we arrived at the Merzouga luxury desert camp and were welcomed in true Moroccan style—with tea, biscuits, and peanuts. Sitting together in the middle of the dunes, we started chatting with Daan and Puck, the Dutch couple we had met earlier on the transfer. They turned out to be great company, and sharing the experience with them made our stay even more memorable.

After tea, we were shown to our tents. Each one felt unique and cozy, with just the right touch of comfort for glamping in the desert. We then joined Daan and Puck again to watch the sunset from the dunes, a simple but unforgettable moment that set the tone for the rest of our stay.

Tip: We use the DJI Action 4 to film our vlogs — compact, durable, and perfect for capturing every adventure.

The tent

Before dinner, we took a shower in our tent, which had its own private bathroom with a sink, shower, and toilet. The water was just warm—not hot—but honestly, it felt perfect after a day in the desert. This is the charm of a Merzouga luxury desert camp: comfort in the middle of nowhere.

Our tent was the last one in the camp, opening directly onto the dunes. Inside, it was spacious, with a large double bed and two single beds, plenty of room to move around, and even a couple of windows. During the day, it could get warm inside (even in November), but at night it cooled down quickly. We also had a heater, which was switched on in the evening, making the tent cozy.

Details made it feel extra special: a clothing rack with traditional Moroccan outfits to try, a coat hanger, some quirky hats, and bedside lamps. There were also USB sockets, so charging devices was no problem.

Outside, each tent had its own small setup with a table and beach chairs—ideal for sitting back and enjoying the view of the dunes. Everything was provided, from towels to shampoo and soap, making it an experience that blended adventure with comfort.

Check our Google Map of Morocco

Dinner

By 19h30, the desert air had turned chilly and it was time for dinner in the main tent of our Merzouga luxury desert camp. At first, it felt a bit awkward since we were seated at opposite ends of the room, but soon enough we were back chatting with Daan and Puck, making the evening feel warm and friendly.

The meal itself was delicious. We started with olives, followed by a comforting barley soup and a tajine with grilled cheese and tomatoes. The main dish was a hearty mix of grilled vegetables, a vegetable pastilla, and some chicken for those who eat meat. Dessert rounded everything off with a creamy vanilla pudding.

Eating such a well-prepared meal in the middle of the Sahara felt surreal—simple but memorable, exactly what you hope for from a desert luxury camp in Merzouga.

Tip: Get exactly this experience: Sahara Desert Luxury Camp.

End of the day

After dinner, we were invited to gather around the fireplace just outside the camp. Local musicians played traditional rhythms, and soon enough everyone was clapping along. Another couple from Italy joined us too—they were staying in the camp next door, as there are several Merzouga luxury camps set up side by side in the dunes.

At one point we were even asked to try the instruments ourselves. It was a complete disaster musically, but plenty of fun and laughter. The evening ended with more conversation under the stars before we finally headed to bed, ready for another day in the desert.

And a little personal note—if Daan and Puck ever stumble across this article, please get in touch! We thought we saved your WhatsApp number, but apparently not. We’d love to hear from you again.

Day 2: Exploring the Sahara

Morning

We woke up around 7h to catch the sunrise over the dunes, but quickly realized we were a bit late—the best colors happen well before the sun appears. For reference, dawn starts around 7h09 and sunrise at 7h40, so if you want those magical shades, set your alarm for 6h. That’s our plan for tomorrow.

Even if we missed the very start, watching the sunrise from the dunes with Daan and Puck was still incredible. The desert waking up around you is something you won’t forget.

Afterward, we headed back for breakfast at the Merzouga luxury desert camp. The buffet was plentiful, with bread, spreads, fruit, and eggs. We finished it off by taking our coffee out to the dunes, sitting together and enjoying the view—it was one of those simple but perfect desert moments.

Tip: Get exactly this experience: Sahara Desert Luxury Camp.

4×4 Tour of the desert – Nomad

At 10h, after saying goodbye to Daan and Puck, we joined a 4×4 tour that we had arranged just an hour earlier. Timing isn’t strict in the desert—things move at their own pace, which adds to the charm.

Our first stop was at a nomad home. Here we got a glimpse into how families live on the edge of the Sahara. They showed us how they prepare food, care for their cattle, and organize daily life. Nowadays, most nomads in this area no longer move with the seasons; instead, they live in simple homes and rely partly on tourism and their animals for income. Men usually take the herds out during the day, while women stay at home, and children go to school during the week, returning on weekends.

We were welcomed with tea under a tent and shared some freshly made Berber pizza, a traditional dish cooked in the sand and ashes. It was simple, rustic, and delicious. At the end, we left 20 dh as a contribution for the tea and pizza—a small gesture to thank them for their hospitality.

Visiting the nomads was a moving experience and one of those moments that makes staying in a Merzouga luxury desert camp more than just glamping—it connects you with the culture of the desert.

Tip: We use the DJI Action 4 to film our vlogs — compact, durable, and perfect for capturing every adventure.

4×4 Tour of the desert – Viewpoints

From the nomad home, we hopped back into the 4×4 and drove to a desert viewpoint. From there, you can see beyond the Erg Chebbi dunes, with endless stretches of sand blending into the rocky plains of the Sahara. The contrast of golden dunes against the barren landscape is breathtaking and gives you a real sense of just how vast this desert is.

Check our Google Map of Morocco

4×4 Tour of the desert – Fossils

Next, we stopped in a spot full of fossils. Honestly, they were everywhere—on the ground, in the rocks, just waiting to be noticed. Our guide told us that this whole area used to be under the ocean millions of years ago, which was wild to imagine while standing in the middle of the Sahara.

Apparently, you can even pick some up to keep as souvenirs, since they’re often sold in the towns around here. We didn’t take any, but it was still pretty cool to just look around and think about how different this place once was.

4×4 Tour of the desert – French settlement

After the fossils, we drove on to the ruins of an old French settlement. Back in the day, they used this place to make mascara from the minerals they dug out of the ground. Now it’s mostly crumbling walls, a few massive pits from the digging, and another viewpoint over the desert.

It’s not the most impressive stop on the 4×4 loop, but still interesting to see how many layers of history are hidden around Merzouga. When you stay in a Merzouga luxury desert camp, tours like this really add something extra—you’re not just glamping in the dunes, you’re also discovering the stories of the Sahara.

Tip: Get exactly this experience: Sahara Desert Luxury Camp.

4×4 Tour of the desert – African song

Toward the end of the 4×4 tour, we stopped in the small village of Khamlia, known for its Gnawa music. We ducked into a local bar where musicians were playing their traditional songs—drums, castanets, and deep rhythmic chants that filled the room. The people here are descendants of West African communities, and music is a big part of their culture.

Check our Google Map of Morocco

4×4 Tour of the desert – Museum

The last stop on our 4×4 loop was a small car museum. Nothing fancy, but fun to look around for a few minutes before heading back. By the time we returned to our Merzouga luxury desert camp, it was around 13h45.

Then came the tricky part—tipping our guide, Ibrahim. We wanted to give him 50 dh, but didn’t have change. The camp didn’t have any either, so we had to wait until later to sort it out. In the end, we managed and gave him the tip he deserved. He had been really kind and informative throughout the tour.

Over tea back at camp, he told us something interesting: there are about 160 camps in Merzouga. November is low season now, but before Covid it used to be almost empty at this time of year. It really put into perspective how fast tourism is growing here, and how much the desert life has changed in just a few year

Tip: Get exactly this experience: Sahara Desert Luxury Camp.

Lunch at our Merzouga luxury desert camp

Back at the Merzouga luxury desert camp, we sat down for lunch after the 4×4 tour. It started with a small plate of olives, followed by a fresh salad of tomatoes, apples, and onions. The main dish was a hearty vegetable couscous, and for dessert we had seasonal fruit. Simple, but exactly what you want in the desert.

After lunch, we thought we’d go out into the dunes to take some photos and videos. But the wind had picked up so much that it made it almost impossible—sand blowing everywhere, cameras shaking. We managed a few shots before deciding to just relax and wait it out.

Merzouga luxury desert camp Sandboard

In the afternoon, we tried out sandboarding on the dunes. Our Merzouga luxury desert camp had two boards available, free to use, so we couldn’t resist giving it a go.

It’s one of those activities that’s fun for a few rides—sliding down the soft sand, laughing when you fall—but climbing back up the dunes afterwards is the real workout. Still, it’s a great way to enjoy the desert from a different angle and adds a little adventure to the calm of camp life.

Tip: We use the DJI Action 4 to film our vlogs — compact, durable, and perfect for capturing every adventure.

Merzouga luxury desert camp Camel ride

Around 17h, it was time for our camel ride into the dunes. Each of us climbed onto a dromedary, guided by a local, and we slowly made our way deeper into the desert. After about 20 minutes, we reached a spot perfectly positioned for sunset—open, quiet, and not hidden by the taller dunes around Erg Chebbi.

We weren’t alone; another group was there too, but it didn’t take away from the experience. Watching the sun dip behind the sand while sitting in the middle of the Sahara was absolutely breathtaking—one of those moments that really makes a stay in a Merzouga luxury desert camp unforgettable.

By 18h, we were back at camp. We asked for tea and enjoyed it outside our tent, watching the last light fade over the dunes. A quick shower later, we were ready for another cozy dinner under the desert sky.

Tip: Get exactly this experience: Sahara Desert Luxury Camp.

End of the day

Dinner at the Merzouga luxury desert camp was once again delicious—and filling. We started with the usual olives, followed by a warm soup, then a vegetable tajine. The main dish was a big mix plate of vegetables and fried bites, so much that we couldn’t even finish it. Dessert was a simple but tasty cake topped with banana and chocolate.

Earlier in the day, we’d shared lunch with an older couple from Italy and a Dutch couple, but we didn’t really connect much with them. Dinner felt a little quieter than the night before, which gave us more time to just enjoy the food and the relaxed atmosphere of camp.

To finish the day, we skipped the music around the fireplace and instead walked out into the dunes for some stargazing. Away from the lights of the camp, the sky was incredible—millions of stars scattered above us, with the Milky Way stretching clear across the desert. It was the perfect quiet ending to our second night in a Merzouga luxury desert camp, before heading back to our tent and calling it a night.

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Day 3: Return

Merzouga luxury desert camp Sunrise

On our last morning in the Sahara, we set the alarm for 6h30 and headed out into the dunes. The stars were still visible when we arrived, fading slowly as the first light of dawn appeared. Watching the sky shift from deep blue to orange over the endless dunes was magical—one of the highlights of staying in a Merzouga luxury desert camp.

Just a heads up: mornings in the desert are cold, even after warm days. Bring layers if you plan to be out before sunrise, so you can fully enjoy the view without shivering.

Check our Google Map of Morocco

End of our Merzouga luxury desert camp

After breakfast, we took a little more time for photos and videos in the dunes before it was time to say goodbye. Around 10h, Mohammed walked us back to the car, and another Mohammed drove us into town.

Before leaving, we tipped 50 dh at the camp and later settled the total bill—3,334 dh—at the hotel in town, adding another small tip in cash. It felt fair for such a unique experience.

From there, we hit the road again, driving north toward Arzou for our next stop. Leaving the Merzouga luxury desert camp wasn’t easy; the silence of the dunes, the sunrises, and the nights under the stars made this part of our Morocco trip truly unforgettable.

Tip: Get exactly this experience: Sahara Desert Luxury Camp.

2-night glamping in Merzouga itinerary

Day 1:

• Arrive in Merzouga in the afternoon
• 4×4 Transfer to your Merzouga luxury desert camp
• Tea, peanuts, and biscuits
• Enjoy a bit your Merzouga luxury desert camp’s tent
• Dinner
• Music by the fire in the dunes

Day 2:

• Sunrise over the dunes
• Breakfast at the Merzouga luxury desert camp
• 4×4 tour in the desert
• Lunch in the Merzouga luxury desert camp
• Sandboarding
• Relaxing
• Camel ride sunset
• Tea and biscuit
• Dinner
• Stargazing

Day 3:

• Sunrise watch on the dunes
• Breakfast
• Return to Merzouga in 4×4

Read: Our complete 2-week Morocco Road Trip Itinerary