First Visit to Morocco: Complete Guide
August 10, 2026
A camel trek in the Sahara is one of the most memorable experiences you can have in Morocco. As you leave Merzouga and head into the Erg Chebbi dunes, the landscape changes quickly. The road disappears, the dunes grow taller, and the noise of everyday life slowly fades into the background.
For first-time visitors, the experience can also bring a few surprises. Is camel trekking uncomfortable? Not if you know these 10 tips. Camel riding feels different from riding a horse. Temperatures can shift a lot between day and night, sand gets everywhere, and even a one-hour ride can feel tiring if you are not prepared.
Merzouga has been the gateway to the Moroccan Sahara for centuries. Caravans once crossed these same dunes carrying salt and gold between Timbuktu and Marrakech. Today, you are part of that story. The good news is that you do not need any special experience or equipment. With the right clothing, a small overnight bag, enough water, and a little preparation, your first camel trek can be comfortable, easy, and genuinely enjoyable.
Here are 10 essential tips for your first camel trek in the Sahara Desert.
You do not need to take your entire suitcase into the desert. For a typical overnight camel trek from Merzouga, your main luggage can usually stay at your hotel, riad, or luggage storage point while you take a small overnight bag to the camp.
What to Pack
Try to avoid heavy luggage. A small backpack or overnight bag is much easier to carry and manage. For a full breakdown, check our Morocco Desert Tour Packing Guide.
The Sahara can be hot during the day and surprisingly cold after sunset. The safest approach is to dress in layers.
During the Day
Choose lightweight, breathable clothing such as cotton or linen shirts, loose trousers, comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, and a hat or desert scarf. Long sleeves also help protect you from the sun and wind.
At Night
Bring something warm. Even after a warm afternoon, temperatures can drop sharply after sunset, especially in winter. A fleece, light jacket, warm socks, and an extra layer will make your evening at camp much more comfortable.
Ready to experience this? View our 1 Night Camel Trek package with luxury camp option.
Camel riding is different from horse riding. A camel moves with a rolling motion, and it can take a little time to get used to it. The most surprising moment for many first-time riders is when the camel stands up or sits down. Your guide will normally help you when mounting and dismounting.
Once the camel starts walking, try to relax and move with it rather than staying completely rigid. If you feel uncomfortable, tell your guide. The pace can usually be adjusted, and breaks can be taken when needed. For most visitors, the ride feels much easier after the first few minutes.
The desert sun can be intense, even when the air does not feel especially hot. Before starting your trek: apply sunscreen, wear sunglasses, cover your head, drink plenty of water, and avoid unnecessary exposure during the hottest part of the day. A desert scarf, often called a shemagh, can be especially useful because it helps protect your head, neck, and face from sun and wind.
Hydration is important during any desert activity. Bring drinking water with you and drink regularly throughout the day instead of waiting until you feel very thirsty. This becomes even more important during the warmer months. Your tour operator or guide should explain how drinking water is provided on your trek. If you are planning additional activities such as a 4x4 excursion or quad biking, make sure you have enough water for the full day.
Timing makes a big difference to the experience.
Sunset Camel Trek
The most popular option is an afternoon camel trek from Merzouga into the Erg Chebbi dunes. You leave later in the day, ride through the dunes, pause to enjoy the changing light, and arrive at camp around sunset. This is a great option for first-time visitors because you avoid the strongest midday heat.
Sunrise Experience
Another option is to stay at the desert camp and wake up early for sunrise. Watching the first light spread across the dunes is one of the highlights of spending a night in the Sahara.
Best Seasons
Spring and autumn generally offer the most comfortable conditions for desert activities. Winter can be beautiful during the day, although nights can be cold. Summer is much hotter, so camel treks are usually scheduled for the cooler parts of the day. Always check the weather forecast for your travel dates.
Learn more in our Best Time to Visit the Sahara Desert guide.
The Sahara is beautiful, but sand can quickly become a problem for electronic equipment. Keep your phone and camera protected when you are not using them. A simple zip-lock bag or dust-resistant pouch can help protect your phone from fine sand.
If you use a camera: carry a lens cloth, keep your equipment protected from the wind, avoid changing lenses in dusty conditions, use a strap when riding, and keep your equipment inside a bag when you are not taking photos. And don't spend the whole camel ride looking at your phone. Some of the best moments are the ones you simply experience.
Your desert camp will provide the main essentials, but it is still a good idea to take a few personal items with you. A small overnight bag can contain: warm clothing, toiletries, phone, power bank, flashlight, medication, camera, and water. Depending on the camp, facilities may include private or shared bathrooms, electricity, bedding, and other amenities. If you are booking a luxury desert camp, ask your operator exactly what is included before your trip.
The camel trek is only one part of the Merzouga desert experience. If you have extra time, you can explore the surrounding area by 4x4.
Popular experiences include:
Combining a camel trek with one or two of these activities can turn a one-night stay into a fuller Merzouga experience.
Not every desert camp offers the same experience. Before booking, check what is actually included. Ask about: camp location, private or shared tents, bathroom facilities, dinner and breakfast, bedding, electricity, camel trek duration, 4x4 transportation, group size, and cancellation conditions.
Don't choose an operator based only on the lowest price. A good desert experience depends on reliable transportation, experienced guides, comfortable accommodation, and clear communication. If you are booking with a local operator in Merzouga, read recent reviews and make sure the company clearly explains what your package includes.
Explore our 1 Night Camel Trek or browse our Morocco Desert Tours for a complete itinerary.
"The camel trek was the absolute highlight of our Morocco trip. Aziz made us feel completely safe, and the luxury camp exceeded every expectation. Waking up to the Sahara sunrise was a once-in-a-lifetime moment."
Prices vary depending on the camp standard and inclusions. A standard overnight camel trek in Merzouga typically ranges from €50 to €80 per person, while a luxury desert camp experience with private tent and ensuite bathroom ranges from €120 to €200 per person.
This usually includes the camel ride, dinner, breakfast, and camp accommodation. Our 1 Night Camel Trek offers transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
| Feature | Standard Camp | Luxury Camp |
|---|---|---|
| Tent | Shared or basic private | Private with proper bed |
| Bathroom | Shared facilities | Private ensuite |
| Dinner | Basic tagine | 3-course traditional meal |
| Bedding | Basic mattress | Quality linens & pillows |
| Electricity | Limited or none | Solar-powered lighting |
| Price | €50 – €80 pp | €120 – €200 pp |
Planning a longer trip? Combine your camel trek with our 10-Day Morocco Tour covering Marrakech, Fes, and the Sahara.
For a typical one-night experience, your day may look something like this:
The exact schedule can vary depending on the season, weather, camp location, and the experience you choose.
For most healthy travelers, a short camel trek does not require previous experience. That said, you may feel some temporary soreness in your legs, hips, or lower back after riding. The best approach is to: wear comfortable clothing, stay relaxed, follow your guide's instructions, drink enough water, and tell your guide if you feel uncomfortable.
If you have a medical condition, recent injury, mobility issue, or any other concern that could make camel riding difficult, speak with your healthcare professional and discuss alternative arrangements with your tour operator before booking. A 4x4 transfer can often be arranged for travelers who prefer not to ride a camel.
The simplest answer is: comfortable, breathable, and practical. Bring lightweight trousers, breathable shirt, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, hat, desert scarf, sunscreen, and a warm jacket for the evening. Avoid uncomfortable shoes, heavy luggage, or anything that restricts movement.
A typical camel ride from Merzouga to a desert camp takes around 1 to 1.5 hours, although the exact duration depends on the camp location, route, weather, and any stops along the way.
No. Most camel treks are designed for first-time riders, and your guide will help you mount, dismount, and get comfortable.
A standard overnight camel trek with a basic desert camp costs between €50 and €80 per person. A luxury camp experience with private facilities ranges from €120 to €200 per person.
Most camels can comfortably carry riders up to 100 kg (220 lbs). If you exceed this, please inform us in advance so we can arrange a suitable camel or a 4x4 alternative.
At Morocco Camel Trekking, we work with local Berber families who have cared for camels for generations. Our camels are not overworked, carry reasonable loads, and receive proper rest and nutrition. We do not support operators who mistreat animals.
Standard camps offer shared bathrooms and basic bedding. Luxury camps provide private tents with ensuite bathrooms, proper beds with quality linens, and upgraded dining experiences. See our comparison table above for full details.
Absolutely. We host many solo female travelers. Our guides are professional and respectful. Women are welcome to camel trek alone or in groups with complete safety.
It can feel unusual at first, and some travelers experience temporary soreness after riding. Relaxing and following the camel's movement can make the ride more comfortable.
Bring water, sunscreen, sunglasses, comfortable clothing, a warm layer, a small overnight bag, personal medication, and a phone or camera if you want to take photographs.
Children can often participate, but suitability depends on their age, size, confidence, weather conditions, and the operator's safety policy. Ask your tour operator before booking.
Camel riding may not be suitable during pregnancy because of the movement involved. If you are pregnant, discuss travel and activity plans with your healthcare professional and ask your tour operator about a 4x4 alternative.
You can usually arrange a 4x4 transfer to the desert camp instead. Ask your operator when booking so transportation can be arranged in advance.
This depends on the camp. Some camps have solar-powered electricity or charging areas, while others have limited facilities. Bringing a fully charged power bank is recommended.
Internet and phone coverage can be limited around desert camps. If you are staying overnight, download anything you need before leaving Merzouga.
Spring and autumn generally offer the most comfortable conditions. Winter is also pleasant during the day but can be cold at night. Summer is much hotter, so activities are usually scheduled for the cooler parts of the day.
A camel trek through the Erg Chebbi dunes is more than just riding a camel. It is a chance to slow down, watch the changing colors of the dunes, enjoy the silence of the Sahara, and spend a night away from the usual pace of everyday life.
View 1 Night Camel TrekThe essential Sahara packing list for Merzouga and Erg Chebbi.
Month-by-month weather guide for desert camping and camel trekking.
Explore our 1 Night Camel Trek in Merzouga or browse our Morocco Desert Tours to combine the Sahara with Marrakech, Fes, the Atlas Mountains, Aït Benhaddou, and other destinations.
You can also read our Morocco Desert Tour Packing Guide and Best Time to Visit the Sahara Desert guide before your trip.
Your Sahara adventure starts in Merzouga.