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Merzouga Desert Activities
Two camel silhouettes on a dune ridge against the dawn sky

Camel treks

Sunrise Camel Trek in Merzouga

The sunrise camel trek in Merzouga leaves in the half-light and gets you onto a dune crest in Erg Chebbi just as the sun comes up.

  • About 1.5–2 hours in total
  • Sunrise
  • Easy

We're still finishing the details on this page. Ask us and we'll send you what's included, the timings and the price in writing.

Overview

Think of it as the evening ride's quieter, cooler twin. You meet your camel guide before first light, while the dunes are still grey-blue and the air is sharp, and ride out into Erg Chebbi at a slow walk. The guide leads the camels on foot the whole time. All you have to do is sit back and watch the sky.

After 45 minutes to an hour the caravan stops below a tall dune. Most people walk the last stretch and sit on the crest as the first light hits the ridges. Within a few minutes the sand goes from violet to pink and then gold. Once the sun is up you ride back while the shadows are still long, usually in time for breakfast.

Sunrise is a good pick if you'd like calmer conditions and fewer people, or if you've got a long drive later that day. Rather not ride? The sunrise excursion gets you to a dawn viewpoint on foot or by 4x4. And if you're sleeping in the dunes, the ride back from camp on the overnight camel trek already happens at sunrise.

Highlights

  • Ride out in the blue light before dawn
  • See the sun come up from a dune crest in Erg Chebbi
  • Cooler air and a much quieter desert
  • Your local camel handler leads on foot
  • Back in time for breakfast and the road

Key details

Duration
About 1.5–2 hours in total
Best time
Leaves before first light and finishes soon after sunrise. The start time moves through the year with the sunrise.
Meeting point
Your hotel or auberge on the edge of the dunes in Merzouga or Hassilabied. We'll confirm the exact place and time the day before.
Transport
If you're staying at the edge of the dunes you don't need a vehicle. From elsewhere in the area we may be able to arrange an early transfer on request.

Included

  • A camel for each rider
  • Local camel guide on foot
  • A headscarf to borrow if you need one (ask when booking)

Not included

  • Breakfast, unless your accommodation includes it
  • Transfers from outside Merzouga unless agreed
  • Tips for the guide (optional)

What to bring

  • A warm layer or fleece. Desert mornings can be cold, especially from November to February
  • A headlamp or your phone torch for walking to the camels in the dark
  • Water
  • Closed shoes you can climb a dune in (the sand is cold at dawn)
  • A scarf or buff for wind and sand

Age, safety & accessibility

  • You start in the dark or close to it. Stay near the guide and use a torch walking to and from the camels.
  • Early mornings can be a lot colder than you'd think, even after a hot day. Wear layers you can peel off once the sun is up.
  • Getting on and off means the camel kneels and stands up, and it lurches forward and back as it does. Hold on tight when the guide tells you to.
  • Kids are welcome, and young children usually ride with an adult. We don't recommend the ride if you have back problems or are pregnant; ask us about going by 4x4 instead.
  • There may be a weight limit for the camels' sake. Just ask.

Booking conditions

  • Sending a request doesn't book you in straight away. We'll confirm availability and the exact start time by WhatsApp or email.
  • Strong wind, sandstorms or thick cloud can spoil the ride or the view. If we can't go, we'll offer you another time or a refund under our cancellation policy.

Cancellation policy · Booking terms

Photo gallery

Two camel silhouettes on a dune ridge against the dawn sky

Two camel silhouettes on a dune ridge against the dawn sky · 1/5

Frequently asked questions

What time does the sunrise camel ride start?

You usually meet the guide 45 minutes to an hour before sunrise. In summer that's very early, in winter a bit later. We'll give you the exact time the day before.

Is sunrise or sunset better for a camel ride?

Sunrise is cooler and calmer, and there are usually fewer people about. Sunset is warmer and fits more easily around a travel day. Plenty of guests do one of each, so have a look at the sunset camel trek too.

How cold is the desert at sunrise?

Often colder than people expect. Outside summer it can get close to freezing at dawn in mid-winter. A warm layer, a hat and a scarf make a big difference.

Can we have breakfast after the ride?

Most auberges and camps serve breakfast once you're back. If yours doesn't, tell us when you book and we'll suggest somewhere.

Learn more

Background reading on Wikipedia and more packages on our other site.

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