Camel caravan crossing the crest of an Erg Chebbi dune at sunset

Camel treks

Sunset Camel Trek in Merzouga

Our sunset camel trek in Merzouga is a slow, guided ride into Erg Chebbi that gets you to the top of a dune as the sun goes down.

About 1.5–2 hours in total
Sunset
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

For a lot of people this ride is the reason they came to Merzouga. We set off from the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes in the late afternoon, once the heat has dropped and the sand is turning from gold to deep orange. Your camel guide walks in front the whole way and leads the camels on foot. The pace is slow and steady.

After about an hour the caravan stops below a high dune. Most people walk up the last bit. It's steeper than it looks, so don't rush it. From the crest you watch the light move across the dune sea, and when the sun has gone you ride back in the blue light of dusk.

Want to spend the night out there instead? Have a look at the overnight camel trek, or pair this ride with a night in one of our desert camps.

Highlights

A late-afternoon ride into the Erg Chebbi dunes
Your local camel handler leads on foot
Sunset from the top of a dune
Fine for most ages and fitness levels

Key details

Duration: About 1.5–2 hours in total
Best time: Late afternoon, back after sunset. The start time moves through the year with the sunset.
Meeting point: Your hotel or auberge on the edge of the dunes in Merzouga or Hassilabied. We'll give you the exact meeting point when you book.
Transport: If you're staying at the edge of the dunes you don't need a vehicle. Staying further out? We can arrange a 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

Transfers from outside Merzouga unless agreed
Drinks and snacks
Tips for the guide (optional)

What to bring

Water
A light jacket, as it cools down fast after sunset
Sunglasses and a scarf for wind and sand
Closed shoes or sandals you can climb a dune in
A bag or pocket that zips shut for your phone

Age, safety & accessibility

Kids are welcome. Young children usually ride with an adult, so tell us their ages when you book.
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.
We don't recommend the ride if you have back problems, are pregnant, or can't sit astride for about an hour. Ask us about other options, like a 4x4 out to a sunset viewpoint.
You don't have to climb the last dune. The sunset looks good from lower down too.
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.
Sandstorms or strong wind can delay or cancel a ride. If that happens we'll offer you another time or a refund under our cancellation policy.

Cancellation policy · Booking terms

Photo gallery

Frequently asked questions

Is a sunset or sunrise camel ride better in Merzouga?

Both are lovely. Sunset is warmer and easier to fit into a travel day. Sunrise is quieter and cooler but means an early start. If you're sleeping at a camp you can often do both.

Is an hour on a camel comfortable?

For most people, yes. The saddle is padded and the camels walk slowly. Ride for longer and you'll probably feel a bit stiff.

Can we book a private sunset camel ride?

Yes. Private means just your group and your guide. Put it in your request and we'll confirm.

Learn more

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

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 totalSunrise
from €20 per person
Camel treks
Overnight Camel Trek to a Desert Camp
Our overnight camel trek in Merzouga takes you out by camel at sunset to a camp deep in the dunes. You sleep there and ride back as the sun comes up.
Approx. 16 hours, from late afternoon until after sunrise the next morningSunset · Evening · Night · Sunrise
from €40 per person
Sunset, stars & photography
Sunset Photography Trip by 4x4
A sunset photography trip in Merzouga by 4x4, stopping at dune viewpoints picked for evening light and silhouettes, with time to shoot at your own pace.
About 2.5–3 hours in totalSunset
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