My Unforgettable Night in the Sahara Desert
I remember the first moment I saw the golden sand dunes of the Sahara Desert rising up before me. They were enormous – reaching up to 500 feet tall with an endless sea of sand stretching as far as my eyes could see. The silence was so complete it felt like stepping into the world's largest soundproof room. This is the magic of the Sahara Desert experience in Morocco, and I'm excited to share every detail with you.
After exploring Morocco for nearly a week – from the bustling streets of Casablanca to the famous Medina in Marrakesh and remote clay villages where Hollywood movies are filmed – the one place that truly took my breath away was camping in the Sahara Desert near Merzouga.
Let me guide you through this incredible adventure, breaking down the experience and costs along the way. For less than $200, this might be one of the most memorable travel experiences you'll ever have.
Getting to Merzouga: The Gateway to the Sahara
To reach the Sahara Desert, you'll need to travel to Merzouga, a small town in the far eastern corner of Morocco. It's known as the gateway to the Erg Chebbi sand dunes, where the true Sahara Desert experience begins.
From Marrakesh, it's a full day's drive – several hours in a car through increasingly remote landscapes. As we approached the desert region, I couldn't help feeling we were truly in the middle of nowhere, just a stone's throw from Europe yet in a completely different world.
Travel Tip: If you're not comfortable driving in Morocco (more on that later), I'd recommend booking a tour instead of hiring a car yourself. The roads can be challenging, and we encountered some difficulties during our journey.
Camel Trekking into the Desert
Once we arrived in Merzouga, it was time for one of the most iconic parts of the Sahara Desert experience – mounting camels for our trek into the dunes. Our camel ride cost €60 per person, which included the journey into the desert and a jeep ride back the following day.
I have to be honest – I was nervous climbing onto my camel! They're tall creatures, standing about 7 feet off the ground, and the motion as they stand up is quite dramatic. My hands were so clammy it was hard to hold on, and I quickly realized that trying to use a selfie stick wasn't my brightest idea.
Our camel trek took about an hour and twenty minutes, with a stop halfway to watch the sunset. The guides were friendly and helpful, making sure we were comfortable as we made our way deeper into the desert.
What to Expect on the Camel Ride:
- The camels are tied together in a caravan, so you don't need to steer
- You'll sit quite high off the ground, so it's not ideal if you're afraid of heights
- The swaying motion takes some getting used to
- Bring water, but be prepared to hold onto it
- Wear comfortable clothes that cover your legs to prevent chafing
The Magical Sahara Sunset
As the sun began to set, our caravan stopped at a high dune for one of the most breathtaking moments of the trip. The changing colors of the sand, the vast open sky, and the incredible sense of remoteness created a scene that almost brought tears to my eyes.
The shadows lengthened across the dunes, and the golden sand took on rich orange and pink hues. In that moment, watching the sun disappear below the horizon with nothing but desert in every direction, I understood why the Sahara Desert experience is on so many travelers' bucket lists.
We weren't alone for this magical moment – other travelers on ATV tours had also stopped to watch the sunset, some even perched on the rooftops of their jeeps. Yet despite other tourists being present, the vastness of the desert made it feel intimate and personal.
Arriving at Our Desert Camp
After the sunset, we continued our journey, finally arriving at our camp as darkness fell. I'll never forget the relief and excitement of seeing the warm, glowing lights of the tents after our long camel ride.
We were greeted warmly with traditional Moroccan hospitality tea – a welcome refreshment after the dusty journey. The camp was beautifully arranged with pleasant trees and rugs laid everywhere, a common theme I noticed throughout our accommodations in Morocco.
Our camp was on the boutique side, with just nine different tents, making the experience feel intimate rather than touristy. Each tent had surprisingly good amenities for being in the middle of the desert – running water, a basin in the center, and even a private bathroom with a shower and toilet.
Booking Tip: Finding the right desert camp took us hours of research. Not all camps are actually in the sand dunes, though they don't make this clear in their descriptions. Some are just on the edge or even in the gravel near the main town. If you want a true Sahara Desert experience, look carefully at the camp's location and read reviews to ensure you'll be deep in the dunes.
Cost of the Sahara Desert Experience
The total cost for our Sahara Desert experience came to $190 US per person, which included:
- The hour-long camel ride into the desert
- Overnight accommodation in a private tent
- Dinner and breakfast
- Jeep transfer back to Merzouga
Considering the uniqueness of the experience and the amenities provided, I found this to be excellent value for money. There are more expensive options available with luxury camps costing up to $650 per night, but our mid-range choice provided everything we needed for a comfortable and authentic stay.
Dinner Under the Stars
After settling into our tent, we headed to the dining area where tables were set up for each group. John and I had our own table for two, making for an intimate dining experience.
The camp staff prepared a delicious traditional Moroccan dinner. As we ate, we chatted with other travelers and learned about their journeys through Morocco.
After dinner, we gathered around a campfire under the star-filled desert sky. The camp staff brought out drums, filling the night with rhythmic Berber music. The combination of the crackling fire, traditional music, and the vast canopy of stars made for an unforgettable evening.
The Cultural Significance of Berber Camps
The camps in the Sahara Desert are designed to reflect the lifestyle of Berber nomads, the free people who have lived in this region for centuries. The Berbers are indigenous to North Africa and have their own distinct culture, language, and traditions.
Throughout Morocco, you'll notice beautiful rugs everywhere – these are a significant part of Berber cultural tradition. During our travels, we learned that different tribes use different materials and designs in their rug-making. Men typically make simpler styles that take a couple of days to complete, while women create more complicated designs that take much longer.
These rugs can be purchased in local souks throughout Morocco, making for authentic souvenirs that support local artisans.
The Magical Desert Sunrise
One of the highlights of any Sahara Desert experience is watching the sunrise over the dunes, and we weren't going to miss it. We set our alarm for early morning and headed out while most of our fellow campers were still asleep.
Making our way up the large dune in front of our camp in the dark was challenging – the sand was surprisingly cold under my feet in the crisp morning air. But reaching the top before the first rays of light appeared was worth every difficult step.
As we waited in near-complete silence, the sky gradually began to lighten. When the sun finally peeked over the horizon, it was as if someone was turning up the heat. The sand dunes transformed from cool blue shadows to warm golden waves in a matter of minutes.
Having this vast open desert seemingly to ourselves for this special moment was perhaps the most magical part of our entire Sahara Desert experience. It's something that can't be captured fully in photos or videos – you simply have to experience it yourself.
The Journey Back
After breakfast at camp, it was time to head back to Merzouga. Instead of taking camels again, we returned by jeep – a wild ride that had us bouncing and sliding as we scaled the dunes. I was glad to be with professional drivers who knew how to navigate this challenging terrain.
Watching the jeep tackle the steep dunes gave me a new appreciation for the difficulty of desert travel. I had considered going for a morning run in the dunes, but seeing how the sand shifted and gave way under the vehicle's tires made me realize how physically demanding that would have been!
Practical Tips for Your Sahara Desert Experience
Based on my adventure, here are some practical tips to help you plan your own Sahara Desert experience:
- Research camp locations carefully - Make sure your camp is actually in the dunes for the authentic experience
- Pack wisely - Bring layers as desert temperatures drop significantly at night
- Prepare for the camel ride - Wear long pants to prevent chafing and be ready for a bumpy journey
- Bring earplugs - Desert camps can be noisy at night with music and sounds carrying across the sand
- Charge your devices - You'll want your camera ready for sunset and sunrise photos
- Bring cash for tips - It's customary to tip your camel guide and camp staff
- Watch out for sand - It gets everywhere, so bring ziplock bags for electronics
- Stay hydrated - The desert air is extremely dry
The Realities of Travel in Morocco
While our Sahara Desert experience was incredible, I should mention that not all of our experiences in Morocco went as smoothly. We encountered some challenges, including:
- Being pulled over by local police and fined
- Our rental car breaking down despite hiring from a major company
- Feeling uncomfortable in certain areas like Fez, where tourists are sometimes targeted by people giving wrong directions
- Men occasionally misleading us about routes or claiming sites were closed
These experiences didn't ruin our trip, but they're worth being aware of. If you're planning to visit Morocco, especially as a female traveler, consider going with organized tours rather than self-driving. This can help you avoid some of these difficulties while still enjoying all the beauty Morocco has to offer.
Is the Sahara Desert Experience Worth It?
Absolutely, without a doubt. Despite any challenges along the way, camping in the Sahara Desert was the highlight of our Moroccan adventure. For around $200, the experience offers incredible value for the memories you'll create.
The vastness of the desert, the brilliance of the night sky, the cultural experience of Berber hospitality, and the stunning beauty of sunrise and sunset over the dunes combine to create something truly special. It's the kind of travel experience that stays with you long after you've shaken the last grains of sand from your shoes.
The Sahara Desert feels like one of the last truly remote places on Earth, even if you're sharing it with other travelers. There's enough space and silence for everyone to find their own magic in this incredible landscape.
Your Turn to Experience the Sahara
Have you ever visited the Sahara Desert or is it on your bucket list? I'd love to hear your thoughts or answer any questions you might have about planning your own desert adventure.
If you've already experienced the magic of the Sahara, did you stay in Merzouga or visit a different part of the desert? What was your favorite moment? Share your stories in the comments below!
Looking for more Moroccan adventures? Check out my guides to Exploring Marrakesh's Medina or Traditional Moroccan Food You Must Try for more travel inspiration.