Camel trekking
Ride a dromedary across the dunes of Erg Chebbi — the classic way to arrive at a desert camp, timed for the soft light of late afternoon.
Experiences
Sunset in the Sahara
Watch the dunes of Erg Chebbi change colour as the sun goes down — the moment most travellers remember long after their trip.
Sunset is the heart of a night in the desert. In the last hour of daylight the low sun picks out every ripple and ridge, and the dunes of Erg Chebbi shift from pale gold to orange, red and finally violet.
Where to watch
You don’t need to go far. Most camps sit close to dunes you can climb on foot in 10 to 20 minutes. Climbing soft sand is tiring, so walk along the ridge lines where the sand is firmer, and take your time. Camel caravans often stop on a high point on the way to camp so riders can watch from the top.
Timing
Sunset times in Merzouga change considerably through the year — earliest in winter, latest in early summer. Camps and drivers plan departure times around it, which is why meeting times for overnight packages are usually confirmed a day or two in advance.
Tips
- Bring a warm layer: the temperature drops quickly once the sun is gone, especially from November to March.
- Sit on a scarf or jacket to keep sand out of your clothes.
- Stay for the twenty minutes after sunset — the afterglow is often the most beautiful part.
Experiences
Sunrise in the dunes
Wake before dawn, climb a dune in the half-light and watch the first sun spill across the Sahara before breakfast at camp.
Sandboarding
Slide down the slopes of Erg Chebbi on a board — an easy, fun activity for families and groups, with no previous experience needed.
4x4 desert excursions
Explore the landscapes around Erg Chebbi by 4x4 — black-stone desert, villages, seasonal lakes and old mining areas beyond the dunes.