Sahara Desert Tours
Inside a Merzouga Desert Camp: Tents, Bathrooms, Food and What to Bring
Published November 5, 2026 by Morocco Amazing Tours
The short answer: Merzouga desert camps sit among the Erg Chebbi dunes and range from simple Berber tents with shared bathrooms to luxury tents with real beds, private bathrooms and hot showers. You arrive by camel or 4x4 before sunset, have dinner and music around a fire, sleep in your tent and climb a dune for sunrise. Bring a small overnight bag, a warm layer and a torch; leave the big luggage in the vehicle.
The three levels of camp
| Standard | Comfort | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tent | Berber tent, mattresses or simple beds | Private tent with beds and linen | Large tent with proper beds, rugs, furniture |
| Bathroom | Shared toilets and basins | Private toilet and shower in the tent | Private bathroom with hot shower |
| Electricity | Solar lights, charging in the main tent | Lights and sockets in the tent | Lights, sockets, often heating or fans |
| Best for | Budget, adventure | Most couples and families | Honeymoons, special trips |
Our comparison of private and group camps explains the difference in atmosphere, and the luxury tours page shows our top camps.
How the evening goes
- Arrival before sunset, by a 60 to 90 minute camel trek or by 4x4 for those who prefer it. See what to expect on the camel.
- Mint tea and sunset from a dune next to the camp.
- Dinner, usually soup, salads, a tagine and fruit, served in the dining tent or outside.
- Music around the fire: drums and songs by the camp team; guests are invited to join.
- Stars: step away from the lights for the Milky Way; read stargazing in Merzouga.
- Sunrise and breakfast, then the ride or drive back to the hotel or your vehicle.
Temperature at night
Nights are cold from November to March, often close to freezing in December and January, so camps provide thick blankets and some luxury tents have heaters. From June to August nights stay warm and some guests drag their mattress outside. Check our Merzouga weather by month.
What to put in your overnight bag
- A warm fleece or down jacket and a hat (even in spring)
- Head torch or phone light, power bank
- Scarf for wind and sand, sunglasses
- Toothbrush, wet wipes, any medication
- Comfortable shoes you do not mind filling with sand
The full list is in our desert packing guide. Large suitcases stay in the vehicle or at a partner hotel in Merzouga; camels carry only small bags.
Practical questions
- Wi-Fi and signal: variable; do not count on it.
- Dietary needs: vegetarian, gluten-free and allergies are easy if announced in advance.
- Children: camps are very family friendly; see family tours.
Every tour on Merzouga desert tours lets you choose the camp level, and our 3 day Sahara tour is quoted for the category you prefer.
Frequently asked questions
Do Merzouga desert camps have toilets and showers?
Yes. Standard camps have shared toilets and basins; comfort and luxury camps have a private bathroom with a shower in each tent.
Is there electricity in Sahara desert camps?
Yes, usually solar. Standard camps have lights and charging in the main tent; luxury tents have sockets inside.
Is it cold at night in a Merzouga camp?
From November to March, yes, sometimes near freezing. Camps provide thick blankets, but bring a warm layer.
Can I bring my suitcase to the desert camp?
Bring only a small overnight bag. Suitcases stay in the vehicle or at a partner hotel in Merzouga.
Plan it with us: Sahara desert in Morocco, Desert tours from Marrakech and Morocco desert tours.
See it with a private driver
Planning a trip around this? These private, driver-guided itineraries cover it — every route can be adjusted to your dates.
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