Merzouga Desert Camps 2026: The Honest Guide – What to Pack, What Really Happens, and How to Choose the Right Camp
You’ve booked (or are about to book) a night in the Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga. Congratulations – it will probably be the highlight of your entire Morocco trip.
But the desert is not a hotel with sand. This 2026 guide tells you exactly what to expect, what to pack, and how to pick a camp that doesn’t ruin the magic.
The Real Daily Rhythm at a Merzouga Desert Camp (2026)
15:30–16:30 – Arrive at the meeting point in Merzouga or Hassi Labied
16:45 – Camel trek into the dunes (60–90 min, or 4×4 transfer if you prefer)
18:00 – Sunset on the big dune (bring your camera, the light is unreal)
19:30 – Welcome mint tea + dates in the camp
20:00 – Dinner (soup, tagine or grilled meat, fruit)
21:00 – Campfire, Berber drums, stargazing (zero light pollution – Milky Way guaranteed)
23:00–06:00 – Sleep in your tent
05:00–05:30 – Optional sunrise wake-up (worth it once in a lifetime)
07:00 – Light breakfast, camel/4×4 back out
08:30 – Shower & proper breakfast at a hotel in Merzouga before continuing your trip
The 3 Types of Camps in 2026 – Be Honest With Yourself
| Type | Price (per person, 3-day tour from Marrakech) | Bathroom | Bed & Electricity | Wi-Fi | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 120–180 € | Shared | Foam mattress | No | Budget travelers who want the real vibe |
| Comfort / Mid-range | 220–320 € | Private in tent | Real bed + plugs | Sometimes | Most people |
| Luxury | 340–550 € | Private hot shower + flush toilet | King bed, A/C or heating, Starlink | Yes (fast) | Honeymoon, families, comfort lovers |
Top luxury camps 2026 (actually visited):
- Tiziri Camp
- Golden Sand Luxury
- Merzouga Luxury Desert Camp
- Azawad Luxury Desert Camp
- Sahara Sky Luxury Camp (has a telescope!)
Essential Packing List (Don’t Overpack – You Only Need a Small Bag)
Must-haves
- Warm jacket or fleece (nights drop to 5–10 °C even in May)
- Long pants & socks (sand gets everywhere)
- Closed shoes or sandals with straps for the camel
- Scarf or shesh for wind/sand (they also provide one)
- Headlamp or phone with torch
- Power bank (luxury camps have plugs, standard don’t)
- Wet wipes & hand sanitizer
- Small day-pack for camera/phone/water
- Lip balm & moisturizer (desert air is DRY)
- Passport photocopy + phone with offline maps
Nice-to-have
- Swimsuit (some luxury camps have pools)
- Snacks (dates, nuts) if you get hungry at night
- Small bottle of your favorite alcohol (camps serve no alcohol but don’t mind discreetly)
Leave in the car/hotel
- Suitcase (you’ll have secure parking)
- Hair dryer, straightener
- High heels
2026 New Features Most Camps Now Offer
- Starlink Wi-Fi in 85 % of luxury camps
- Hot-air balloon at sunrise (book early, ~200 € pp)
- Sandboarding & quad bikes (extra cost)
- Private romantic dune dinners (table for two in the sand)
- Solar-powered everything – no more generator noise
Red Flags – Camps & Tours to Avoid
- Any camp that won’t tell you the exact name and send recent photos
- Tours that say “Sahara” but only go to Zagora (small dunes, 6h closer)
- Camps that advertise “private bathroom” but it’s actually a shared block 50 m away
- “Free camel trek” that suddenly costs 200 MAD on arrival
Ready for the Night You’ll Never Forget?
Let We Road Morocco match you with the exact camp that fits your budget and vibe – we personally visit every camp twice a year and only work with the ones we’d send our own families to.
Contact us instantly:
📱 WhatsApp: +212 667-499757 (send “Desert camp” + your dates/budget – we’ll send real photos and honest options in minutes)
✉️ Email: weroadmorocco@gmail.com | contact@weroadmorocco.com
✓ Private 4×4 from Marrakech or Fes
✓ Zero surprise costs
✓ Kids & anniversary surprises arranged
One night in the Sahara is never enough… but it’s a perfect start.
See you under the desert stars in 2026! 🌅🐪✨
B’seha w raha!