Top Camel Treks in Erg Chebbi Dunes: What to Expect

Top Camel Treks in Erg Chebbi Dunes: Complete Experience Guide

The Erg Chebbi sand dunes near Merzouga represent the most authentic and impressive desert landscape in Morocco. Camel trekking across these towering dunes offers an iconic Moroccan desert experience, combining adventure, cultural immersion, and natural wonder. This guide covers what to expect, the best trekking options, and insider tips for maximizing your experience.

Understanding Erg Chebbi

Geography and Scale

Size and Scope: Erg Chebbi covers approximately 200 square kilometers of sand dunes, with some dunes reaching 160 meters in height.

Location: Near the town of Merzouga in eastern Morocco, about 470 kilometers southeast of Marrakech.

Landscape Diversity: While predominantly sand dunes, the region includes:

• Rocky desert plateaus (hammada)
• Sandy plains with sparse vegetation
• Small oases
• Berber villages on desert fringes

Climate Realities

Temperature Extremes:

• Summer (June-August): 40-48°C during day, cooling to 25-30°C at night
• Winter (December-February): 15-20°C during day, dropping to 5-10°C at night
• Spring/Fall: 25-35°C days, 15-20°C nights (optimal conditions)

Water Scarcity: Water sources are limited; tours provide abundant water for survival, but true desert deprivation is minimized.

Sparse Vegetation: Limited plant life; camels subsist on sparse shrubs and stored fat reserves.

Types of Camel Treks

Half-Day Treks (3-4 hours)

Description: Short morning or afternoon rides across nearby dunes and back to base.

Best For: Those with time constraints, camel-riding experience, or who simply want to sample the experience.

What's Included:

• Camel and guide
• Water
• Simple snacks (dates, nuts)
• Return to starting point

Cost: €30-50 per person

Reality: Limited immersion; you'll experience desert visuals but not the full sensory and cultural depth.

Full-Day Treks (7-8 hours)

Description: Extended morning departure, reaching desert interior by afternoon, returning to base by evening.

Best For: Those seeking comprehensive desert experience without overnight camping.

What's Included:

• Camel and guide
• Abundant water
• Lunch (typically tajine or couscous prepared at desert camp)
• Extended exploration time
• Optional swimming in small oasis pools

Cost: €60-100 per person

Advantages: Extended time for desert immersion, cultural interaction with guides and Berber communities, sunset photography, return to comfortable accommodation.

Multi-Day Treks (2-3 days)

Description: Overnight desert camping, experiencing sunrise, extended exploration, and deeper cultural immersion.

Best For: Those seeking authentic desert experience, those with flexible schedules, serious adventure seekers.

What's Included:

• Camel trekking (6-8 hours daily)
• Night camping in traditional Berber camp (tents with sleeping equipment)
• Traditional meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
• Water and tea throughout
• Guides and equipment

Cost: €120-200 for 2 days/1 night; €180-300 for 3 days/2 nights

Experience Highlights:

• Desert sunrise from dune
• Star-filled night sky (minimal light pollution)
• Traditional Berber hospitality and meals
• Genuine cultural exchange
• Deeper connection with landscape and pace of desert life

Specialized Treks

Photography Treks: Designed around optimal lighting conditions for photography, smaller groups, extended sessions at scenic locations (€150-250+)

Adventure Treks: Combine camel trekking with additional activities like sandboarding, climbing large dunes, visiting Berber villages (€100-200+)

Private Treks: Customized itineraries for couples, families, or small groups with personalized attention (€250-500+ depending on group size and duration)

What to Realistically Expect

The Camel Experience

Mounting: Camels kneel for mounting (often an awkward first-time experience). Guides assist; don't be shy about asking for help.

Riding Sensation:

• Camels move with a distinctive swaying gait
• You'll feel every step initially—soreness in legs and lower back is common
• Motion becomes rhythmic and hypnotic after 1-2 hours
• By day's end, most find the sensation natural

Physical Discomfort:

• Leg soreness (especially inside thighs): Common but manageable
• Lower back strain: Frequent but temporary
• Foot pain from sun exposure: Avoid sandals; wear closed-toe hiking boots
• Saddle soreness: Real but temporary; padding helps

Pace: Camels move at approximately 5-6 kilometers per hour—slow enough to observe landscape, fast enough to cover meaningful distance.

Desert Environment Realities

Heat and Sun:

• Intense UV exposure; sunburn occurs quickly despite feeling cool breeze
• Dehydration sneaks up; drink water proactively, not reactively
• Afternoon heat (13:00-16:00) is most challenging
• Early morning and evening cool quickly when sun sets

Sand and Dust:

• Sand gets everywhere—in eyes, ears, hair, belongings
• Goggles or sunglasses essential (sand scratches in eyes are painful)
• Sand in camera equipment is frustrating but manageable with care
• Dust storms can occur suddenly; guides will navigate safely

Sensory Experience:

• Silence: Desert quiet is profound and transformative
• Vast landscape: The scale of dunes becomes overwhelming in emotional ways
• Solitude: Despite caravans, you feel isolated and small
• Rhythmic motion: Camel's gait becomes meditative

Social Dynamics

Guide Interaction: Your Berber guide is essential—they navigate, interpret culture, ensure safety, and make trek enjoyable. Tipping (€5-10) is customary.

Other Trekkers: Shared treks include other tourists (typically 4-12 people per guide). Group dynamics vary from wonderful to tedious depending on personalities.

Berber Community Interaction: Desert camps are often near Berber settlements. Genuine interaction with locals provides cultural depth beyond tourist transactions.

Camel Handlers: Guides' assistants walk alongside camels ensuring safety, adjusting saddles, assisting mounting. They're part of the cultural experience.

Physical Requirements

Fitness Level

Recommended Fitness: Moderate fitness—not elite athletes, but reasonably active people.

Challenging For:

• Those with significant back problems or knee issues
• Individuals with extreme heights (saddle fit challenges)
• People with severe claustrophobia or anxiety
• Those with significant mobility limitations

Modifications:

• Slower pace possible
• Shorter trekking distances available
• Additional padding/cushions for saddles
• Guides can suggest alternative activities

Pre-Trek Conditioning

Suggested Preparation:

• General cardio fitness (walking, jogging, cycling)
• Core strengthening (back and abdominal muscles)
• Inner thigh/glute conditioning
• Hip flexibility work

Not Necessary: You don't need extreme fitness, but basic conditioning helps significantly.

Packing for Camel Trekking

Essential Items

Footwear:

• Closed-toe hiking boots (absolutely essential; sandals won't work)
• Extra socks (sand gets in, regular changes help)
• Moleskin or blister treatment

Sun Protection:

• SPF 50+ sunscreen (reapply frequently)
• Hat with good coverage
• Sunglasses with UV protection
• Lightweight long sleeves (sun protection + cultural respect)

Hydration:

• Refillable water bottle (guides supply water, but personal bottle ensures control)
• Electrolyte supplements (optional but helpful in extreme heat)

Clothing:

• Lightweight, loose, light-colored clothing
• Long pants (sun and cultural respect)
• Long sleeves
• Warm layers (desert nights cool dramatically)

Other Essentials:

• Camera/phone with good battery
• Basic toiletries and medications
• Lip balm (chapped lips are common)
• Hand sanitizer
• Toilet paper and small trowel

Optional Items

• Headlamp or flashlight
• Earplugs (if sensitive to camel snuffling sounds)
• Duct tape (various repairs)
• Extra socks (sand changes require fresh socks)
• Notebook/journal
• Binoculars (wildlife spotting)

What NOT to Bring

• Heavy valuables (leave at hotel)
• Excessive luggage (only essentials)
• Expectation of Western comfort (you'll be uncomfortable sometimes)
• Impatience with slower pace

Best Times to Trek

Optimal Seasons

Spring (March-May): Ideal conditions—pleasant temperatures (25-30°C), clear skies, natural vegetation from rains, fewer tourists than peak season

Fall (September-October): Comfortable temperatures, reduced summer crowds, clear skies, good photography light

Peak Season (November-February): Cool nights, clear days, but more crowded, higher prices

Shoulder Seasons (June, August, November): Fewer tourists, good weather, reasonable prices

Avoid

Summer (June-August): Extreme heat (40-48°C), physically challenging, most expensive season

Winter Nights: December-January nights drop to 5-10°C; adequate sleeping equipment essential

Photography in the Desert

Best Conditions

Golden Hour: Hour before sunset offers warm light, dramatic shadows, stunning color

Sunrise: Early morning light reveals sand textures, creates long shadows, optimal for landscape photography

Midday: Harsh light but dramatic shadows in sand formations

Photography Subjects

• Camel caravans silhouetted against sky
• Sand dune textures and patterns
• Berber guides and their practiced camel handling
• Star-filled night sky (multi-day treks)
• Desert sunrise/sunset
• Local people and cultural scenes (request permission)

Important Practical Information

Safety

Camel treks are generally safe when using reputable operators:

• Operators prioritize tourist safety
• Camels are predictable; unexpected behavior is rare
• Desert conditions are managed through experience and preparation
• Emergency protocols exist for medical issues

Red Flags for Unreliable Operators:

• Pushing treks during extreme heat without adequate water
• Inadequate safety equipment or training
• Pressure to trek when you're not ready
• Lack of experienced guides
• Poor camel condition

Booking Recommendations

Research Operators:

• Check recent reviews on independent platforms
• Ask to speak with previous clients
• Verify guide credentials and experience
• Inquire about contingency plans for emergencies

Question to Ask:

• How much water is provided?
• What's the daily trekking distance and duration?
• What happens in extreme weather?
• Are camels well-treated and rested?
• What's included in price? (Meals, accommodation, equipment)

Cost Reality

Prices vary based on:

• Trek duration and type
• Group size (smaller = more expensive per person)
• Season (peak = higher prices)
• Operator reputation and amenities

Approximate Pricing:

• Half-day: €30-50
• Full-day: €60-100
• 2-day/1-night: €120-200
• 3-day/2-night: €180-300

What's Typically Included: Camel, guide, meals (in longer treks), water, accommodation (in multi-day treks)

What's Usually NOT Included: Transportation to/from Merzouga, alcohol, tips, personal equipment

FAQ

Will I be sore after camel trekking?

Likely yes, especially inner thighs and lower back. Soreness typically lasts 2-3 days and ranges from mild to moderate. Pre-trek conditioning reduces severity.

How are camels treated?

Reputable operators treat camels well—they're essential to their business. Camels rest between treks, receive adequate food and water. However, conditions aren't equivalent to animal sanctuary standards.

Can I do camel trekking if I've never ridden anything?

Yes, absolutely. Guides assist first-time riders extensively. Your first hour is an orientation; you'll adapt quickly.

What if I'm uncomfortable on the camel?

Communicate with your guide; they can adjust your saddle, change your camel, reduce pace, or modify the trek. Guides want you comfortable—an unhappy trekker creates problems.

Should I tip my guide and camel handler?

Yes, tips are customary and greatly appreciated. €5-10 for guides, €2-5 for handlers if satisfied with service.

What's the most common complaint about camel trekking?

Physical discomfort (especially leg soreness) is most frequent. Mental expectations not matching reality (e.g., expecting extreme desert hardship but receiving well-managed tourism) also occurs.

Is this worth the investment?

Most trekkers rate camel trekking as a highlight of their Morocco visit. The combination of landscape, cultural interaction, physical challenge, and authentic experience justifies the cost for most.

How do I stay safe in the sun?

Sunscreen frequently, wear protective clothing, drink proactively, wear quality sunglasses/hat, avoid peak heat hours if possible.

Can I do camel trekking if I'm very tall?

Possibly, though saddles may fit uncomfortably. Discuss with operators in advance; they may have larger saddles or camels better suited to your size.

What's the minimum age for children?

Most operators accept children ages 8-10+. Younger children require shorter treks and careful operator selection.