By Hmad Karraoui · 2 November 2026Founder of Turismo a Marruecos. Born in the Merzouga desert, guiding in Morocco since 2014. About us →
Sleeping under the Sahara stars is, for many travellers, their favourite memory of Morocco. Here is what the experience is like and how to choose the place and the camp.
Merzouga, Zagora or Agafay
- Merzouga (Erg Chebbi): sand dunes up to 150 metres high. This is the “movie” desert. It is about 9 hours from Marrakech, so it is visited on a 3-day tour or longer.
- Zagora: smaller dunes, about 7 hours from Marrakech. This is the 2-day tour option.
- Agafay: a stone desert 40 minutes from Marrakech, with no dunes but views of the Atlas. Perfect for a short overnight stay.
What the night is like
You reach the camp by camel at sunset. There is tea, dinner (harira soup, tagine, fruit), drumming around the fire and a sky with no light pollution. In the morning, get up before dawn to climb a dune.
Types of camp
- Standard: tents with beds and shared bathrooms.
- Comfort: tents with private bathroom and hot water.
- Luxury: spacious tents with a double bed, full bathroom and a more elaborate dinner.
What to pack
- Warm clothes: in winter, nights drop below 5 °C.
- A scarf for wind and sand.
- A head torch and power bank.
- A small backpack: your large suitcase stays in the vehicle.
Best time to go
From October to April daytime temperatures are pleasant. In summer, middays are very hot, but the nights are beautiful.
Frequently asked questions
Do the tents have bathrooms?
In comfort and luxury camps yes, with a shower and hot water. In standard camps the bathrooms are shared.
Is it safe to sleep in the desert?
Yes. Camps are looked after by staff who live in the area and the atmosphere is very peaceful.