The Essential Guide To Camping In The Sahara

Camping in Morocco? Your trip wouldn’t be complete without a night or two in the Sahara. The adventures are endless. Sleep under the starry African sky, bang drums around a fire, camp in a traditional Berber tent and watch the sun rise over mountainous dunes. It’s an unforgettable experience – but you need to prepare properly. Here’s you essential guide to camping in the Sahara.

Pack appropriately

Even on the hottest days, the temperature drops considerably when the sun sets. So don more clothes if you want to sleep under the stars – you’ll even need an extra layer if you’re in a tent. A sun hat is a must, as are sunglasses with UV protection – particularly if you’re thinking of going on sunset or sunrise treks. Close-toed shoes are best for a camel trek and long trousers are advisable.

Spend where necessary

A camping trip in the Sahara is not the time to cut costs. You could buy a cheap group tour in Marrakech, but the vehicles used are often not air conditioned – unbearable when you’re travelling long distances. And if you want basic comforts while camping, such as a toilet, you’ll need to pay a little extra to stay in a higher-end camp.

Don’t skip the camel trek

It may be a cliché, but a camel trek to your desert campsite will probably rank among your top experiences in Morocco. Riding over the uneven dunes can be a little uncomfortable, but the views will take your mind off it.

Reach your campsite by camel for an unforgettable desert experience

Get there before sunset

Arrive at your desert campsite with enough time to enjoy the sunset from the peak of a dune – Erg Chebbi is a great place for this experience. Expect a short night, morning brings sunrise over the Sahara, an unforgettable experience.

For epic sunsets from a dune, head to Erg Chebbi

Stay for a couple of days

It’s quite a schlep from both Marrakech and Fez to the Sahara, so spend at least two days in the desert – one night in camp and a second in a lodge at the edge of the dunes. The scenery is mesmerizing with the light changing throughout the day. Activities such as sandboarding, camel trekking, and palm grove picnics can be arranged, so there’s no need to race back to the city.

Book a sandboarding experience for an action-packed time whizzing down dunes

Expect to unplug

Given the remoteness of the camps and lack of mobile reception, you can expect to be off-grid during your stay. No Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat or email alerts. You won’t miss them, though, as you enjoy the 360-degree views of the Sahara. In fact, even many of the high-end camps don’t have an electrical supply. So forget charging your phone.

Enjoy a digital detox in the most luxurious desert camps

When to go to the Sahara

Many of the luxury camps close during the summer months (July and August) as the temperatures climb above 50C (122F). They open in winter, when daytime temperatures are comfortable, but nights can be cold (around 10C/50F). April, May, September and October are great months for visiting.

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