Guests riding camels across the Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset near Merzouga

Included in your stay

Sunset Camel Ride

The camel ride is included with every stay, and for most guests it is the moment the Sahara stops being an idea and becomes a place. You leave camp in the late afternoon, walk out into the high dunes of Erg Chebbi, and come back as the sky turns.

About 1 hour, timed to sunsetIncluded in your stay

How the ride works

We start about an hour and a half before sunset, so there is no rush. Your camel handler helps everyone mount, checks the saddles and blankets, and leads the caravan on foot out of the camp and into the dunes.

The pace is slow. You do not need any riding experience, and you do not steer — the camels walk in a line behind the handler. Most guests find the first few minutes strange and the rest of the ride completely calm.

The sunset stop

Roughly halfway, we stop on a high dune. Everyone gets down, and there is time to walk barefoot on the ridge, take photographs and simply sit while the light changes. This is the part people remember.

Afterwards we ride back to camp in the blue hour, arriving in time for mint tea before dinner.

Highlights

Included in every all-inclusive stay
Local camel handler from Merzouga, walking with the caravan
Sunset stop on a high dune with time to walk and photograph
No riding experience needed
Suitable for children accompanied by an adult

Good to know

Wear long trousers and closed shoes; sand is warm in the afternoon.
Bring a scarf or hat — we can also show you how to tie a Berber turban.
Tell us in advance about back or hip problems and we will arrange a 4x4 transfer to the sunset dune instead.
Sunrise rides can be arranged on request the evening before.