A camel ride into the dunes is the standard way to reach the overnight desert camp near Merzouga, and it’s timed deliberately: departures are set so the ride coincides with sunset, when the light turns the sand deep gold and orange, or with sunrise the following morning for the return.
The pace is slow and steady, led by an experienced local handler on foot, and requires no prior riding experience. Most riders find the first few minutes the most unusual part — camels stand up rear-legs-first, which can feel unexpected — after which the ride settles into an easy rhythm across the dunes.
This activity is included as standard in our multi-day Merzouga desert tours, and can also be arranged as a standalone activity for travelers already staying in the area who want to add a camel trek without a full overnight camp.