from €100,00
Inquiry

2-Day desert trekking tour in Merzouga’s sand dunes

Duration

2 Days

Tour Type

Private Tour

Free Cancellation

Up to 1 day

Languages

English, Multilingual

Tour overview

Discover the magic of the Sahara on a 2-day trekking and walking tour through the golden dunes of Merzouga’s Erg Chebbi. This unique adventure takes you deep into the desert on foot, offering a slower, more intimate way to connect with the landscape. Walk across rolling dunes, climb sandy ridges for breathtaking views, and enjoy peaceful breaks with traditional Berber meals in shaded spots.

At sunset, reach your desert camp where you’ll relax, savor Moroccan cuisine, and experience Berber music by the fire under a sky full of stars. Spend the night in a comfortable tent before waking early to witness an unforgettable sunrise. On the second day, follow a new route back to Merzouga, passing nomadic families and rocky desert plains. This tour combines the Sahara adventure, culture, and serenity, giving you a true taste of life in the desert.

Brief itinerary of the 2-day trek around the desert

Day Departure Arrival Distance
#1 Merzouga Erg Chebbi 15 km
#2 Erg Chebbi Merzouga 10 km

What you should know about the 2-day desert trek?

  1. Trekking on soft desert sand is more challenging than walking on regular ground, so plan for 5–6 hours of walking each day. A moderate level of fitness is recommended to fully enjoy the experience.
  2. Overnight is spent in a desert camp, with options ranging from standard to luxury. Tents are comfortable, equipped with beds, blankets, and either shared or private bathrooms depending on your booking.
  3. For extra adventure, you can include camel rides, sandboarding, or visits to nomadic families, adding a cultural and fun dimension to your trekking experience.
  4. Even though the trek is not extreme, walking on soft sand for several hours can be tiring, so basic fitness and a sense of adventure will make it more enjoyable.
  5. All meals are included, featuring traditional Berber dishes, and drinking water is provided along the way—though it’s a good idea to bring a reusable bottle.

Tour highlights

  • Walking Through Golden Dunes
  • Panoramic Desert Views
  • Sunset Over the Dunes
  • Desert Camp Experience
  • Berber Cuisine
  • Stargazing in the Sahara
  • Nomadic Culture Experience

Tour itinerary

Day 1: Merzouga - Erg Chebbi Dunes - Desert Camp

Your journey starts in the village of Merzouga, where you meet your local Berber guide in the morning. After a short talk about the route and what to expect, you begin walking into the sand. At first, the dunes are small and gentle, but they quickly rise higher, forming golden hills that seem endless. Walking on sand is slower than walking on a path, but this gives you time to notice the little things—the patterns left by the wind, the colors changing under the sun, and the small plants that survive here.

By late morning, you climb a ridge for wide views over Erg Chebbi. From the top, the dunes look like waves in a golden sea. Around midday, you stop for a break under the shade of a tree or a tent. A simple but tasty Berber lunch is served: salad, bread, fresh fruit, and mint tea. After eating, you have time to rest and enjoy the silence around you.

In the afternoon, you continue your walk through bigger dunes, some reaching as high as 150 meters. Climbing them takes effort, but the view is worth it. Later, you arrive at your desert camp, set between the dunes. Here you can relax, or if you like, take a short camel ride to see the sunset. The sun going down behind the dunes is a magical sight, with the sand turning red, orange, and pink.

As night falls, the camp becomes lively. A Moroccan dinner is served—often couscous or tagine—followed by Berber music around a fire. Drums and singing echo in the night while you sit under a sky full of stars. With no city lights nearby, the Milky Way shines bright above the desert. When you are ready, you return to your private tent for a peaceful night’s sleep.

Day 2: Sunrise and walk back to Merzouga

The second day starts early. You walk up a nearby dune to watch the sunrise, one of the most beautiful moments of the tour. The first light spreads across the sand, creating shadows and colors that change every second. It is a calm and unforgettable sight.

Back at the camp, breakfast is waiting—fresh bread, honey, jam, amlou (almond paste), tea, and coffee. After eating, you begin walking back toward Merzouga. The guide takes you on a different path, allowing you to see new views of the desert. The walk passes through the dunes again. Along the way, you may stop in the dunes to take pictures.

Around midday, you rest again for a light lunch in the shade. Afterward, you continue the last part of the trek. The dunes slowly become smaller as you get closer to Merzouga. By late afternoon, you arrive back in the village, tired but full of wonderful memories.

Inclusions/Exclusions

  • Local guide
  • Trek in the dunes
  • Lunches
  • Dinner
  • Breakfast
  • One night in a desert camp
  • Water
  • Personal expenses
  • Gratuities

Map of the "2-Day desert trekking tour in Merzouga’s sand dunes"

FAQs about 2-Day desert trekking tour in Merzouga’s sand dunes

How difficult is the 2 day desert trek?

The trek is considered moderate and is suitable for most travelers with a basic level of fitness. Walking on soft desert sand is more physically demanding than walking on firm ground, so you may feel more tired than usual.


Expect to walk around 5–6 hours each day, but the pace is flexible and includes frequent rest stops for water, photos, and enjoying the scenery. No prior trekking experience is required, but a sense of adventure and stamina will make the experience more enjoyable.

What should I bring for this trek?

Travelers should wear comfortable, breathable clothing for daytime trekking and layered clothing for cooler evenings. A hat or scarf, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential to protect against the sun. Sturdy walking shoes or boots designed for sand are recommended.


Don’t forget a reusable water bottle, as staying hydrated is very important during desert walks.

Can I do extra desert activities?

Yes, the tour can include optional activities to enhance your experience. You may choose a camel ride across the dunes, try sandboarding on the slopes, or visit a nomadic family to learn about their lifestyle and traditions. These activities provide both cultural insights and extra adventure during your desert trek.

When is the best time for this trekking?

The ideal time for this trek is in spring (January–May) or autumn (September–November) when temperatures are moderate and comfortable. Summers can be extremely hot, making long walks exhausting, while winter nights can be very cold, so proper clothing is essential. Sunrise and sunset are the most beautiful times to experience the dunes, regardless of the season.

Do you have other similar treks?

Yes, we do have other trek tours for 3 days, 4 days, and 5 days. Also, it is possible to do it in just one day. So don't hesitate to contact us if you are looking for a customized trek.

Tour Reviews

5.0
Excellent
Based on 820 reviews
Excellent
100%
Very Good
5%
Average
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Showing 1 - 0 of 0 in total

Write a review

from €100,00

Inquiry

Similar Tours

error: Content is protected !!