What it’s like to Spend the Night in the Sahara Desert

Updated January 2026, What it’s like to spend the night in the Sahara Desert was originally written in November 2017

Amazing, need I say more?

If you’re planning a trip to Morocco and want a magical Sahara experience, then a Merzouga tour to spend the night in the Sahara is perfect for you!

Need ideas? Check out the 19 best things to do in Morocco

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First, get Dressed up by Local Nomads

The local Berber men will show you how to wrap your scarves for optimal sand and sun protection. The traditional scarf worn by the Berber either draped on shoulders or wrapped into a turban is called the keffiyah.

Starting to plan? Grab a copy of Bradt’s Morocco to help you plot out out the perfect Morocco visit

Next, Hop on Your Trusty Steed for your Sunset Ride to Camp

Get ready, and maybe stretch out your legs before you hop on! You’ll likely be a little sore from using your legs to help balance yourself.

Plan your own trip: The Southern Morocco road trip itinerary

Arrive to Home-Sweet-Home for the Night, your Berber-style Desert Camp

There’s no better wat to experience a night in the Sahara Desert than to camp under the stars. These camps can range from basic, simple Berber-style desert camps to all-out luxury glamping setups. We chose to go with a more traditional one.

Have a Hot Meal inside the Tent Dining Room

Get ready for a bubbling Tagine, a big bowl of Harira soup, and a big glass of Moroccan whiskey (that’s mint tea).

Read: Tips for planning the best Merzouga Desert tour

Now, Head out to the Bonfire After Dinner

Stay warm under the starry open Saharan sky and listen to traditional Berber songs.

Shop Merzouga Desert Tours

Now, Throw on your Warm Clothes, it’s Time to go Stargazing in the Sahara!

For many of my group, they had never seen the Milky Way with the naked eye before. Not to mention, we saw countless shooting stars.

Then the Camels got Brought into the Picture

Our guides saw a couple of us out taking pictures of the stars and came over and asked if we wanted to get some shots with the camels. Uhhhh heck yes, we do! They brought us over to where the camels were resting. Camels make for great models, they hold pretty still for those long exposure shots.

Then, after an evening of stargazing, go snuggle up in your tent to get some much-needed rest…

Read: how to survive Marrakech as a woman

Because Rise and Freakin Shine

You’ll be getting up at the crack of dawn. Well, actually… just before the crack of dawn.

Watch the Sky Change Colors on Camelback

Bob the camel, leading the way!

Stretch them Legs out Real Quick

‘Cause now you’re climbing a monster of a sand dune to watch the sun peek over the horizon.

Before you know it, you’re back in Merzouga

Time to say goodbye to your camels and your local guides.

Shop Merzouga Desert tours here

Want to spend the night in the Sahara?

Start shopping desert camping trips in Morocco here!

Where to stay in Merzouga

Want a more do-it-yourself style Sahara Desert trip? Not to worry, here are some great desert camp options in Merzouga.

Not into camping?

That’s a-okay, here are some great riads to choose from.

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