The ever-changing beauty of the desert is, to us, the true heart of Morocco. The landscape looks different from sunrise to sunset and the shifting desert winds mean no sand dune is ever the same. That’s why one night in the desert isn’t enough to experience its wonders.
At Desert Luxury Camps, we want to share the natural splendour of the South Moroccan desert in a luxury setting. Our camps are nestled in the vast desert dunes of Erg Chigaga, M’Hamid and the beautiful peaks of Erg Chebbi in Merzouga, where we offer guests restorative sensory experiences.
If you would like to experience the tranquillity of luxury camp life, try swimming in our tented pool and admiring the views with delicious traditional dishes. But if you prefer a quicker pace, our a guided 4×4 drives are an elite way to cruise the sand dunes and visit nearby villages.
Are you thinking about planning a Moroccan adventure to the desert? Get in touch! As locals born and raised in Erg Chebbi and the Draa Valley, our camps run on our intimate knowledge of the desert and the legendary warmth and hospitality of the Berber people.
Our raison d’être is to ensure your stay at our carefully crafted camps is unforgettable, so keep reading to see how to spend your nights in the Morrocan desert…
Experience the Epic Views of Morocco’s Ergs
With extraordinary vistas and only the sound of the fire crackling for company, the tranquillity in our camps is second to none. Both of our camps sit in between dunes, or ergs as they are known, which are formed by the strong desert winds, offering a quiet and calm dwelling space.
If you’re keen to experience glamping like never before, our luxury camps in the Erg Chebbi dunes and Erg Chigaga are a welcome retreat from the bustling city. Among the several types of tent, each Desert Luxury Camp has a Dome tent, which acts as your own mini Eden Project.
Aside from being fully equipped for high-quality comfort to unwind after a day of exploring, its hemisphere structure allows for stunning star-studded vistas. Snack on fresh water and seasonal fruit or bath with complimentary toiletries as the sun sets in dramatic hues.
By day, the orange-reds of the dunes come alive under the rising sun. Enjoy the otherworldly views over breakfast before a day luxuriating in the camp or taking a day tour. To get a closer look at the desert, we recommend a guided camel tour to experience the dunes as travellers have done throughout Moroccan history.
If you’d like to try something more adventurous, sandboarding is a heart-racing activity that allows you to get up close and personal with the ergs. We recommend picking a cloudy day for coverage if you go sandboarding, as you can get very warm during this activity.
Commune with Nature in the Ergs of Morocco
The longer you spend in the desert, the more you can experience the ecosystem and animals that inhabit it. If you’d like to try an alternative method of transport to horseriding, riding an Arabian-Berber horse is a regal way to explore the desert’s landscape.
These hardy steeds have great stamina and have evolved to meet the demanding terrain. There is a mix of paces depending on the trail and your comfort level. A gentle canter is relaxing for longer treks into the mountain bases, while experienced riders can opt for gallops.
You can also visit local villages on your horseback ride. Discover the nomadic way of life and how horses played a historic role in Berber culture and travel. Our connections to local guides who know every dune in Erg Chebbi mean your tour will be informative and enjoyable.
If you’d prefer a mechanical steed to the real thing, a guided 4×4 journey is a great way to zip across the desert dunes. From December to March, Merzouga’s seasonal lake — also known as Lake Dayet Srij — is a watering hole for desert birds like Egyptian nightjars, storks, and desert sparrows. Flamingos have also been known to flock to the lake’s shore!
Immerse Yourself in the Moroccan Culture
While the desert may seem unpopulated, there are Moroccan nomadic cultures that have lived amongst the dunes for thousands of years. Our local connections to the warm and hospitable Berber community mean we can share tea and travel stories on a visit to their village.
Our local guides will translate as you sip freshly brewed herbal teas and break bread with this fascinating group. Take in their beautifully decorated tents and meet their animals in their self-sufficient living space while hearing stories of the Berber culture history.
Whether you would like to explore Erg Chebbi or Erg Chigaga, our luxury camps provide the perfect base for you to start your adventure. The camps offer different types of tents depending on your needs, each of which grants travellers a secluded slice of paradise.
If you’re looking to spend most of your time at the camp itself, we doubt you’ll get bored of sunbathing, swimming, and soaking up the magnificent desert atmosphere. But, if you’re a thrill-seeking traveller, the activities we’ve mentioned highlight the best of the desert and ensure you sleep soundly by night from all the excitement!
So, if you’re looking to start planning your desert destination, get in touch. Our local team will be more than happy to help curate your luxury vacation and make your venture into the vast desert unforgettable.
