The Traveling Taylors

There are travel moments you never forget, and for us, one of them was spending the night in Erg Chebbi—the famous golden dunes of Morocco’s Sahara Desert. From camel trekking at sunset to Berber drumming around a fire, sleeping under the stars here was pure magic. If you’ve ever dreamed of the Sahara, here’s what our Erg Chebbi overnight experience was really like (plus tips to plan your own).

The Camel Trek Into the Dunes

Our adventure began in the small town of Merzouga, the gateway to Erg Chebbi. From there, we mounted camels and set off into the dunes.

• The sand turned golden as the sun dipped lower.
• Silence surrounded us, broken only by the soft steps of the camels.
• After about 90 minutes, we reached our desert camp nestled deep in the dunes.

With the desert glare bouncing off the sand, you’ll be glad to have a pair of UV-protective sunglasses like these. If you want the same overnight adventure, you can book a Merzouga overnight camel trek.

Tip: Wear long pants and a scarf—the desert sun and sand can be intense.

Sunset on the Dunes

The moment everyone waits for: climbing to the top of a dune to watch the sun sink below the horizon.

• The sky shifted from orange to pink to deep purple.
• The dunes glowed as shadows stretched across the sand.
• It felt like standing in another world—quiet, vast, endless.

Bring a camera, but don’t forget to just soak it in. To catch that whole sweep of dunes in one shot, some travelers pack a compact selfie stick tripod like this one. Prefer a guide to lead you out for golden hour? You can join an overnight nomadic desert experience.

Dinner & Berber Music by the Fire

At camp, we were welcomed with mint tea before sitting down to a hearty Moroccan dinner—tagine, couscous, and fresh bread under a canopy of stars. After a rich meal miles from any bathroom, a few travel-size mouthwash bottles like these can help you feel fresh before bed.

Later, local Berber guides played drums and sang traditional songs around the fire. It was simple, joyful, and unforgettable.

Sleeping Under the Stars

Our camp offered comfortable tents with real beds, but we couldn’t resist dragging our blankets outside.

• The night sky was dazzling—millions of stars with the Milky Way clearly visible.
• With no city lights, the Sahara is one of the best stargazing spots in the world.
• Falling asleep in our private tents with hot showers and Wi-Fi was the highlight of the trip.

Tip: Desert nights get cold—pack layers, even in summer. A set of cozy merino wool socks like these makes a surprising difference once the temperature drops. For a more comfortable night out there, you can reserve a luxury Merzouga desert camp.

Sunrise Camel Ride Back

The next morning, we woke before dawn and rode back across the dunes as the sun rose behind us. The golden light spilling over the desert was the perfect ending to the experience. Since there’s nowhere to plug in overnight, many travelers keep a portable power bank like this one charged for all those sunrise photos.

Tips for Visiting Erg Chebbi

• How to get there: 9–10 hour drive from Marrakech or Fes (many do it as a 3–4 day tour).
• Best time to visit: March–May or Sept–Nov for comfortable temperatures.
• What to pack: Layers, a headscarf, sunscreen, and plenty of water. Protecting your skin from the sun is essential when visiting Erg Chebbi and many travelers rely on SPF 50 sunscreen sprays like this one for fast, convenient coverage that helps keep them protected.
• Tour types: Standard camps (basic but fun) or luxury camps (private tents, hot showers, even Wi-Fi).

Erg Chebbi

Sleeping under the stars at Erg Chebbi was one of the most magical travel experiences of our lives. Between camel trekking, Berber music, and the endless desert sky, it felt like stepping into a dream. If you’re planning a trip to Morocco, don’t just visit the Sahara—spend the night there. It’s an adventure you’ll never forget.