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.

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.

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.

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 under that sky was the highlight of the trip.

Tip: Desert nights get cold—pack layers, even in summer.

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.

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.
• 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.