Erg Chebbi dunes, Merzouga

Budget Desert Camp Stay

If the dunes, the stars and the camel ride matter more than the bathroom, a budget camp gives you the essentials of a Sahara night at a lower cost.

1 night
Overnight
Erg Chebbi dunes, Merzouga

The experience

About this activity

Budget camps are simple: woven tents with mattresses or basic beds and warm blankets, a shared dining area and shared toilet facilities. Showers may be basic or unavailable, and hot water should not be assumed. Camps at this level are usually closer to the dune edge, which keeps the camel ride short and makes them easy to reach from Merzouga or Hassi Labied. Bedding is clean and warm, but simple.

What you do get is the same desert as everyone else — the ride in through the dunes at sunset, a hearty dinner, tea around the fire where permitted, and the silence of the Sahara at night. For many backpackers and younger travellers, that is exactly the point. We are upfront about the limitations. Before booking we confirm what your camp provides, including toilets, washing water and lighting, so you can pack accordingly.

Most affordable way to sleep in the dunes
Camel ride in and out (typical)
Dinner and breakfast (typical plan)
Same sunsets and stars as any camp

How it runs

Typical plan

AfternoonMeet at the dune edge; leave large bags.
Before sunsetCamel ride to camp.
EveningDinner, tea and time under the stars.
MorningSunrise, breakfast and ride back.

Timings shift with the season (sunrise and sunset change by more than two hours across the year).

At a glance

What’s included at camp

Camel ride: Included — typical; to be confirmed
4x4 transfer: Optional (on request)
Meals: Included — dinner and breakfast (simple)
Private bathroom: Shared facilities
Shower: Shared facilities — basic; hot water not guaranteed
Electricity: Limited — basic lighting; charging may not be available

Facilities differ between camps and seasons; we confirm them for your exact dates.

Inclusions

What’s included

Typically included

One night in a basic tent
Dinner and breakfast (typical plan — to be confirmed)
Camel ride to and from camp (typical — to be confirmed)

Not included

Private bathroom
Drinks other than tea/water
Tips

We confirm these details in your written quote:

Toilet and washing arrangements
Whether shower is available
Charging availability
Bedding type

Safety

Safety, ages & accessibility

Desert nights can be cold from November to February, close to freezing at times, and summer days very hot. Camps are reached by camel or 4x4 over soft sand; tell us in advance about mobility needs so we can suggest the most accessible option. Camel rides carry health caveats (back problems, pregnancy, weight guideline set by the operator). Use a torch at night, keep tent zips closed against insects, and drink plenty of water.

Good to know

Bring wet wipes, a headtorch and a power bank.
A sleeping-bag liner adds comfort and hygiene.
Winter nights are cold — pack warm layers.
Keep valuables with you.

Price & booking

Contact us for a price. Every trip is priced for your dates, group size, tour type and accommodation level. Send us your plan on WhatsApp or by email and we will send you the price. [TO CONFIRM: payment method (e.g. bank transfer), deposit amount and balance deadline]. A booking is confirmed only after we confirm availability and payment arrangements in writing. We never ask for card details on this website.

Questions

FAQs

Are there showers at budget camps?

Sometimes, but basic and shared; hot water is not guaranteed. We confirm what your camp offers.

Is it safe?

Yes — camps are staffed, and your guide stays with the group. As anywhere, keep valuables with you.

Plan around it

Where it happens & what pairs well

Combine it with

Related experiences

See all

Overnight

1 night

Standard Desert Camp Stay

Comfortable, mid-range desert tents — a good balance of experience and value.

Overnight

approx. 18 h (afternoon to next morning)

Overnight Camel Trek to a Desert Camp

Sunset ride in, a night under desert skies, and a sunrise ride back out.

Short (≤ 2 h)

approx. 1–1.5 h

Stargazing in the Sahara

Lie back on the sand and discover constellations, planets and desert sky stories under dark Sahara skies.