A camel trek from M’Hamid El Ghizlane is much more than a slow ride across sand. Over one, two, or several days, a trek fills up with small rituals and activities that make the Sahara feel alive rather than empty. If you’re wondering what an actual day looks like out in the dunes, here’s what to expect.

Riding and Walking With the Camels

Most treks alternate between riding and walking alongside your camel, especially on soft dune sections where walking is often more comfortable. Your guide leads the camels on a rope, so there’s no need for riding experience. Rides typically last two to four hours between rest stops, timed around the cooler parts of the day.

Exploring the Dunes on Foot

Once you reach a dune field like Erg Chegaga or Erg Lihoudi, there’s real freedom to climb the highest ridges for panoramic views, walk barefoot on the sand, and take photos as the light changes throughout the day. Many travelers say the golden hour just before sunset is the highlight of the entire trip.

Sandboarding

Where dune slopes allow, sandboarding is a favorite afternoon activity — no experience needed, and boards are provided at camp. It’s a fun way to burn energy after hours of riding and makes for great photos and video.

Camp Life: Tea, Music, and Traditional Meals

Evenings at camp follow a relaxed nomadic rhythm. Expect sweet Moroccan mint tea served the traditional way, a home-cooked tagine or couscous prepared over a campfire, and often an evening of Berber drumming and music around the fire. It’s a chance to talk with your guides about desert life, nomadic traditions, and the history of the region.

Stargazing

Far from any city lights, the night sky over M’Hamid is extraordinary — the Milky Way is clearly visible on clear, moonless nights, along with far more stars than most travelers have ever seen. Many guides can point out constellations, and simply lying back on a blanket outside your tent is one of the most memorable parts of a desert trip.

Sunrise Over the Dunes

Mornings often start early with a short walk or climb to catch the sunrise, when the dunes turn shades of pink, orange, and gold. It’s quiet, cool, and one of the best times for photography before breakfast and the day’s ride begins.

Ready to experience it for yourself? Browse our camel trekking and bivouac packages from M’Hamid and choose the itinerary that fits your time and interests.