If you’ve never spent a night in the desert before, it’s natural to wonder what the experience is actually like — where you sleep, what you eat, whether it’s comfortable, and what a typical day looks like. Here’s a realistic look at what to expect on a Sahara camping trip from M’Hamid El Ghizlane.
Where You Sleep
Desert camps use traditional nomad-style tents made of wool or canvas, furnished with mattresses, blankets, and rugs on the sand floor. Camps range from simple, authentic setups to more comfortable “luxury camp” options with proper beds and private bathrooms, depending on the package you choose. Most standard treks use shared communal tents or smaller private tents for couples and families.
Bathroom and Washing Facilities
This is one of the most common questions, and it depends on your camp type. Basic mobile camps typically have simple long-drop or portable toilets set up in a private tent, with no running water — wet wipes and hand sanitizer are essential. Fixed luxury camps often have proper toilets and even showers with heated water. Your guide will tell you exactly what to expect for your specific itinerary before you go.
Food and Meals
Meals are a highlight for most guests. Expect freshly prepared tagines, couscous, salads, bread baked in the sand or over coals, and sweet mint tea served throughout the day. Cooks travel with the group and prepare everything at camp, and dietary restrictions like vegetarian or gluten-free can usually be accommodated with advance notice.
A Typical Day and Evening
- Morning: breakfast at camp, then riding or walking to the next stop
- Midday: rest during the hottest hours, lunch in the shade
- Afternoon: dune exploration, sandboarding, or travel to camp
- Evening: tea, dinner, music around the fire, and stargazing
- Night: sleep in your tent under an extraordinary number of stars
Temperature and Comfort at Night
Desert nights are typically much colder than daytime, so camps provide extra blankets, and bringing your own warm layers makes a real difference. There’s no electricity at most camps, so a headlamp and a charged power bank are worth packing — see our full packing guide for details.
Is It Safe and Comfortable for Beginners?
Yes — desert camping with an established local guide is a well-organized experience, not a survival situation. Guides handle navigation, cooking, and camp setup, so guests can simply enjoy the experience. Families, couples, solo travelers, and groups of all ages join these trips regularly.
Curious to experience it yourself? Take a look at our desert camping and bivouac packages from M’Hamid and choose the level of comfort that suits you.