Ornate Moroccan lanterns lighting the red carpet arrival path towards the main tent at dusk

How it works

From the Shell station in Merzouga to a fire in the dunes

This is the question guests ask more than any other: what actually happens on the day? The short answer is that you meet us in Merzouga, leave your car, and we take it from there. The longer answer is below.

The sequence

Your arrival, in order

01
Arrive in Merzouga
Guests normally meet our team in Merzouga, near the Shell service station. It is an easy landmark to find and to describe to a driver.
02
Park, or meet your transfer
If you have driven, your car goes into secure parking and stays there for the length of your stay. If you are arriving by private transfer, your driver brings you to the same meeting point.
03
Continue toward camp
From there you head into the dunes with our team. For most guests this means the sunset camel ride — usually somewhere around 15 to 40 minutes depending on the time of arrival and conditions on the day. If camels are not right for you, tell us in advance and we will discuss alternative arrangements.
04
Sandboarding and sunset
There is time on the dunes before dark. Boards are available; nobody expects technique, and falling over in sand is a good way to spend twenty minutes.
05
Settle into your tent
You are shown to your tent, with its private ensuite bathroom, hot shower and flush toilet. Most people shower here — it makes dinner considerably more enjoyable.
06
Dinner
Dinner is served in the dining tent: Moroccan cooking, brought to the table. Let us know dietary requirements when you enquire rather than on the night.
07
Fire, music, stars
The campfire is lit in the evening, with music and drumming when conditions allow. Afterwards, walk a short way from the lights and the sky is completely open — there is effectively no light pollution here.
08
Breakfast and departure
Breakfast the next morning, then back out to Merzouga and your car or onward transfer. If you are staying a second night, this is when the 4x4 day begins instead.

Before you come

Practical preparation

Pack a small overnight bag. You do not need your full suitcase in the dunes. Most guests bring one small bag with what they need for the night and leave the rest in the car or with the team.

Dress for two climates. Afternoons on the dunes can be hot; nights can be genuinely cold, especially between late autumn and early spring. Layers, and something that covers your head in the sun.

Shoes that cope with sand. Trainers are fine. Sandals are easier to empty.

Confirm your arrival plan with us. Timings depend on the season and on when you actually reach Merzouga, so we agree them with you at confirmation rather than publishing a fixed schedule that would be wrong half the year.

More detail in what to pack and the FAQ.