Desert camps: a reality check
The word «luxury» has no shared definition among camps. Two places with the same label can offer very different experiences. Ask specific questions before booking.
Types of camp
From shared tents with communal bathrooms to private tents with en-suite bathrooms. The real difference lies in bathroom, electricity, privacy and location.
How you get there
Some camps are reached on foot or by camel; others allow vehicles. Ask where the car is left and how luggage is carried.
What to ask
Private or shared bathroom? Is there electricity, and what kind? Other camps in sight? What do dinner and breakfast include? How is the night cold handled?
Cold nights
The gap between day and night can be large, especially outside summer. Ask about blankets and heating, and bring a warm layer.
Chebbi versus Chigaga
At Erg Chebbi the choice is wide and camps are often close together; at Erg Chigaga there are fewer, more scattered camps.
| Aspect | Basic | Comfort | «Luxury» |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bathroom | Usually shared | Varies | Ask if private |
| Electricity | Limited or none | Varies | Ask what kind |
| Privacy | Low | Medium | Depends on location |
Keep reading
Morocco's most accessible great erg: how to get there, how much time to allow and who it suits.
A practical list: layers for cold nights, sun protection and the essentials for a night in the dunes.
The stony desert near Marrakech versus the Sahara dunes: expectations and time.