Dunes Camp

Dunes of yellow sand and camel rides... Here you are on the edge of the Moroccan Sahara. Discover southern Morocco's mythical desert while enjoying the outstanding service and comfort of Dunes Camp.

After Zagora the Oued Drâa flows less strongly and the oases lining its course become fewer and further between; past Mahmid its waters peter out in the sand dunes, never to reach the ocean. Here, close by the dunes of the Chegaga erg, in one of the most barren regions of southern Morocco, is where we have installed the camp. More than two hours by dirt track from the nearest village you can enjoy real comfort and top-quality service while being truly immersed in the Sahara. Everything has been designed so that your trip to southern Morocco combines the charm of bivouacking out in the desert with hotel accommodation of a very high calibre.

Life at Dunes Camp

You are in the heart of the desert! Take advantage to experience camel riding since your package includes a day-long excursion by camel with lunch with the neighbouring nomads who manage the camels. The sumptuous landscapes all around are perfect for this : immense sand dunes, gravel desert, table mountains. Exploring the dunes on foot is also a fascinating experience that combined with watching the sun set is sure to leave you with unique memories. To make the very most of being in the heart of the dunes, we recommend you stay at least two nights; your experience will be all the more intense.

Facilities

The camp comprises 15 cotton tents, each with an inner tent and groundsheet, all well spaced out from one another. Each guestroom is a spacious, comfortable caïdal tent (25m²) well furnished with carpets, armchairs, hanging rails, shelving, storage chests and... a real double bed (or two single beds) on legs.
The dining room, in a round tent or very often in the open air, is also comfortable with table linen, candles and Fez crockery.

The waiters are uniformed and the meals served are copious and typically Moroccan. There are 3 chemical toilets and 3 shower tents in various locations near the tents. Lighting is supplied by candles and lanterns only. A camp manager, who is also the excursion guide, assisted by five other people ensures the camp runs smoothly.

Around the camp

Wonderful excursions on foot, by camel or by 4x4 can be made from Dunes Camp, all offering opportunities to discover the immensely varied landscapes in Morocco's far south: the Bouguern erg's sea of dunes, the fossil stones of Lamdaouar Sghir, the dried-up lake of Iriki, the Hassi Aachich rock carvings, the sacred sources of the Oum Laalag oasis and the forests of tamarisks, the tree of the desert. Our visitors' favourite moment? Meeting the nomads and drinking tea with them.

Activities

• Cookery classes with our local team: making bread, traditional cakes, …
• Berber language classes for beginners, cards and other games, quizzes, …
• Outings and Discoveries : visit the nomads at Hassi el Biod; discover the little gardens in the oasis close by ; visit Ibrahim's home to take tea with him and learn how to prepare henna and kohl.
• Camel rides in the vicinity of the camp with our camel drivers (10 camels available).


Pictures credits: © Véronique Mati - Ludovic Maisant
Drawings: Alain Bouldouyre