Morocco’s Sahara Desert Luxury Camping Guide

Luxury camping in Morocco’s Sahara Desert may have been one of the most unique experiences I have embarked on thus far. If you are traveling to Morocco, making the trek out of the city is an absolute must. The diversity of geography, wildlife and terrain are not like anything I have ever experienced before. The purity and isolation of the Sahara offer a quietness that astonished me. Not to mention, the clarity of the night sky and overall serenity of the desert was indescribable.

After spending four nights in Marrakech, we decided to make the 8+ hour drive into the Sahara, for a 2-night stay at Camp Adounia. Since the camp is located in the middle of the Sahara Desert, the best mode of transportation is with a private, 4WD driver. The camp coordinator, Emma, was more than helpful in arranging our transportation. Having a private driver is basically like having a local guide. We took a day trip to a Kasbah for mint tea, learned about local, cultural traditions, and he was able to show us the best, hidden spots along the way.

For the full experience, two nights in the desert is the perfect amount of time. It provides just enough time to relax at the camp, explore the sand dunes, embark on a sunset camel ride, and sightsee nearby historical Kasbahs. In the evenings, we indulged in local cuisine in the main tent. Following, we all gathered around the bonfire for live Berber music and a chance to marvel at the unspoiled night sky.

The tents were very spacious and provided all the necessary amenities for a proper Sahara Desert luxury camping experience. An extremely comfortable queen size bed, intricately designed Berber carpets, lamps and power outlets, a coat rack with straw and knit hats, a large bathroom with a toilet, mirror and standing area for self-pour showers. There is no running water in the camp, but hot water is provided on a request basis.

What to Know Before Staying at a Luxury Desert Camp in Morocco

• Grocery Stop – Stop at a grocery store on the way to grab your favorite drinks and snacks. Alcohol is not served in the camp, so if you want to enjoy an evening glass of wine or any snacks for the car ride, be sure to stock up on those ahead of time.

• Makeup Wipes & Dry Shampoo– Although this is a luxury camp, you are still in the middle of the desert, so there is no running water. Hot water is conveniently provided on request for washing, but I still recommend taking a fresh shower prior to departure, in addition to packing a few beauty essentials such as makeup wipes and dry shampoo.

• Pack Layers – Don’t be fooled by the desert’s warm daytime temperatures, it cools down significantly at night, so pack accordingly. I suggest a pair of sweatpants, a warm sweater, and a scarf for the evenings, and sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for daytime.