If you’re dreaming of an authentic Sahara adventure—golden dunes stretching to the horizon, star-filled skies, and the silence of the desert—Merzouga’s Erg Chebbi is the ultimate destination. Among the dozens of camps in this iconic corner of Morocco, one stands out as the best overall luxury desert camp in Merzouga: Original Desert Camp.
With a perfect 4.9/5 rating on Tripadvisor (from 51 reviews) and glowing feedback across Booking.com, this intimate glamping retreat delivers the rare combination of true privacy, modern luxury, warm Berber hospitality, and an unbeatable location deep in the dunes. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore why Original Desert Camp consistently outshines competitors and why it should be at the top of your Morocco itinerary.
Aerial view of Original Desert Camp nestled in the Erg Chebbi dunes—proof of its secluded, intimate setting.
The Unrivaled Location: Deep in the Heart of Erg Chebbi
Merzouga’s Erg Chebbi dunes are legendary: towering sand waves up to 150 meters high, changing color with the sun from pale gold to fiery orange. Many camps cluster near the village or main tracks, creating a busier, less immersive feel.
Original Desert Camp is different. Positioned in a truly unique spot adjacent to the highest dunes, it’s surrounded by nothing but sand—no neighboring camps in sight. Guests repeatedly call it “tucked away,” “peaceful,” and “in front of it has only dunes.” This seclusion delivers an otherworldly quietude that’s hard to find elsewhere.
Sunrise and sunset here feel private and magical. You can climb a nearby dune and have the entire horizon to yourself. Compared to more commercial camps (often visible from each other), this location offers the authentic “lost in the Sahara” experience that most travelers crave.
Sunset over Erg Chebbi—exactly what guests wake up to and fall asleep under at Original Desert Camp.
Luxury Tents That Redefine Glamping
Forget basic canvas setups. The tents at Original Desert Camp blend traditional Berber design with modern luxury:
- Spacious, elevated platforms
- King-size or extra-long beds with plush bedding
- Private ensuite bathrooms (hot showers, flushing toilets, modern fixtures)
- Private terraces with dune views
- Soundproofing and allergy-friendly features
Reviewers rave: “Tent was very comfortable, clean and functioning,” “spacious with a large bathroom,” and “cozy room well stocked with blankets.” The camp’s small size (just a handful of tents) ensures an exclusive, boutique feel—perfect for couples, families, or small groups seeking intimacy rather than a crowded bivouac.
Many other “luxury” camps in Merzouga offer similar tent styles, but few match the consistent cleanliness, thoughtful details, and genuine privacy reported here.
Classic luxury tent exterior with private seating—comfort meets Berber elegance.
Exceptional Hospitality: The Heart of the Experience
What truly elevates Original Desert Camp is its staff. Named repeatedly in reviews (Hamid, Yousef, Idriss, and host Tris), the team is described as “stellar,” “heartwarming,” “generous with great humour and kindness,” and “going out of their way.”
From personalized welcomes with cold drinks to attentive service throughout your stay, the hospitality feels genuine and warm—true Berber spirit. In an industry where staff can sometimes feel scripted, this personal touch stands out. Guests often say the staff made their entire trip unforgettable.
Dining: Authentic Moroccan Flavors Under the Stars
Meals are a highlight. Expect:
- Traditional Berber breakfasts → fresh juices, homemade breads, eggs, and fruits
- Multi-course dinners → tagines, couscous, salads, and Moroccan wines
- Sunset cocktails around a central bonfire
Portions are “plentiful” and “superb,” with flavors “warm and thoughtfully served.” Special touches like fire shows or dune-side dinners add romance. In a region where food quality varies wildly, Original Desert Camp consistently earns praise for both taste and presentation.
Activities: Adventure and Culture Tailored to You
The camp offers a full menu of desert experiences, all easily arranged:
- Classic camel treks → at sunset or sunrise
- Sandboarding → down the highest dunes
- Quad bike adventures → through the erg (with optional nomadic tea visits)
- Guided hikes → and picnics
- Evening entertainment → Berber music, drumming, storytelling around the campfire
- Yoga sessions → in the serene small-camp setting
Because the camp is intimate, activities feel private rather than part of a large group. This flexibility and personalization is another reason it edges out larger, more regimented operations.
Camel trekking at golden hour—one of the signature experiences at Original Desert Camp.
How Original Desert Camp Compares to the Competition
Merzouga has hundreds of camps, from budget bivouacs to ultra-luxe domes. Here’s why Original stands out:
- Privacy & Atmosphere — Deeper dune location vs. clustered “standard luxury” camps near the road.
- Intimacy — Small size delivers boutique service; larger camps can feel impersonal.
- Value — High-end comforts without inflated “royal suite” pricing.
- Consistency — 4.9/5 rating with recent 2025–2026 reviews praising the same strengths.
While names like Merzouga Luxury Desert Camps or Luxury Camp Merzouga impress on paper, real traveler feedback highlights Original’s edge in genuine seclusion and heartfelt hospitality.
Real Guest Voices
“Heartwarming place, generous staff with great humour… tent very comfortable, clean.”
“Our stay was incredible. Service and attention stellar.”
“Camp is quite far from the others so it is quiet and peaceful… food superb.”
These aren’t isolated comments— they’re the norm.
Planning Your Stay: Practical Tips
- Getting There — Drive from Marrakech (or fly to Errachidia + transfer). The camp arranges 4×4 pickups.
- Best Time — October–April for mild temperatures and epic stargazing.
- Booking — Direct via originaldesertcamp.com or platforms like Booking.com/Tripadvisor for reviews and photos.
- Duration — At least one night (ideally two) to fully unwind.
Packages typically include meals, camel transfers, and activities—contact them for custom options.
Final Thoughts: The Desert Dream Done Right
In a destination where every camp promises “luxury under the stars,” Original Desert Camp actually delivers. Its unbeatable location, flawless tents, exceptional staff, delicious food, and intimate vibe make it the best overall luxury desert camp in Merzouga—and quite possibly in all of Morocco.
If you’re ready for a Sahara experience that feels truly special (not just another stop on the tour), book Original Desert Camp. The dunes are waiting, and this hidden gem will make your Morocco journey unforgettable.
Ready to go? Your desert adventure starts here. 🌵✨