This is the biggest decision to make. Standard camps offer private tents with beds and blankets, but toilet and shower facilities are usually shared blocks outside the tents. Luxury camps provide large, hotel-style tents with en-suite flush toilets, hot showers, electricity, and generally higher quality meals.

Bring water (at least 1.5L per person per day). You need sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat/scarf). Crucially, temperatures drop drastically at night—even in summer—so bring warm layers, a jacket, and a beanie. Wear long, comfortable trousers to prevent chafing against the rough camel wool blankets.

It doesn't require fitness, but it requires balance. The hardest parts are when the camel stands up or kneels down—hold on tight as it’s very jerky. The ride itself is a slow, swaying motion that can strain your inner thighs and lower back after an hour. Most people manage fine, but expect to be a little sore the next day.

You only take a small backpack with overnight essentials (water, camera, change of clothes, toiletries) onto the camel. Your main luggage is left securely behind at the hotel or Auberge in Merzouga village that is organizing your trek. You will return there to shower and collect your bags the next morning.