Nestled among the windswept dunes of the vast Sahara desert, Desert Luxury Camp promises a stay unlike any other. It offers some of the best glamping in Morocco.
Here, the camp’s founders have built an enchanted oasis home to an encampment of storybook tents. It is a place to find peace and quite, and the kind of restorative solitude that only a desert can provide. For those seeking to raise their heart rate, however, there are also plenty of adventures on offer.
Photographers, whether professional or of the Instagram variety, will also love the cinematic scenes Desert Luxury Camp provides. From fiery sunrises and sunsets over the caramel-colored sand, to the charm of their outdoor living spaces, to star-filled nights lit up by a sea of lanterns and campfires, the memorable moments will be endless.
THE JOURNEY
Getting to Desert Luxury Camp is part of the adventure. By car, it’s 350 miles from Marrakech. Along the way, you’ll cross the rugged peaks of the Atlas Mountains, lush river valleys and deep gorges. Desert Luxury Camp recommends breaking the journey into one or two days, allowing you to experience more of Morocco’s off-the-beaten-path.
If you are pressed for time, however, consider one of the twice-weekly flights from Casablanca to Errachidia, a regional airport about 2 hours from camp. Alternatively, for those really looking to splurge, helicopter transportation from Marrakech can also be arranged.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Each of the Camp’s canvas tents is handmade in Casablanca. Interiors feature handcrafted furniture, earth-tone colors, and of course, many traditional Moroccan rugs.
The Main Camp is home to just five sleeping tents. Each features a double or twin beds and an ensuite bathroom. Here at Main Camp, you’ll also find the property’s tented restaurant and plenty of places to lounge outside.
For those who desire a little more privacy, book their Private Camp with three tents. Each features cozy bedding and ensuite bathrooms, as well as seclusion. Best of all, the sleeping test’s walls can be fully opened, allowing you to take in wonderful views of the surrounding dunes from your bed. It’s also a great pick for families.
Finally, there’s Royal Camp. Comprised of Desert Luxury Camp’s two largest tents perched atop a dune, they offer king beds and commanding views of the Sahara. They can be booked separately or together as a private camp (perfect for honeymooners).
THE FOOD
Warm and traditional Berber hospitality is on full display at Desert Luxury Camp. Dinner and breakfast are included in your stay (as is lunch for those staying 2 or more nights).
Dinners at Desert Luxury Camp are memorable. You’ll sit under the stars or in the dining tent and feast on three courses of Moroccan cuisine made from local ingredients. Main courses may include dishes like varieties of tajine, lamb mechoui (a traditional North African roasted lamb dish) and vegetable couscous.
Come morning, you’ll enjoy coffee, tea and freshly squeezed orange juices under the slowly rising sun. Then, fuel up with Moroccan pancakes, eggs made to order, fresh baked bread, and an assortment of jams, cheeses, oils and honey.
For another memorable meal, arrange for a romantic private dinner among the dunes.
ACTIVE ADVENTURES
Kick things off with a guided walk during the cool early morning hours. These two-hour trips allow you to watch as the desert awakens.
Should you prefer to hitch a ride, camel-trekking is, of course, a very popular activity here. With instruction from your expert guide, you’ll be sauntering over the dunes in no time. If it’s more camel, err, horsepower you’re after, hop in one of Desert Luxury Camps’ Toyota 4x4s. Driven by an expert, you’ll be in for a wild ride. And, you can’t leave without trying sand-boarding (it’s like snowboarding but substitute snow for sand).
CULTURAL ACTIVITIES
One favorite cultural activity is joining a local Berber nomad family for tea or lunch. Or, visit and learn about the town of Rissani. Once a thriving center of commerce and an important caravan stop from Niger to Tangier, today you can explore the old town’s ruins and its thrice-weekly market.
At day’s end, watching the stunning sunset is an activity in and of itself. Then, at night, food, music and dancing take center stage.
Tired from a day’s worth of adventure? Simply kick back and watch the stars appear in the pitch black sky.
WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?
Whether you’re seeking a romantic escape or a family experience, Desert Luxury Camp has both accommodations and activities to suit you needs.
Grant Smith is a travel writer who provides readers and viewers with the information they need to get off the Internet and on the road saying, “I’m going to have an awesome time!” Wherever he goes, Grant travels with a budget-aware eye, but isn’t afraid to splurge on travel experiences that are truly worth it. When he’s not living out of a suitcase, Grant lives in Southern California.