Glamping Under the Stars of the Sahara Desert at Morocco’s Kam Kam Dunes

Desert excursions in Morocco are plentiful, but Kam Kam Dunes provides a truly authentic experience. The nomadic camp is located in the heart of the Sahara Desert, 350 miles southwest of Marrakesh.

At Home in the Desert

The camp is nestled between sky-high sand dunes. It comprises eleven traditional Berber-style black tents and one secluded suite-style complex. To round out the experience, a dining tent and common relaxation space help weary travelers unwind. The camp also provides front row seats for sensational stargazing.

Many factors make this desert experience truly authentic. Local artisans handmade the tent exteriors from organic leather to keep the interior quarters cozy and safe from sandstorms. Inside, clean white bedding creates a modern aesthetic while the private bathrooms boast a colorful Moroccan design. Kam Kam Dunes is also staffed by nomadic people from surrounding Berber communities.

The camp’s location deep in the desert also makes it special. Dunes in all directions dominate the skyline without a glimpse of the closest town in sight. Outside of the main transportation hubs, it’s only accessible via 4×4 transfer.

Despite its remote nature, you still have many comforts of home like electricity and hot water. A few caveats present themselves, however. WiFi isn’t available, which presents the perfect excuse to take a digital detox. Meanwhile, alcohol is served on-site, for an additional charge not included in the rate.

A Suite Saharan Experience

The camp has one additional hidden gem: Kam Kam Suites.

This exclusive section of Kam Kam Dunes opened in October 2018. The secluded complex is hidden  on the opposite side of a sand dune. Four large tents huddle together with Moroccan rugs between. The tents are made of the same organic leather, however they are double the size and can accommodate up to four adults each.

It provides more space and isolation from the hustle and bustle within just five minutes’ walking distance from the other camp’s main quarters.

Transportation to the Desert

Getting to Kam Kam Dunes is an adventure in itself. A twelve-hour drive from Marrakesh, getting there by land also means crossing the Atlas Mountains. Though there isn’t a night minimum at the camp, spending at least two nights at Kam Kam Dunes is recommended.

Luckily, the camp offers a multitude of transportation options that combine visiting other sites while en route.

For those arriving by land, there are many sites to visit between Marrakesh and Morocco. Kam Kam Dunes offers tours ranging from one to four nights. Prices are available for private and shared tours.

For example, a four-day tour stops at Ouarzazate and Todra Gorge with one night in the Dades Valley before spending two nights in the desert. Private transport on this tour plus one shared tent costs 615 Euros for two people. The same tour and accommodation with shared transportation (on a mini-bus with other tourists) costs 425 Euros for two people.

If budget isn’t an issue, travelers can also fly into Errachidia Airport (40 minutes away) via private jet or helicopter.

Beyond the Dunes

Kam Kam Dunes recently began offering unique trekking experiences. Travelers can cross the entire desert on foot by hiking 10 miles east to west. After the walk, the experience concludes with a sunset drive back to camp.

Of course, no desert experience in Morocco is complete without a camel ride, which is an option at Kam Kam Dunes. However, more adventurous travelers might gravitate toward sand surfing as well as ATV, fat-tire bike, and motorcycle rides.

Outside of the camp, a single day 4WD desert tour takes guests to visit a local nomadic family and zinc mines before heading to the town of Khemliya for a Sudanese-style dance show. The journey continues to Kasbah for lunch and an afternoon swim then winds down at a wild oasis before returning to camp for a sunset dune hike (55 euros).

Desert experiences are either priced individually or included as part of the camp’s multi-day packages. Being able to say you camped under the stars in the Sahara? That’s priceless.