Name: Bivouac Chergui Sahara
Address: Desert erg chebbi, Merzouga, Merzouga, Merzouga, 08530, Morocco
Rating: 10

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Bivouac Chergui Sahara

Merzouga

Right from the get-go, I'll say that if you're a Ritz hotel type traveler, you'll need to take a minute and adjust your expectations.  This is something I had to do myself.  But, this is not like any other travel experience - it's unique.  If you pass this up because it's not what you're used to, you'll be missing a LOT.

Upon arrival, we were greeted with mint tea as is customary everywhere, but that's where typical ends. The circle of very large tents is surrounded by dunes in every direction.  There's a very large dining tent and a fire pit in the middle of the compound.

Our tent had a terrible ant problem at the doorway - we couldn't source the problem, but they did give us bug spray and we didn't get any bites and the ants didn't get into our things, so it was a minor inconvenience.

The photographs we saw on-line are accurate, but in reality, the room impressed us differently.  In-person, the shag carpeting (while practical for catching and hiding the abundant sand) along with the red velvet walls was all just a little jarring.  The shower space and toilet space were modern and functional.  The vanity was modern and sufficient.  The tents have individual wall-unit air conditioners - ours cooled the space very effectively.  There was an unusual smell in the tent - was it incense, or left over from the campfires?  It wasn't pleasant, but we also only used our tent for sleeping.  

The came ride was AMAZING!  Don't miss that.  It's an experience unlike any other.  And, the guides are friendly and enthusiastic.

Dinner was terrific - food was good and plentiful.  We brought our own alcohol.  They chilled the wine for us.  Non-alcoholic beverages were available for purchase.  The drum circle was the BEST.  Everyone was dancing - it was probably the best group dinner of our entire 2-week trip because it was so relaxed, fun and unique - the space was entirely ours and the entertainment was especially for us.  

After dinner, they set up a roaring campfire and left us to it.  We stayed up very late, played our own music, danced, talked.  There's nowhere else to go and nothing else to do - and, you can't be on your phone because there's zero service.  It's extremely relaxing.

They had surveyed who wanted to be awakened for sunrise, so we got a tap on our tent in time to throw on clothes and venture into the dunes.  (Shortly thereafter, there were hyenas running eagerly past our tent looking for last minute scraps before we all arose). 
As you walk into the dunes:  note that some of the people who work here sleep in the desert - not in tents.  Just bed down.  Anthropologically, this was neat to see, too.  It's another way of life entirely.

While awaiting breakfast, one of our travelers started playing one of the drums and in no time, Rashid (who manages the space) joined in and we had an impromptu performance before breakfast.

So, that's why this hotel experience gets 5 stars while I also caution you to lower your typical hotel expectations.  It's not your typical hotel experience.

More of an experience than a hotel, and it shouldn't be missed.

Glamping in the Sahara!  OK - but you're still in a tent in the desert.  Gets very cold overnight.

Tent was well appointed and felt authentic.

Dinner was the best on our entire trip.  Local specialties and the host provided the musical entertainment.  It was a great time - wish I had more time to spend there.

Desert glamping

Our high expectations were exceeded at this real-deal encampment amid the shifting dunes, with sturdy vinyl tent arrayed in a circle around a fire pit. 

Inviting strolls and dune climbs in any direction are a photographer's dream as changing light redraws the landscape -- particularly at sunset and sunrise (def worth rising to experience).

Sunset camel ride arranged in advance as part of fee. Super-ample dinner and breakfast in a large, carpeted tent (wine available, as pictured below). 

Lodging tents also are carpeted, though inevitably sandy. Warm shower (small stall in corner of tent reminded us of an outdoor beachside rinse-off nozzle, though with hot water and privacy). Two roll-up side flaps ease daytime stuffiness a bit (AC not turned on 'til after sundown -- limited generator capacity). Attractive wall coverings.

Courtyard lanterns (electric) add a nice evening vibe, as does the warm and attentive hosting by manager Rasheed -- who jammed on traditional drums with our guide after dinner.

Bottled water and soft drinks provided only for charge, even at dinner (cheesy and chintzy).

Ideal desert experience with hearty meals, gracious hospitality (including live Gnawa drumming), ideal location

This was one of the most magical places I’ve ever been to. The ride to the camp is an Indiana Jones experience. The tents are clean and spacious. You are greeted with tea (of course) and nuts. The camel ride through the desert was magical. The sunset colors were stunning and sunrise was even better. Walking the dunes while the sun comes up is THE BEST. The staff were super sweet and responsive. 

Sahara dream 

The tents are luxurious with flushing toilets and showers. Electric and heat or AC are provided to the luxurious red velvet walled tents. Dinner is buffet and wine ya great bargain at about 200 dirham a bottle. 

Small intimate camp 

What an amazing experience to spend the night in in the Sahara desert. From riding camels out into the desert, to dinner followed by drumming and dancing, to the following morning seeing the sunrise from the top of a sand dune. 
Thanks to Barack for camels and 4WD transport out to Chergui.
Rachid and the other staff provided us with superb service. Our bivouac was stunningly appointed, providing a magic night's rest.

In the Sahara desert

This 8 tent camp located in the Southeastern Moroccan Sahara desert was part of a once in a lifetime experience. The camp is located about a one hour drive from Erfoud. We were only there for about 16 hours but what a memorable 16 hours. We were greeted by the manager Rashid on arrival. Rashid is one of the most talented, charming and attentive property managers I have ever met. He speaks about 9 languages, is incredibly gracious and  is also a wonderful musician. We arrived late in the afternoon and briefly checked into our tent and then off to a spectacular 45 minute camel ride at sunset. It was a wonderful experience riding on a camel over breathtakingly beautiful and  steep sand dunes. One sand dune in the distance was about 830 feet high. The sunset was spectacular and the only sound we heard in the desert was the whistling of the wind. The rooms in the tent were small but very pleasant and heated with shower and toilet. The rooms were attractive, however, it got very cold at night (about 36 degrees )and they didn't tell us they turned off the heat for 4 hours from 1 to 5am. By 5am it was quite cold in the tent but we had several thick blankets to keep us warm
A typical Moroccan dinner was served buffet style in a large tent and it was quite good. After dinner, we were entertained  by Rashid and his assistant, Moustapha. The music was really lively, very good and really fun. 
The next morning, we arose at 6am for a walk into the spectacular sand dunes and we watched the sunrise over the Sahara. Again, an incredibly memorable experience. After sunrise, we went back to camp and sat around a fire while waiting for breakfast. Breakfast was good and then we said our goodbyes and left with great memories and beautiful photographs.
I cannot recommend this experience highly enough. If you have this opportunity take advantage of it. It should be on everyone's bucket list.

Bivouac Chergui Sahara

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