Oasis Desert Camp Obira

The owner gave back my things that I left by mistake there which was a positive.

But everyone booking this WATCH OUT. The owner is operating a scam. The price on booking.com is not the price. It’s impossible to access the location without a 5 minute car ride. For this he charged me 20 EUROS?!!! This wasn’t mentioned at all at any point, although we spoke on WhatsApp and is a straight up scam. Really avoid this place.i am told it used to be run by the current owner’s brother, who was a great guy, and has now changed hands. So the good reviews are out of date.

Amazing and relaxing experience. Simple camp but in an amazing location. Far away from the large groups of touristy camps. Do go if you like an authentic stay in the desert with good food and a nice host.

**A Truly Authentic Desert Camp Experience – Not Your Typical Tourist Trap** If you're looking for the *real* desert camping experience in Merzouga, *Oasis Desert Camp Obira* is the place to go. Set beside a **genuine historic oasis** — something incredibly rare in this area — this camp offers an experience that’s deeply rooted in Bedouin tradition and free from the commercial feel you’ll get at the many "luxury" camps popping up around the dunes. The location is perfect for **climbing the dunes** and taking in the spectacular **sunrises and sunsets** — and at night, you can sleep **under the stars** if you want a front-row view of the starlit sky. If you're travelling in winter, the tents are well-prepared with **comfy beds and plenty of blankets** — surprisingly cosy even when temperatures drop to freezing. What really sets this place apart is the **authenticity** and the absence of pushy sales tactics. No one is trying to upsell you on overpriced extras. Instead, you’ll get **genuine hospitality** from Mohammed, whose family has been running camps at this oasis for generations. His advice is honest, practical, and given with the kind of care that’s hard to find in the more corporate setups nearby. Speaking of Mohammed — his **cooking is fantastic**. Breakfast is generous and filling, and dinner is just as good, priced fairly and absolutely delicious. If you’re lucky, he’ll even show you how to cook a proper **Moroccan tagine** — a free cooking lesson that adds a personal, unforgettable touch to your stay. This camp is the absolute opposite of the overbuilt, overly curated camps that line the dunes these days. It’s peaceful, remote enough to feel wild, and gives you that rare sense that you're experiencing the Sahara as it was meant to be.

Obira oasis was the first camp for tourists that existed in Erg Chebbi. And it is one of the very few, that are actually within the dunes. Most camps are located at the edge. If you want the real desert and oasis experience, than you should definitely come here. As with all other camps, the transport to the camp is payed extra. Mohammed organised everything for us and we could choose between camel or 4x4 car. The camel rides leave around 4pm from Merzuga (1,5 h ride) and return after breakfast around 10 am. Our camel guide spend the night(s) at the camp. The price (Feb 2025) is 30€/camel/night. If you stay longer at Obira Oasis, you can do a camel ride day trip to a berber family outside of the dunes and eat Pizza there (Pizza 15€/person). We rode to the highest dune (1 hour away) and climbed it! There is also a big dune behind Obira oasis which has beautiful views. Or you just relax in Mohammeds camp. The camp has a nice atmosphere. The amenities are basic, but the tents are cozy and there are plenty of blankets. As far as I know there is no electricity. At night the camp is illuminated with solar lights and candles - very romantic! Bring a torch if you have one. Dinner is very very tasty and plentiful. When we were there, it was served around 10 pm, so you can watch the sunset before and hike the dune. There is always tee offered and water for drinking. But we also brought some water with us. Mohammed always told us not to be shy and ask if we need anything. We really enjoyed our stay and can recommend staying more than one night, to get the full experience.

Mohammed was definitely more communicative than other people I contacted regarding camps in Merzouga. Still we would have liked a bit more information beforehand regarding our stay and transportation to the camp. But I guess it’s all about being in the flow and seeing it as a little adventure. :)

From the minute we met Mohammed we knew we were in good hands. Mohammed and his team made us feel so welcome and comfortable. Some of the kindest people we have met. The camp is rustic and beautifully authentic, it's located just behind one of the largest dunes in this area of the desert and the trees surrounding also help create a sense of shelter, as well as seclusion from the activities of other people in the desert. The breakfasts are filling and the dinners are deliciously hearty. We were overly happy about the quality of the food that was served and the presentation was impeccable considering the resources used and the location. The tagine was the best we have ever had, seriously good. We were constantly supplied with tea, snacks and large water bottles for free so there's no need to worry about stocking up for your stay; if only prepare water for the camel journeys to and from the camp. During our two day/nights stay there was no pressure to do any activities, we did as we pleased and we felt very at home because of the laidback nature of the camp. We were offered and chose to visit a nomadic Berber house to eat pizza for lunch on our second day, taking the chance to ride the camels again for another 1 hour and a half journey in another direction in the desert; rushing back to camp to watch the sunset on the big dune. On our journeys the camel guide Lessen taught us Arabic and Berber words for various observations we made along the way, making the trips even more fulfilling as we taught him the same words in English. He was so kind to us. The nights were spent in front of camp fire, singing, playing musical instruments under the star littered sky with everyone in the camp. An unforgettable experience to say the least! Mine and my partner's stay will stick with us forever. Will we always remember Mohammed and his team for their good nature, and of course the No#1 camp in the Sahara, Camp Obira! Shukran Mohammed. Afrika!

We were so excited to find out we were staying in the OG desert camp in Merzouga and our experience went way beyond our expectations, so much we stayed an extra night and wish we could have done more. Our stay was EPIC with the stunning location, delicious fresh vegetarian food and above all the most lovely and generous hosts we could have asked for. Mohamed took us out on some incredible and one of a kind experiences. He taught us how to make the best tagine and absolutely looked after us from the moment we stepped off the bus to Merzouga to when we left. We were worried about the cold in the night but we were given a mountain of blankets and traditional gowns and were as cosy as you could imagine. It’s a time that we will remember forever and hope to return soon because there is truly no place like this. Thank you Mohamed and Ahmed - you guys are the best and we are forever grateful, Andrea & Esme

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Very nice stay with Mohammed, who is an exceptional host. Very welcoming and caring for his guest. Also, he made us a Tajine that was probably one of the best we had so far 😋 Accommodation is basic, but exactly as described/pictured. You will have an authentic experience here without luxury!