Camel trekking is the central activity in Douz, and the range of options is wide. A one-hour sunset ride to the nearest dunes costs very little and gives a taste of the terrain; a half-day trip reaches dunes of any significance; a multi-day expedition into the Grand Erg Oriental, camping among the dunes and cooking over a fire, is the experience that stays with you.
Dozens of operators offer treks from Douz, ranging from reliable agencies to street fixers. The better operators provide properly equipped camels, experienced guides who know the desert routes, good food, and comfortable tents or traditional goat-hair shelters. Ask to see the equipment and the camels before agreeing. Prices rise considerably during the Festival of the Sahara in November/December. The overnight trip is worth the extra cost: the Saharan night sky, once the temperature drops and the silence arrives, is extraordinary.