The short answer
Many good camps do. At luxury camps in the Agafay and at Erg Chebbi, a small heater in the tent is normal in winter, a few add electric under-carpet heating, and all lay on duvets and extra blankets. Basic camps rely on blankets and the fire. Ask before you book, and still pack warm layers.
In more detail
Our camp guides describe winter nights from November to February falling to cold single figures, and near or below freezing around New Year. The better camps plan for it: heaters in the tents and around the dining area, heavy bedding, and a fire after dinner. Our New Year notes say the Agafay camps use heaters for exactly this reason.
Heating does not make a tent a house. Canvas loses heat fast, and the walk from the fire to your tent, or to the bathroom at night, is cold. Our camp guide goes as far as saying a proper sleeping bag can earn its place even in a luxury tent in deep winter.
When you book, ask three things: is there a heater in each tent, is the bathroom inside the tent, and how many blankets or duvets are provided. A camp that answers clearly is usually a well-run one.
Good to know
- Ask: heater in every tent?
- Ask: bathroom inside the tent or a walk away?
- Pack a warm hat and socks to sleep in.