Marrakech, the vibrant jewel of Morocco, offers a myriad of experiences that tantalize the senses and ignite the spirit of adventure. Embarking on a camel ride in Marrakech isn’t merely a recreational activity; it’s a journey through time, tracing back centuries to the nomadic crows of the Sahara. As you sway gently atop your majestic camel, you’ll be enveloped by the mesmerizing panorama of Marrakech’s surroundings. For thrill-seekers and intrepid travelers, Marrakech camel rides offer an exhilarating escapade unlike any other.
Camel riding in Morocco is generally very safe and suitable for a wide range of ages. Here are some tips and things to know before you go, to ensure you have the best experience:
Ethical Considerations
There is a huge ethical question whenever animals are used for tourism purposes. With that being said, camel rides can be just as ethical or unethical of an experience based on the company you choose to work with. But keep in mind that as of now there are no laws about animal cruelty in Morocco. Meaning, many Moroccans see their animals as a business opportunity instead of something to be cared for.
Only choose to ride animals that seem healthy and well taken care of. Find experiences that are fair market prices (not deep discounts), as these handlers make more money to sustain their camels. Watch how your handler interacts with their camel. If they are hitting, kicking, yanking the reins frequently, etc. As these points suggest: it’s up to you to decide if the experience is ethical and meets your animal well-being standards. Personally, I did ride a camel in the Sahara Desert. I found the experience to be fairly humane and the camels to be comfortable.
It’s important to say something if you see an animal being treated unfairly and refuse to ride to ensure the animals welfare is in the best interest.
Read also: Morocco's Red City: Marrakech
Where to Ride: Two Main Options
There are two main places people choose to ride a camel in Morocco: Merzouga and the Agafay Desert (near Marrakech). Just a note: You can find other places to ride camels in Morocco, such as Tangier, but the experience just isn’t as good. I will always recommend riding a camel in the Sahara if you have the time to travel to Merzouga. However if you’re on a tighter schedule you can find some amazing rides near Marrakech, too. There are other camel experiences in Morocco but these are the two best and most popular places to ride.
1. Sahara near Merzouga
Your first option is to ride camels in the Sahara near Merzouga. The best way to visit Merzouga is with a guided 3-day tour from either Fes or Marrakech. These tours often include a camel ride already in your purchase price or as an add-on purchase at your overnight camp. If choosing to travel to the Sahara it’s best to book your camel tour directly with your tour operator, as the camps are spread out and your camel ride starts directly at your overnight stay. Personally, I can’t recommend a trip to the Sahara enough if you’re visiting Morocco. Camel trekking the dunes overlooking nothing but sand is just an incredible experience that everyone should have in their lifetime.
To be sure you’re having a good experience on your Sahara tour it’s important to book a tour that’s at least $150. Those who have booked cheaper tours find the experience to be lacking, where the point is to take you to places to purchase items from friends rather than spend time in the desert.
2. Agafay Desert near Marrakech
Your second option for riding camels in Morocco is a bit easier to get to by visiting the Agafay Desert just outside of Marrakech. You’ll find a variety of experiences that include camel rides in the Agafay Desert, like overnight glamping stays, dinner shows, and quad bike tours. So, if you’re looking to stay closer to Marrakech booking a tour to the Agafay Desert is a great alternative to see get a camel experience on your trip to Morocco. You can book private tours in the Agafay Desert with some tour operators. Of course, these experiences will cost you more money.
Escape the bustling streets of Marrakech and embark on an unforgettable Agafay Desert Camel Ride. As you sway gently atop a camel, guided by experienced locals, take in the serene beauty of this unique desert. Admire the golden hues of the rocky dunes, spot traditional Berber villages, and soak in the tranquility of the vast expanse.
Read also: Apartments for Rent
Your Agafay Desert Camel Ride includes traditional Moroccan mint tea in a Berber tent, allowing you to immerse yourself in local culture and hospitality. Experience an unforgettable Agafay Desert Camel Ride and Dinner with Show, a magical journey through Morocco’s stunning rocky dunes. Your adventure begins with a scenic camel ride, guided by friendly locals who share insights into Berber traditions. After the ride, immerse yourself in the warmth of Moroccan hospitality at a traditional desert camp. Indulge in an authentic Moroccan dinner, featuring flavorful tagines, fresh salads, and sweet Desserts under a starlit sky.
Escape the city’s hustle and immerse yourself in the peaceful beauty of Marrakech’s Palmeraie with a camel ride through its lush palm groves. Led by experienced guides, your Palmeraie camel ride takes you through quiet trails, passing by authentic Berber villages, where you’ll get a glimpse of local life. Feel the rhythm of the swaying camel as you soak in the breathtaking scenery and enjoy the fresh desert air.
Discover the true essence of Marrakech with a camel ride Marrakech escapade! Embark on an enchanting adventure as you traverse the mystical Agafay Desert. As the sun begins to dip below the horizon, indulge in a 1-hour sunset camel ride, a timeless journey across the serene landscape. As twilight descends, prepare for an evening of cultural immersion. The night comes alive with the vibrant sounds of live local music, a performance that captures the heart and soul of Moroccan tradition.
When you book with CamelRideMarrakech.com, expect a scenic trek through Marrakech’s stunning Palmeraie, guided by experienced locals.
Absolutely! Camel Ride Marrakech caters to all, with no prior riding experience necessary.
Read also: A Vibrant Retreat in Marrakech
Our standard Camel Ride Marrakech experience lasts about 1-2 hours, with flexibility to adjust to your schedule.
Dress comfortably in long pants and closed-toe shoes for protection.
Visit CamelRideMarrakech.com to book online or contact us directly for personalized assistance.
Worth the HYPE? Agafay Desert Sunset, Camel Ride, and Dinner Tour from Marrakesh, Morocco - Day trip
Camel Rides in Marrakech: A Taste of Desert Life Near the City
For those short on time or not venturing deep into the Sahara, camel rides in Marrakech offer a convenient glimpse of desert life without straying far from the city. Just outside Marrakesh, you can find the Palmeraie, a vast palm grove, and the rocky Agafay Desert, both popular for short camel riding tours. Camel trips in Marrakech typically last an hour or two and let you sway through scenic palm oases or arid hills with views of the Atlas Mountains in the distance. Guides often dress you in a traditional cheich (turban) to keep the sun off, and the camels (technically one-humped dromedaries) are equipped with padded saddles for comfort.
These Marrakech camel rides are family-friendly and easy to arrange - many operators offer hotel pick-up for an evening camel ride at sunset or a morning trek with a mint tea break under the palms. While the scenery is not the towering sand dunes of the Sahara, the Marrakech camel trips still provide a charming atmosphere. You’ll plod along golden-hued dirt trails amid palm trees and small Berber villages, often with the city’s silhouette visible on the horizon. It’s a great introduction to camel riding, and a fun way to capture some quintessential Moroccan photos in traditional attire.
Sahara Desert Camel Trekking Tours: Merzouga vs Zagora
For the ultimate camel trekking in Morocco, you’ll want to head out from Marrakech into the Sahara Desert on a multi-day tour. Two of the most popular desert destinations are Merzouga (Erg Chebbi dunes) and Zagora (gateway to the Draa Valley and Erg Chigaga). These locations differ in distance, landscape, and the overall experience, so it’s worth understanding each before choosing your camel trek from Marrakech.
Here's a comparison table to help you decide:
| Feature | Zagora | Merzouga |
|---|---|---|
| Distance from Marrakech | 6-hour drive | 9-10 hour drive |
| Desert Landscape | Rocky desert with smaller dunes | Massive Erg Chebbi sand dunes |
| Authenticity & Atmosphere | Less isolated, sometimes near roads | Immersive, far from roads |
| Tour Duration | 2 days/1 night | 3 days/2 nights (minimum) |
A typical Marrakech camel trek tour to Zagora is 2 days/1 night: you drive there via the Atlas Mountains and Draa Valley, ride camels to a nomad-style camp for the night, then ride back next morning and return to Marrakech. For Merzouga, tours are commonly 3 days/2 nights: with stops at places like Ait Ben Haddou or Todra Gorge en route, a sunset camel ride to a camp, and perhaps a sunrise trek back. Longer Morocco desert camel trekking tours (5 days or more) can even combine both Erg Chebbi and Erg Chigaga (a more remote dune field near Zagora), for those who want a comprehensive desert adventure.
Aside from Merzouga and Zagora, the Draa Valley (the route toward Zagora) is renowned for its string of oases and palm groves, offering a scenic backdrop as you approach the desert. Many tours from Marrakech pass through the Draa Valley, so you get to enjoy its greenery and ancient kasbahs before mounting your camel. For the truly adventurous, Erg Chigaga near M’hamid (further south of Zagora) offers a less-touristed dune experience - it requires a bit more driving (and often a 4×4 transfer for the last stretch) but rewards you with wilderness vibes and fewer crowds.
What Is Camel Riding Like?
So, what does it actually feel like to ride a camel? In a word: mesmerizing. Riding a camel is quite different from riding a horse - the camel’s height and the gentle swaying motion of its gait create a rocking rhythm unlike any other. At first, you might find camels a bit intimidating up close. They are tall, long-legged creatures with a famously aloof demeanor. But once you climb aboard and the camel rises to its feet, you’ll soon settle into the saddle and start to appreciate the experience. Embarking on a camel ride is truly a remarkable feeling, offering a high vantage point from which to admire the desert scenery. With each plodding step, you can sense the camel’s strength and sure-footedness beneath you.
Mounting and Dismounting
Thankfully, camels are trained to kneel when it’s time to mount. With a guide’s assistance, you simply swing your leg over the saddle (situated just behind the hump) while the camel is sitting. Then, hang on tight - as the camel stands up in two jerky motions, first lifting its back legs and then its front, you’ll lurch forward and then back. It’s normal to yelp or laugh as this happens - it’s part of the fun! Once standing, the camel stands about 2 metres high at the saddle, so you’re well above the ground. Riders are usually provided with a handle or pommel to hold onto, and experienced guides will lead the camel by a rope. When the ride is over, the camel will kneel again (lean back this time as it goes down) so you can hop off. Guides stay with you the whole time to ensure safety and to manage the camels, who often travel in a caravan tied one behind the other.
The Pace and Feeling
Camels move at a deliberate, slow pace, which is ideal for soaking in your surroundings. As your camel rocks back and forth, you have time to look around - the vast dunes, the mountain foothills, or whatever landscape you’re traversing. Many riders say it’s almost a meditative rhythm; you fall into sync with the camel’s steps and feel transported to an ancient era of desert nomads and caravans. Don’t expect a fast or particularly smooth ride - there is an up-and-down motion to each stride, and after an hour or more, you might feel it in your legs or back. (Tip: if you start to get sore, try shifting your position or stretching one leg at a time.) However, most people find camel riding more comfortable than they anticipated, especially with the padded Moroccan saddles. In fact, contrary to popular belief, riding a camel can be quite comfortable and is a favoured way to travel for local nomads and tourists alike. The saddles often have a backrest and ample blankets, and the camels’ steady gait means you won’t be bouncing around as you might on a trotting horse.
Scenery and Atmosphere
Perhaps the best part of camel riding is the scenery you’ll access at this unhurried pace. In the Moroccan Sahara, the views are simply breathtaking. You’ll trek through apricot-colored sand dunes that stretch to the horizon, watch as the light and shadows change the desert hues, and feel the emptiness and peace of the environment. Many camel treks are timed so that you reach a high dune by sunset - imagine sitting atop your camel as the sun sinks, painting the sky in purples and oranges and turning the dunes fiery red. At night, if you’re on an overnight camel safari, you might be treated to a blanket of stars unlike any you’ve seen before. (With no light pollution, the Milky Way in the Sahara is incredibly vivid.) In shorter daytime rides, you’ll still get a sense of that nomadic adventure - the quietness except for camel footsteps and occasional grunts, the vast blue sky over a sea of sand, and you as part of a caravan winding its way through it all. It’s a little taste of how travel might have felt centuries ago.
Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Camel Trek
Camel riding in Morocco is generally very safe and suitable for a wide range of ages. Here are some tips and things to know before you go, to ensure you have the best experience:
- Guides and Camels: Always go with a reputable guide or tour operator, especially for longer treks. The guides are skilled at handling the camels and helping riders. Moroccan camels are known to be gentle, patient animals - many have been giving tourist rides for years. It’s common even for children as young as five (or sometimes younger with supervision) to ride camels in Morocco. The key is that the camels are well cared for and the guide stays in control of the animal. If you have any hesitations or need a break, communicate with your guide - they are there to assist and ensure your comfort and safety.
- What to Wear: Dress for the desert environment to stay comfortable. Long trousers are a must for camel riding - the camel’s hair can be scratchy and the sides of the saddle can rub your legs, so you want that layer of fabric. Similarly, wear a long-sleeved shirt to protect your arms and shoulders from the sun. A broad-brimmed hat or, even better, a local scarf/turban is highly recommended. Your guide can often wrap a scarf for you in the Tuareg style, covering your head and neck. This not only shields you from intense sun but also helps with any blowing sand. Don’t forget sunglasses and sunscreen for any exposed skin. For footwear, closed shoes or sandals that strap on are best (avoid flip-flops that could slip off). And since desert temperatures drop at night, bring a light jacket or sweater if you’ll be out for sunset or overnight.
- Staying Hydrated: The desert air is very dry, and you may not notice how much water you’re losing to sweat (it evaporates quickly). Drink water before your ride and after. On guided treks, the staff usually carries water and will offer it during breaks. It’s a good idea to have a small bottle with you on the camel if possible (some saddles have a saddlebag or you can wear a backpack).
- Photography: Camel rides are prime time for amazing photos. The guides know all the best spots and often will help take pictures of you on the camel with your camera or phone. Take advantage of pauses to snap shots of the camel caravan casting long shadows on the dunes, or a selfie in your turban atop your trusty camel. Pro tip: sunrise and sunset provide the most dramatic lighting in the desert, but even midday rides can yield stunning high-contrast images of blue sky and yellow sand. Just secure your camera - maybe around your neck or in a zippered pocket - because you’ll need both hands free when the camel stands up or sits down.
- Comfort and Well-Being: While camels are relatively comfortable to ride, after an hour or more you might feel a bit saddle-sore (especially if you’re not used to riding). Don’t be shy to ask for a break. On longer treks, guides usually schedule rest stops where you can dismount, stretch your legs, and enjoy some tea or snacks in the shade of a tent or desert shrub. Camel treks are generally taken at a leisurely pace - remember, it’s not about racing to the destination, but enjoying the journey. If you have any health issues (like back problems or if you’re pregnant), consult with your tour operator beforehand to see if a short camel ride is advisable; you might opt for a shorter ride or have extra padding on the saddle. Also, use the restroom before you set off - facilities in the open desert are, shall we say, rustic (often it’s just behind a dune!).
- Weight Limits: Camels are strong animals (often stronger than horses for carrying capacity), but for the animal’s welfare there are some rough guidelines. In Morocco, tour operators typically recommend a rider be no more than about 100 kg (220 lbs) for a single camel. If you are above that weight, don’t be discouraged - some may still accommodate by having the person ride on a camel along with lighter luggage, or arranging for a larger camel. Always inform your tour in advance if you have concerns about weight or any physical limitation; they can often make adjustments. Children usually will ride with an adult or at least on a camel led by a walking guide if they’re very young.
Amazing Adaptations of Camels (Fun Facts)
Camels are often called the “ships of the desert,” and for good reason - their bodies are brilliantly adapted to survive and thrive in harsh desert conditions. Understanding a few camel facts will deepen your appreciation as you ride these amazing creatures:
- Humps for Fat, Not Water: One of the most common misconceptions is that camels store water in their humps. In fact, a camel’s hump is a reservoir of fatty tissue, not water. This fat can be broken down to release energy (and a bit of water as a metabolic byproduct) when food is scarce. Essentially, the hump is like a built-in pantry that allows camels to go weeks without eating, which is crucial in the sparse desert. When a camel has used up its fat reserve, the hump actually shrinks and can even flop over to the side. With good feeding and rest, it plumps up again. (Camels do drink water, of course - and when they find it, they can guzzle an astonishing amount in one go, up to 100 liters in just 5-10 minutes!)
- Endurance and Strength: Camels are incredibly tough. They can endure high temperatures and also cold nights.
Popular articles:
tags: #Morocco
