Camel Ride in Morocco: Where to Go, How Long and What to Expect
The best places for a camel ride in Morocco are the Erg Chebbi dunes at Merzouga (the classic Sahara experience, about 560 km from Marrakech), Zagora (shorter trip, smaller dunes), the Agafay desert and the Palmeraie near Marrakech (1-hour rides, no overnight needed) and the beach at Essaouira. Rides near Marrakech last about 45-60 minutes; in the Sahara, a trek to a desert camp usually takes 1-2 hours each way at sunset and sunrise.
Where can you ride a camel in Morocco?
| Location | From Marrakech | Landscape | Typical ride |
|---|---|---|---|
| Palmeraie | 20-30 min | Palm grove, sandy tracks | 45-60 min |
| Agafay desert | approx. 45 min (40 km) | Stony hills, Atlas views | About 1 h at sunset |
| Essaouira beach | approx. 3 h (190 km) | Atlantic beach and dunes | 30 min - 2 h |
| Zagora | approx. 7 h via Tizi n'Tichka | Low dunes, Draa valley palms | About 1 h to camp |
| Merzouga / Erg Chebbi | 2 days (approx. 9-10 h driving) | Sand sea, dunes up to around 150 m | 1-2 h to camp, overnight |
Near Marrakech: the easy option
If you have only a few days, a ride in the Palmeraie or the Agafay desert gives you the experience without a long drive. The Palmeraie is flat and shady, good for families and a pleasant way to see palm groves and earth-built hamlets. The Agafay is a rocky desert plateau, not a sand sea, but at sunset - with the High Atlas on the horizon - it feels far from the city. Many visitors combine the ride with mint tea and a Moroccan dinner at a camp.
In the Sahara: the full experience
For real dunes, head to Erg Chebbi at Merzouga. Most trips from Marrakech take three days, crossing the High Atlas over the Tizi n'Tichka pass (2,260 m) and passing Ait Benhaddou and the Todra Gorge. On the second afternoon you ride into the dunes to a camp for the night, climb a dune for the stars, then ride out again at sunrise. Zagora is a shorter two-day alternative with smaller dunes. The dunes at Merzouga are the tallest in Morocco, and the ride into them at golden hour is one of the country's defining experiences.
What is a night in a Sahara desert camp like?
After the sunset ride you arrive at a camp tucked between the dunes. Standard camps have shared or private tents with beds and blankets, while higher-end camps add private bathrooms and heating. Evenings follow a similar rhythm: mint tea on arrival, a tagine dinner, then drumming around a fire and time to walk out onto the sand to look at the stars - with no city lights, the Milky Way is often clearly visible. In the morning you climb a dune for sunrise before the camels take you back to the village for breakfast and a shower. Pack a head torch, a warm layer and a small bag for the night, as main luggage often stays in the vehicle.
What is riding a camel actually like?
Moroccan camels are dromedaries, the one-humped species. They are tall, gentle and slow, walking at about 4-5 km/h, usually in a line led on foot by a cameleer. A few tips:
- Mounting. The camel kneels. Swing your leg over the saddle and hold the front handle firmly.
- Standing up. Camels rise back legs first, pitching you forward, then front legs. Lean back as it stands, and lean back again when it kneels at the end.
- Riding. Relax your hips and let your body follow the rocking motion. Keep your feet in the stirrups if there are any.
- Afterwards. On rides longer than an hour, your inner thighs and lower back will notice. Many people walk part of the way on longer treks.
What to wear for a camel ride
- Long, loose trousers - shorts lead to chafing against the saddle blanket.
- Closed shoes or sturdy sandals; you may walk on sand or stones.
- A scarf or chèche to protect your face from sun and wind-blown sand.
- Sunglasses and sunscreen, even in winter.
- Warm layers for sunrise and sunset rides from November to March, when desert nights can drop close to 0 °C.
- A phone strap or small cross-body bag - you need one hand on the saddle.
Is a camel ride suitable for everyone?
Most people can ride a camel, including children with an adult close by. It is not recommended for pregnant travellers or anyone with serious back or hip problems. Weight limits apply for the camel's wellbeing; if you have a concern, ask your operator - walking alongside the caravan is always an option.
Camel welfare: how to choose a responsible ride
Camels are working animals in Morocco and most are well cared for by families who depend on them. You can encourage good practice by choosing operators whose camels look healthy, have clean, padded saddles without sores, have access to water and shade, and are not overloaded. Avoid rides at the hottest time of day in summer. If something looks wrong, say so and leave a note to your operator.
When is the best season?
Spring (March to May) and autumn (late September to November) are the most comfortable for desert rides, with daytime temperatures roughly 20-30 °C. In summer, rides happen only early morning and late afternoon because midday temperatures in the Sahara can exceed 40 °C. Winter brings clear skies and cold nights - beautiful, if you pack warmly.
Pair it with another adventure
Near Marrakech, the camel ride is often paired with a quad session - see our quad biking in Marrakech guide for the Palmeraie and Agafay options. For views of the same desert and palm groves from above, read our hot air balloon Marrakech guide. And if the coast appeals, our guide to surfing in Morocco covers Essaouira and Taghazout. For more about the dunes themselves, visit our Sahara Desert travel guide.
Book it with a local operator
Our easiest option is the Agafay desert sunset camel ride with dinner, from €55 per person, including hotel transfers, a ride of about an hour, mint tea and a Moroccan dinner at camp. For more experiences like it, browse our adventure and outdoor tours. Reserve now and pay later with free cancellation up to 24 hours before, or send us a WhatsApp message at +212 606 957 514.
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