Camel Riding in Morocco’s Sahara Desert: An Unforgettable Adventure

Camel and Tour Guide in Sahara Desert

Embarking on a camel ride in Morocco is one of the most iconic desert experiences you can have. From the sun-baked dunes of the Sahara Desert to the palm-fringed outskirts of Marrakesh, camel trekking offers a unique way to explore Morocco’s landscapes and culture. This in-depth guide will walk you through what camel riding is like, where to do it (including Marrakech camel trips and Sahara treks), what to expect, and tips for making the most of your journey. Whether you’re dreaming of a leisurely hour-long Morocco camel ride or a multi-day desert caravan, read on to discover how to make it a memorable adventure.

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.

A dromedary camel in the Palmeraie of Marrakech, ready to offer visitors a short ride. The palm groves near the city provide a convenient setting for those who want a camel experience without a long desert journey.

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.

• Distance and Travel Time: Zagora is about a 6-hour drive from Marrakech, whereas Merzouga is roughly a 9–10 hour drive. If you only have 2 days for a desert trip, Zagora is often the go-to for an overnight camel trek, since the round-trip travel fits in a short itinerary. Merzouga, being farther, usually requires at least a 3-day tour (or preferably 4 days) from Marrakech.
• Desert Landscape: The Zagora region is a rocky desert with smaller dunes, so it may not match the postcard image of endless sand seas. Many travellers expecting huge dunes have been surprised that in Zagora, camel rides often start near flat, barren areas (sometimes even near a road) and only reach some dunes towards the end. Merzouga, on the other hand, is famous for its massive Erg Chebbi sand dunes – peaks of orange-gold sand that can reach 150 metres high. Here, you truly feel like you’ve arrived in the Saharan heartland, surrounded by rolling dunes in every direction.

A camel caravan led by local guides traverses the towering dunes of Erg Chebbi near Merzouga. Multi-day Morocco desert camel trekking tours allow travellers to experience stunning Sahara landscapes like this, especially on routes from Marrakech to Merzouga.

• Authenticity and Atmosphere: In Merzouga, the camel trekking experience tends to feel more immersive – from the moment you mount your camel, you’re venturing into seas of sand, far from paved roads or settlements. You can watch the sunset from a high dune, then continue to a desert camp amid the dunes. In Zagora, because of the terrain, the experience can be a bit less “isolated” – travelers sometimes report that the first part of the camel ride runs parallel to a road or between shrubs, only reaching a dune area by night. If you’re seeking that classic “camel in the vast Sahara” vibe and have time, Merzouga is often the better choice.
• Tour Duration and Options: 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.

Popular Desert Regions: 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-coloured 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. Their ability to travel long distances carrying heavy loads made them indispensable on trade routes. On average, a camel can comfortably carry 200–300 pounds (90–140 kg) of cargo for hours across desert terrain. Compared to horses, camels sacrifice speed for stamina – a horse might outrun a camel in a short sprint, but camels outlast almost any animal over long distances in extreme heat. In fact, when it comes to hauling weight through sand and going days without water, camels clearly outmatch horses in strength and endurance. This is why for centuries, caravans in the Sahara and Arabian deserts chose camels as their preferred pack animal.
• Feet Made for Sand: Camels have broad, flat feet with two large toes splayed apart and connected by flexible pads. When they step, the foot spreads, giving a snowshoe effect that prevents them from sinking too deeply into soft sand. If you watch your camel’s feet as it walks, you’ll notice this wide, leathery pad hitting the sand – it’s perfect for desert travel. The footpads are also tough and can handle hot sand and rocky ground.
• Desert-Proof Features: Nearly every aspect of a camel’s face is designed for the desert. They have long double-layered eyelashes and a third, inner eyelid – this combo acts like built-in goggles, shielding their eyes from blowing sandt. If a sandstorm kicks up, camels can still see where they’re going thanks to the thin transparent inner eyelid that acts like a windshield wiper. They also have the ability to seal their nostrils shut to keep sand outt. The ears are small and hairy, which helps block sand as well. Even their fur is adapted: it’s thick enough to insulate from daytime heat and chilly nights, and reflects sunlight. Camels have sparse fur on their bellies, allowing heat to dissipate from their bodies when they sit on the cool sand. All these traits make camels the ultimate desert survivors.
• Behavior and Personality: While riding, you might notice your camel has a personality of its own. Some are calm and docile, others can be a bit stubborn or “chatty” – making grumbling noises that sound like complaints. Camels often groan when standing up or sitting down, which is quite amusing. They are social animals and often travel in herds or caravans. The term for a group of camels is a “caravan”, and traditionally, traders would have lines of dozens or even hundreds of camels carrying goods across the Sahara in a single caravan. Today, your camel caravan might just be a handful of tourist camels, but it’s fun to imagine being part of a historic caravan route. If you’re lucky, you might also spot wildlife during your trek – in parts of Morocco, camels share the desert with creatures like fennec foxes, jerboas (desert rodents), and various reptiles. More commonly, you’ll pass nomadic camps where Berber or Tuareg families tend to goats and camels, living in tents as they have for generations.

Capturing the Memories

One thing is for sure: you’ll want to capture this experience to remember it. Riding a camel through Morocco’s deserts makes for some of the most photogenic moments of any trip. Here are a few ideas to make the memories last:

• Photography Tips: As mentioned, dawn and dusk are magical in the desert. If you overnight in a camp, get up before sunrise – trudging up a dune in early dawn light and watching the sun peek over the horizon is unforgettable (bring your camera for the subtle colours of first light). During the ride, ask your guide to take some wide shots of you and the whole caravan; they know the angles and often will get the camel to pose (some camels have been trained to sit or even “kiss” for photos!). A popular shot is from a higher dune looking down at the line of camels against the sand. Also try some creative angles: the classic “shadow of camels on the dunes” shot around sunset can be beautiful, or a close-up of the camel’s head or its big padded feet in the sand. Remember to secure your camera when mounting/dismounting – use a wrist or neck strap so you don’t drop it.
• Journaling: Consider writing a small travel journal entry after your trek. Describe how you felt on the camel, the colours you saw, the sounds of the camel caravan (the creaking of saddles, camel grunts, the soft thud of feet in sand). These details will transport you back years later when you reread them.
• Enjoy the Moment: While photos are great, do take time to put the camera away and just be present. The sensation of riding a camel in the Sahara – the sheer scale of the landscape and the simplicity of moving at an animal’s pace – is something to savour firsthand. Many travellers find these moments deeply meaningful, offering a chance to disconnect from the modern world and feel a connection to nature and history. As one rider reflected, camel trekking gives you time and space to connect with yourself and the environment, returning home with a renewed perspective.

Embrace the Journey

Camel riding in Morocco is more than just a tourist activity – it’s a journey through time and nature that leaves a lasting impression. As you sway on camelback across silent sands or beneath rustling palms, you connect with a mode of travel that humans have cherished in this region for ages. The Moroccan Sahara in particular casts a spell with its grandeur, and exploring it by camel lets you fully absorb its scale and serenity.

Whether you choose a quick camel ride in Marrakech for a taste of adventure or venture on a longer camel trek from Marrakech to the Sahara for the full nomadic experience, you’re in for something special. Each trek, short or long, has its magic – be it the friendly chatter of your guides, the sight of an endless caravan of camels cresting a dune, or the simple joy of disconnecting from the modern world for a while.

A lone camel stands amid the dunes of the Moroccan Sahara. These hardy animals have been faithful companions to desert travelers for centuries, and they continue to offer modern visitors an authentic way to connect with Morocco’s breathtaking landscapes.

Finally, if you’re looking for a trusted organizer for your camel adventure, consider Moroccan Journeys – specialists in Morocco desert camel trekking tours and Sahara expeditions. With experienced local guides and a focus on authentic experiences, they ensure you’re looked after every step of the way on your desert journey. From Marrakech camel trips to bespoke multi-day Sahara tours, you can tailor an itinerary that’s perfect for you.

In conclusion: Camel riding in Morocco is a must-do for adventurous souls and culture enthusiasts alike. It’s not just about getting from point A to B – it’s about the gentle clip-clop of camel hooves in the sand, the endless horizons, the starry nights, and the feeling of moving at nature’s pace. As the Moroccan proverb goes, “The earth is a peacock, and its tail is the Sahara.” Come ride a camel and discover the many jewels in that desert tail – it’s an experience you’ll treasure for a lifetime.

Happy travels/Bessaha w’raha! (Happy journey and peace!)*

Trust Moroccan Journeys for Unforgettable Sahara Tours

Moroccan Journeys are specialists for Sahara Tours and Camel Trekking in Morocco and look after you every step of the way on your desert experience.