Camel rides in Marrakech

Camel rides in Marrakech

Camel rides in Marrakech: Camel riding is undoubtedly one of the most popular activities in Marrakech. Here’s how, where and how much it costs
If you had to describe Marrakech, you’d think of the smell of spices, the colors of the desert, the bustle of the souk… and camels. Riding a camel through the Marrakech countryside is a fascinating experience.

This camel ride in the Marrakech palm grove will allow you to discover the Marrakech palm grove from the back of a camel. This one-hour ride will let you melt into the atmosphere as you try on traditional Moroccan Saharan clothing.

What’s more, you won’t miss a single detail, as you’ll be accompanied by an expert guide who will teach you lots of interesting facts and immerse you in local customs and culture. What’s more, you’ll have the chance to visit a Berber village and, at the end of the tour, enjoy a mint tea.
It’s even more fun to go with your family or friends.

Desert excursions by camel:

There are various choices available to you if you choose to ride a camel while you are in Marrakech. Come along with me and I’ll explain in detail so you’ll have no doubts about which one to choose.

A camel ride on a day trip to the Agafay desert:

This is one of the most popular options: go and return in the same day from Marrakech to the Agafay Desert, located at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, and enjoy the region’s wonderful waterfalls and views of various Berber villages during your camel ride. You will be picked up by a driver from your accommodation early in the morning and driven to the desert region.

In one of these villages, you’ll have some free time for lunch: for an extra six euros on top of the tour price, you’ll have the option of having lunch in a local house, but you can also explore the surroundings at your leisure and look for typical dishes to try, or even bring your own food (the latter is not recommended because of the weight of the backpack during the backpacking trip and because the drink heats up over the course of the day).

What I liked most about this excursion is that the experience doesn’t just include the camel ride, but also the magnificent views and close contact with the local population, who will invite you in for Berber tea. The locals are used to contact with the tourist population, so it’s easy to understand them (at least the younger ones) in French or English, and in either case the guide can translate. Although I was aware that this was a “prepared” experience, I still found it very authentic.

Camel rides in Marrakech: Excursion to the Zagora desert:

This two-day excursion to the Zagora desert, seven hours from Marrakech, will take you on an incredible adventure: sleeping under the stars in a Berber camp, visiting the town of Aït Ben Haddou and riding a camel. A complete experience, accompanied by an expert guide who will tell you all about the place and how people live in the desert.

What’s more, transportation is included, so you don’t have to worry about getting there, and you get to enjoy some of the most beautiful scenery. And if you’re a fan of gastronomic tourism, this tour will allow you to enjoy a typical dinner and breakfast.

Excursion to the Merzouga desert:

This three-day excursion to the Merzouga desert is a real journey, as it lies no less than 600 kilometers from Marrakech. Accompanied by an expert guide who will tell you all about this impressive place, known as the pearl of the Sahara desert, you’ll enjoy a 2-hour camel ride. Dinner and breakfast are also included, giving you a taste of Moroccan cuisine.

Of course, this experience includes accommodation, and on one night you’ll sleep in a camp in the middle of the desert. Yes, as you read, something unforgettable. What’s more, if you love wildlife, you won’t be disappointed, because in this desert you can find various species such as desert foxes, spiny-tailed lizards and sand vipers.
There are two options to choose from: the quad bike tour or an excursion that ends in Fez.

Half-day excursion to the Jebilet desert with camel ride:

This half-day camel ride in the Jebilet desert is an intermediate option between a full-day camel ride and the short excursion outside Marrakech. It lasts around half a day (with morning and afternoon departures). The destination is Jebilet, a stony desert to the north of the city. The camel ride lasts around two hours and you’ll have tea and pancakes with the locals.

This tour is available in English and French. A driver will pick you up from your hotel at a time of your choosing and, with a small group of up to 16 people, will take you to the desert area of Jebilet where your tour begins. A local guide will show you how to ride a camel and show you around the area. If you can keep your balance, don’t forget to take photos along the way for your memories – the area is well worth the effort.

At some point along the way, there will be a stop for tea and pancakes with a local family who will tell you interesting stories about life in the desert and the main rituals of the Berber people.

Is a camel ride in Marrakech worth it?

Camel rides in Marrakech: Camel riding is a much sought-after experience for travelers to Morocco, and you certainly won’t get the chance to do it in many places.

If you’re wondering whether riding a camel is the same as riding a horse, I can tell you it’s not. It’s simply a question of sitting correctly and coordinating your movements with those of the animal to avoid back pain. The guide will explain how to do this, but it’s not difficult, even if the movement can be uncomfortable for some people. If this sounds like you, choose a short walk or one with breaks. If you have back issues, stay away from the experience and inform your guide if you are uncomfortable at any point.

And don’t forget that the camels on this type of excursion are in a caravan. In other words, the expert guide leads a line of camels and the others follow. Camels are very calm and docile animals, and they’re used to carrying tourists, so there’s nothing to be afraid of and all you have to do is let yourself go.

When can I go on a camel ride in Marrakech?

Camel rides take place almost every day at different times. As the groups are generally the same size, there’s no advantage in doing them on one day or another because of the crowds; you can choose the date that best suits your travel plans.

You won’t have any weather problems either, as the Moroccan climate is generally quite stable. In the rare event that adverse circumstances arise and the tour is cancelled due to rain or a sandstorm, you will be refunded or rescheduled for another day.

Can children ride camels?

Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied on this type of ride, mainly to prevent the camel from falling off if they can’t keep their balance, and not because the animal will reveal itself.
However, the minimum age for camel riding is two years.

What are the recommendations for camel riding?

Most camel rides from Marrakech are very convenient for travelers, as the tour usually picks you up at your hotel and brings you back once you’ve finished. However, there are a few things to bear in mind before you leave your hotel:

Take water with you:

Remember that you’ll be traveling by camel through the desert; sometimes camel drivers will provide you with water, sometimes they won’t. There’s nowhere to buy water during the journey (you’re in the desert) and with the heat, at least for me, I was very thirsty during the journey. Fill a bottle with cold water before leaving the hotel and carry it in a backpack.

Wear comfortable clothes:

If you wear shorts, you may feel uncomfortable rubbing against the camel’s saddle. I therefore recommend that you wear long, wide pants with sneakers that allow you to stand upright and keep your balance. Don’t forget that it’s hot and you’ll want to wear light clothing to protect you from the sun. Sometimes the camel drivers themselves will give you typical desert clothes to wear during the trip to protect you from the sun.

Camel rides in Marrakech: Protect yourself from the sun:

The sun is very strong in the desert, even if the wind sometimes blows without you noticing. It’s normal to use sunscreen on your arms and legs, but one area many people forget is the back of the neck; in fact, turbans are used for this purpose on many excursions, and the Berbers themselves sometimes supply them. In any case, bring a scarf to cover up, wear sunglasses and carry sunscreen in case you need to use it along the way.