Camel Trekking Morocco: Sahara Treks & Horseback Rides
Camel trekking Morocco with local guides: Sahara dune treks to a desert camp in Merzouga, Agafay and palm grove camel rides, and horse riding trips.
Camel trekking Morocco
Camel trekking Morocco’s Sahara is the slow, quiet way into the desert: a line of camels led by a guide on foot, swaying over the orange dunes of Erg Chebbi near Merzouga as the light turns soft. Most of our guests ride at sunset to a camp in the dunes and come back at sunrise. It is calm, not sporty – anyone who can sit on a saddle for an hour can do it.
Closer to Marrakech, a camel ride in the palm grove or the Agafay desert fits into a half day. And if you prefer to hold the reins yourself, we also organise horse riding around Marrakech and in the Agafay hills, at walking pace for beginners or longer rides for confident riders.
Best seasonOctober to April
Why choose camel & horseback treks in Morocco
The classic Sahara moment
Riding a camel across the Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset is the image many people carry of Morocco. Seeing the shadows grow on the sand in real life is even better.
Local camel men
Camels in Merzouga are looked after by local families who know the dunes. Your guide walks with the caravan and knows each animal.
Slow travel
At walking pace you notice the details – animal tracks, ripples in the sand, the silence when the caravan stops.
Close to Marrakech too
No time for the Sahara? A camel ride in the palm grove or Agafay gives you a taste of it in a few hours.
Horses for real riders
Horse riding lets you cover more ground across Agafay’s hills and villages, with routes chosen for your level.
Who is camel trekking in Morocco for?
First-time riders
Camels walk slowly and a guide leads them on a rope. You only need to hold on and lean back when the camel stands up or kneels.
Families
Children usually love camels. Small kids ride with a parent or on a calm animal led by hand – we adapt the ride length to them.
Couples
A sunset ride to a desert camp, dinner and stars – one of the most romantic nights in Morocco.
Horse riders
Experienced riders can trot and canter on suitable terrain. Note that long camel rides are not ideal if you have back or hip problems – ask us about shorter options.
“Closer to Marrakech, a camel ride in the palm grove or the Agafay desert fits into a half day.”
— Our team in MoroccoHow it works
- Tell us your dates
Send us your dates, where you are staying and how many you are – on WhatsApp or by email.
- We plan it with you
We suggest the best time and option for camel & horseback treks and send you a clear price.
- Meet our team
On the day, our team meets you and explains everything before you start.
- Enjoy every moment
Live the experience – and add more adventures to your trip if you like.
Ways to do it with us
Book it on its own, or as part of one of our itineraries.
Sunset camel ride in the Marrakech palm grove
An easy ride among palm trees with a tea stop in a local house. Pick-up from your riad.
Ask us on WhatsApp →Horse riding around Marrakech & Agafay
At walking pace for beginners, or longer rides in the palm grove and the Agafay hills for confident riders.
Ask us on WhatsApp →Camel trek to a desert camp in Merzouga
Ride into the Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset, sleep at camp and ride back at sunrise.
Ask us on WhatsApp →Multi-day camel or horse trek
Several days with camels or horses, sleeping in desert or mountain camps. We plan the route, the pace and the nights with you.
Ask us on WhatsApp →Sahara desert trekking on foot and by camel
Several days walking with a camel caravan carrying the bags, sleeping in nomad-style camps.
See the itinerary →Active desert tour with camel and horse ride
From Marrakech to the Sahara with cycling, hiking, a camel trek and a horse ride on the way.
See the itinerary →A typical day
This is our most common overnight camel trek in Merzouga; times are approximate and follow sunset and sunrise, which change with the season.
- Meet at the edge of the dunes
You leave your big bag in the vehicle or at the hotel in Merzouga and take a small backpack.
- Mount your camel
Your guide helps you on and shows you how to lean back when the camel stands up.
- Ride into Erg Chebbi
The caravan walks over the orange dunes as the light softens.
- Sunset on a dune
A stop to climb a ridge and watch the sun go down before the last stretch to camp.
- Arrival at camp
Mint tea, dinner by the fire and a night under the stars.
- Sunrise ride back
Next morning you ride back to the village for breakfast and a shower.
Where it happens
Camel & horseback treks with us takes place in these parts of Morocco – tell us where you are staying and we suggest the closest option.
- 1Merzouga (Erg Chebbi)
- 2Marrakech
- 3Agafay desert
Useful information for camel trekking in Morocco
What a camel ride feels like
The hardest part is when the camel stands up – back legs first, so you lean back and hold the handle. On the dunes the movement is a gentle rocking. After an hour or more you will feel it in your legs; the guide can stop so you walk a stretch.
Weight and health
Please tell us your height and weight when you book so we can match you with the right camel or horse. If you have back, hip or knee problems, a shorter ride or walking beside the caravan may be better.
Animal welfare
We work with camel and horse owners who rest their animals, give them shade and water, and do not overload them. If you see something that worries you, tell your guide – your comfort and the animals’ wellbeing both matter to us.
Horse riding levels
Tell us honestly how often you ride. Beginners stay at walking pace with a guide close by; experienced riders get longer routes. Helmets are provided – bring your own if you prefer.
Your bags
For a night in the desert, pack a small backpack with what you need. Bigger luggage stays in the vehicle or at the hotel in Merzouga.
Before you book
- Health
- Long camel rides are not ideal with back, hip or knee problems, or during pregnancy – please tell us so we can suggest a shorter ride.
- Height and weight
- Tell us your height and weight in confidence when you book, so we match you with the right camel or horse.
- Children
- Young children ride with a parent or on a calm camel led by hand – tell us their ages so we adapt the ride.
- Horse riding level
- If you choose a horse ride, tell us honestly how often you ride so we pick the right horse and route.
- Luggage
- For a night in the desert, only a small backpack goes on the camel; bigger bags stay behind.
Best time for camel trekking in Morocco
October to April is the best season for camel trekking: warm days and cool, clear nights. Winter nights in the Sahara are cold, so warm clothes matter. In summer (June to August) the heat is intense, so rides happen only very early or at sunset.
- JanGood
- FebBest
- MarBest
- AprBest
- MayGood
- JunPossible
- JulAvoid
- AugAvoid
- SepPossible
- OctBest
- NovBest
- DecGood
BestGoodPossibleAvoid
Request your camel & horseback treks
Fill in the form and press send: your request comes straight to our team’s inbox (or WhatsApp, if you prefer) and we reply with the details and a clear price.
- No payment to send a request
- We adapt the option to you
- Or write to us: +212 600 643 098
Camel trekking in Morocco: 10 questions
Where is the best place for camel trekking in Morocco?
For real sand dunes, the best place is Erg Chebbi near Merzouga in the Sahara. For a short ride near the city, choose the Marrakech palm grove or the Agafay desert, which is rocky rather than sandy.
How long is the camel ride in Morocco?
From one hour to six days. A ride in Marrakech usually lasts one to two hours; in Merzouga the ride from the village to a desert camp is typically one to two hours each way. For more, we organise camel and horse treks of 2 to 6 days.
Is camel riding ethical in Morocco?
It can be, when the animals are well fed, rested and not overloaded. We work with local camel owners who care for their animals, and we keep ride times reasonable. Tell us if anything looks wrong to you.
Is there a weight limit for a camel ride in Morocco?
Camels are strong, but very heavy riders may be uncomfortable for the animal and for themselves. Tell us your weight in confidence when you book and we will advise on the best option.
What should I wear on a camel ride in Morocco?
Long, loose trousers stop your legs rubbing on the saddle. Add a scarf for sun and sand, sunglasses and closed shoes or strapped sandals. Bring a warm layer – the desert cools fast after sunset.
Can you do a camel ride from Marrakech?
Yes. Short camel rides in the palm grove or Agafay desert are easy from Marrakech in a half day. The Sahara dunes of Merzouga are a long drive away, so they are best on a 3 to 5 day tour.
Is camel trekking in Morocco uncomfortable?
The first standing-up movement is a surprise, and after an hour you may feel stiff. Lean back, relax your hips and move with the camel. You can always get off and walk for a while.
Can I go horse riding in Morocco?
Yes. We organise horse riding around Marrakech and in the Agafay desert, for beginners at walking pace and for experienced riders on longer routes. Tell us your level so we choose the right horse.
Can children go camel trekking in Morocco?
Yes, most children enjoy it. Young kids ride with a parent or on a calm camel led by the guide, and we keep rides short for them.
Is a camel ride in the Sahara desert worth it?
For most travellers it is a highlight of Morocco – sunset on the dunes, a night at camp and a sky full of stars. Combine it with sandboarding or a dune walk to make the most of your desert time.
Combine it with
Two experiences in one trip – our favourite pairings.
+
Camel & horseback treks + Desert camping & stargazingRide your camel at sunset to a camp in the Erg Chebbi dunes and spend the night under the stars.See desert camping & stargazing →+
Camel & horseback treks + 4x4 & off-road safarisExplore around the Merzouga dunes by 4x4 in the morning, then ride a camel into the sand at sunset.See 4x4 & off-road safaris →
Add camel & horseback treks to your trip
Tell us your dates and where you are staying – we organise everything with you.