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Camel Trekking in Morocco

Camel Trekking in the Moroccan Sahara

Camel trekking in Morocco means swaying slowly across golden Sahara dunes as the light turns from gold to deep orange, then arriving at a Berber camp for dinner and a night under more stars than you have ever seen. It is the moment most travellers remember long after the trip, and it is simpler to arrange than many people expect.

Our team is based in Marrakech and has been organising desert trips for over a decade. We run camel treks in the Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga, either as a short ride or as part of a longer route from Marrakech, Fes, Casablanca, Agadir or Tangier. Below you will find the tours that include a camel trek, followed by practical advice on what to expect, when to go and how to book.

Where to go camel trekking in Morocco

Erg Chebbi, on the edge of the village of Merzouga in south-eastern Morocco, is the country’s most impressive sand sea. Its dunes rise to around 150 m, change colour through the day and are reachable by tarmac road, so you can step from your vehicle straight onto a camel. This is where almost all of our Sahara camel treks take place.

Getting there is part of the adventure:

  • From Marrakech – about 560 km, or 9–10 hours of driving, usually split over two days via the High Atlas, Aït Ben Haddou and the Dades Valley.
  • From Fes – about 470 km, or 7–8 hours, crossing the Middle Atlas cedar forests and the Ziz Valley.
  • From the coast – Casablanca, Agadir and Tangier are further away, so camel trips from these cities are built into tours of five days or more.

Because of these distances, the easiest way to ride a camel in the Sahara is on a multi-day trip with your own driver, or on a small-group shared tour if you are travelling on a tighter budget.

Camel trek silhouettes at sunset
Nomad tent in the desert near Merzouga

Sahara camel tours from Marrakech

More desert trips in Merzouga

Erg Chebbi camel treks from Fes

Desert camel tours from Casablanca

Sahara camel trips from Agadir

Camel trips from Tangier via the desert

What a Sahara camel trek is like

Most treks begin in the late afternoon, when the heat has eased. You meet your camel guide at the edge of Erg Chebbi, climb on while the camel is kneeling, and set off in a small caravan, with the guide walking ahead on foot and leading the camels by rope.

The ride to camp takes about 1–1.5 hours. Halfway, the caravan stops so you can climb a high dune and watch the sun go down over the sand. You reach the camp around dusk, have mint tea, then a dinner of tagine or couscous, often followed by Berber drumming around the fire.

Wake early for sunrise from the dunes, then ride back to the village for breakfast and a shower before your journey continues.

Mosaic terrace in Hassi Labied, Merzouga
Mosaic terrace in Hassi Labied, Merzouga

Choose your camel ride in Merzouga

  • Sunset ride – 1–2 hours into the dunes and back the same evening, ideal if you are already staying in Merzouga.
  • One night in a desert camp – the classic experience and our most requested option; see our Merzouga camel trekking tour.
  • Multi-day treks – walk and ride deeper into the dunes, sleeping in simple bivouacs and meeting nomad families; read more about desert trekking in Morocco.
  • As part of a longer trip – every one of our Morocco desert tours includes a camel ride and a night at camp.

Camps come in two styles. Standard camps have comfortable Berber tents with proper beds and shared or private facilities. Luxury camps offer spacious tents with en-suite bathrooms and more refined dining. Tell us which you prefer when you book.

If you would like to add something faster to your stay, you can combine a camel trek with quad biking, a dune buggy ride or a visit to Khamlia village; see our guide to Merzouga activities.

Nomad life around Merzouga
Nomad life around Merzouga

Best time for camel trekking in Morocco

Spring (March to May) and autumn (late September to November) are the most pleasant seasons, with warm days and comfortable evenings. From November to March the days are often sunny and mild, but desert nights can drop close to freezing, so bring warm layers; camps provide thick blankets.

In June, July and August daytime temperatures in Merzouga regularly pass 40°C. Treks still run, but only in the early morning and evening. Sandstorms can occur at any time of year, most often in spring; guides simply wait them out or adjust the route.

Camels resting at sunrise in the Sahara
Camels resting at sunrise in the Sahara

Tips for your first camel ride

  • Getting up and down – a camel rises back legs first, so lean back as it stands, then forward as it straightens its front legs. Do the reverse when it kneels.
  • Riding – hold the saddle handle, relax your hips and let your body follow the rocking stride.
  • Clothing – long, loose trousers prevent chafing; add closed shoes, sunglasses and a scarf to wrap around your head when the wind picks up.
  • Cameras and phones – keep them in a zipped bag between photos, as fine sand gets everywhere.
  • Luggage – take only a small overnight bag on the camel; your main luggage stays in the vehicle.
Palm-lit desert camp at night in Merzouga
Palm-lit desert camp at night in Merzouga

How booking works

Choose a tour above and book online with a 10% deposit by PayPal or card; the balance is paid on the first day. All of our private Morocco tours come with your own driver and vehicle, plus hotel or airport pick-up. If you prefer to share costs with other travellers, look at our Morocco small group tours.

Want a different route, an extra night in the dunes or luxury accommodation throughout? We are happy to send a free quote. Contact us by phone or WhatsApp on +212 673 55 54 08, or by email at [email protected].

Berber desert camp in the Moroccan Sahara
Berber desert camp in the Moroccan Sahara

Camel trekking FAQ

How long is a camel ride to the desert camp in Merzouga?

The ride from the village to the camp usually takes 1–1.5 hours each way, including a stop on a high dune for sunset. Short sunset rides without an overnight stay last about 1–2 hours in total.

How many days do you need for a Sahara camel trek from Marrakech?

Plan at least three days. The drive to Merzouga takes 9–10 hours, so a 3-day tour gives you one night on the way, one night in the desert camp and the return journey. Four or five days allow a more relaxed pace with extra stops.

What is the best time of year for camel trekking in Morocco?

Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable temperatures. Winter is also good if you pack warm clothes for the cold nights, while summer is very hot, so treks run only in the early morning and evening.

Can children and less mobile travellers ride camels?

Children usually love camel rides, and very young children can ride with a parent. If riding is not comfortable for you, let us know and we can arrange a 4x4 transfer to the camp instead.

How much does a camel trek in Morocco cost?

The price depends on the length of the trip, group size, the type of camp and the season. Each tour page shows live prices and lets you book online, and we are happy to prepare a free quote for a tailor-made itinerary.

What should I bring for a night in the desert?

A small bag with a warm layer, a scarf, sun cream, a torch, a refillable water bottle and any medication you need. Bedding, dinner and breakfast are provided at the camp.

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