The picture is the same in every Morocco brochure: a camel walking against the orange Sahara dunes at sunset. It is iconic. It is unforgettable. And it is, for most travellers, the activity they most look forward to before arriving and most remember afterwards. But camel riding in the Morocco desert has aspects that brochures don’t mention: how comfortable (or not) it is, what really happens when the camel stands up, how to dress, and what to expect physically. This honest guide covers everything you need to know before mounting a dromedary in the Sahara.
The dromedary: not just any camel
The animals you will ride in Morocco are dromedaries, the single-humped variety associated with North Africa and the Middle East. They are different from Bactrian camels (with two humps) used in Central Asia. Dromedaries have been domesticated for approximately 3,000 years and are perfectly adapted to desert life. The hump does not store water (a popular myth) but fat, which the animal metabolises for energy when food is scarce. The Berber families who care for the Merzouga camel herds maintain a relationship with these animals that reflects centuries of accumulated experience.
What it really feels like to ride a camel
Mounting a camel is one of those experiences that surprises every first-time rider. The animal sits on the ground for mounting. You climb into the saddle, hold on to the front pommel firmly, and then the camel rises in two distinct stages: first the back legs (which throws you forward at a steep angle), and then the front legs (which throws you back). The two transitions happen in less than five seconds and are more abrupt than expected. Your guide will warn you and tell you when to lean. Once standing and walking, the side-to-side rocking motion settles into something surprisingly comfortable.
The walking pace is slow, about 4 kilometres per hour, which is exactly the right speed for a meditative experience of the desert. The Berber guide walks on foot beside the camels, holding the lead rope of the first one. As you progress deeper into the dunes, the sounds of the village disappear completely. The only thing you hear is the soft sound of the camels’ feet in the sand and, occasionally, the wind on the dune crests.
How long does the camel ride last
The standard sunset trek from Merzouga village to the desert camp lasts about 45 minutes one way. The return at sunrise the following day takes another 45 minutes. So in total you spend about 90 minutes on a camel, divided into two segments. This is the standard format on all our desert tours. Some travellers find 90 minutes plenty; others want more and book extended camel trekking programmes that involve multiple hours per day for several days. Our Private 4-Day Desert Tour from Marrakech includes the standard format. For longer trekking, see our extended itineraries.
What to wear and bring
Long trousers are essential to protect the inner thighs from saddle friction. A scarf or shemagh is very useful for face protection if there is wind blowing sand. Closed shoes (running shoes or trekking shoes) are more practical than sandals for mounting and dismounting on uneven terrain. A small bag with water, sunscreen, lip balm, and your camera is enough; leave the rest in the vehicle or at the camp. In summer, sunglasses and a hat are essential. In winter, layers because the desert cools dramatically once the sun sets.
What to expect at the camp after the camel ride
You arrive at the camp at the end of sunset, with the dunes still glowing orange. You have about 30-45 minutes to climb the nearest dune crest for additional sunset photography or simply to absorb the moment. Then dinner: harira soup, salads, tagine with bread, mint tea, and pastries. Berber music around the fire. Stargazing. Sleep in a comfortable canvas tent with proper bedding. Wake at 5:30am for the sunrise camel ride back to the village. It is a complete experience that for most travellers is one of the best memories of the entire trip. See our tours from Marrakech for all the formats.
