Camel riding in Marrakech is one of those things a lot of people have on their bucket list when visiting Morocco. It’s not just about taking a cool photo (though you’ll get plenty of those). It’s a way to see what the area around the city looks like, get out of the chaos for a bit, and experience something that’s part of Moroccan culture.

If you’re thinking about trying it, here’s everything you should know so you can decide what kind of camel ride is actually worth it.

Why Even Go on a Camel Ride?

Let’s be honest. Some experiences are touristy for a reason. Camel riding is one of them. It gets you out of the city and into a completely different setting. It’s relaxing, it’s something different, and it’s not something you do every day.

People usually go for one of three types of rides: a short one in the palm grove close to Marrakech, a half-day ride in the nearby rocky desert, or a multi-day trip out to the actual sand dunes in the Sahara. You don’t need to be super fit or adventurous to do it either. The rides are slow and calm, and guides are always there to help.

3 Camel Ride Options Around Marrakech

1. Agafay Desert

This one’s for you if you want more of a desert vibe without going too far. Agafay is a rocky desert, not sand dunes, but it still feels wild and remote. It’s about 45 minutes from Marrakech by car.

Most tours last half a day, and some include extras like tea in a tent, a sunset ride, or even dinner with music. Some travelers combine it with quad biking or a night in a desert camp.

Things to know:

• More scenic than the palm grove
• Feels more like a mini-adventure
• No mobile reception in some parts, which can be a good or bad thing depending on you

2. Palmeraie (Palm Grove)

This is the most accessible and the easiest ride to book. It’s just outside Marrakech, only 15 to 20 minutes from the medina. The Palmeraie has a bunch of tall palm trees and quiet paths, and the rides here are usually short around one to two hours. This one’s perfect if you don’t want to spend too much time but still want the experience.

Best time to go is late afternoon when it cools down and the light is great for photos.

Things to know:

• Great for families or travelers with a tight schedule
• Often includes mint tea and sometimes a quick stop at a Berber-style tent
• The terrain is flat and easy

3. Sahara Desert (Merzouga or Zagora)

This one is a full-on trip. You’ll need at least 2 to 3 days to do it properly because it’s far from Marrakech. If you’ve got the time, this is the real desert experience with rolling sand dunes, stars at night, and music by the fire.

Merzouga is the more popular spot for big dunes and classic Sahara vibes. Zagora has smaller dunes and is a bit closer, but still a long drive.

Things to know:

• Expect long drives—up to 8 hours each way
• Most tours include an overnight stay in a desert camp
• It gets cold at night even in warmer seasons, so bring layers

Best Time of Year for Camel Rides

This part matters more than people think. Morocco has a desert climate, and that means extreme heat in the summer.

Spring (March to May) is a sweet spot. It’s warm, but not too hot.
Autumn (September to November) is also a good time with clear skies and cooler evenings.
Winter (December to February) can work too, but it’s cold in the mornings and at night, especially in the desert.
Summer (June to August) is not a great idea. It’s hot, like really hot, with temperatures going above 40 degrees Celsius.

What You Actually Need to Wear

This is one of the most common questions, and the answer is simple: dress for the sun, the dust, and comfort.

• Loose, light clothing that covers your arms and legs
• Sneakers or closed-toe sandals (you’ll thank yourself)
• A scarf or hat for sun protection
• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• In winter, pack a jacket or hoodie—it gets cold, especially after sunset

Don’t Forget About Animal Welfare

Not all tour operators treat their animals well. If you care about this (and you should), make sure you book with a company that:

• Uses padded saddles
• Feeds and rests the camels properly
• Doesn’t force them to work in extreme heat or with heavy loads

You can usually tell how the camels are treated by looking at their condition. If they look tired, dirty, or underfed, that’s a red flag. Ask questions before booking and read reviews. If you book with us, we only work with providers that take proper care of the animals.

Safety Tips That Actually Help

• When the camel stands up or sits down, hold tight and lean back a bit
• Always listen to the guide’s instructions
• Don’t bring big backpacks or hang loose stuff around your neck
• Go with the camel’s movement—it makes the ride smoother

You don’t need any special skills to ride a camel, but it does help to stay relaxed.

Taking Good Photos

You don’t need a fancy camera for this. A phone will do the job if you think a bit about the angles.

• In the Palmeraie, try standing shots between the trees or wide shots with rows of palms
• In Agafay, go for panoramic views or low shots with camels walking
• In the Sahara, sunset silhouettes always work

Camel riding isn’t for everyone, but if you’re curious about it, it’s worth trying once. Even the short rides can be a fun way to break up your trip and see a different side of Morocco. Just pick the right tour, go at the right time, and don’t wear flip-flops.

If you want to book a ride that’s well-organized and ethical, [insert booking link here] and we’ll help you set it up.