This complete guide to camel trekking Morocco covers everything you need to know: Everything you need to know about camel trekking in Morocco — from the best Sahara routes to what to wear and how much it costs.
Riding a camel across the Sahara dunes at sunset is one of the defining images of Morocco travel — and it lives up to the picture. But there’s more to know than you’d expect. This guide covers everything from which location to choose to what your back will feel like the next day.
Where to Go Camel Trekking in Morocco
Merzouga / Erg Chebbi — Best Overall
The dunes of Erg Chebbi near Merzouga are Morocco’s most photogenic and most visited desert location. Dunes reach 150m high, the colour is a deep terracotta-orange, and the camp infrastructure is the best in the country. This is where the classic Sahara camel photos are taken. The Marrakech-to-Sahara 3-day tour typically ends here.
M’Hamid / Erg Chigaga — Most Remote
Erg Chigaga sits 60km from the nearest tarmac and requires a 2-hour 4×4 journey across open desert to reach. The dunes are smaller than Erg Chebbi but the solitude is incomparable — you may have an entire dune field to yourself. Multi-day camel expeditions are possible here. See our Erg Chebbi vs Erg Chigaga comparison for the full picture.
Zagora — Best for Day Trips
Zagora’s “Sahara” is technically a pre-Saharan region with smaller dunes (10–15m). It’s popular as a day trip from Marrakech for travellers short on time. The experience is real but less dramatic than Merzouga. Good for families with young children or travellers who can’t manage the longer Merzouga journey.
What to Expect on a Camel Trek
Camels (technically dromedaries — one hump) are led by a Berber guide who walks alongside. You ride on a padded saddle positioned behind the hump. Getting on and off is the trickiest part — the camel kneels, you mount, then it lurches to its feet front legs first, then back legs (hold on — it’s a lurching motion).
The riding gait is a smooth rolling walk rather than the bouncing of a horse. Most people find it comfortable for 30–60 minutes. For longer treks (2+ hours), bring padded shorts or a folded scarf to sit on. Your inner thighs will notice a 3-hour ride the next morning.
Typical Trek Durations
| Duration | Distance | What it Covers |
|---|---|---|
| 30 minutes | 2km | Tourist ride — short loop near the edge of dunes |
| 1 hour | 4km | Sunset trek to camp + return next morning |
| 3 hours | 12km | Full dune crossing with guide |
| Full day (6–8h) | 25km+ | Deep Sahara route, lunch at nomadic camp |
| Multi-day | 40–100km | Erg Chigaga expeditions, full Sahara immersion |
What to Wear for Camel Trekking
- Headscarf or tagelmust: Essential. Fine sand is the enemy of your hair and eyes. Your camp will usually provide a blue Berber turban — wear it.
- Long sleeves: Even in summer. Sand and sun on bare skin is unpleasant after 30 minutes.
- Sunglasses: The kind that wrap around. Desert light at noon is intense.
- Closed shoes or trainers: Not sandals. Hot sand + bare feet = burns.
- Light trousers: Not shorts. The saddle chafes bare legs on longer rides.
See the complete packing guide in our Morocco packing list.
Camel Trekking with Children
Children from age 4 can ride on the same camel as an adult (child sits in front). From age 8, most children can ride independently. The guides are experienced with families. Sunset rides of 45–60 minutes are perfect for kids — the novelty hasn’t worn off, and no one’s back is complaining.
Morocco desert photography guide on a Camel Trek
The golden hour on the dunes is extraordinary for photography. Your phone will work fine; a camera with a UV filter handles the sand better. Hire a desert photography guide for an extra $30–50 to position you on the dunes at the right moment. The result: that image of your silhouette on a camel crest is iconic — and achievable for any budget traveller.
Cost of Camel Trekking in Morocco
- 30-minute tourist ride (Merzouga village guide edge): $15–25
- Sunset trek to camp and back (overnight package): included in most desert camp packages
- Half-day trek (3 hours): $60–90 per person
- Full-day expedition: $120–180 per person including lunch
- Multi-day Erg Chigaga camel expedition: $200–350 per day
Frequently Asked Questions: Camel Trekking Morocco
Is camel trekking in Morocco cruel to camels?
A fair question. Working dromedaries in Morocco are generally well-fed and maintained — they’re valuable assets. The best operators in Merzouga have healthy, well-rested animals and don’t overload them. Desert Tripper only works with operators we’ve personally vetted for animal welfare standards. Avoid camps where camels look thin or have open sores on their saddle points.
Can I go camel trekking without staying overnight in the desert?
Yes — day treks and sunset-only rides are available. However, the full overnight camp experience is in a different category entirely. See our desert camp guide for what you’d miss.
Is camel trekking physically demanding?
No. You sit and the camel walks — it’s not a physical activity. The main challenge is the saddle discomfort on rides over 90 minutes. If you have lower back issues, shorter rides or 4×4 transfers to camp are a fine alternative.
Book Your Camel Trek
Every Desert Tripper Sahara tour includes camel trekking as standard. Private treks, multi-day expeditions, and photography-focused camel tours are all available on request. Contact us to build your perfect desert experience.
Further Reading & Official Resources
Further Reading & Official Resources
Plan Your Morocco Trip with Desert Tripper
Desert Tripper is a Marrakech-based tour operator specialising in private Sahara desert tours, city breaks, and custom Morocco itineraries. Our team of licensed local guides has been leading travellers through Morocco’s most extraordinary landscapes for over a decade.
We offer:
- Private 3-day Sahara tours from Marrakech or Fes — fully customised for your group
- Luxury desert camps in Merzouga — private tents, en-suite bathrooms, candlelit dinners in the dunes
- Custom Morocco itineraries — 7, 10, or 14 days, built around your interests and budget
Get a free custom quote — we respond within 12 hours with a tailored itinerary for your dates and group size.
