Private Camel Ride in Marrakech
A camel ride in Marrakech takes place just outside the city, in one of two landscapes: the palm grove of the Palmeraie, about 25 minutes from the medina, or the stony hills of the Agafay desert, about 45 minutes away. We arrange it privately, with pickup at your riad or hotel, in the morning, the afternoon or at sunset.
For a camel trek over real sand dunes you need the Sahara. Our desert tours from Marrakech reach the Erg Chebbi dunes at Merzouga, where our team is based, and every one of them includes a camel ride in the dunes.
- Where
- Palmeraie or Agafay
- When
- Morning or sunset
- Pickup
- Your riad or hotel
- Price
- On request
Palmeraie, Agafay or the Sahara?
Three places to ride a camel, and three quite different experiences.
The Palmeraie
The palm grove on the northern edge of Marrakech: flat, green and close to the city. It is the gentlest ride, good for children and a first time on a camel, and easy to fit into a morning or an afternoon.
The Agafay desert
A stony desert of bare hills about 45 minutes south-west of the city, with the High Atlas on the horizon. The ride is best late in the day, when the light turns gold. Stay for dinner at a desert camp and you have our Agafay desert day trip.
The Sahara
The tall orange dunes of Erg Chebbi at Merzouga, about 9 hours from Marrakech. Here you ride into the dunes, watch the sunset from the top and spend the night at a desert camp. It takes at least 3 days from Marrakech: see our 3-day Marrakech to Merzouga desert tour, or the 2-day trip to the smaller dunes of Zagora.
How the Camel Ride Works
Pickup
Your driver collects you at your riad or hotel and takes you to the camels. In the medina, we meet you at the nearest gate.
Getting on
The camel kneels for you to climb on. When it stands up, back legs first, lean back and hold on; the handler walks beside you and leads the camel at a slow walk.
How long
That depends on where you ride and what you combine it with, and we confirm it with your quote. A sunset ride in Agafay fits well with dinner at a camp; a Palmeraie ride fits into a half day.
What to wear
Long trousers are more comfortable than shorts on a camel saddle. Bring sunglasses, a hat or a scarf against the sun and dust, and a warm layer for the evening in winter.
Children and older travelers
Children usually love it; small children can ride with a parent. If anyone has back or hip problems, tell us: the stand-up and kneel-down moments are the hardest part.
Photos
Your driver or the camel handler will happily take pictures, and the Agafay sunset is the best light of the day.
Camel Rides in the Sahara
Every one of our desert tours includes a camel ride in the dunes and a night at a desert camp.
-
2 days2-Day Zagora Desert Tour from Marrakech
The quickest way from Marrakech to the desert: over the Atlas and down the Draa Valley to a camp near Zagora.Private tour · Price on request -
4 days4-Day Sahara Desert Tour from Marrakech
Merzouga and Erg Chebbi from Marrakech with the drive split into four easy days and a night at Ait Ben Haddou.Private tour · Price on request -
5 daysLuxury Sahara Desert Tour from Marrakech
A private 4×4, boutique kasbah hotels and two nights in a luxury tent in the Erg Chebbi dunes.Private tour · Price on request
Camel Ride Questions
Something else on your mind? Send us your question and a real person on our team answers.
Where can you ride a camel in Marrakech?
In the Palmeraie, the palm grove on the edge of the city, or in the Agafay desert, about 45 minutes away. For sand dunes, you need to travel to the Sahara at Merzouga or Zagora.
Is a camel ride in Marrakech the same as in the Sahara?
No. Around Marrakech you ride through palm groves or stony desert hills. The Sahara has the tall sand dunes, and a desert tour adds a night at a camp.
Can children ride a camel?
Yes. Camels walk slowly and the handler leads them the whole time; small children can ride with a parent.
When is the best time for a camel ride?
Late afternoon and sunset for the light, and morning in summer, when the middle of the day is too hot.
How much does a camel ride in Marrakech cost?
It depends on where you ride and what you add, such as dinner at an Agafay camp. Tell us your date and group size and we reply with the price within 24 hours.
Ride at Sunset.
Tell us your date, where you are staying and how many of you there are. We reply within 24 hours with a plan and a price.
