Camel Rides in Morocco: Your Guide to the Best Experiences

I can’t say enough positive things about my own journey into the desert riding a camel at sunset. There is just something so magical about seeing sand as far as the eye can see over the Sahara. It’s truly breathtaking to watch. And as the sunsets and everyone sits on the highest dune they can reach your world suddenly feels extra small.

All to say that I highly recommend having a camel ride experience while on your trip to Morocco, too. With two choices to ride a camel you’ll find some great options that will suit your travel itinerary and plans in Morocco. You’ll find helpful information on riding a camel in the Sahara and near Marrakech to help you determine the best place and company to choose.

Happy travels in Morocco!

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First, should you ride a camel?

There is a huge ethical question whenever animals are used for tourism purposes. Our number one consideration when choosing an adventure that includes an animal shouldn’t be about us but about the animal’s welfare.

With that being said, camel rides can be just as ethical or unethical of an experience based on the company you choose to work with. That’s why it’s so important to do your research and find the best companies that support the animals humanely.

But keep in mind that as of now there are no laws about animal cruelty in Morocco. Meaning, many Moroccans see their animals as a business opportunity instead of something to be cared for. This makes finding the right businesses to work with even more important, as not all Moroccans treat their camels cruelly but to say that your camel ride shouldn’t support animal abuse or neglect.

What to look out for on your camel trek

Only choose to ride animals that seem healthy and well taken care of. Even if you’ve already paid for the tour it’s okay to tell the handler that you feel uncomfortable riding the animal due to its condition.
Find experiences that are fair market prices (not deep discounts), as these handlers make more money to sustain their camels. This lets them give them a good quality of life.
Watch how your handler interacts with their camel. If they are hitting, kicking, yanking the reins frequently, etc. this can be a sign of abuse happening.

As these points suggest: it’s up to you to decide if the experience is ethical and meets your animal well-being standards. Personally, I did ride a camel in the Sahara Desert. I found the experience to be fairly humane and the camels to be comfortable.

Best places to ride camels in Morocco

There are two main places people choose to ride a camel in Morocco: Merzouga and the Afgany Desert (near Marrakech). Camel riding in both locations is good but I’d recommend if you can visit the Sahara near Merzouga it’s an incredible experience that I can’t recommend enough.

So, if you can make it to the Sahara at Merzouga, this is the place to ride a camel. But if you can’t make the 3-day trip work into your travel plans you can still ride a camel near Marrakech at the Afgany Desert.

Just a note: You can find other places to ride camels in Morocco, such as Tangier, but the experience just isn’t as good. But if you happen to find yourself only in northern Morocco this is an option!

Riding camels in the Moroccan Sahara

Your first option is to ride camels in the Sahara near Merzouga. The best way to visit Merzouga is with a guided 3-day tour from either Fes or Marrakech. These tours often include a camel ride already in your purchase price or as an add-on purchase at your overnight camp. Check your listed inclusions on your tour to see if a camel ride is already included in your price.

If choosing to travel to the Sahara it’s best to book your camel tour directly with your tour operator, as the camps are spread out and your camel ride starts directly at your overnight stay. And because I don’t recommend traveling to the Sahara without a guided tour booking directly with your overnight tour is the only way most people can do a camel ride in the Sahara.

My Top Choice!

This is my favorite 3-day tour in the Sahara.

book it now

Personally, I can’t recommend a trip to the Sahara enough if you’re visiting Morocco. Camel trekking the dunes overlooking nothing but sand is just an incredible experience that everyone should have in their lifetime. It’s well worth the money and time, so do think about adding this as a must-do.

What is the best 3 day tour from Marrakech to the desert? I outline all the best options in this helpful guide to visiting the Sahara in Morocco! You'll find the best tours, tricks to getting the best deals, and recommendations on the best way to visit, too.

Riding camels near Marrakech

Your second option for riding camels in Morocco is a bit easier to get to by visiting the Agafay Desert just outside of Marrakech. (This is also a great place to go on a hot air balloon ride at an affordable price!) This desert is pretty secluded with great views of the High Atlas Mountains, all within a short drive of Marrakech.

You’ll find a variety of experiences that include camel rides in the Agafay Desert, like overnight glamping stays, dinner shows, and quad bike tours. There truly is something for everyone.

So, if you’re looking to stay closer to Marrakech booking a tour to the Agafay Desert is a great alternative to see get a camel experience on your trip to Morocco.

Looking to do this on a private tour? You can book private tours in the Agafay Desert with some tour operators. Of course, these experiences will cost you more money. One of my favorite private tours is this private dinner with fire show (and yes, camel ride).

What to wear on a camel ride in Morocco

The most important thing when riding a camel in Morocco is to have the right clothing. Instead of shorts be sure to wear pants to protect your legs from the camel and the sun. It’s also a good idea to wear a sunhat or a traditional Moroccan keffiyeh, tied with a scarf. I also recommend a long sleeve shirt to protect your arms from Morocco’s powerful sun rays.

If you are traveling to Morocco in the winter remember the Sahara’s temperature drastically drops once the sun sets so be sure to have the proper clothing to stay warm on your sunset ride back to camp.

What else should you bring on your camel ride in Morocco? It’s important to pack in plenty of water to stay hydrated throughout your ride. (I recommend the LifeStraw water bottle to always have clean drinking water in Morocco.)

Mini-Sahara Packing List

Lightweight linen pants to keep you cool and covered while in the desert
Long sleeve linen shirt you can easily take on and off during your trip (like this one)
Large hat or scarf to cover your head and face
Sandals or shoes for the dunes
Slip on sandals for public shower
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Water bottle (I like a LifeStraw so I never have to worry about drinking water abroad)

FAQs

How much does it cost to ride camels in Morocco?

Camel rides vary in cost based on the type and length of experience. I recommend not booking a ride for less than $20 per person to ensure your camel is being treated ethically. Keep in mind that your experience also varies on cost based on the additional elements, such as dinner shows and ATV rides, but also the type of overnight accommodation if you’re booking a trip to the Sahara.

If you are planning to book a 3-night trip to the Sahara you need an experience that’s at least $150 per person to have anything good. Paying less will result in unnecessary stops for sales pitches and less time in the desert.

Is it okay to ride camels in Morocco?

Yes, it can be but that doesn’t mean it always is. Just like horse riding, there are some places that treat the animals fairly and others that are more interested in the profits. It’s important to say something if you see an animal being treated unfairly and refuse to ride to ensure the animals welfare is in the best interest.

Where is the best place to ride a camel in Morocco?

I will always recommend riding a camel in the Sahara if you have the time to travel to Merzouga. However if you’re on a tighter schedule you can find some amazing rides near Marrakech, too. There are other camel experiences in Morocco but these are the two best and most popular places to ride.

What’s the best Moroccan desert tour to book?

I’ve written a complete guide on the best 3-day tours to the Sahara but my favorite tour is this one. To be sure you’re having a good experience on your Sahara tour it’s important to book a tour that’s at least $150. Those who have booked cheaper tours find the experience to be lacking, where the point is to take you to places to purchase items from friends rather than spend time in the desert.

More Morocco Tips + Inspiration

I hope you have an amazing time in Morocco! I loved my trip (especially my visit to the Sahara) and I know you will, too. If you liked this post you’ll love some of my other travel guides and tips to visiting Morocco: