3 min read
Camel trekking in Morocco: what to expect
Less about the distance covered, more about the sunrise or sunset it's timed around.
Written by Morocco Tailored Tours.
Most camel treks in the Sahara are short by distance: typically 45 minutes to an hour and a half, timed for sunset on arrival at camp or sunrise the following morning, rather than a long-distance trek. The dromedary camels used are well accustomed to tourist riders and led by an experienced guide on foot.
Mounting and dismounting is the part first-timers are usually most nervous about: the camel kneels for both, and the motion (a distinct forward-then-back lurch) is more dramatic than dangerous, though it's worth holding on for those first few seconds.
An hour in the saddle is enough for most people; longer treks can be uncomfortable for anyone not used to riding, so a shorter, well-timed trek at sunset or sunrise is usually the better choice over a longer one in the middle of the day.
For travellers who'd rather skip riding altogether, walking the dunes on foot or joining by 4x4 covers the same sunset or sunrise experience without the camel: we build either option in without it changing the itinerary.
Want to see how this works on a real route? Our 3-Day Private Sahara Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga and 5-Day Marrakech to Sahara Desert Tour with Merzouga Camp are private itineraries we can adjust to fit.
Planning around Sahara Desert? Read the Sahara Desert destination guide, or see 3-Day Private Sahara Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga, a sample itinerary that includes it.
A few common questions
Ready to see this in person?
3-Day Private Sahara Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga
The shortest private route from Marrakech to the Erg Chebbi dunes: Ait Benhaddou and the Dades Valley on the way out, the Todra Gorge and a night in a Merzouga desert camp, and a long drive back through the Draa Valley. Two of the three days are mostly on the road, and we plan them that way.
More from the blog
What a night in a Sahara desert camp is actually like
More comfortable than 'camping' suggests, less rustic than the photos might make you expect.
Read article
Merzouga or Zagora: which Sahara fits your trip?
One has the tall golden dunes, the other is far closer to Marrakech. The right answer depends on how many days you have.
Read article
Agafay or the Sahara: is the stone desert a fair substitute?
Forty-five minutes from Marrakech versus a multi-day journey. They're different experiences, not two versions of the same one.
Read articleTours for this trip
3-Day Private Sahara Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga
The shortest private route from Marrakech to the Erg Chebbi dunes: Ait Benhaddou and the Dades Valley on the way out, the Todra Gorge and a night in a Merzouga desert camp, and a long drive back through the Draa Valley. Two of the three days are mostly on the road, and we plan them that way.
Visits Marrakech · Ait Benhaddou · Todra and Dades Gorges · Sahara Desert
From€917(≈ $1,025 USD)€1,079 (≈ $1,205 USD)15% off, reserve by 17 Feb 2027per person, double or twin room
5-Day Marrakech to Sahara Desert Tour with Merzouga Camp
A 5-day Marrakech desert tour with a different bed each night: Marrakech, the Dades Valley, a luxury camp in the Erg Chebbi dunes and Ouarzazate, before returning to Marrakech on the last day. You see Ait Ben Haddou and Todra Gorge on the way out and sleep in the Sahara on day three. For travellers who want the desert on a short schedule without a full day of driving back.
Visits Marrakech · Ait Benhaddou · Todra and Dades Gorges · Sahara Desert · Ouarzazate
From€1,403(≈ $1,565 USD)€1,651 (≈ $1,845 USD)15% off, reserve by 17 Feb 2027per person, double or twin room
8-Day Casablanca Loop Tour via Marrakech, the Sahara and Chefchaouen
A private 8-day loop from Casablanca that runs south to Marrakech, across the Atlas to the Sahara, up to Fez and the Rif, and back to Casablanca. It includes two nights in the Erg Chebbi dunes, a full guided day in Fez and a night in Chefchaouen, and you fly out from the same airport you arrived at.
Visits Marrakech · Ait Benhaddou · Todra and Dades Gorges · Sahara Desert · Fez · Chefchaouen · +5 more
From€2,017(≈ $2,255 USD)€2,373 (≈ $2,650 USD)15% off, reserve by 17 Feb 2027per person, double or twin room