About Camel Trekking in Morocco

When most people think of the Sahara, visions of camels walking through soft yellow sand come to mind (I blame Disney's Aladdin!). Of course, there are more things to do in North Africa but Camel trekking Morocco remains one of the most popular activities.

Skykook offers a few Morocco trips that include camel trekking. Before you set off to ride camels through the desert, you should have a rough idea of what you're getting yourself into.

In this article, you will find information on what to expect while camel trekking in Morocco. We'll also tell you more about the different options and what to avoid when booking a camel trek.

Camel treks are primarily offered in the Sahara Desert region of Morocco, particularly in areas like Merzouga, Zagora, and Erg Chebbi. These locations are known for their vast sand dunes, beautiful oases, and remote desert landscapes. They provide an ideal setting for camel trekking adventures.

Even though you may not consider it true camel trekking, you can go for short camel rides across most of Morocco. In the coastal city of Essaouira, you can go for a camel ride along the beach and into the dunes and forest.

If you have limited time, you can opt for a day trip that includes a camel ride into the desert. This is a good option for travellers who are short on time but would still like to ride a camel and experience the beauty of the desert environment.

Overnight camel treks are the most popular option. These trips typically involve riding a camel to a desert campsite. Usually, you spend the night in the Moroccan desert under the stars in traditional Bedouin-style tents. These tours usually include traditional Moroccan meals, entertainment such as drumming and music, and a chance to experience the tranquil beauty of the desert at sunrise and sunset.

For a more immersive experience, you can choose multi-day camel treks that last several days. These longer trips take you deeper into the desert, allowing you to explore remote areas, visit nomadic communities, and witness breathtaking landscapes.

Check out Skyhook's Morocco Highlights tour, or, if you'd also like to climb North Africa's highest mountain, why not consider the Toubkhal & Sahara Combo tour?

When participating in any kind of tourism activity involving animals, it is important to be mindful of ethical considerations. There are also a few other factors that could affect the enjoyment of your tour. Here are a few points to consider:

Ensure that the animals used for trekking are well-treated, adequately fed, and have regular rest periods. Look for tour operators who prioritize the welfare of their camels and treat them with care and respect.

Unfortunately, this is easier said than done in Morocco where camels are often only seen as assets. Luckily, tourism is progressing, and travelers are becoming more mindful of their impact. Your travel choices contribute to changing the acceptable standards of these treks.

Choose tour operators that maintain smaller group sizes. Going with a smaller group is going to be more enjoyable for you as it will mean a better quality tour. Also, large groups can put additional stress on the animals and create an uncomfortable 'hustled' environment.

Respect the local culture, traditions, and customs of the desert communities you encounter. The communities in places where camel trekking is popular are usually well-used to tourists at this point but you still need to be mindful. Follow the guidance of your local guides and ask permission before photographing people or their homes.

Most visitors find that the best time to visit the Morocco desert is over autumn (September-November) or the beginning of spring (March-April). During this time the heat is less intense.

Morocco desert weather can experience extreme temperature fluctuations, so be prepared for hot days and cold nights. Pack appropriate clothing and bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. We recommend reading our article on what to wear in the Sahara desert.

Camel trekking requires a reasonable level of physical fitness. Riding a camel can be surprisingly challenging and tiring, especially during longer treks. Consider going on a shorter ride before committing to multiple days.

Be prepared for some discomfort (there is a lot of swaying back and forth) and bring necessary items like a comfortable backpack, sturdy shoes, and a water bottle.

Always follow the instructions of your guides. Remember, these animals are a whole lot bigger than you and are more than capable of biting and kicking (plus they have that nasty reputation of spitting!).

It's advisable to have travel insurance for Morocco that covers camel trekking and any potential medical emergencies or trip cancellations.