Short rideMerzougaErg Chebbi · Sunset or sunrise
Sunset or sunrise camel ride
A 1 to 1.5-hour ride into the Erg Chebbi dunes, timed for the golden light at sunset or the quiet of sunrise. Ideal if you are already staying in Merzouga.
Camel rides & camel trekking
By Mohamed El Amraoui, founder & Sahara tour planner · Updated 14 October 2026
Camel rides in Morocco, from sunset rides to nights in the dunes
Ride a camel over the golden Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga, at sunset or sunrise, or join a full camel trek to a desert camp. Short on time? Ride in the Agafay desert or the Palmeraie, close to Marrakech. Every ride is private and led by our local team.
By Mohamed El Amraoui, founder & Sahara tour planner · Updated 14 October 2026
MerzougaErg Chebbi dunes
Sunsetor sunrise rides
MarrakechAgafay & Palmeraie
Quick answer
Where is the best camel ride in Morocco?
The best place to ride a camel in Morocco is Merzouga, at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes in the Sahara. Ride at sunset or sunrise for a short trip, or trek into the dunes and sleep in a desert camp. If you only have a day in Marrakech, a camel ride in the Agafay desert or the Palmeraie is the easiest option. To reach Merzouga from Marrakech, most travelers take our 3-day desert tour, or the slower 4-day tour.
Choose your ride
Four ways to ride a camel in Morocco
Every option is private. Tap the green button to ask about dates and prices on WhatsApp.
Short rideMerzouga
OvernightMerzougaCamel trek · Desert camp
Camel trek & night in a desert camp
Ride into the dunes in the late afternoon, watch the sunset from a high dune, and sleep in a Berber camp. Ride back at sunrise for breakfast. Included in our 3-day and 4-day tours from Marrakech.
2 daysFrom MarrakechHigh Atlas · Zagora
Camel ride in Zagora
The shortest trip from Marrakech to a real desert camp. Cross the High Atlas, ride a camel at sunset and sleep under the stars.
Near Marrakech
Camel ride in the Agafay desert or the Palmeraie
Only have a day in Marrakech? We organize private camel rides in the Agafay desert, a rocky desert with views of the Atlas Mountains, and in the Palmeraie palm grove on the edge of the city. You are back in Marrakech the same day. Note that Agafay is a stony desert of rocky hills, with no sand dunes; for the golden dunes, go to Merzouga or Zagora.
At a glance
Which camel ride is right for you?
| Camel ride | Landscape | Time needed | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Merzouga sunset or sunrise ride | Tall sand dunes of Erg Chebbi | 1 to 1.5 hours | Travelers already in Merzouga |
| Merzouga camel trek & desert camp | Tall sand dunes, night in a Berber camp | One night, as part of a 2 to 6-day tour | The full Sahara experience |
| Zagora camel ride | Smaller dunes, desert camp | 2 days from Marrakech | Short trips from Marrakech |
| Agafay or Palmeraie ride | Stony desert or palm grove | Same day from Marrakech | A first taste of riding a camel |
Before you ride
What to expect on a camel ride
- 1A guide walks with youYour camel guide leads the camels on foot at a slow, steady pace. You do not need any riding experience.
- 2Getting on and offThe camel kneels so you can climb on. Lean back as it stands up and lean back again as it kneels. Your guide shows you how.
- 3What to wearLong, light trousers, closed shoes, sunglasses and sunscreen. A scarf protects you from sun and sand. Bring a warm layer for sunrise and winter evenings.
- 4Best time of yearSpring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the most comfortable. In summer, ride only at sunset or sunrise.
Star dunes like those of Erg Chebbi are “a distinctive feature of the Sahara.”
Our team lives in Rissani and Merzouga, beside the Erg Chebbi dunes. Meet the team or read our guests' reviews on Tripadvisor.
Where can I ride a camel in Morocco?
The best place is Merzouga, beside the Erg Chebbi sand dunes. Zagora also has dunes and desert camps, two days from Marrakech. Near Marrakech, you can ride in the Agafay desert or the Palmeraie on a same-day trip.
Should I ride at sunset or sunrise?
Both are beautiful. Sunset is the most popular, with warm colors over the dunes. Sunrise is quieter and cooler. On an overnight trek you can enjoy both: ride out at sunset and back at sunrise.
Can I ride a camel near Marrakech?
Yes. We organize private camel rides in the Agafay desert and the Palmeraie, with a return to Marrakech the same day. For tall sand dunes, choose our 2-day Zagora trip, or our 3-day or 4-day Merzouga tour.
Can I ride a camel in Tangier or Casablanca?
Short camel rides on the beach are sometimes offered there, but there are no desert dunes near these cities. Our private tours from Tangier and Casablanca include a camel trek and a night in the dunes of Merzouga.
Do I need riding experience?
No. A guide leads your camel on foot at walking pace. Tell us in advance if you have back problems or are pregnant, and we will suggest the best option for you.
How do I book a camel ride?
Message us on WhatsApp at +212 669 576 091 or email contact@camelridetrips.com with your dates, group size and where you want to ride. We reply with a private plan and price.
Ready to ride?
Plan your camel ride in Morocco
Tell us your dates, group size and where you are staying. We reply with a private plan and price, usually within a day.