ashenNot everyone is fortunate enough to have such an experience under their belt no matter how adventurous they are. A Camel trekking is entirely different from a typical mountain trek. Moreover, Camel trekking in Morocco can truly be a memorable experience. This ancient mode of transportation in the middle east and Africa is also a popular activity that attracts many tourists. Reason that most tourists opt for camel trekking over desert tours is because it bonds you closely with the desert experience. You familiarize more with the Moroccan way of life, desert environment, culture and history of the region than you would in a 4WD desert tour.
Preparing For Camel Trekking
Preparation is key as always. So how should you prepare in advance to make your trip truly memorable? Starting with the dress, make sure to wear loose clothing as opposed to tight outfits as there is quite a bit of stretching involved when hoisting yourself into the camel’s back. Classic examples would be loose tees, pants and leggings. Another thing to keep in mind is that the camels’ wooly fur can be irritable to some of you. Therefore, it would be prudent to dress yourself with long sleeved shirts and pants to shield yourself from the camel and the desert sun. Not to mention the sunscreen of your choice.
Hiking or walking boots are recommended for footwear over flip-flops. Also, don’t get panicked when the camel starts rising to its feet. Just lean back when it is rising from the back legs and lean forward when it raises itself on its front legs. Once you start moving, never kick or shout at the camel for they are calm creatures. Nevertheless, you will be accompanied by an experienced camel handler trained to keep the animal in control.
Camel Trekking Guide in Morocco
Basically you will be going on an overnight camel trek in Morocco which means you will spend nights in the desert and preparation has to be done accordingly. The guide below serves as an aid for camel trekking in Morocco.
There are 3 day Sahara camel treks, 5 day Morocco desert treks and 7 day Sahara camel hikes as well. The village of M’hamid El Ghizlane is a popular gateway to the Moroccan desert. Some of the dunes that you can choose to visit are,
- Erg Lihoudi
- Erg Chebbi
- Erg Chegaga
- Erg Smar
- Erg Sahar
There are quite a bit more but listed above are the most popular. If you go to Merzouga, you can have a camel trekking tour in the Erg Chebbi dunes which includes an overnight stay at the Merzouga desert camp. The first day from Merzouga to Erg Chebbi takes about an hour and a half of camel ride. You will start at a pick-up point in Merzouga and your luggage will be delivered to a camp on a vehicle. This is where you can showcase your photography skills as the blue sky paired with the reddish orange sand deserves a stunning capture.
Furthermore, there is the opportunity of climbing a sand dune to immerse yourself in the sunset. Night accommodation includes both luxury and standard options at the desert camp. The difference between the two is that you will have attached bathrooms in your private tent should you choose to go luxury. Your night in the desert camp will be filled with delicious Moroccan dinner, fellow travelers and local culture.
Make sure to check out the sunrise on the second day before you return to Merzouga. Sandboarding, riding quad bikes are some of the activities that you can add to your journey on your return. In fact, we’d recommend sandboarding as it is a unique experience to have in the Sahara desert.
More Locations for Camel Trekking
Merzouga to Erg Chebbi is a popular choice among many tourists. However, there are other locations to experience this thrilling adventure. If you are in Marrakech, you can find camel rides close to Menara Gardens, near Jemaa el-Fna square and Menara Mall. These tours include, Marrakech to Palmeraie, Atlas Mountains and Agafay Desert. You can also find 3-5 day tours here such as Marrakech to Merzouga with overnight stay in Bedouin camp in the Erg Chebbi dunes and Marrakech to Zagora desert. If you’re looking for something other than the desert, Agafay desert will be a special experience for camel trekking. Known as the stone desert, Agafay resembles the surface of the moon and it isn’t a part of the Sahara desert. You also get Camel rides in Casablanca. From Casablanca to Erg Chebbi, Marrakech, Agafay desert etc.
Summary
There you go. A comprehensive guide for camel trekking in Morocco. To conclude, pricing for a camel ride in Morocco is location, duration and operator specific, but typically ranges from roughly $9-13 USD. Needless to say, luxury camel trek is pricier. Tourist companies do set a limit for the weight capacity. Dromedary camels can carry about 100 kg while Bactrian camels can carry up to 200 kg. For the sake of avoiding unwanted hazel, it is best to book the tour in advance.
