Camel Trekking in Morocco
There are few travel experiences that are more symbolic of adventure and transformation than a camel trek in the desert, right? Of course, it’s not for everyone, and at the end of the day, it can actually be a bit uncomfortable and even sweaty and smelly at times. But sunsets like this, sunrises like this, and a night under the stars can make all of that a distant memory in about two seconds. If you’ve not done it for the peace that can envelop you, the silences, or the sky, then at least you must have heard stories from people who have done it, and about how magical and sensory-stimulating they found the whole experience. You wouldn’t think, by looking at the above pictures, that we were actually a group of some twenty-five camels trekking to our night camp. That’s exactly what I liked most about this whole experience: the strangeness of being in a convoy that brings you back to ancient, forgotten times, and at the same time the fact that the landscape out there is so incredibly unchanged and unspoiled.
Morocco is a wonderful country with a lot to offer to the traveler. We were based in Marrakech, and after exploring a bit of the city, we wanted to venture and see more of the country. Trekking with a local Berber guide in the High Atlas Mountains is another great experience, they say, so we did that. But we were also very keen to have a genuine desert experience – trekking out there in the Sahara. Now, in Marrakech there’s no way to escape the plethora of tourist agencies offering all types of desert activities: from camel and quad tours to short ‘taster trips’ to Merzouga or Zagora. Being our available time the main constraint on our trip, we wanted to go no further than the Zagora environs, and we knew very well from our previous experiences the issues we had, such as limited time for photography, no off-the-beaten-track feel, and touristy tour operators. We just wanted to avoid all that, and to have some walking and exploration time, and a real feel of the desert.
2. Best Places for Camel Trekking
Camel Trekking in Morocco Day Camel Trek in Marrakech, Short Camel Trek, Overnight Camel Trek, 1 Night Camel Trek, Camel Trekking in the Palmeraie in Marrakech, Camel Trekking in Merzouga, Camel Trekking in Zagora, holidays in Morocco, singles, private trip, luxury. Are you planning a trip to Morocco and looking for the best places for camel trekking? You are in the right place. The best places for camel trekking in Morocco are Marrakech Palmeraie, Zagora, Mhamid, or Merzouga. These are the places known for camel trekking in Morocco. Our team is always ready to take care of you and give you all the good tips for a successful trip. We offer captivating customized tours and excursions to suit all travelers. We can help solo travelers, families, or friend groups find the adventure trip you’ve been dreaming of. Visit some of South Morocco’s most beautiful areas. Choose from our top-selling tours to find the right itinerary to fit your interests. We place ourselves in very authentic locations worthy of a film set, such as caves and old Kasbahs. What are you waiting for? Check out our customized tour packages.
2.1. Camel Trekking in Merzouga
If you’d rather not do the multi-day camel treks around the desert, another recommended experience is to spend a night with a Moroccan family in one of the villages just within camel trekking distance of Merzouga. This can be done on your own if you have a car. If you don’t have your own transportation, inquire about organization as many of the tour companies offer this activity in conjunction with a shorter camel ride. You normally leave the previous afternoon, camel trek a short distance from Merzouga to your next accommodation to spend the night and return the following morning.
If you are coming to Merzouga in order to go camel trekking, there are ample opportunities throughout the year. You can book a camel ride through a hotel or a travel agency. Often, if you are arriving from another destination a long day’s drive away, the drive will be organized for you through the hotel you are planning on staying at in Merzouga. The most popular are the two-night desert trips which are offered through all the different travel agencies. These mean that you have a one-way camel ride out to the first camp and another camel ride back from the second camp on the third day, or a specially designed program for the 3-night or 4-night camel ride in the desert.
2.2. Camel Trekking in Chegaga
Although Erg Chegaga is situated 300 meters lower than Erg Chabbi, the dunes are bigger in the south, with some giant dunes reaching up to 50 meters. The highest dunes are located at the center of the Erg, and the scenery is striking, especially as you approach them. The colors of the dunes transform from golden to yellow, and then, as you reach the highest point, they suddenly change from dark gold to deep orange. This is something to be seen. Additionally, it looks more isolated than Erg Chabbi, which brings more tranquility.
All campsites in Erg Chegaga provide comfort for guests. More importantly, the Sahara’s Favorite Camp offers the best services available for guests so far. The tents are permanently installed and easily accessible. The bathrooms and toilets are added to the tents as a module and are shared effectively between two tents. The camp owners provide clean towels for guests and also offer services such as camel rides and sandboarding. Guests can also visit the oasis for short camel rides, and quad or motorbike riding opportunities are also available. The only problem is the camel droppings on the site, which frequently smog the area under canopies.
2.3. Camel Trekking in Agafay desert
After the Jbilets, the Agafay desert is the closest desert to the city of Marrakech. It is not a real desert, but its arid and lunar landscapes are nevertheless magnificent and very pleasant to discover, especially if you do not have time to go to the real Sahara, south of the Atlas. Of course, camel trekking is very popular with tourists who come to the Agafay desert. However, we would like to warn you here against the abuse of certain establishments that offer poor camels and are not properly cared for. The donkey ride problem in Marrakech has recently been highlighted. Let’s be careful not to repeat the same mistakes with camels in the Agafay desert. Always favor a camel ride with a local guide or a company with good reviews that respects animals.
Unlike the Palmeraie and the Rose Valley, in the Agafay desert, you will traverse stone deserts, meet slopes, and discover beautiful hidden landscapes behind the mountains. Camel rides generally last half a day. It is already a must-see attraction in Marrakech if you don’t have time to go to the real Sahara. We think this is a good experience for families. With young children, you must of course ask for a double seat and go there well covered. They will grip each other. The camel walk is very calm and gentle, nothing to do with the movement of horses. At midday, water bottles and organic pink gold from Marrakech will be offered to you. The sunset ride is certainly very beautiful, even spiritual, but it is shorter. And then from one hour in the saddle, even on a dromedary, it must get tired!
Agadir is one of the most delightful places to visit because of the amazing attractions it has. Camel riding is for sure one of the most enjoyable activities that can also allow you to get lost in a zigzag world of the upside-down old magic market, the souk of El Had, where every single thing can be found, either souvenirs or daily life tools, traditional jewelry or traditional clothes as well. Some other extraordinary places that can be visited, but most importantly where camel riding can be enjoyed are the circuits of argan trees around Agadir. Agadir offers amazing camel ride possibilities. The vast beaches in Agadir offer the perfect landscapes for those camel riding experiences you are dreaming about for so long. Zagoura is the beautiful gate to Dades Valley. First of all, the breathtaking landscapes can let you stay there for good, but the camels are a must-try for everyone. Camel riding is practiced in the desert, but especially on the sides of Dades Valley, where the beauty of nature is suddenly revealed as you start walking and enjoying the fresh air in the morning, without the heat of the day. Also, the huge gardens around the oasis can be visited while taking a lovely camel trek on the sides of Dades Valley.
2.6. Camel Trekking in Essaouira
Camels come to mind when we think of Morocco, don’t they? Indeed, they are one of the most preferred means of transport for trips. It is not difficult to find a spot where you can travel with camels while in Morocco. Essaouira is one of the most charming places where such tours are organized. Travelers – if there are two, then on different camels, not side by side – travel on an eight-day route, the camel caravan being organized by local guides. Prior to starting the route, tourists can visit the camel caravan and make friends with them.
Moroccan camels can take you across the golden stretch of sand. The aforementioned are just a few of the Moroccan sites with many camel trekking operators. After all, Morocco’s south can take credit for the large oases, the kasbah-filled valleys, and the snow-capped mountains, as well as the rose-colored sand dunes. Although the pace of the camel trek may not seem fast, you will see beautiful pieces of Moroccan nature: the sensational golden dunes, the mighty eucalyptus and tamarisk, and the fresh scrubby patches. The multitude of captivating encounters along the road is what makes a camel trekking journey unrepeatable.
3. Safety Considerations for Camel Trekking
The camel is ranked as being one of the safest of all the animals that are used for fun and recreation. However, with due respect to its reputation, when coordinated with the wrong instructors or taken through the desert forces of sand dunes or thorns, or ridden wrongly, or when the saddle is not cleaned and set properly, then it can show a remarkable degree of exceptional fierce behavior, especially with its enormous sharp teeth, its multiple kicks, and a deafening roar when it gets mad and trusts that its gear and its mouth are filled properly to misbehave horrifyingly. Do not ever initiate any gesture towards the camel’s mouth with its food in it. Do not give the dear camel any reason to spill the generous contents of its responsive refusal to compromise its way of manifesting its displeasure apart from the meticulous careful awareness emphasized by the guide and signing warnings. If you remember to strictly obey the aggressive instructions: apply merely this side of the carpet, don’t press, throws the carpet, he does not stop, you will have the most magnificent trip of your lifetime.
3.1. Is Camel Trekking Safe in Morocco?
Camel Trekking in Morocco: A Comprehensive Guide
3.1. Is Camel Trekking Safe in Morocco?
Yes! Camel trekking in Morocco is generally safe. Moroccan operators are experienced and organized when it comes to activity setup and hosting travelers over the dunes. As with any activity, especially an adventure one, there are important things to consider to make your visit fully enjoyable.
Bring sunscreen – we recommend a high-factor sunscreen that protects against UVA, UVB, and UVC rays. Don’t forget sunglasses and a hat or scarf to shield your head and face from the sun. Covering up during the day is also a good idea to reflect the sun’s rays. During the winter, the sun in the desert is still strong and can be deceptive when it comes to temperature. A hot 30°C day can take a quick turn for the worse at night, dipping well below zero in some areas. Make sure to bring layers, including a large scarf or cape to wrap around your neck, head, and shoulders.
3.2. Health Precautions Before Trekking
Most simple health problems while trekking are a direct result of poor personal hygiene. If you make some effort to clean up when you have the chance, you should avoid the common ailments. On extended treks, you should try to wash your hair and body every three to four days. Regular washing reduces the build-up of grease and sweat on the body, which acts as an irritant and can give you a blister problem. It is essential to have a dental check-up before undertaking a long camel trek. Good plaque-free teeth and healthy gums are necessary for proper health. They determine your general oral health, including bone strength and the blood supply to your teeth. It may be difficult to have professional dental help until you return home; it is imperative that you undergo a full check-up before you leave. Prompt treatment of any developing problem will prevent you from developing a painful and debilitating condition while trekking, away from professional help. A full medical check should be done before your camel trek. Significant medical problems can turn a pleasurable experience into a nightmare for you. If doctors commonly refer, it is more important not to go.
4. Duration of Camel Treks
The duration of a trek depends on the time available as well as on the trekker’s preference. While others believe there is no need to prolong the feeling of loss or isolation, some people prefer to relieve their senses slowly from the world of materialism and anticipation. A few hours are sufficient to experience the feel of camel trekking. These normally go to the surrounding villages, to the nearest oasis, or to the hilltop overlooking the area. One-day (full) treks usually take the camel team to the surrounding hills or to the richer desert areas that are more remote and further afield.
One-day treks allow two to three hours of walking. These treks also include a packed lunch, usually enjoyed in a moment of shade. In two-day (one-night) treks, time starts to stretch gradually. These are the shortest recommended treks. They are the most popular for those who want to see and experience the desert only briefly. Evening and early morning are best, so treks longer than this would not merit any additional sights or experiences, only a slower pace. Three-day treks or longer are perfect for those in search of the ultimate desert experience. They provide sufficient time to distance oneself from everyday life. The body is relaxed, the rhythm of the camel ride established, and the visitor can appreciate the breadth of silence and emptiness. Longer treks are slower paced.
4.1. Recommended Length of Camel Treks
The length of your camel trek will largely vary based on the following: trekking difficulty level, intended destination for the camel journey, travel style, and personal preferences. As such, the number of actual trekking days will range from day trips and half-day excursions to longer three-week treks crossing the Moroccan Sahara. Remember that camel riding can become quite tough and challenging after a couple of days. As a result, it is a smart idea to prepare for it in advance. For treks of such difficulty levels that cross the deep Moroccan desert, you will generally encounter this type of itinerary. In the beginning, you should request an itinerary change or add a few more days to the base schedule. Make sure the stages are manageable concerning how much time you will be spending in the saddle, and check out if you like what is in for lunch and dinner.
4.2. Short vs. Long Treks
Typically, at the end of each day’s journey, the camel drivers will need to go to the nearest village to bring back food and water, as well as other necessities. This village is also where the camels will spend the night. If the village is easily reachable by foot, you can decide to walk and be joined by the camel drivers who will need to keep the camels close. Otherwise, if the villagers decide to spend the night in another encampment where they have access to better living conditions, you will be transported with the rest of the group. The most expensive part of a trek is definitely riding a camel. So, to make the most of it, we suggest you go for a longer trek that will allow for a more comprehensive experience. On a one-day trip, all you get to do is enjoy a camel ride; however, if you choose to spend a few days in the desert, you would enjoy the total experience of this style of travel, including assistance behind the scenes to ensure the best possible journey.
Short trips will take you from your car to a dune in a few hours and then back to your car; of course, you will have ridden a camel. On a long trip, you will venture deep into the desert and sleep under the desert stars, enjoy meals cooked on an open campfire, and feel more deeply attuned to the natural rhythm of the desert, the only true comparison. If you have the time and money, go for it; as beautiful as a day trip to the dunes is, it is nothing like what awaits those patient enough to travel farther into the desolate playground of the Sahara. With a longer trip, you will have time to slow down and truly enjoy the isolation and quirkiness of riding a camel in the great Western Sahara, to recharge your energy, and leave time behind.
5. Differences Between Merzouga and Chegaga Treks
Another snippet: Several minor differences exist between the treks in Merzouga and Chegaga. The dunes of Erg Chebbi in Merzouga are the highest and the most beautiful in Morocco, and during clear weather, it is possible to see the border with Algeria. Merzouga is only 600 meters from the Algerian frontier. Because the dunes in Merzouga are more accessible, there are many more tourists and more luxury camps to accommodate them. Traditional Berber music around the fire is part of the experience. Also, there is a settlement of Berber people who live inside the dunes in the middle of the desert. They have installed small hotels, restaurants, and small shops. In Chegaga, staying in these kinds of hotels is possible only in Mhamid. Even though only the top of the first big dune is accessible to the tourists, the view is breathtaking. However, Chegaga is far more remote and peaceful, with no villages or other human presence within a range of 40 km. The desert is scruffier, with lots of hamada that makes it more difficult to traverse, as well as seribiet. While many Berber camps offer dinner and breakfast to tourists, playing music does not enter into their tradition. Sleep tight, as silence envelops the desert by the time the last notes accompany the darkness outside. This splendid isolation far into the silence is the very best part of the Chegaga experience. For those looking for peace and quiet while visiting the Moroccan desert, Chegaga is the place. However, this peace and quiet come with a price. Access is limited and hard work. For those who think that Morocco ends just past the Atlas, Chegaga is a must.
5.1. Landscape and Scenery
The landscape and scenery are major attractions for trekkers visiting Morocco. Camel treks are an incredible way to explore the route network that forms the basis for traditional Bedouin nomadic life in the North African deserts. The scenery is a blend of rocky, flat, gravel plains, sand dunes, hills, and mountains but lacks vegetation apart from at permanent oases. Given the harsh, arid environment, trekkers are often surprised by the number and variety of fauna they encounter on camel treks. Many birds of prey are residents, and many more are migrants traveling between Europe and sub-Saharan Africa. Treks in the desert are just as popular in winter months as they are in summer months. The main draw for winter is the cooler temperatures. If you do not mind the scorching heat, fly and insect bites, and are used to regular temperatures over 100 degrees, then summer can offer you the solitude and endless vistas of wind-eroded desert. The northern part of the Sahara is rather poorly explored and is rarely visited. Consequently, the landscapes are pristine, and you will get to see unspoiled miles of sand-sea in the greater Erg Chigaga region. Few, if any, trekking groups visit the true Erg Chigaga region. The majority of tourists are of the 45-minute camel ride variety from hotels and conversions of kasbahs.
5.2. Cultural Experiences
Numerous and extremely varied cultural experiences are possible in Morocco. Anyone is likely to find an interest, be it Arab culture, Berber culture, history, archaeology, Jewish heritage, Islam, traditional markets and crafts, or people photography. With its wide variety of historic sites, the country’s cultural heritage includes Roman and prehistoric European as well as Islamic and a little Jewish. The Fez and Meknes medina are the most fabulous historic cities, but Marrakech contains the most marvelous sculpture and glazed tiles.
For those who are interested in Berber culture, western and central High Atlas trekking or desert trekking are particularly recommended. It is also interesting to visit the desert kasbahs where Berber populations will offer the simple hospitality of unsophisticated but naturally friendly people. Jewish heritage is closely associated with Morocco’s mellahs, with large mellahs in Tetouan and Salé as well as the Marrakech mellah and nearby jeux de sable. A trek through a variety of mellahs is instructive; a visit to the village of Ait Ouglif shows the main reason why Jews and locals were friends. In Mellah Fatamine, Lhadra, it is interesting if only because it is now inhabited by descendants of Jews who converted to Islam.
6. Tips and Recommendations for Camel Trekking
These are our tips and recommendations for anyone about to embark on a camel trek in Morocco or anywhere else in North Africa. We hope you find them useful if you are planning your own camel trekking adventure sometime soon. – Bring at least 2-3 liters of water per person in a plastic bottle. You will get very thirsty while camel trekking during the summer. – We recommend making sure that you have plenty of drinking water reserves with you before starting your camel trek, during which there is little opportunity to rest and refresh. Dress in comfortable, loose clothing and bring sunglasses and a scarf. – Take only your most basic necessities that you can carry, and remember when you leave the city or your vehicle, that will be the only thing you can have with you on the way, except that it will be barely enough for all of you to store your cameras, smartphones, or wallets. It is also good to bring a camera or mobile phone to capture once-in-a-lifetime shots. – Do not take anything that requires electricity, as there is no way to charge it. – Bring a flashlight. – Bring up to 50 euros in cash and a credit card just in case. – Open a small backpack for your personal needs and pack your clothes in a bag. If your group is more than 5 people and your tents are double, they will give you an extra bag, and you will be able to carry your luggage. Believe me, it will make the journey much more comfortable. – You will always carry bath towels from hotels, which are sufficient for the desert. If you want a cleaner towel, ask, and they will surely provide it. – If you light up, carry your own toilet paper. – Food was ample and just about sufficient. If you are not a big eater, it is advisable to bring light snacks, as you may feel hungry between meals. A couple of golden cups to fix the hydration tablets can make the journey more tolerable. – Camel rides are definitely something that we would recommend for first-timers to the desert. They are up to 23 km per day, which means 6 hours, so if you are not looking to laugh, this is not for you. Our opinion is that we enjoyed everything, and we can never compare this experience with any of the 5-star hotel stays. This is a completely different and absolutely recommended experience.
6.1. Essential Gear to Bring
Basic clothing items • Light, long trousers. Should not be jeans unless you already know them to be comfortable to walk in. • Long-sleeved shirt, light. • Windbreaker-style jacket. It only gets cool at night. • Light sun hat with a brim. • Bandana or long scarf for wrapping around your face in a wind/dust/sand storm. • Two changes of basic underwear. • Basic toiletries: If the trek organizers are caring enough to provide any space for the transportation of anything, limit your toiletries to the absolute minimum. You cannot afford to go heavy, and you cannot afford to risk any item being lost and not being able to be replaced. • All of these items should be in desert colors, and white is best. We do not want to unduly disturb the people we visit with colors that are too bright, nor do we want to crisp inside of clothes that attract the sun, nor do we want to stand out for possible thieves. Footwear • High shoes that are as comfortable to walk in as anything you have ever had on your feet. • A pair of consumable sneakers to wear just walking around the village and as a backup for hiking. Personal gear • A large satchel or backpack with a waistband for day use or to hold out-of-season clothes. • Your favorite sunglasses. • A camera with a replacement battery. You will need extra power than a day tour will provide. • A copy of your passport, a little money, and other very small items in a neck holder so you have as little as possible after a normal life on the trek. • Large plastic bags to put around your gear for additional protection against sandstorms, especially when you are on the sand dunes. • Reusable water bottle for drinking water, at least 3–4 liters. Drink very large amounts of water. First-aid kit • Pocket first-aid kit, drugs, dressings, if needed. • While we strive to make our treks risk-free, there are no guarantees when traveling to such remote areas. Small injuries can become more serious without any support. Money • Small amount of cash, that’s all. Optional • Trekking staff (poles). • Light backpack for everyday trek, i.e., trekking, village visits (with packed lunch). • Camel pack, if within personal survival requirements. • Small folding chair for breathers here and there. • Camel trekking guidebook. If you are a hardcore traveler and do not need a guidebook, an alternative could be another book that interests you and/or to engage in photo, painting, or other explorative activities. If you are not so used to trekking, a guidebook can be of essential help. Non-essential items • Note, the list before this can be variable depending on how many excesses you are willing to consider. You have limited carriage space. Interview your trekking company for carrying space available.
6.2. What to Wear During the Trek
What should you wear? In the daytime, the temperatures can be very high, and it is important to cover up against the sun, even if it is not too hot. Long pants and long-sleeved shirts or t-shirts guard against the sun and also repel the windblown sand. A wide-brimmed hat is essential, with a hat strap to prevent losing it in the wind. Always take a pair of sunglasses to filter out UV rays and the sand, and have a bandana to protect your neck. While the temperature during the night is cool or cold, wear either cotton pajamas or insulated tops and bottoms for sleeping. Lighter weight wool is suitable, but buy them large so that sweat and dirt accumulated during the day will dry overnight. Carry a tough pair of shoes or heavy-duty walking boots and thick socks. It is essential to wear a pair of good walking boots or shoes with solid ankle support. Open-toed sandals are useless, and you will be unable to climb dunes or walk to the latrine tent. They are also less comfortable to ride in the saddle. Choose a pair of thick woolen socks, not a cotton pair, to decrease the chance of blisters and to keep your feet warm at night. Carry a pair of thongs that are useful for walking and showering if needed. Beach thongs are cheap and can be thrown away or given to the guide at the end of the tour. Choosing the right clothing will make this experience much more enjoyable. Remember that you are traveling in a desert environment, with harsh sun, sand, and wind. Do not rely purely on the guides for what clothing is required. The guides are incredibly knowledgeable about the desert environment, but much less so about desert clothing. Choose clothing suitable for traveling to the desert, and you will be able to better enjoy your experience. It is a good choice to protect yourself against the harsh sun and frequent extreme wind and dust storms. Always keep in mind the need to wear protective clothing to guard against exposure to the elements. In spite of the cooler evenings, there is an ever-present threat of sunburn during the camel trek. The bright sunlight reflects off the sand, and the chances of becoming sunburned are great even when it is cold and overcast. Take care not to fall! The important thing to remember while riding the camels is to hold the saddle straps and, under no circumstances, grab onto and sit on the camel’s head. Make sure that your clothing is light and very comfortable.
6.3. Guided vs. Self-Guided Treks
On a guided trek, a camel guide will accompany you for the duration of your stay. This guide will have probably grown up around camels and is knowledgeable about the surrounding area. Not only will your guide lead the camels (you may also be given your own camel to ride), but he will also cook, clean, and entertain you! Your guide and his or her cook will carry out all the cooking and camp chores for you. The best guides do befriend their clients, so do take a packet of biscuits and some beer to share with them. Most of the time, guides will stay away from the group of people they are accompanying to create an air of privacy. To avoid the feeling of being excluded, speak to your guide and the company when booking your trek to discuss the possibility of your guide joining in some eating times or even spending some evenings with you. On a self-guided trek, you are in charge and must completely organize all meals, cooking, carrying water, and erecting tents – you even have to manage those camels by yourself! This is more fun than it sounds and allows you a lot more flexibility to do things at your own pace. You will be provided with a supply of food and other essentials, which you will carry. Water will be available most evenings around the campsite.
7. What to Avoid During Camel Trekking
Refrain from Speaking Tightly in Front of the Camel What is a “tightly speaking” method while you are camel trekking? Tightly speaking is an activity of discussing with someone or giving an order to your assistant or camel driver. It is not just about speaking but also a way to communicate. When you are on a camel, try to speak slowly and maintain a distance between your words, especially when ordering your assistant. Why? The reason is that during a camel trek, especially one lasting more than three days, the camel driver is generous in following your orders. He is friendly and will do anything you want. However, when you suddenly change your mind during tense emotions, your expression will be noticed, and your words will be remembered by the camel driver. Such behavior is regarded as a rude way of speaking, and the assistant will not enjoy helping you during rest hours. They might talk behind the client’s back, so avoid speaking with tension. Keep your conversation light and have fun with how to communicate. Your emotions will have a positive effect on your behavior.
Don’t Assume Dangerous Positions on a Camel What is a dangerous position on a camel? Perhaps some camel riders have tried riding a camel with only one hand while the other hand is often used to shield their eyes from the sun. When you assume a dangerous position, you can’t focus and may lose your balance. A dangerous position occurs when a camel rider holds a camera in one hand while focusing solely on taking photos during the trek. This can dramatically decrease your balance, so you must concentrate on maintaining your balance while managing the camera to avoid missing shots. Every single movement can disturb your balance, so be careful and pay attention to controlling your snapshots. If you choose to assume a dangerous position, you will feel pressure from trying to control the camera, as moving your hand every time you lose balance can be quite challenging. Therefore, avoid attempting dangerous positions on a camel. If you find yourself in this situation, please use an action camera for better image stabilization.
7.1. Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not caring about the well-being of the camels. Animals aren’t first-class citizens in Morocco, so don’t be surprised if camels are beaten or overburdened. You can’t always change the way people look after animals, but at least you can make the first move and treat the camels kindly. Book with a tour operator who cares about the camels, pay a good price, and make sure the guide is using the right equipment and isn’t overloading the camels. When booking, ask if you can meet the camels before the trek, or at least meet them on the first day. This will give you a good idea of what kind of outfit you are dealing with. And then, of course, treat the camels kindly when you are with them. Not respecting the local culture enough. Being ripped off is one thing, but not respecting the local Berber culture is another. There are several local variations of the Berber culture in Morocco; don’t expect the people in the south to be the same as the people in the middle or north of Morocco. There are also significant differences based on religion and lifestyle. Be open-minded, and the more you give, the more you will receive. Don’t act like a superior tourist. If you are not happy with the way you were treated during a trek in Morocco and think it might have been related to a cultural misunderstanding, then the next time you are in a similar situation in your own country, just imagine that the roles are reversed.
7.2. Safety Hazards to Watch Out For
When embarking on a trek, it’s always better to be prepared and take some safety measures to avoid potential accidents or problems. We start by reminding you that trekking in the desert, desert hiking, and camel riding offer a kind of rocky landscapes formed by ancient weather conditions. This means the paths can be full of sharp rocks. You can easily twist an ankle or hurt yourself while simply walking. So always watch your step and look where you place each foot. Although some vegetables and crops are grown in the valleys and desert fringes, the vast and barren desert landscape is not especially suitable for farming. It is, however, used for grazing animals, and dates, oil, and souvenirs may be purchased from several desert trading posts. Although you will see local Berber women and children, it is rare to see local men outside of your camel trek. Total peace and privacy are assured. Please always drink enough water to avoid dehydration; we recommend at least 3 liters per day. The dry heat will mean that you may not notice how much you are sweating. Dehydration can lead to headaches, tiredness, and lack of concentration and may prevent you from spotting the beauty of the desert around you. The cure for dehydration is a sugar solution mixed with water and a pinch of salt. We will supply mineral water each day to drink, cook, wash with, and provide for the camels. With the exception of known bottled soft drinks or water in cans, water from wells or local sources should never be drunk without being independently purified. We recommend using mineral water.
8. Best Time for Camel Trekking in Morocco
The best time to embark on a Sahara Desert camel trek across the Erg Chebbi dunes is April and May, and September to November. Morocco, China’s Ningxia, and India’s Thar are the only three places in the world which can satisfy your thirst for camel trekking all year round. There are different weather conditions in different seasons, and what about in these gorgeous Sahara regions? Morocco has winter and summer climates; excessive heat in the summer months can be due to not only the harsh desert conditions but also the urban heat island effect in Moroccan cities.
Do you enjoy high temperatures above 40 degrees? The summer from June to August in Merzouga can make a sauna envy. With more than 70% of the time, the temperature ranges between 35 °C and 50 °C. That’s even higher than the highest posted. I had tried Berber pizza in Erg Chebbi, and the rated Riad Madu offers the best cut-price two-and-three-hour camel treks in the region. As an expert camel trekker, one month walking and camel-trekking across the Sahara Desert may not be enough for you.
8.1. Seasonal Considerations
During the peak of the northern hemisphere’s summer, infernal desert heat leaves everyone wilted and dispirited—those fabulous panoramas no longer offer pleasure to the squinting, addled brain. For the scientifically inclined, the often-misinformed wet season lasts from December through April, during which time parched regions literally come alive. Though accompanying mud and swarming insects can wreak havoc, burning wind-cooked heat is happily absent. Traveling before tropical vegetation gets going usually results in clearer, picture postcard vistas. Note, however, that travel is problematic during intense rain, when wadis flood and their banks become cloying.
Until wadis rediscover their former glory, Bedouins seasonally relocate and groups of eight or more tourists must haul their own camping equipment. The only permitted type of accommodation is a trip to tent-covered Erg Chebbi in the southeastern corner of the country. Smaller groups head for the physically punishing Beni Guil trek in the High Atlas, where mountain terrain necessitates at least two to three months of advance booking. A mandatory group size of eight or more spirits trekkers to Guelmim, close to the Atlantic coast, to participate in the more leisurely Marabout Trek of southern Morocco. These desert outings are on the tame side, but present a year-round, affordable alternative for fitness fanatics unable to visit more attractive rough-and-ready areas.
8.2. Weather Patterns in the Desert
The weather will play a big part in making your camel trek a success, and you should give consideration to when it is best to go. In thinking about this, the prevailing weather patterns become important in the desert, where there are only two seasons during the year – summer and winter. It is to do with these two seasons that we now turn.
To talk of winter in the desert may seem strange to some. The desert may well be a hot place, but it is not like this all year round. In winter, from October to April, the desert offers some of the most delightful atmospheres, being warm or slightly hot during the midday hours, and cold at night, particularly in January. The sky is always blue, the landscape full of life with the fresh air, and the architectural remains give the area a delightful atmosphere.
Summer is here in the desert for the remaining part of the year, and the desert is at its hottest, even sizzling in August. In the middle of the day, the heat can be suffocating and exhausting, and like all places – and like no place else – it has its charm. Sunny and hot with outside life, but the desert temperature can cause you to suffer heat stroke, and being completely above the air is drier.
9. What to Expect During Camel Trekking
It is likely that when trekking in Morocco, you will participate in a camel trek. Camels are long-haul transport and have long been part of the cultural heritage of trekking as well as a valued workforce. You may be a seasoned world traveler who is accustomed to riding horses, donkeys, or local yaks, yet still feel a sense of trepidation. However, any fears you may have are often unfounded. Camels are not only a sure-footed means of transport but also provide a comfortable method of mountain travel. In Marrakech or during your trek’s rest days, tourists are more likely to have an allergic reaction to a donkey ride than a camel trek. If you have already done some form of trekking, then you will probably have already spent time walking alongside a camel, met a caravan en route, or seen the local nomads up in the mountains going about their daily lives.
So why do tourists make such a big deal about camels? Most importantly, camels are the only animals that have a unique walking style designed to provide comfort for the traveler. Camels possess rubbery footpads that cushion each step, creating an even displacement of their weight distribution. You may feel that the person who invented the dromedary or Arabian camel was design-minded and had your comfort in mind. The dromedary has one large hump and a slender body of a comparable thickness. Their feet are flatter and wider than the Bactrian camel, which is stockier and has two humps, suited to carry the weight of excessive cargo. A dromedary can regulate its body temperature, sweating during the day to create a fine sticky froth, but is able to eat and drink at the end of the day. Camels relax with their necks straight and heads up. To lie down, they first sit on their haunches and then lower their bodies to rest forward of their hind legs. Camels are ready to get up at a moment’s notice and do not like to be lying down at night unless they are lying around sleeping. Depending on their load and age, they normally lie down during the very early hours of the morning as we prepare for their next journey. These are the occasions of interest to everyone, as they love nothing better than to rest, lie back, and let the tender and nurturing womenfolk of the household pamper them.
9.1. Daily Itinerary Overview
The following is an overview of the typical itinerary for a weeklong camel trek through the Moroccan desert. It is representative of the basic itinerary experienced by most trekkers, but note that some of the later weeks and different companies may allow trekkers more or less time in certain locations.
Day 1: Leaving from the village of M’hamid in southern Morocco, the trek will first take you across the lush palmeries of the Draa Valley. After a picnic lunch in a quiet shady spot, you will continue on to the sand dunes of the first bivouac site in the Sahara.
Day 2: The trek continues southward through the desert, to a low mountain range where a bucket shower awaits you at the campsite. Spend the afternoon lounging about the camp, and take an optional short climb up the hill behind to watch the desert sun set.
9.2. Cultural Interactions and Local Customs
To ensure a successful trek, travelers should understand and respect local customs and attitudes. In Arab culture, the use of the right hand for eating, greeting, gesturing, and handling personal necessities is appropriate, whereas the left hand is considered unclean. Conversely, within Bedouin culture, the left hand is less formally considered unclean, as it is used in conjunction with the camel. Traditionally, a guest should take only what is offered when being treated to food or drink while in someone else’s home, and the host should serve visitors before attempting to consume meals or drinks in their presence. For traveler comfort, these customs generally have been relaxed to accommodate different traveling groups, but when mingling with local people, travelers should be aware of local customs and expectations to ensure mutual comfort and respect. Although Bedouin people are influenced by Islamic teachings, the dress and attitudes of these and other Berber group members are usually open and relaxed towards Western customs, even if visitors are sharing local customs. As a result, it is recommended to err on the side of caution by dressing both conservatively and modestly when coming into contact with people from local Muslim communities.
The wearing of sensible and appropriate clothing is also recommended when traveling in remote and conservative areas outside the trekking category. Wearing shorts, a bathing costume, or bikinis, for example, may be offensive to conservative local residents. As a general rule, it is preferred that underwear is worn with outer clothing, including similarly prohibited styles, especially while trekking in non-tourist areas. Additionally, it is strongly advised that the practice of topless sunbathing be avoided, even at popular and expatriate resorts. Ultimately, while trekking, remember that body language, intrigue, and misunderstanding of signs are sometimes more important than verbal communication. Certain gestures, such as pointing, rolling your eyes, frantically gesturing, or beckoning to fellow party members, can be perceived as being offensive, especially if directed towards a Moroccan tribe. Avoid banging your head or touching people in a suggestive manner. Solemn but simple gestures, such as smiling, thanking, greeting, or recognizing that some aspects, given culture, are best experienced privately, ensure a more memorable, meaningful, and enjoyable trip.
