Camel Ride in Marrakech: The Palmeraie at Sunset (and When to Wait for the Sahara)

The short answer: the classic camel ride near Marrakech takes place in the Palmeraie, a vast palm grove 15 to 20 minutes from the medina, or in the Agafay Desert. Rides last one to two hours, usually at sunset, with a tea stop in a Berber house. It is a gentle, family-friendly taste of camel riding; for the full experience among sand dunes and a night in camp, you need the Sahara at Merzouga.

The Palmeraie

North of the city, tens of thousands of date palms grow around dry riverbeds, villages and luxury villas. A popular legend says the grove grew from date stones dropped by Almoravid soldiers in the 12th century. Today it is the closest countryside to the medina and a calm escape from the souks.

How the ride works

1. Pick-up from your riad in the late afternoon.
2. Choice of traditional robe and turban for photos, if you wish.
3. One to two hours on the camel, led on foot by a cameleer.
4. Mint tea and msemen with honey in a local house.
5. Sunset over the palms, then back to Marrakech.

Palmeraie, Agafay or Sahara?

Compare the options in Agafay Desert and camel trekking in Merzouga.

Riding comfortably

• Lean back as the camel stands up (back legs first) and forward as it kneels.
• Wear trousers; the saddle rubs bare legs.
• Bring sunglasses and a scarf; it can be dusty.

Camel welfare

Choose operators whose camels look healthy, rest in the shade between rides and carry one adult each. Avoid places with visible wounds or overloaded animals, and do not encourage riding during the midday heat. Reputable companies are happy to answer questions about their animals.

A Palmeraie ride is easy to combine with a quad session on the same afternoon, or with our day trips from Marrakech. If you can spare three days, do it properly on our 3 day Sahara tour.

Plan it with us: Marrakech tours and trips, Private Morocco tours and Morocco itineraries.