06 · Camel Trekking
The Rhythm of The Caravan
The Rhythm of
The Caravan
Camel trekking in Morocco is the oldest way to reach a desert camp and still the best one. You leave the last village in the late afternoon, once the sand has stopped throwing heat back at you, and you ride out with a camel man who has walked this route since he was a boy. Ninety minutes later the dunes have closed behind you. There is no road, no engine and no other group.
We give one camel per traveller. That sounds obvious and it is not: the standard on a cheap group tour is two people alternating on one animal, which is uncomfortable for the riders and harder on the camel. Our camel men come from the village nearest the camp and are paid a fixed day rate, so nobody is steering you toward a shop at the end of the ride.
What You Will Do
- Ride out at golden hour, roughly ninety minutes from the last village to camp
- One camel per traveller, with a camel man from the local village
- Sunset from the top of the dune above the camp
- Dinner and a night under canvas, then the ride back at sunrise
Erg Chebbi or Erg Chegaga
Erg Chebbi at Merzouga has the taller dunes, up to about 150 metres, and the camps sit close to the sand so the ride is short and the scenery is immediate. Erg Chegaga, reached from Zagora or M Hamid, is bigger, wilder and far less visited, but the approach is a long 4×4 drive over stony desert. If this is your first time in the Sahara, Erg Chebbi gives you more for less effort.
What the Ride Is Actually Like
A camel kneels to let you on and then stands back legs first, which pitches you forward. Hold the front of the saddle and lean back and it is fine. The gait is a slow roll rather than a bounce. Most people find ninety minutes comfortable; if you have a bad back or a recent hip or knee injury, tell us and we will drive you to camp instead and keep the camels for the short sunset loop.
When to Go, and What to Wear
March to May and October to November are the comfortable months. In midsummer the sand is punishing until late afternoon and we shorten the ride. In winter the days are perfect and the nights drop close to freezing, so the camps run heavy blankets and a fire. Wear long loose trousers rather than shorts, because the saddle rubs, and bring a scarf for the wind.
They Travelled With Us
Mohammed had the talent to make us approach beautiful sites, far from places a little too touristy. He tells us with passion, humor and knowledge about his beautiful country. A true storyteller.
A 3rd unforgettable experience in the Moroccan desert! Mohamed is a very professional guide who knows how to adapt to the group and remains attentive to the needs of each with kindness.
The five day ascent of Mount Toubkal was a real dive into the heart of the Atlas and its communities. Accompanied by Mohamed, his muleteers and his cook, we lived a total immersion in this region with respect for all.
Ready to Ride Out into the Dunes?
Tell us your dates and we will build the camel trek into your itinerary, with the camp and the route that suit you.
Private, tailor made Morocco tours with over 25 years of deep local knowledge. Your journey. Your way. Always.
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Contact
- info@afsoutravels.com
- +212 619 635 496
- Marrakech, Morocco
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