Desert & Off-Road
Camel Ride in the Palmeraie, Marrakech
A camel ride through the Palmeraie is the gentlest, most iconic Marrakech experience of them all — no engine, no adrenaline, just the slow sway of a dromedary through the palm groves with a Berber handler leading the way. It is a lovely, low-effort hour, especially at sunset, and a favourite with families and first-timers.
- Duration
- 1–2 hours
- Price band
- From ~200 MAD per person
- Group size
- Small camel train, all ages
- Suitable for
- All ages · very gentle
Reply within hours · Free cancellation up to 48h · Pay after we confirm
Overview
The Palmeraie is the belt of palm groves on the northern edge of the city, a short drive from the centre and dotted with dusty tracks perfect for a gentle trek. You will be helped up onto a kneeling camel — the up-and-down as it stands is the only slightly wobbly moment — and then it is a calm, ambling walk in a line.
Handlers dress you in a scarf-turban for photos, lead the camels the whole way, and stop for mint tea at a Berber tent or house partway round. Rides run from about an hour up to two, and sunset departures are the most popular for the golden light over the palms.
It pairs naturally with quad biking or a buggy in the same area, so many people do a combo: an hour of engines, then a slow camel ride to wind down. It is calm enough for young children and anyone who wants the experience without any exertion.
How it runs
A typical outing runs about 1–2 hours. Here is the usual shape of it:
- 1
Transfer & turban
Short drive to the Palmeraie, then a scarf-turban and a hand up onto your camel.
- 2
Mount up
The camel kneels to load and rises — hold the pommel for the up-and-down.
- 3
The trek
A gentle 1–2 hour amble through the palm groves led by a Berber handler.
- 4
Mint tea
A stop for tea at a Berber tent, then the ride back and transfer to your hotel.
What to expect
Expect a slow, calm, photogenic ride rather than a thrill — the whole point is the gentle pace and the palm-grove setting.
Expect the handler to lead your camel throughout and to help with photos; a small tip for them is customary.
What's included
- Return transfers from central Marrakech (most operators)
- Guided camel ride with a Berber handler
- Scarf-turban for the ride and photos
- Mint-tea stop at a Berber tent
What to bring
- Long trousers — more comfortable in the saddle than shorts
- A hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
- Small cash for a tip and any photos
- A camera or phone for the sunset light
Safety notes
- Hold the front pommel firmly as the camel stands and sits — that lurch is the only unsteady moment.
- Let the handler lead; do not try to steer or hurry the animal.
- Choose an operator that treats its camels well — healthy, unmarked animals and reasonable group sizes are the signs to look for.
- Fine for most pregnancies in the early stages and for children with an adult, but skip it with acute back problems.
Frequently asked questions
Where do camel rides happen in Marrakech?
Almost always in the Palmeraie, the palm-grove belt just north of the city, a short drive from the centre. Some longer trips head to the Agafay desert for a more open, dune-like setting.
Is a camel ride suitable for young children?
Yes — it is one of the gentlest activities around Marrakech. Small children usually ride with a parent or a handler alongside, and the pace is a slow walk throughout.
When is the best time for a camel ride?
Late afternoon into sunset is the favourite for the golden light over the palms and cooler temperatures. Mornings are quieter and also pleasant, especially in summer.