Camel trekking in Merzouga means riding a dromedary into the Erg Chebbi dunes, usually for 60 to 90 minutes at sunset, sleeping in a desert camp, and riding back at sunrise. No experience is needed. March to May and October to November are the most comfortable months, and long trousers make the ride easier.
How a Merzouga camel trek works
Merzouga is a village on the western edge of Erg Chebbi, a field of dunes about 28 km long and up to roughly 150 m high, near the Algerian border. Treks start from hotels and stables along the dune line, either in Merzouga itself or in Hassi Labied a few kilometres north.
The usual sequence is simple:
- Arrive mid-afternoon, leave your main luggage at the hotel or in the vehicle, and pack a small overnight bag.
- Meet the camel handler about 90 minutes before sunset. Camels are tied nose to tail in a line, called a caravan, and led on foot.
- Ride into the dunes, stopping to climb a ridge on foot for sunset.
- Reach the camp at dusk for tea, dinner and music around the fire.
- Wake before dawn for sunrise, then ride or take a 4x4 back for breakfast and a shower.
The animals are dromedaries, with one hump. A padded saddle of blankets sits over the hump with a metal T-bar to hold.
Trek options and how long each takes
| Option | Time on the camel | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Sunset or sunrise ride, no overnight | About 1 to 1.5 hours in total | Short visits, young children, people staying in a hotel |
| Overnight trek to a camp | 60 to 90 minutes each way | The standard choice on most tours |
| Two nights in the dunes | Two to four hours a day | Travellers who want quiet and a deeper camp |
| Multi-day nomad-style trek | Four to five hours a day, walking part of the time | Experienced walkers in the cool season |
An hour is enough for most people. Camel riding is slow and rocking, and after 90 minutes the novelty gives way to sore thighs.
Best time of year and time of day
Rides are scheduled for the two hours when the desert is at its best: before sunset and around sunrise. The light is low, the sand turns from gold to deep orange, and the temperature is bearable. Midday rides are avoided for most of the year.
- March to May: warm days around 25 to 32°C. Wind and blowing sand are possible, especially in March and April.
- June to August: very hot, often above 40°C. Treks leave later in the evening and return earlier in the morning.
- September to November: heat eases from late September; October and November are excellent.
- December to February: clear, sunny days near 15 to 20°C and nights close to freezing. Bring a proper jacket for the sunrise ride.
What to wear and bring
- Long, loose trousers: shorts leave bare skin rubbing against rough blankets.
- A scarf or cheche: the long cotton headscarf worn by local men keeps sun and sand off your face. Handlers will show you how to wrap it.
- Closed shoes or sandals with a strap: flip-flops fall off. Many people go barefoot on the dunes once they dismount.
- Layers: a fleece or jacket for after sunset, in any month outside summer.
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- A small backpack: worn on your back or hung from the saddle bar. Leave suitcases behind.
- Water: at least one litre per person for the ride.
- Protection for electronics: fine sand gets into lenses and charging ports; a zip bag helps.
Riding tips for first-timers
The only awkward moments are when the camel stands up and sits down. It rises back legs first, tipping you forward, then front legs, tipping you back. Lean back as it stands, hold the bar with both hands, and wait for the handler's signal before moving.
Once walking, relax your hips and let your body follow the sway. Going downhill, lean back slightly. Keep one hand on the bar when taking photos, and pass your camera to the handler for pictures of you; they are well practised at it.
If you become uncomfortable, say so. Walking beside the caravan for a while is completely normal, and the sand is soft underfoot.
Alternatives if you would rather not ride
Camel riding is not suitable for everyone. Pregnant women and people with back, neck or hip problems are generally advised to skip it, and should check with a doctor if unsure. Very young children normally share a camel with a parent on short rides only.
Every camp can be reached another way. A 4x4 transfer takes 15 to 20 minutes, and some travellers choose to walk in alongside the camels. Other ways to see the dunes include sandboarding, a 4x4 tour around the erg, and quad or buggy rides.
It is also reasonable to look at how the animals are treated. Well-kept camels have clean coats, no open sores under the saddle, and are rested in shade with water between rides. Reputable operators limit the load and do not work animals in midday heat.
Getting to Merzouga and choosing a tour
Merzouga is about 560 km from Marrakech, nine to ten hours by road over the Tizi n'Tichka pass, and about 470 km from Fes, seven to eight hours through the Middle Atlas and the Ziz Valley. Nobody does this as a day trip. From Marrakech the minimum is three days, with a night near the Dades or Todra gorges on the way. Our guide to getting from Marrakech to Merzouga compares the options.
From the south, the 4-day desert and kasbah tour from Marrakech adds a slower pace than the three-day version. From the north, the 3-day desert expedition from Fes to Merzouga reaches the dunes on the first evening. Many travellers use the desert to link the two cities; see the desert tours from Fes for one-way routes. For choosing where you sleep, read our comparison of the desert camps in Merzouga and Zagora.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a weight or age limit?
Limits depend on the operator. Tell the agency in advance about heavier riders or small children so a suitable camel and saddle are prepared.
Does riding a camel hurt?
Expect mild soreness in the inner thighs after an hour, similar to a first horse ride. Long trousers and a relaxed posture help.
Should I tip the camel handler?
Yes, it is customary. Around 20 to 50 MAD per person is a common amount for a standard overnight trek.
Can I ride at sunrise only?
Yes. If you stay in a hotel at the dune edge, a sunrise ride of about an hour can be arranged the evening before.
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