Camel Trekking in Merzouga: What to Expect on Your First Ride
Your first camel ride into the dunes near Merzouga is shorter and less strenuous than most people expect — here's what actually happens, from mounting up to the moment you reach camp.
Camel trekking is the classic image of a Morocco desert tour, and for good reason — it's genuinely how most camps near Merzouga are reached. If it's your first time on a camel, a little preparation makes it far more comfortable.
How Long Is the Trek?
A typical trek from the edge of Erg Chebbi to a standard camp takes around 45 minutes to an hour and a half one way, timed to arrive around sunset. It's not a long-distance ride — you're moving at a slow, steady walking pace in a line, usually led by a guide on foot, and the landscape itself (rolling orange dunes catching the late light) is as much the point as the ride. Trips that visit camps deeper into the erg naturally take longer, so ask when booking if the length of the ride matters to your plans.
Is It Painful or Uncomfortable?
Camels have a distinctive rocking gait that takes a little getting used to, and most first-timers feel it in their thighs, hips, or lower back afterward, especially if the ride runs on the longer side. It's rarely described as painful, more just an unfamiliar kind of sore, similar to an unaccustomed horse ride. Shifting position occasionally and keeping your core engaged rather than gripping tightly with your legs helps. If you have a pre-existing back or hip condition, mention it when booking — a 4x4 transfer to camp is usually available as an alternative.
What to Wear on the Ride
Loose, flexible trousers work far better than shorts or tight jeans, both for comfort in the saddle and for sun protection once you're out on open sand. Closed shoes or sandals with a back strap are better than flip-flops, which tend to fill with sand or slip off during mounting and dismounting. A scarf or shawl covering your head and neck is worth having for sun and wind, and most camps provide one if you don't bring your own. Sunglasses and sunscreen matter more than people expect, since there's no shade at all once you're among the dunes.
Can a 4x4 Replace the Camel Trek?",
Yes — most operators, including us, can arrange a 4x4 transfer to camp instead of the camel ride, which is faster, smoother, and a reasonable option for travelers with mobility concerns, young children, or simply no interest in riding a camel. It does trade away part of the classic arrival experience, since you'll miss the slow approach across the dunes at golden hour, but you'll still get the same sunset, camp, dinner, and sunrise once you arrive. If you're unsure, it's worth trying the camel at least one way and taking the 4x4 the other.
Related tours
Related guides: Merzouga
Planning where to start? See tours from Marrakech.
Related reading: Is the Sahara Desert Worth It? What a Morocco Desert Tour Is Actually Like, Do You Need a 4x4 to Visit the Sahara Desert?.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the camel trek to camp actually take?
Usually 45 minutes to an hour and a half, timed to reach the dunes around sunset — exact length depends on how far into the erg your camp is.
Is camel trekking uncomfortable for beginners?
It can leave you a little sore in the legs and lower back afterward, but it's rarely painful, and most first-timers manage it without trouble.
What should I wear for the camel ride?
Loose trousers, closed or strapped shoes, and a scarf for sun and wind protection — flip-flops and tight jeans are the two things to avoid.
Can I take a 4x4 instead of riding a camel?
Yes, this is usually available on request and is a good option for anyone with back or hip concerns, or who simply prefers not to ride.
Do I need any riding experience?
No experience is needed. A guide leads the camels on foot and you simply sit and hold on — no steering or riding skill is required.
Is camel trekking safe for children?
Generally yes, with supervision, though very young children often do better in a 4x4 transfer, which is usually available as an alternative.
What happens if I can't manage the ride partway through?
Let your guide know — treks can usually be adjusted, and a support vehicle is often nearby for camps that offer both camel and 4x4 transfers.