Morocco camel ride for sunset and sunrise in Merzouga desert

I Am Glad I Did It, I Am Not Sure I Would Do It Again.

This activity is certainly on many people’s “bucket lists,” and rightfully so. I went in January, which is the off-season. Even yet, there were so many camels and riders that it reminded me of a city rush hour.

We arrived at the edge of Erg Chebbi to discover a large number of camels waiting for us. I climbed aboard my camel with the help of others. Then the “fun” started. I wasn’t sure if I was going to fall over the camel’s head or tail as he stood up. Fortunately, there was a strong “T” bar attached to the saddle for me to grab.

We then drove approximately a kilometer into the dunes for the next half hour. The camel’s rocking motion quickly demonstrated why it is renowned as the “ship of the desert.” We ultimately came to a halt at the foot of a dune. We dismounted and scrambled to the summit. The camel guides carried up the blankets / rugs that were used to cover the camel saddles and spread them out on the sand for us to sit on. We spent the next hour snapping photos and having fun with each other. The guides would also take our cameras/phones along the west side of the dune and photograph us individually and in groups.

We struggled back down the dunes to our camels after sunset. Our guides dragged several sitting females back down the dune using the blankets they had brought up. After that, we remounted the camels and returned to our starting position. I should mention that the camel ride itself was not particularly pleasant. It was also fortunate that it was not too long. I’m pleased I didn’t have to travel through Africa on a camel like they did in the “olden days.”

If you’re in southeast Morocco, you should go. This activity is significantly superior than the common tourist camel rides that take place in and around towns. Even if the weather isn’t optimal, the journey is still worthwhile.