The Morocco — Wikipedia has been crossed by camel caravan for centuries, and while modern desert tours replace most of the journey with a 4×4, the camel trek into the dunes at Erg Chebbi remains the definitive transition from road to desert — slow, swaying, and with a rhythm that forces the kind of attention that a vehicle window never quite does. For most travellers arriving on a Contact Us, this is their first and only camel ride, and knowing what to expect beforehand makes the experience considerably more enjoyable.
What the Ride Actually Feels Like
A Berbers — Wikipedia moves at walking pace, roughly four kilometres per hour, with a front-to-back rocking motion that most riders find easier to absorb by relaxing the hips rather than bracing against it. The animal stands from a kneeling position by extending its back legs first, which produces a sharp forward lurch — holding the saddle handle at this moment is worth remembering. Once moving, the gait is smooth enough that most riders feel comfortable within the first few minutes, though the saddle shape can feel unfamiliar on longer treks.
How Long Does the Trek Take?
The standard camel trek from the edge of Merzouga village to the desert camp takes between forty-five minutes and one hour, timed to arrive at the dunes as the sun sets. The return the following morning is often by 4×4 rather than camel, particularly for groups with early departure times, though a sunrise camel return is available if specifically requested. Longer multi-day camel treks of two to four days through the dunes are also possible but require advance arrangement through our Best 3-Day Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga page.
What to Wear and Bring
Long trousers rather than shorts are more comfortable in the saddle and protect against the sun and sand. A scarf or lightweight buff is worth carrying even if the day has been warm, since wind picks up as the dunes create their own microclimate at altitude, and temperatures drop noticeably after sunset. Closed shoes handle the sand better than sandals on the approach to the camel meeting point. A small day bag rather than a full luggage pack is easiest to carry across the saddle, with main luggage transported by 4×4 to the camp separately.
Photography During the Trek
The late-afternoon light during the sunset trek is genuinely excellent for photography, with the dunes casting long orange shadows and the sky shifting through multiple colour registers as the sun drops. The camel handler will generally pause at the best vantage points if asked. Sand is the main challenge for camera equipment, so a sealed bag or lens cloth within easy reach matters more than a full camera bag setup. Several travellers on our All Tours have described this as the best photography hour of their entire Morocco trip.
Practical Tips
Motion sickness is rare but possible on longer treks; those who know they are susceptible should mention it in advance. Children generally enjoy camel trekking without difficulty, and the animals are handled with patience by experienced desert guides. Tipping the camel handler at the end of the trek is customary and appreciated. For a full breakdown of what to expect across all elements of an Erg Chebbi desert overnight, see our Go Morocco Vacation — Home, which covers the camp, dinner, and sunrise in detail alongside the trek itself.
