Camel Trekking in Morocco: 5 Must-Visit Destinations
A camel ride is an unusual way to immerse yourself in Moroccan culture and nomadic life... Tempted by the experience? Here are 5 must-see destinations
A camel ride is an unusual way to immerse yourself in Moroccan culture and nomadic life... Tempted by the experience? Here are 5 must-see destinations for camel trekking in Morocco (or Arabian camel riding) – along with tips to ensure the well-being of your future trail companion...
1. Erg Chigaga
Erg Chigaga (or Chegaga) is one of the two largest ergs in the Moroccan Sahara. This vast expanse of dunes is located near the Algerian border, roughly fifty kilometers west of M'Hamid El Ghizlane – one of the main departure points for a camel excursion...
Far less crowded than Erg Chebbi (due to its remote location), Chigaga is only accessible by 4x4, on foot, or by camel – the latter option takes approximately 3 days from M'Hamid.
Every March, the village of M'Hamid El Ghizlane celebrates nomadic culture, honoring their customs through festive events (exhibitions, concerts, and more).
To Know If you're torn between hiking on foot or a camel excursion, there's a happy medium: trekking with camel support. Unlike a mehara (where some camels carry luggage while others carry passengers), only the baggage is transported by the camels in this case, lightening the load for hikers who travel on foot. |
2. Erg Lihoudi
Located about 5 hours' walk from M'Hamid El Ghizlane, Erg Lihoudi is also accessible from Ouarzazate. In this case, you'll want to plan a multi-day excursion (approximately 5 days) to reach the Lihoudi dunes...
This itinerary begins in the Anti-Atlas mountains (a range in southwestern Maroc), then continues to the Tizi'n'Tinififft pass. Along this journey, you'll traverse Berber casbahs and the Drâa Valley. Reg (stony desert), oases, hammada (rocky plateau), sand dunes: this circuit showcases the full beauty of this desert zone, home to many local nomads.
Next? Head to Iriqui National Park to admire the Iriki Lake! During the wet season (October to December), this area is an extraordinary spot for birdwatching. You might spot migratory flamingos, among other species.
Depending on the itinerary, you can explore local culture alongside residents through visits to artisan workshops.
3. Drâa Valley
Located in southern Maroc, the Drâa Valley is a vast wilderness ideal for camel treks. It's prized for its eclectic landscapes, where authentic villages, palm groves, casbahs, sand dunes, oases, and plateaus blend seamlessly!
The valley is also known for its orchards and agricultural zones. During your excursion, you'll see date palm trees, among other vegetation, which produce the famous "fruit symbol of Maroc". Indeed, dates are woven into many Moroccan cultural rituals, both religious and familial.
With its diversity, the valley offers colorful panoramas—lush and verdant one moment, golden the next. Still relatively undiscovered, Wadi Draa is a wild and authentic destination, perfect for a camel trek. Plan for several days when exploring the valley.
4. Agafay Desert
Located roughly thirty kilometers southwest of Marrakech, the Agafay Desert promises a somewhat unconventional nomadic experience. Why? Agafay isn't a typical desert, but rather a desert zone dotted with many plantations…
During your excursion through the "enchanted oasis,
