A camel ride in the Agafay desert is a calm way to see this stony landscape near Marrakech. The drive from your hotel or riad takes 30 to 45 minutes, and the whole outing lasts around 3 to 3.5 hours with the transfers.

On arrival, the local team welcomes you and gives you a few safety instructions before you mount. The ride itself lasts 45 to 60 minutes, across rocky desert ground and low hills, with stops for photos of the wide views. After the ride, you sit down for a traditional Moroccan mint tea in the desert.

No experience is needed and the ride is gentle. It suits all ages: children can take part with an adult. The ride is done in a small group with a guide, and each rider has their own camel.

The round-trip transfer from your accommodation in Marrakech is included and may be shared with other participants. A 100 MAD supplement may apply if your hotel is more than 10 km from the city centre. Meals, extra drinks and personal expenses are not included. Payment is made on site on the day. Bookings are for at least 2 people.

Wear comfortable clothes and closed shoes and bring sun protection. The ride runs all year, depending on the weather.

Agafay or the Palm Grove: which to choose? Both rides last about an hour and include mint tea. In Agafay, 30 to 45 minutes from Marrakech, you ride through bare, rocky desert with open views, and the outing takes around 3 hours or more. The Palm Grove is about 15 to 20 minutes from the city centre, so the trip is shorter, the route passes between palm trees, and you can wear a traditional cheich. For that option, see the camel ride in the Marrakech Palm Grove.