Hassan Ait Baha · 8 min · Desert
A camel trek is unlike any other form of transport. Here is how to prepare, what to expect, and how to get the most from the experience.
The key adjustment is the mount: camels stand up back legs first, which tips you forward abruptly. Lean back as instructed when the camel rises. Dismounting is the reverse — lean forward as the front legs go down first. Both moves are counterintuitive initially; practice the posture before the camel moves for the first time.
Long loose trousers protect your legs from saddle friction. A long-sleeved layer and a scarf or shesh (Berber headwrap) protect against sun and sand. Closed shoes or boots are more comfortable than sandals on the saddle and protect against occasional bites of sand flies at dusk. Avoid shorts for multi-hour treks.
Core strength is the main physical requirement — a passive rider absorbs significantly more impact than one who actively engages their core and moves with the camel's rhythm. For treks longer than one hour, the groin and inner thigh muscles take most of the work. Stretch before and after.
The horizon-to-horizon views from camel height are exceptional for wide photography. The motion makes sharp telephoto shots difficult; burst mode helps. The best shooting position is from the lead or rear of a caravan, looking back at the group with the dunes as background. Golden hour light on the dunes deserves a dedicated photo stop.
Choose operators whose camels appear healthy and well-fed. Signs of a responsible operator: camels that are not overloaded (one adult rider per camel), proper saddle padding, water available for animals at the camp, and handlers who maintain a calm, unhurried pace. The Moroccan desert tourism industry's camel standards have improved significantly but vary by operator.
The motion takes getting used to and can feel uncomfortable for the first 10–20 minutes as you find your balance. Most people settle into the rhythm and find it very comfortable for 1–2 hour treks. Longer rides (3+ hours) can cause saddle soreness.
Yes, with supervision. Children as young as 5–6 can ride on camels with a parent or guide alongside. Opt for shorter treks for young children.
Well-trained dromedaries used for tourism rarely bite and are generally docile with experienced handlers. Follow the guide's instructions and do not approach camels from behind or without the handler present.
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