A camel ride is the most iconic desert image of Morocco β and you don’t have to travel to the Sahara to do it. Around Marrakech you have two choices: the Palmeraie, a palm grove 15 minutes from the city, and the Agafay Desert, 40 minutes away, where the ride at sunset with the Atlas on the horizon is far more memorable.
Best camel ride tours
Agafay or Palmeraie?
| Agafay Desert | Palmeraie | |
|---|---|---|
| Setting | Open desert hills, Atlas views | Palm grove, villages |
| Distance | 40β60 min | 15β25 min |
| Best moment | Sunset | Morning or late afternoon |
| Typical price | β¬25β40 (with transfer) | β¬15β30 |
| Combine with | Quad, dinner show, overnight | Quad, Berber tea |
Our picks
Agafay sunset camel ride
Best camel ride
- On the camel: β 45β60 min
- Price: from β β¬25β40
- Includes: pick-up, tea, sunset
- Best for: couples, photographers
A slow caravan across the stony hills while the sky turns orange. Simple and unforgettable, especially in spring and autumn when the Atlas is clear.
Sunset camel ride + dinner show
Best evening
- Duration: β 5β6 h
- Price: from β β¬30β45
- Includes: camel ride, 3-course dinner, music
- Best for: first visit
Add a Moroccan dinner and live music in a desert camp β the format most travellers choose. See our dinner show guide.
Camel ride + pool + dinner
Best for summer
- Duration: afternoon + evening
- Price: from β β¬45β70
- Includes: pool access, camel ride, dinner
- Best for: hot months, families
Spend the hot hours in a pool overlooking the desert, then ride at sunset.
Read also:Best Agafay Desert Camps & Hotels: Luxury, Budget & Pool Day Passes (2026)
Choosing a responsible camel ride
Camels β dromedaries, strictly speaking β were introduced to Agafay largely for tourism. Look for operators whose animals look healthy, have padded saddles and rest in the shade between rides. Avoid rides where animals are visibly injured or overloaded, and never ride with more than the permitted weight. Leaving a review mentioning animal welfare helps good operators stand out.
Tips
- Long trousers are more comfortable on the saddle.
- Lean back when the camel stands up and kneels down β it happens in two jerks.
- Keep your phone on a strap; dropping it from 2 metres hurts.
- Give the cameleer a small tip (10β20 MAD) if you are happy.
- β Pros
- Accessible to almost everyone
- Magical at sunset
- Cheap compared with other activities
- Easy to combine with dinner or quad
- β Cons
- Short rides (rarely more than 1 h)
- Can feel staged at busy camps
- Animal welfare varies between operators
Frequently asked questions
How much is a camel ride in Marrakech?
About β¬15β30 in the Palmeraie and β¬25β40 in the Agafay Desert with transfer. Packages with dinner show start around β¬30β45.
Where is the best camel ride near Marrakech?
The Agafay Desert at sunset, about 40 minutes from Marrakech, offers the most spectacular setting with views of the Atlas Mountains.
How long is a camel ride in Agafay?
Usually 30 to 60 minutes on the camel, within a trip of 3β6 hours including transfer.
Can children ride camels?
Yes, children from about 4β5 years old usually ride with or next to an adult. Check the tour’s age conditions.
Affiliate disclosure: this guide contains affiliate links to GetYourGuide. If you book through them we earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Prices are indicative and were checked at the time of writing β the live price on the booking page always prevails.