Palmeraie Camel Ride at Golden Hour

This 2-hour experience takes you to the Palmeraie on the northern edge of Marrakech for about 1 hour of camel riding through the palm groves in the late afternoon light. It includes traditional dress for photos, mint tea with a local family and return transport from your hotel.

A gentle introduction to camels

The Palmeraie is a large palm oasis about 20 minutes from the medina, with tens of thousands of date palms said to have been planted in the Almoravid era. It is flat and shaded, which makes it an easy place for a first camel ride, especially for children, older travellers or anyone without time for a desert trip. It is not the Sahara, and we will not pretend it is, but riding at a slow walk between the palms as the light turns gold is peaceful and a lot of fun.

How the ride works

• Welcome and dressing up: you can wear a traditional gandoura and turban (optional, but popular for photos).
• Mounting: camels kneel so you can sit, then stand in two lurches. Hold on and lean back; the handler guides you.
• The ride: about 1 hour at walking pace in a small caravan, each camel led by a handler.
• Tea stop with a local family in the palm grove: mint tea, bread and olive oil.

The camels belong to a family we have worked with for years. They are fed and rested properly, do not work in the midday heat in summer, and carry one adult or one adult and a small child each.

Golden hour timing

We schedule rides for the last two hours before sunset: around 15:00 in winter and 17:00–17:30 in summer. The light is softer, the air cooler, and photos are much better than at midday. Morning rides are also possible if your evenings are full.

Practical tips from our team

• Wear long trousers; the saddle rubs bare legs.
• Children from about 4 can ride with an adult; the handler walks alongside the whole time.
• Riders over about 110 kg or with back problems should tell us before booking.
• Bring a scarf for the dust and sunglasses.
• Combine the ride with a quad session in the same area if you want more action.

Not sure whether to ride here or in the desert? Read camel rides near Marrakech: Palmeraie or Agafay. For a riding alternative, see horse riding around Marrakech. Book on WhatsApp at +212 606-957514.