Marrakesh is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Morocco. Marrakesh is an utterly stunning city that's actually worthy of its reputation. It is beautifully set with the backdrop of mountains and is on the verge of the mighty Sahara desert. The city is old, exotic, and authentic. One of the most popular things to do in this desert oasis city is to go on a camel ride.

Marrakesh and camel trekking in the desert is just one of the many reasons why everyone should visit Morrocco. It offers a stunning exotic world and is one of the best places to explore the Sahara.

Why Marrakesh Is Special

The region of Marrakesh has been inhabited by Berber farmers since Neolithic time and was founded as a city in 1070 by Emir Abu Bakr ibn Umar. The city remains enclosed in the red city walls built by Ali ibn Yusuf in 1122 - 1123.

Inside the old fortified city are vendors, and traditional markets packed for the tours including snake charmers, traditional dancers, and just about anything one can think of.

  • Largest: Marrakesh Has The Largest Traditional Market In Morocco (Called A Souk)

But while Marrakesh is dazzling and well worth the visit and will keep anyone wide-eyed, there is the famed Sahara just outside. One of the most sought-after activities for tourists is to go camel trekking across the desert. Tours can range from an hour-long to a week or more.

8 Day Nomad Adventure

This 8 Day Nomadic Adventure is not just camel trekking but also includes a range of other activities. With this tour one will see attractions like Telouet, Ouarzazate, Skoura, Dades Gorge, Merzouga, and more. One will visit Berber villages, ride camels on the dunes to see the sunset, stay in hotels and true nomadic bivouacs, drive over the snow-capped Atlas Mountains, and much more.

  • Duration: 8 Days and 7 Nights
  • Starts: In Marrakesh
  • Ends: In Merzouga
  • Includes: Guide, Accommodation, Camel Trekking, Sandboarding
  • Excludes: Flights, Lunches, Drinks

Related: A Travel Guide To Morocco: Tourists Should Plan Their Trip Around These 10 Things

3 Nights Camel Trekking in Erg Chebbi Desert

If eight days in the desert is too long, then go on a 3-day camel trek. This trip begins after a relaxed lunch and then starts off right into the desert. The camels are packed with food, blankets, and all things that will be needed.

Trek with the camels to a small oasis in the middle of the dunes and this is where one will spend the first night under the stars in a nomad tent. Enjoy dinner served around a campfire and listen to the local nomads play traditional music.

class="itinerary-list-wrapper with-date"> class="itinerary-list-item"> class="row"> class="col-xs-12 col-sm-12 col-md-12"> class="content">

The next day trek for two hours to the next destination and have lunch by a Tamarisk tree before trekking again to the home of a Nomad family. Spend the night here with one's hospitable nomadic hosts.

  • Camel Rides: Each Day Has Between 90 Minutes and 2 Hours Of Camel Riding
  • Included: Guide, Dinners, Sandboard, Breakfast, Accommodation

class="GridLex-gap-30 mb-20"> class="GridLex-grid-noGutter-equalHeight"> class="row"> class="col-xs-12 col-sm-6 mb-40">

One Night In The Desert And Camel Ride

For those with only a short stay in Morocco, one night in the desert and camel ride may be the right thing. This trip ensures that one will get to spend at least one night in the Sahara. The trip includes a camel ride for the night in the desert near the sand dunes.

  • Duration: The Camel Ride is About 1 Hour 30 Minutes
  • Drum Music: At The Camp In The Desert One Can Enjoy Traditional Drum Music
  • Accommodation: In Nomad Tents (In the Morning Breakfast And Shower In The Hotel)

class="itinerary-list-wrapper with-date"> class="itinerary-list-item"> class="row"> class="col-xs-12 col-sm-12 col-md-12"> class="content">

On this tour, one can take stunning pictures of the sunset and the sunrise in the Sahara. As one arrives back in the camp, one will walk to the high dunes to watch the sunset where one will be able to stargaze up at the Milky Way. After spending the night in the nomadic tents, ride the camels back to the hotel for a break and shower.

  • Included: Camel Ride, Guide, Dinner, Breakfast, Sandboarding
  • Cost: Depends On The Season (From 40 Euros)

Related: 10 Etiquette Tips For Traveling To Morocco

One Day Trip from Marrakech to Ouarzazate

Not all trips from Marrakesh need to involve camel rides. For those who would like to skip that, consider the One Day Trip from Marrakesh to Ouarzazate. It includes pick up in the morning in Marrakesh and the trip takes one through the eye-watering High Atlas Mountains and the highest divable pass in North Africa.

  • Filming Location: Ait Benhaddou Was The Filming Location of Gladiator, Prince of Persia, and Many Other Movies

The tour stops by the famous UNESCO-listed fortified city of Ait Benhaddou. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before returning to Marrakesh in the evening. A guide is available on request.

Next: Crossing The Mighty Sahara Desert From Morocco To Senegal Via The Coastal Route