3 days Camel Trekking in Morocco Desert tour

If you’re dreaming of crossing vast, sun-drenched dunes and spending nights under a sky bursting with stars, this 3-day camel trekking tour in Morocco’s Sahara might just be your perfect escape. While we haven’t personally joined this journey, detailed reviews and the itinerary paint a picture of an authentic, adventure-filled experience that offers more than just sightseeing.

We love that this trek combines nomadic lifestyle immersion, stunning desert vistas, and guided expertise — all at a reasonable price of $437 per person. The opportunity to sleep in a tent beneath a blanket of stars, explore the Sahara in a traditional way, and meet local nomad communities makes this standout. One potential consideration? The tour involves several hours of walking and camel riding, which might not suit everyone, especially those with back or heart problems. This adventure is best suited for travelers craving genuine desert immersion and beautiful landscapes.

Key Points

• Authentic Nomadic Experience: Stay with local nomads and learn their traditional lifestyle.
• Stunning Desert Landscapes: Cross dunes and rocky hills, with ample opportunities for memorable photos.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides ensure safety and enrich your understanding of the desert.
• Comfort & Equipment: Camping under the stars with tents, with options for camel riding at an extra cost.
• Flexible Booking & Payment: Reserve without upfront payment, with full cancellation possible 24 hours in advance.
• Physical Considerations: Not suitable for those with back or heart issues due to walking and riding.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the 3-Day Camel Trekking Tour

Starting Point: M’hamid — The Gateway to the Sahara

The adventure kicks off in M’hamid, the last village before the Sahara’s expansive dunes. Departing around 10 am, you’ll meet your guide and fellow travelers for an orientation that sets the tone for the next three days. M’hamid serves as the ideal launchpad for escaping into the desert—it’s small, authentic, and full of stories from previous caravans.

Day 1: M’hamid to Sidi Naji — The First Taste of Desert Silence

After a brief trip in a land cruiser or similar transport, you’ll arrive at Race Nkhel, where a lunch under a shade tree awaits. This marks a perfect moment to absorb the quiet beauty of the desert, with the dry, rugged hills surrounding you. The guides, known for their friendliness and experience, will then lead you on a camel trek lasting about 2 hours to Sidi Naji, where your mobile camp awaits.

Sleeping in a tent under a sky filled with stars, you’ll get your first real sense of desert life. The experience of camping in such an open, natural setting is something special — no luxury, just pure simplicity. Reviewers like Michael mentioned, “the guides are extremely helpful and friendly,” making the experience even more memorable.

Day 2: Sidi Naji to Erg Ait Ounir — Crossing the Dunes

Rising early to catch the sunrise, you’ll start your second day with breathtaking views as the desert awakens. After breakfast, the trek continues through the iconic Sahara landscape, with approximately 3-4 hours of walking planned, including a mid-day break. The guides’ local knowledge shines here; they know the best spots for shade, photo opportunities, and authentic encounters.

This part of the journey highlights the immense dunes of Ait Ounir, where you’ll set up camp in a new mobile site. The vast, rolling dunes and the chance to ride camels above the dunes—which can be added at an extra cost of $20 per camel per day—are highlights. Traveling with guides familiar with the terrain ensures safety and a richer understanding of desert ecology and nomadic customs.

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Day 3: Erg Ait Ounir to M’hamid — Return with Memories

After a hearty breakfast, your trek back begins, usually taking 2-3 hours. The route takes you through the changing scenery of the Sahara, from dunes to rocky terrains, providing excellent photo ops and plenty of moments to reflect.

A picnic lunch prepared by your guides makes the journey comfortable, and by late afternoon, you’ll return to M’hamid, where the adventure concludes. The return journey offers a chance to process the experience and appreciate the vastness and silence of the desert.

What’s Included and What’s Not?

Included:

• Departure from M’hamid around 10 am, with transport to and from the desert start point
• Three days of camel riding and trekking with experienced guides
• All meals: 3 lunches, 3 dinners, and 2 breakfasts
• Drinks (water) to stay hydrated in the desert heat
• Mobile camps set up for overnight stays

Not Included:

• Personal expenses and souvenirs
• Extra activities such as camel riding (available at an additional cost)
• Any optional upgrades or accommodations outside the mobile camps

Travelers should budget for extra expenses or optional rides if they wish to extend their experience.

The Authenticity & Value of the Experience

This tour offers a genuine glimpse into nomadic life, a chance to sleep under the stars, and to witness the Sahara’s raw beauty. The guides, described as “helpful and friendly” by past travelers, are crucial for making the journey smooth and educational. Their knowledge enriches the experience, turning what could be a simple trek into a cultural encounter.

While the price of $437 might seem high at first glance, it includes all meals, desert camping, transportation, and guiding services. Compared to private or luxury desert tours, this provides a balance of affordability and authenticity. Plus, the option to reserve without paying upfront adds flexibility for travelers unsure of their plans.

Visualizing the Experience

Imagine mounting a camel at dawn, feeling the gentle sway as the desert stretches endlessly in every direction. You’ll cross dry dirt hills and rocky outcrops, with the vastness of the Sahara unfolding before your eyes. The silence is profound, broken only by the soft footsteps of your camels and the occasional call of a desert bird. Nights under the open sky, with a blanket of stars overhead, create memories that last.

Authentic Encounters & Cultural Insights

Meeting nomad families provides a window into a lifestyle that has persisted for generations. The guides, familiar with local customs, will often introduce you to traditional ways of living, sharing stories and insights that deepen your understanding of the desert’s people.

The Experience of Riding Camels

While the tour offers an option to pay extra for camel rides throughout the trek, many travelers find the rides to be a highlight—gliding over dunes, feeling the heat of the sand, and appreciating the ingenuity of traditional travel modes. For those new to camel riding, guides are patient, ensuring comfort and safety.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This 3-day camel trek suits adventurous travelers eager to see the Sahara in a traditional way, with a focus on authentic, outdoor experiences. It’s ideal for those who don’t mind camping in basic conditions and want to connect with local nomadic cultures. The tour is also perfect for travelers who enjoy photography, nature, and silent landscapes.

However, those with back or heart problems may find the walking and camel riding physically demanding. It’s also not suitable for travelers seeking luxury accommodations or a highly customized experience.

The Sum Up

This camel trekking journey in Morocco offers a rare chance to see the Sahara’s vastness while engaging with its cultural heartbeat. The guides’ knowledge and friendly attitude, combined with the stunning scenery and genuine nomadic lifestyle, make it a valuable experience for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike.

At a reasonable price, you gain multiple days of outdoor exploration, sleep beneath a canopy of stars, and get a real taste of desert life. It’s a chance to step away from touristy spots and into the quiet, timeless world of desert nomads.

For those craving an authentic, immersive desert adventure, this tour delivers in both scenery and cultural insight. Just be prepared for some physical activity and simple camping conditions—what you gain is well worth the effort.

FAQ

Is transportation included from M’hamid to the desert?
Yes, the tour departs from M’hamid around 10 am, and transportation to the desert starting point is included.

Can I ride a camel during the trek?
Yes, there is an option to pay extra ($20 per camel per day) if you wish to ride camels throughout the journey.

What should I bring for this tour?
Pack comfortable shoes, hiking shoes, a sleeping bag, shorts, and a reusable water bottle. These items will help you stay comfortable during the trek.

Is the tour suitable if I have health issues?
It’s not recommended for those with back or heart problems, as the tour involves walking and camel riding.

How long are the treks each day?
Typically, the trekking hours range from about 2 to 4 hours each day, with a break for lunch and rest.

Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexible planning options.

You can check availability for your dates here: