Moroccan Camel Train Tour, Erg Chebbi, Morocco Close Is a unique experience never-ending sand dunes of the Sahara Desert.
What to Expect
The Moroccan desert is almost entirely made of dunes, a mixture between sand and rock enclosed between the Algerian frontier and the Wasi Ziz oasis belt. The Sahara is the most beautiful and the biggest desert in the world, and also a magnificent scenario of an unaltered way of life.
The two main dunes that attract the most attention to tourists are Erg Chebbi and Erg Chigaga. They offer unique adventures with dunes reaching over 250 feets high. Landscapes that make our eyes happy.
To the Sahara Desert From Marrakech
Marrakech is approximately 660 km away from the dunes of Erg Chebbi, and 360 km from Zagora, near the dunes of Chigaga. Although distances seem short, do not forget that most of the journey are mountains and rugged roads.
Prepare Yourself
Take with you only what is necessary in a small bag, and if you get dizzy easily, do not forget your medicines. You will be assigned with a camel, and you will have to try and mount it while the animal stands up. But don’t worry! Plenty of people will be with you, and willing to help.
The camels are tied together with a rope and walk in a line behind the guide. These camels are amazing and incredible animals, accustomed to the weather and road irregularities. At first, you may feel threatened by their imposing size, but you will end up loving them.
The Experience
For a couple of hours you can enjoy a peaceful landscape and once you have become familiar with the camel’s walk and behavior, the journey will begin to be more pleasant. The trips usually take five or six hours per day, but after three or four hours of traveling, there will come a time when you want to rest and stop to stretch your legs. Take these resting breaks to admire the extent of the shifting sand, and meet the nomad families scattered along the way.
Overnight In a Desert
Camping one night under the stars on the Sahara is a unique experience. Imagine living it together with the love of your life as the perfect honeymoon trip… It’s just an idea! Usually, the guide is the one who cooks dinner, but you can bring your own snacks. The tents are arranged around a circular fire, where you get to enjoy tribal songs, and once the music dies, you can stare at the millions of stars, and sink in the silence of the night in a simple sleeping bag.
Last but not least, do not forget to bring blankets to keep you warm, since at night the temperatures in the Sahara descend a lot.
A happy Sunrise
Sunrises are one of the most anticipated moments of each participant in this Camel Train. You will be grateful to have an opportunity like that! You will be able to observe how, as the sun rises, the colors of the landscape and the terrain change. Sunrises tend to be more spectacular than sunsets.
Clothing
- A light jacket to cope with the cold nights.
- Comfortable pants and soft fabric for comfort at the time of sleep. Leggings are perfect.
- Glasses with UV protection.
- Sunscreen should be with you at all times.
- A pair of socks to warm your feet at night.
- A hat or cap that protects you from the sun during the day.
For personal use
- It’s super important to carry with you a couple of liters of water.
- A basic kit for personal hygiene is a must: brush and toothpaste, face towels, antibacterial, deodorant.
- Medications or analgesics that you should take regularly or for common discomforts of the trip.
- Drinks or special meals that you want to consume while traveling. Consult before with your assigned group. Remember to carry only the essentials and just what you can carry.
Traveling through the desert on a camel is an ancient practice that was used mostly for trade between two people. Today, you can live this experience with people who have dedicated their lives to it, so do not doubt about your safety, you will be in good hands. Besides that, the beauty of the landscape will not disappoint you and you will want to come back for more.
When to Go
October to May, when temperatures dip low enough to make the desert journey quite comfortable. During mid-winter, nights can be chilly.
How Long
Three days is about the average amount of time for the camel trek, but you need at least ten days or two weeks to get a real taste of Morocco.
Planning
International outfitters like Wilderness Travel provide 4×4 transportation from Marrakech or Fez to the dunes, plus camping equipment. All meals are normally included.
Inside Information
Sunscreen is a must, even in winter. Those who can’t quite get the hang of riding a camel can easily walk the route at around the same speed; some outfitters provide 4×4 vehicles for those who find the dunes daunting.
Highlights
- The golden dunes of Erg Chebbi are spectacular, can reach a height of 492 ft (150 m) above the desert floor.
- Rissani is a oasis town along the Wadi Ziz that boasts a brooding 17th-century casbah and some of the best dates you’ll ever taste.
Websites
- www.wildernesstravel.com
If you loved this article or found it useful, don’t forget to share it with your adventurous and travel-hacking friends! If you want more posts like this, follow us on Youtube, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter Facebook or Reddit and subscribe to our newsletter!