Many people picture Morocco and immediately think of golden dunes and long camel caravans crossing the Sahara. Camels are still part of daily life in the south of the country, especially around Merzouga, Zagora, Chegaga, and the Atlantic coast near Dakhla.
If you are planning a desert tour or you simply love animals, here is a full guide to camels in Morocco from the point of view of a local travel agency that works with them every day, plus 48 facts that will blow your mind.
Are there camels in Morocco?
Yes, there are many camels in Morocco, mainly in the south and along the edge of the Sahara. Most of them are dromedaries, the one-hump “Arabic camels” used across North Africa. You see them near Merzouga and the Erg Chebbi dunes, in the Zagora and Chegaga deserts, around Guelmim, Tan-Tan, and Laayoune, and even close to Dakhla and Essaouira on the Atlantic coast.
In the big cities you might not see them every day, but once you travel toward the desert, camels become a normal part of the landscape.
48 facts about camels in Morocco
- Camels in Morocco are one-hump dromedaries.
- Morocco has tens of thousands of camels, especially in the Saharan and pre-Saharan regions.
- Camels reached Morocco more than 2,000 years ago along old caravan routes.
- For centuries they were the main link between Morocco and places like Timbuktu in Mali.
- A strong adult camel can carry around 150–200 kg on its back.
- Caravan camels usually walk at 3–5 km per hour.
- They can comfortably travel 30–40 km in a single day.
- Racing camels can reach about 40–50 km per hour in short runs.
- A healthy camel can live 40–50 years.
- Camels can survive a week or more without water in cool conditions.
- A very thirsty camel can drink more than 100 litres of water in just a few minutes.
- The hump stores fat, not water, which the body uses as energy when food is scarce.
- When the hump is full it looks high and round; when the camel is tired or underfed it can lean to one side.
- Camels have thick split lips that let them eat thorny desert bushes.
- Each foot has two toes and a wide, soft pad that spreads on the sand like a snowshoe.
- Their big soft feet stop them from sinking into dunes like those at Erg Chebbi and Erg Chegaga.
- Camels have long eyelashes that keep sand out of their eyes.
- A clear third eyelid works like natural goggles during sandstorms.
- They can close their nostrils almost completely in strong wind and dust.
- A camel’s body temperature can change a few degrees between day and night to save water.
- They sweat far less than horses or cows, which helps them stay hydrated.
- Their thick coat keeps them cool in the day and warm during cold desert nights.
- Baby camels can stand and walk within a few hours after birth.
- Young camels usually drink only their mother’s milk for several months.
- In Moroccan Arabic, a baby camel is often called “frouj.”
- Many families in the Draa Valley and Sahara keep a few camels as a sign of wealth.
- Around Merzouga and Chegaga, many local families earn their living from camel trekking with visitors.
- In some Saharan households, camel milk is served to special guests.
- Camel milk contains more vitamin C than cow’s milk and tastes slightly salty.
- Some people drink camel milk fresh, others prefer it lightly fermented.
- Camel meat, called “lahm jamal,” is sold in some markets and used in special dishes.
- In many desert areas camels are considered more valuable alive than as meat.
- You can still find camel markets near Guelmim and Tan-Tan in the south.
- On most Morocco desert tours, camels carry people while 4×4 vehicles carry luggage.
- Typical camel rides for visitors last around 45–90 minutes.
- Many sunset and sunrise rides in Merzouga are timed to start just before the sun moves low over the dunes.
- Desert camps in Erg Chebbi and Erg Chegaga usually include a camel ride in the price.
- In winter, night temperatures in the dunes can fall close to 0°C, so warm clothes are important.
- In summer, most camel rides start in the early morning or near sunset to avoid the strong midday sun.
- Camel handlers usually walk on foot, guiding a caravan of 5–10 camels with one rope.
- A line of camels walking together is often called a caravan, or “kafila” in Arabic.
- Camels recognise their handler’s voice and can be quite calm and friendly with people they know.
- A camel that groans, refuses to get up or keeps sitting down may be overloaded or uncomfortable.
- In some regions young camels are still given as part of a wedding dowry or big family gift.
- At the Tan-Tan Moussem, tribes gather with decorated camels, music and traditional tents.
- Wild camels are very rare in Morocco; most are owned by families, herders or travel agencies.
- A well-treated camel has a full hump, bright eyes, a clean coat and no open wounds on the nose or legs.
- By booking a responsible camel tour in Morocco you support local desert families and help keep this tradition alive.
Camels and Moroccan history
For many centuries camels were the main transport across the Sahara. Long caravans left caravan towns in southern Morocco, crossed the desert to Timbuktu and other cities, and brought back salt, gold, spices and books.
In oases like the Draa Valley, M’hamid and Tafilalet, families used camels to move tents and goods between seasonal camps. Even today some older people in these regions remember traveling only by camel when they were young, before good roads and buses arrived.
What kind of camels live in Morocco?
Most camels in Morocco belong to local Saharan dromedary breeds. Many are sandy or light-brown and blend perfectly into the desert around Merzouga, Zagora or Tan-Tan. You also see white, dark brown and almost black camels, especially in bigger herds close to Laayoune and Guelmim.
Males are often taller and heavier, so they are usually chosen for riding and carrying luggage on long treks. Females are smaller and normally kept for milk and breeding. Young camels stay close to their mothers and are not used for rides.
How camels survive the Moroccan desert
Camels are perfectly adapted to the climate of southern Morocco. Their hump stores fat that the body can use later, which helps them survive when grass and bushes are hard to find.
Their eyes, nose and thick coat protect them from wind, sun and sand. Soft, wide feet spread on the dunes and make it easy to climb the big hills of Erg Chebbi or Chegaga without sinking. These adaptations are the reason camels are still the best way to travel across deep desert areas.
Camel milk and meat in Morocco
Camel milk is still part of daily life in some Saharan regions. Around Guelmim, Laayoune and inside the desert, you may see small milk stands where people buy it fresh. Many locals think it is light, rich in vitamins, and good after a long day in the sun.
Camel meat exists in Morocco but it is not eaten every day. You might see it in some markets in Marrakech, Casablanca or Agadir, or in special dishes further south. For many desert families, camels are worth more alive, used for milk, breeding and tourism.
Where to see camels in Morocco
If you want to see camels during your trip, these are the main areas where travel agencies like ours usually include camel rides:
- Merzouga and the Erg Chebbi dunes in south-eastern Morocco
- Zagora, M’hamid and the Draa Valley on the way to Erg Chegaga
- The Agafay desert near Marrakech for short camel experiences
- Ouarzazate and surrounding palm groves
- Dakhla lagoon and the empty Atlantic beaches in the far south
- Guelmim and Tan-Tan, famous for large camel markets and Saharan festivals
On many of our Morocco desert tours, a camel ride at sunset or sunrise is already included in the program, especially on routes that visit Merzouga.
If you plan to stay longer in the area, have a look at our quad biking activity in Merzouga, which you can easily combine with a camel trek.
Camel rides in Morocco: what to expect
A normal camel experience starts near a village such as Merzouga, Hassi Labied, Zagora or M’hamid. Your handler helps you onto the saddle and explains how to lean when the camel stands up and sits down. The movement is slow and rolling, a little like a small boat.
If you are in Marrakech and want a short desert trip that already includes a camel trek in the Erg Chebbi dunes, you can join our 3-day desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga, which comes with a guided sunset camel ride and a night in a Sahara camp.
Many tours offer a short ride of 45–90 minutes to watch the sunset, or use camels to reach your camp in the dunes. You can walk beside the camel for part of the way if you prefer. In winter nights can be cold, so a warm jacket, hat and gloves are useful; in summer you need light long sleeves, a hat, scarf and plenty of water.
Tips for ethical camel experiences
Camels are strong animals, but they deserve kind treatment. When you choose a desert tour, try to look for these signs:
- Camels rest in the shade during the day and have access to water and food.
- Saddles and ropes look clean and do not cut into the skin.
- The animals are not overloaded and they walk in a calm, steady way.
- Handlers speak quietly to the camels and do not hit them.
If a camel looks very thin, injured or stressed, it is better to refuse the ride and speak to the agency. A responsible camel trek supports local families and keeps this desert tradition in a good way.
Camels in Moroccan culture
In Moroccan and Saharan culture, camels are a sign of patience, wealth and long journeys. Many proverbs compare a calm, patient person to a camel that crosses the desert step by step without rushing.
In some southern regions, especially in Hassani and Amazigh communities, young camels can still be offered as gifts during big celebrations and weddings. Festivals like the Moussem of Tan-Tan bring together tribes from the Sahara with decorated camels, music, food and traditional tents.
For travelers, spending time with camels in Morocco is not just a fun activity. It is also a way to touch a deep part of the country’s history and to support the families who still live close to the desert.
FAQ about camels in Morocco
You will ride a one-hump dromedary, the species used across North Africa and the Arabian deserts.
With an experienced handler and a calm camel, rides are usually very safe. Listen to the guide, hold the handle when the camel stands up or sits down, and wear closed shoes.
They are adapted to high temperatures, but they still need shade, water and rest. Good agencies plan rides in the cooler hours and take care of their animals.
Yes. Many families ride with one adult and one child on the same camel for short rides. For longer treks it is better if older children ride alone and younger ones share a camel with a parent.
If you are planning a trip and want to meet camels in Morocco, a desert tour to Merzouga, Zagora, Chegaga or even the wild Atlantic coast near Dakhla is the easiest way. You enjoy the dunes, help local families and come home with real memories of one of the most iconic animals in the Moroccan Sahara.
