Marrakech Camel Ride
Marrakech Camel Ride
Riding horses is so yesterday, so why not ride a camel instead? Yes, a camel ride is an adventure in and of itself and you can experience just that at Marrakech!
Picture this: the graceful camel sways rhythmically under you, the sand crunches softly, and the sunset basks the whole horizon in a lovely golden glow. A Marrakech camel ride isn’t anything like other ordinary activities.
A camel ride is a unique journey that introduces you to a tradition that has been in existence for many centuries. It also connects you with the enticing desert and gives you the chance to enjoy the vast landscapes and serene beauty that is Morocco.
It doesn’t matter if you’re an adventure-seeker or a history buff because a camel ride is an experience that got it all covered for you!
A Ride to the Distant Past
Dubbed as the gateway to Sahara Desert, Marrakech has always served as the spot where the Berber, French, and Arab cultures meet and blend. The busy squares, the awe-inspiring palaces, and the lively souks are an embodiment of the charm of this city in North Africa.
However, once you set foot outside the historic walls of Marrakech, there is a completely different sense of magic that awaits you in the palm groves and desert nearby. This is the very place where riding camels have long been a part of the locales’ way of life.
Known as the ships of the desert, camels have a key role in Morocco’s history, specifically in the trans-Saharan trade routes. The gorgeous animals have been carrying goods and merchants for many centuries across the endless dunes. They help connect various cultures and encourage exchange of ideas.
The moment you mount a Marrakech camel, you are not simply riding an animal. You’re actually taking part in a historical tradition as you walk the same trails the explorers and trades once trodden in the distant past.
Escape to the Oasis
The sprawling oasis of Palmeraie right outside Marrakech is the common starting point for camel rides. Dotted with palm trees that go by thousands, the scenic and peaceful area serves as an ideal backdrop for a genuine desert experience with no need for you to venture too far out into Sahara itself.
Friendly and hospitable camel handlers will greet you the moment you arrive, and many of them belong to the local Berber communities. Garbed in turbans protecting them from the sun and in flowing blue robes, the handlers will guide you through the rituals of mounting a camel. First-timers often find this act daunting and exciting at the same time.
The actual journey will only start after you find a comfortable seating position on top of the camel. Camels move with a loping gentle gait swaying under you. The meditative rhythm is something that you’ll fall into without any issues.
With every step the animal takes, Marrakech’s vibrant chaos will soon fade into the background and the desert’s tranquillity takes its place instead. The lofty palms stretch out in every direction, with the Atlas Mountains’ peaks standing like a sentinel over the landscape at a distance.
Are you ready to ride a camel in Marrakech soon?
