Sunset Camel Ride Marrakech: A Real Review for 2025

You have probably seen the picture a thousand times, you know, the one with a line of camels walking against a sky painted in shades of orange and purple. So, it’s one of those classic travel moments you think about when planning a trip to Morocco. Well, I had that exact picture in my head before I went. The truth about the famous sunset camel ride in the Palm Grove of Marrakech is, as a matter of fact, a little different from the dream, but honestly still a wonderful experience if you know what you are getting into. This review is basically my way of sharing what it is really like, away from the perfect photos. We’ll look at the setting, the actual ride, the tea ceremony, and some honest tips so you can decide if it’s the right activity for you in 2025.

What to Genuinely Expect from the Palm Grove (La Palmeraie)

First, let’s talk about the location itself, because it’s pretty important. The Marrakech Palm Grove, or La Palmeraie as it’s locally known, isn’t really the endless, rolling dunes of the Sahara Desert. So, it’s more of a very large, semi-arid plain on the city’s outskirts, you know, dotted with thousands of palm trees. In fact, a long time ago, it was an incredibly green and thick oasis, watered by an old system of irrigation channels. These days, it’s a bit more spread out, and frankly, you will see some luxury hotels and private villas between the patches of palm trees. You should kind of set your expectations for a peaceful ride through a unique landscape, rather than a deep desert trek. The ground is typically dry and a little dusty, so don’t wear your best white shoes. At the end of the day, it has its own sort of spare beauty, especially as the sun begins to drop.

The experience typically starts with a pickup from your hotel or a nearby meeting point. The drive out to the Palmeraie usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes, and frankly, it gives you a quick look at life outside the old city walls. When you arrive, it’s honestly a little chaotic in a good way. You will see groups of camels resting on the ground, and their guides, often local Berber men, will be preparing for the next groups. The atmosphere is very casual and welcoming, not at all formal. Actually, they are professionals who do this every day, so they make the whole process feel pretty simple and safe. They really seem to have a strong bond with their animals, often calling them by name and speaking to them in soft tones, which is a nice thing to see.

The Camel Ride Itself: A Moment-by-Moment Look

Alright, so this is the main event. Before you even get near a camel, your guides will most likely offer you traditional clothing. Typically, this is a djellaba (a long, loose robe) and a cheich (a Tuareg-style turban) to wear. Honestly, just say yes. It sort of adds to the fun, protects your clothes from dust, and makes for some seriously good photos. The guides are literally experts at wrapping the headscarves, and the whole group usually has a good laugh trying to get it right. It’s a very lighthearted start that, you know, gets everyone in a good mood. Once you are properly dressed, you are assigned your camel. And they are, as a matter of fact, very tall animals, especially when they are standing up.

Getting on the camel is an experience in itself. They are usually resting on the ground, so you climb onto the saddle while they are kneeling. But the interesting part is when they stand up. So, hold on tight, because it happens in two pretty sudden movements – first the back legs, then the front. You are tilted forward and then backward pretty sharply. I mean, everyone shrieks or laughs; it’s practically a rule.

Once you’re up there, the ride begins. The movement is actually a slow, rhythmic sway from side to side. It takes a few minutes to get used to it, you know, but soon you find your balance. The caravan walks at a very gentle pace, so it’s not scary at all. You just get to relax and take in the sights. Your guide will lead the camel by a rope, often as part of a longer chain of camels. You just get this unique, high-up view of the palm trees, the distant Atlas Mountains, and the other riders. The sun gets lower and lower, casting long shadows and turning the sky into something quite spectacular. It’s pretty quiet out there, mostly just the soft padding of camel feet and the occasional friendly chat from your guide, who might point out some interesting things along the way.

Read our full review: [Sunset Camel Ride Marrakech Full Review and Details]

More Than Just Camels: The Mint Tea & Berber Hospitality

Basically, a really memorable part of this experience isn’t just the ride, but the stop for tea afterward. After about an hour of riding, your caravan will typically stop at a small, simple house or a tent, which is often the home of one of the guides or a family they work with. You will be invited inside to experience real Berber hospitality, something that is really central to Moroccan culture. It’s a very welcome break, giving you a chance to stretch your legs and just relax for a little while after swaying back and forth on your camel.

The host will then prepare Moroccan mint tea, which is honestly so much more than just a drink. It’s a ceremony. They’ll start by adding green tea, fresh mint leaves, and a large amount of sugar into a traditional metal teapot. The host will then pour the tea into small glasses from a great height. So, this isn’t just for show; pouring it like that aerates the tea and creates a light foam on top, which they call the “turban”. The tea is very sweet, very minty, and absolutely delicious. They often serve it with local snacks, for instance, a type of flaky, layered flatbread called msemen or some simple biscuits. This quiet moment, just sitting and sharing tea as the last light of the day fades, is sometimes the most authentic part of the whole evening.

Practical Advice for Your 2025 Marrakech Camel Ride

So, if you are planning on doing this, a few pieces of practical advice can make your experience a lot better. I mean, being prepared helps you just relax and enjoy the moment without any small worries. Thinking about these things ahead of time is, you know, a very smart move. It’s not complicated stuff, just some basics that people sometimes forget. Seriously, a little planning goes a long way.

What to Wear: Okay, you should definitely wear long, comfortable trousers or jeans. So, riding a camel can cause a bit of chafing on bare skin from the rough blanket saddles. You’ll thank me later. Closed-toe shoes like trainers are also a good idea instead of sandals, just to keep the dust off your feet.
What to Bring: Absolutely bring a bottle of water. Even for a sunset ride, it’s still Morocco, and staying hydrated is key. Also, sunglasses and sunscreen are still useful as the sun is pretty strong before it sets. Your camera or phone is a must, of course. Finally, it’s a good idea to have some small cash on hand for a tip for your guide if you felt they did a great job.
Booking Your Tour: You can, technically, find operators on the spot, but I really suggest booking in advance online. So, this allows you to read reviews and choose a company known for good service and, very importantly, good animal welfare. The better-rated tours often have nicer guides, better-kept camels, and a more organized experience.
About the Camels: You should look for operators where the camels appear healthy and well-cared-for. Obviously, happy animals make for a happier experience for everyone. A good guide will treat their camel with respect, not as just a tool for tourism.

See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now ([Marrakech Camel Tours])

Is The Sunset Camel Ride Worth It? An Honest Take

At the end of the day, the big question is whether this popular activity is actually worth your time and money. My honest answer is yes, but with a little understanding. If you are expecting a rugged, authentic expedition deep into the desert, you might be a little disappointed. But, if you see it for what it is—a very pleasant, slightly touristy, and visually lovely way to spend an evening—then it’s absolutely worth doing. You know, it gives you that iconic photo, a taste of Berber culture with the tea ceremony, and a peaceful break from the energy of Marrakech’s medina.

It’s basically a classic for a reason. The experience is pretty easy, accessible to almost everyone, and it creates a memory that is uniquely Moroccan. You get to see the landscape in a completely different light, literally. So, the sight of the sun setting behind the palm trees from the back of a gently swaying camel is a feeling and a view that you will probably remember for a very long time. It’s an experience that is more or less shared by thousands of travelers, but when you are up there, it still feels a little bit like your own personal adventure.

Key Takeaways for Your Ride

Manage Expectations: Remember, the Palm Grove is not the Sahara desert. It is still a very unique and peaceful setting, just be clear on what you’re seeing.
Embrace the “Tourist” Part: Just have fun with it. Wear the traditional clothes they offer and take lots of pictures. It’s all part of the experience, right?
The Tea is a Highlight: Don’t rush through the tea ceremony. Honestly, take the time to sit, sip, and enjoy the moment of hospitality.
Book a Reputable Tour: Do a little research beforehand to find an operator that treats both its customers and its animals well. It makes all the difference, really.