Never ridden a camel before? You’re in good company — most of our guests haven’t either. Camel trekking looks intimidating from photos, but it’s one of the most approachable ways to experience the Sahara, even for complete first-timers. Here’s everything a beginner needs to know before setting out from M’Hamid El Ghizlane.
Do I Need Experience?
No experience is necessary at all. Camels used for trekking are calm, well-trained animals, and an experienced guide leads each one by a rope for the entire journey — you never handle or steer the camel yourself. Children, older travelers, and complete beginners join treks regularly.
Getting On and Off
A camel kneels down to let you mount and dismount, which feels like two sharp forward-and-back rocks as it lowers its front and back legs. Hold onto the front of the saddle during this movement and lean back slightly as it kneels, and forward slightly as it stands — your guide will tell you exactly when. After the first mount, most people find it easy and even a little fun.
What Riding Actually Feels Like
Camels have a gentle, swaying gait once they’re walking steadily, quite different from a horse. Some new riders feel a bit unsteady for the first ten to fifteen minutes, but most settle in quickly. You’ll typically ride for one to two hours between short breaks, with the option to walk alongside the camel instead whenever you’d like a change.
Is It Physically Demanding?
Camel trekking is accessible to most fitness levels. Riding itself requires little physical effort, though a full day in the saddle can leave your legs and lower back mildly sore the first time, similar to a first horseback ride. Multi-day treks alternate riding with easy walking on sand, which most people find manageable even without a regular fitness routine.
Beginner Tips for a Comfortable Ride
- Wear long, loose pants to avoid chafing against the saddle.
- Sit back slightly and relax your body with the camel’s movement rather than fighting it.
- Ask your guide to slow down or stop any time you want a break — treks are not rushed.
- Bring sunglasses and a hat, since you’ll be exposed to the sun while riding.
- Stay hydrated throughout the ride, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
What Beginners Say Afterward
Almost every first-time rider tells us the same thing: the nerves before mounting disappear within minutes, and riding across the dunes becomes one of the most memorable parts of the whole trip. It’s a slow, meditative way to see the desert that’s hard to replicate any other way.
Ready to try it yourself? Browse our beginner-friendly camel trekking and bivouac packages from M’Hamid — no experience required.