Essaouira: Camel ride on dunes & beach with tea break

Summary

Experience Essaouira’s coast by camel, with mint tea by the sea

You’ll ride camels through Essaouira’s forests, dunes, and along wild Atlantic beaches with a local guide leading the way. Pause for homemade bread, cakes, amlou spread, and mint tea right by the ocean before heading back as the sun dips low — an experience you’ll remember long after you leave Morocco.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the camels to be so calm — or maybe it was just me who was nervous at first. Our guide, Youssef, handed me a chèche and helped wrap it around my head (I still can’t tie it right), then we set off from the edge of Essaouira. The city faded behind us pretty quickly, replaced by this salty wind and the sound of hooves thumping softly on sand. There were pine trees at first, then suddenly dunes — golden and kind of endless in that late afternoon light.

We passed a couple of locals walking their dogs near the forest edge, and Youssef pointed out some old stone wells I’d have missed otherwise. He told us stories about how people here used to cross these dunes by camel for trade — I tried to imagine doing this for days instead of hours. After about two hours (my legs definitely felt it), we stopped right in front of the Atlantic. The waves were loud but steady, almost hypnotic. Youssef laid out a little picnic: homemade bread, sweet cakes, amlou (that almond-argan spread — addictive), and hot mint tea poured from way up high. My hands were sandy but I didn’t care; everything tasted better with that sea air.

I laughed when my friend tried to say “shukran” and got it all wrong — Youssef just grinned and poured more tea. The sun started dipping lower, turning the water almost silver for a minute. It wasn’t dramatic or anything; just quiet and real. On the way back I kept thinking about how different Essaouira feels from Marrakech — slower somehow, softer around the edges. I still think about that view over the dunes when I’m back home in the city.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Essaouira Camel Ride

• Rhythmic camel ride on forest, beaches, dunes

Top questions

How long is the camel ride in Essaouira?

The camel ride lasts about 3 hours in total.

Is food included on this Essaouira camel tour?

Yes, you’ll get homemade bread, cakes with amlou spread, and mint tea during a break by the ocean.

Do they provide traditional clothing for the camel ride?

Yes, you can wear a chèche and darâa (traditional Saharan costumes) provided by your guide.

Is this camel tour suitable for families?

Yes, it’s suitable for all fitness levels but infants must sit on an adult’s lap.

Where does the camel tour start in Essaouira?

The tour starts at the edge of Essaouira city and heads into nearby forests and dunes before reaching the beach.

What’s included

Your experience includes pickup in Essaouira, bottled water throughout the ride, traditional Saharan costumes to wear during your journey, plus a seaside break with homemade bread, cakes served with amlou spread, and fresh mint tea before returning to town.