Marrakech: Camel Ride in Palmeraie Oasis & Mint Tea Pickup

Summary

Ride camels in Marrakech’s Palmeraie oasis with tea stop

You’ll trade Marrakech’s chaos for swaying palms on this camel ride through Palmeraie oasis. Spot local villas, laugh with your guide over Berber scarves, then rest under shady trees sipping sweet mint tea before heading back to town—still smelling faintly of orange blossom.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I was a little nervous about the camel ride at first — not sure if it was the height or just the camel’s slow blinking stare when we met in the dusty lot outside Marrakech. The city noise faded fast as our driver took us out to the Palmeraie, where everything felt softer somehow. Rows of palms, sun glinting off old garden walls, and that faint smell of orange blossoms I kept catching whenever the wind shifted. Our guide, Hassan, handed me a blue scarf and grinned while showing how to wrap it (I failed spectacularly). He called the camels “ships of the desert” — his words, not mine — and helped us climb up. It was bumpier than I expected but weirdly calming after a few minutes swaying along.

We passed these quiet villas tucked among the palms, some with laundry flapping out back and kids waving from behind garden gates. The air felt different out here — cooler maybe, or just less crowded with city smells. Hassan pointed out which trees were date palms versus regular ones (I still can’t tell), and told us stories about Berber families who’ve lived here for generations. At one point my camel stopped to scratch its nose on a low branch and I almost slid sideways; Hassan just laughed and said she liked to take her time. There’s something oddly peaceful about moving so slowly through all that green space — you start noticing little things like birds calling or dust motes floating in sunbeams.

After an hour or so we stopped under some shade for mint tea poured from way up high into tiny glasses. It tasted sweet and sharp at once — honestly better than any I’d had in town. We sat on woven mats while Hassan chatted about growing up nearby; he teased my friend for trying to pronounce “Palmeraie” (she really did butcher it). I didn’t want to leave that spot, with the breeze rustling palm leaves overhead and everything feeling unhurried for once. Even now when I smell fresh mint, it takes me right back there.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Camel ride through Marrakech Palmeraie

• Hotel pickup by driver
• Meet camel handlers and camels
• Ride camel through palm groves
• Pass authentic villas in Palmeraie
• Enjoy refreshing mint tea

Top questions

How long is the camel ride in Marrakech’s Palmeraie?

The camel ride lasts about one hour through the palm groves outside Marrakech.

Is hotel pickup included for this Marrakech camel tour?

Yes, air-conditioned vehicle pickup from your hotel is included.

Do you get to try mint tea during the tour?

Yes, after your camel ride you’ll enjoy a glass of fresh mint tea in the Palmeraie.

Are Berber outfits provided for the camel ride?

Yes, traditional Berber scarves or outfits are provided for photos and comfort during your ride.

Is this Marrakech camel tour suitable for children?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels; infants and small children can use a pram or stroller if needed.

How far is Palmeraie from central Marrakech?

The Palmeraie oasis is about a 20-minute drive from central Marrakech.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup by air-conditioned vehicle, help from friendly local guides who provide Berber outfits for fun photos, a one-hour camel ride weaving through Marrakech’s Palmeraie gardens and villas, plus a stop for fresh mint tea before returning to town relaxed—and probably still sandy.