Marrakech Desert: Camel Ride, Sunset Dinner & Berber Bonfire

Summary

Leave Marrakech behind for desert sunset, camel ride, pool time and Berber music under the stars

You’ll leave Marrakech behind for an evening in the rocky desert: riding camels at sunset, sipping sweet mint tea, swimming if you feel like it, then sharing dinner and Berber music by a bonfire under open sky. It’s not fancy but feels honest—just good food, laughter, and that strange quiet only deserts have.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t realize how quickly you could leave the chaos of Marrakech behind — it’s only about 40 minutes before the city noise just sort of fades out and the air smells different. Our driver picked us up right from our riad (I was honestly relieved not to have to figure out taxis), and we headed out with a few other travelers. The landscape changed fast — buildings gave way to rocky stretches dotted with little scrubby plants and the occasional donkey cart. I kept thinking: this is still so close to town?

Our guide, Youssef, had this easy way about him — he handed us mint tea as soon as we arrived at camp. The camels were waiting (I named mine “Bob” for no reason), and I’ll admit I was nervous but also weirdly excited. You don’t have to do the camel ride if you don’t want; one guy in our group skipped it and just wandered around taking photos. Riding through that dry air with the sun starting to drop felt surreal — there’s a quiet out there you don’t get in the city. My legs were wobbly getting off but Youssef just laughed and said I walked like a real nomad now.

Afterwards we had time to swim — yeah, there’s actually a pool in the middle of all that dust! I didn’t expect that part at all. Dinner was simple but good: vegetable soup first (smelled like cumin), then chicken tajine with soft carrots and potatoes. They had vegan stuff too, which my friend appreciated. The best bit? Sitting around the bonfire after dark while these local musicians played Berber songs. One of them tried to teach us some clapping rhythm — I was hopeless at it but everyone ended up laughing anyway.

The drive back felt different somehow; maybe it was just being full or tired or maybe something else. There’s this silence in the van where you can still hear those drums in your head. I keep thinking about that last bit of sun on the rocks before it got dark — you know when you see something simple but it sticks with you? So yeah, if you’re looking for a day trip from Marrakech that isn’t just ticking boxes, this one surprised me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Desert sunset, camel ride, and dinner

• Pick up from accommodation
• Drive 40 minutes to desert
• Camel ride with guide
• Drink welcoming Moroccan tea
• Enjoy sunset view and free time
• Use swimming pool
• Dinner with vegetable soup, tajin, fruit salad
• Berber music show around campfire
• Return to Marrakech around 10pm

Top questions

How far is the desert camp from Marrakech?

It’s about 40 minutes’ drive from central Marrakech to the camp.

Is hotel pickup included for this Marrakech desert tour?

Yes, pickup from your accommodation (or nearest car-access point) is included.

Can I skip the camel ride?

Yes, joining the camel ride is optional—you can relax at camp instead.

Is there vegetarian or vegan food available?

Yes, vegan and vegetarian options are available on request for dinner.

What time does this day trip start and finish?

Pickup starts around 3:30pm; return to Marrakech is around 10pm.

Are bathrooms available at the desert camp?

Yes, the camp is well equipped with bathrooms and accessible facilities.

Is this tour suitable for children or people with limited mobility?

The tour is wheelchair accessible and suitable for all fitness levels; infants can join with special seats available.

What’s included in this Marrakech desert dinner & camel ride?

The tour includes round-trip transport from Marrakech, camel ride (optional), dinner with drinks, mint tea with sweets, Berber music show by bonfire.

What’s included

Your evening includes round-trip transportation from Marrakech with pickup at your accommodation or nearby access point; an optional camel ride guided by locals; use of a swimming pool at camp; traditional Moroccan dinner (with vegan or gluten-free options on request); sweet mint tea served on arrival; plus live Berber music around a bonfire before heading back late evening.