Marrakech Palm Grove: Camel ride with local guide & tea

Summary

Camel trekking, Berber tea, and Marrakech’s quiet side

Experience Marrakech’s Palm Grove by camel with a local guide leading the way. Ride through palm forests and Berber villages before sharing mint tea in a family home. With hotel pickup included, you’ll get glimpses of daily life — plus small moments of laughter and quiet you might not expect.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I was a little nervous about the camel ride. They’re taller than you think up close, and the way they stand up is… well, let’s just say I gripped the saddle tighter than I meant to. Our guide, Youssef, noticed and just grinned, saying something in Darija that made the other guides laugh. The camels smelled like sun-warmed straw and dust, which somehow felt right for the Palm Grove outside Marrakech. It was quieter out there than I expected — just some birds calling and the sound of hooves on sand.

We rode slowly past clusters of palm trees (so many more than I imagined), weaving between little mud-brick houses where kids waved at us from doorways. Youssef pointed out an old irrigation channel — he called it “khettara” — and explained how families here still use them when it rains enough. The air tasted dry but sweet, almost like dates. At one point my camel stopped to scratch its nose on a bush and I nearly slid off sideways; Youssef caught my eye and winked, like this was all part of the fun.

After maybe an hour (I lost track), we stopped at a Berber family’s house for mint tea. The woman who poured it wore bright blue slippers and didn’t speak much French or English, but her smile said plenty. The tea was hot and syrupy-sweet — honestly, better than any café in town. We sat on faded cushions while Youssef told stories about growing up nearby. There was this easy silence between sips that I still remember now, even with all the city noise back in Marrakech.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Camel Ride and Berber Tea

• Camel ride through Palm Grove
• Visit authentic Berber villages
• Enjoy mint tea at Berber home

Top questions

How long is the Marrakech Palm Grove camel ride?

The tour lasts about half a day, including riding time and the tea break.

Is hotel pickup included for this camel tour?

Yes, hotel or riad pickup and drop-off are included in your booking.

Do I need experience to ride a camel in Marrakech?

No experience is needed; guides help you get comfortable on the camel.

Will we visit real Berber villages during the tour?

Yes, you’ll pass through authentic villages in the Palm Grove area.

Is mint tea provided during the camel ride tour?

Yes, there’s a stop at a Berber family home where mint tea is served.

Are infant seats available for families?

Specialized infant seats are available if requested in advance.

What’s included

Your half-day includes pickup from your hotel or riad in Marrakech by air-conditioned minivan, guided camel riding through the Palm Grove with stops at Berber villages along the way, plus a relaxing break for traditional mint tea inside a local family’s home before returning to your starting point.