Marrakech Palmeraie: Sunset Camel Ride & Berber Tea Stop

Summary

Sunset camel ride through Marrakech’s palms with tea stop

You’ll ride camels through Marrakech’s palm grove at sunset, feeling the hush settle over the Palmeraie as you go. There’s time to visit a Berber house for mint tea and snacks before heading back—hotel pickup makes it all easy. Expect small surprises: laughter with your guide, warm glasses in your hands, colors changing as daylight fades.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the sound—just the slow, creaky sway of the camels’ steps over dry earth, and then a little wind rustling through the palms. We’d barely left Marrakech when our driver pulled up beside what looked like an endless stretch of green and gold. Our guide, Hassan, handed me this deep blue scarf (he called it a cheich) and showed me how to wrap it around my head. I probably looked ridiculous but he grinned and said, “Now you’re ready.”

I’ll be honest—I was a bit nervous about climbing onto a camel. They’re taller than you think. But once we started moving through the Palmeraie, it felt oddly peaceful. The sun was dropping low and everything turned that dusty orange color; I kept catching whiffs of sweet hay and something smoky in the air. At one point, Hassan pointed out some old irrigation channels—he told us how families have lived here for centuries, tending gardens hidden behind thick mud walls. I tried to imagine that kind of patience.

We stopped at a Berber house just as dusk settled in. There was mint tea waiting (so sweet it almost made my teeth ache) and these little biscuits that crumbled everywhere. The woman who poured our tea didn’t say much but smiled whenever we tried our rusty French or Arabic—Li made her laugh by mixing up “merci” and “shukran.” Sitting there with hands wrapped around warm glasses, listening to distant voices somewhere behind the courtyard wall… I still think about that moment sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sunset camel ride and Berber visit

• Pickup from Marrakech hotel
• Drive to Palm Grove
• Wear touareg dress and cheich
• 1 hour guided camel ride
• Enjoy sunset on camel
• Visit Berber house
• Have snack and mint tea

Top questions

How long is the sunset camel ride in Marrakech?

The guided camel ride lasts about 1 hour through the palm grove.

Is hotel pickup included for this Marrakech camel tour?

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

Will I get to visit a local house during this tour?

Yes, you’ll stop at a Berber house for mint tea and snacks during the tour.

What should I wear for a camel ride in Marrakech?

A conservative dress code is recommended; shoulders and knees covered.

Are scarves or special clothes provided for sun protection?

Yes, you’ll be given a touareg dress and scarf (cheich) to wear during the ride.

Is this sunset camel ride suitable for solo travelers?

A minimum of two people is required; solo bookings may be rescheduled or refunded.

How far is the Palmeraie from central Marrakech?

The palm grove is just a short drive from central Marrakech by minivan.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes hotel pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned minivan, an hour-long guided camel ride through Marrakech’s Palmeraie with use of touareg dress and cheich for sun protection, plus a visit to a Berber house where you’ll be served traditional Moroccan mint tea and snacks before returning to your hotel.