To get to the spectacular scenery of Morocco’s deserts, valleys and oases, you’ll need to get off road, either by camel or by 4×4. Here are some factors to consider before you book a night on the dunes of Erg Chebbi, a multi-day trek through the Draa Valley or even a trans-Saharan journey to the Mauritanian border.
Travel Comfort Level
For those not accustomed to riding a camel, sore bottoms should be expected. You need to be relatively fit to endure a camel ride of more than 30 minutes, and even athletes may end up wondering if sitting astride a camel works muscles never utilized before. Keep in mind that camel saddles don’t have any stirrups so there is no way to temporarily shift your body weight to get relief from a sore bum.
On a camel, you will be exposed to sun, wind and any sandstorms that arise. During June, July and August, many tour companies limit camel treks to two days and two nights due to extreme heat.
If you choose to go by 4×4, the vehicle may have an open or closed roof. If you want to be in an air-conditioned environment and out of the dust, expect to pay more. Although you won’t get a sore bum from riding in a 4×4, the overall ride will be bouncier than a camel ride.
Route Options and Distances Covered
Camel treks in Morocco are most commonly offered in desert areas such as Erg Chebbi, Erg Chigaga, around Zagora and in the Draa Valley. Carrying 200 pounds, camels can travel an average of 20 miles per day. If you’re only planning a one- or two-night trek into the dunes, this doesn’t matter much, but if you want to travel by camel for a longer distance you’ll need to take into consideration how many days it will take to reach your destination and how many pack camels will be needed to carry your supplies.
4×4 treks often combine on-road and off-road travel to cover greater distances. With an air-conditioned 4×4, you aren’t as limited during the summer months since you won’t be exposed to the elements while traveling.
Necessary Equipment and Clothing
For a camel trek, you will want to have a windproof jacket, strong sun block and sunglasses, a sarong or scarf to protect your head from the sun and sturdy hiking boots or athletic shoes in case you want to walk for a while in order to give your bum some relief. It’s best to wear loose, light cotton clothing and long pants with a loose crotch. Both men and women may find local clothing more comfortable than Western clothing. Whatever you bring with you will need to be carried by a camel, and your tour company will probably specify a weight limit.
If you travel in a 4×4, you don’t need to be as mindful about your clothing. Dress modestly, make sure you have sun protection and pack hiking boots or athletic shoes to explore the areas where you make camp.
Environmental Impacts
Travel by camel produces no toxic pollutants and makes less of an environmental impact on the local environment, making camel travel a more sustainable option. Quads actually produce about twice as much carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and hydrocarbons as regular passenger vehicles, and if your vehicle experiences an oil or fluid leak during the journey you will be leaving behind that waste in the desert sands.
Final Decisions
Desert dwellers in Morocco have traveled by camel for centuries, and camel trekking can be a highly rewarding experience. However, before signing up for a camel trek you should know what to expect and what to bring with you. Neglecting to bring sunscreen or proper clothing can result in days of discomfort or even sun poisoning.
If you’re looking to travel in comfort, 4×4 is the way to go. Expect to pay two to three times as much for a 4×4 tour than a camel tour. The only real downside of 4×4 travel, aside from the environmental effects, is that, while the vehicle can break down and leave you stranded in the desert, it’s not likely that a camel will break down on you unless you’re traveling massive distances. Be sure to bring plenty of drinking water for any excursion into the desert.
Many tours combine camel trekking and 4×4 travel, allowing the traveler to cover greater distances, remain comfortable and still enjoy a camel riding experience.
Written by Heather Carreiro.
Photo by eryoni.
