Erg Chebbi dunes, Merzouga

Family Camel Experience in Merzouga

Children often love camels — but a long ride can test anyone’s patience. This outing keeps the riding short, adds time to run and roll on the dunes, and goes at a pace that suits younger travellers.

approx. 1–1.5 h
Short (≤ 2 h)
Erg Chebbi dunes, Merzouga

The experience

About this activity

We plan the family ride for the gentler hours — usually late afternoon, or early morning in summer — when the sand is cool enough to walk on barefoot. The route avoids the steeper dunes and stays within easy reach of the dune edge. Most children find the moment the camel stands up the most exciting part, and the guide shows everyone how to lean back and hold on beforehand.

Halfway, the camels rest and the children can climb a small dune, slide down, draw in the sand or simply look for beetle tracks. Your guide can tell them a little about the camels — what they eat, how long they can go without water, why they kneel — and, where the family is comfortable, let them help lead a camel for a few steps. Younger children usually ride with a parent; older ones may ride alone on a led camel. The minimum age is set by the operator, and we will confirm it along with any seating arrangements for your family.

Short ride at a child-friendly pace
Time to play on the dunes
Guide explains camel life in simple terms
Cooler hours chosen for comfort
Easy to add sandboarding

How it runs

Typical plan

Late afternoon (or early morning in summer)Meet the camels; gentle introduction for the children.
First 30 minRide into the low dunes.
MiddleStop to play, slide on a small dune and learn about camels.
ReturnShort ride back; dismount near the dune edge.

Timings shift with the season (sunrise and sunset change by more than two hours across the year).

Inclusions

What’s included

Typically included

Camel ride with a guide
Play and rest stop in the dunes
Child-focused briefing

Not included

Sandboard hire unless added
Transfers
Snacks and drinks (bring your own or ask)

We confirm these details in your written quote:

Minimum age and seating (shared or own camel)
Whether a smaller saddle or extra support is available
Start time for your date

Safety

Safety, ages & accessibility

Camel riding is gentle but not for everyone. The camel kneels for you to mount and dismount, and the two lurches as it stands and sits can jar the back, so tell us beforehand about back or neck problems, recent surgery or hip issues. We do not recommend riding during pregnancy. A weight guideline applies for the animals’ welfare — the exact limit is set by the operator and must be confirmed before booking. On steep descents your guide may ask you to dismount and walk, which is safer for you and easier on the camel. Our camels are rested between rides, watered, and never overloaded; a guide leads the caravan on foot at all times. Children must be supervised by an adult at all times, including on the dunes. Bring hats, sunscreen and water.

Good to know

Bring a spare set of clothes — sand gets everywhere.
Late afternoon is cooler and more photogenic.
Let us know children’s ages when booking.
Small snacks help keep energy up.

Price & booking

Contact us for a price. Every trip is priced for your dates, group size, tour type and accommodation level. Send us your plan on WhatsApp or by email and we will send you the price. [TO CONFIRM: payment method (e.g. bank transfer), deposit amount and balance deadline]. A booking is confirmed only after we confirm availability and payment arrangements in writing. We never ask for card details on this website.

Questions

FAQs

What is the minimum age for children?

The minimum age is set by the operator and depends on the child and the ride. Very young children usually ride with a parent. Please confirm when booking.

What if my child gets scared?

The guide can stop at any time, and the child can walk alongside or be carried. The outing is short and flexible.

Plan around it

Where it happens & what pairs well

Combine it with

Related experiences

See all

Overnight

1 night

Family-Friendly Desert Camp

A night in the dunes planned around children — family tents, simple food and plenty of sand.

Short (≤ 2 h)

approx. 1–2 h

Sandboarding in Erg Chebbi

Board or slide down the soft dunes — beginners welcome.

Overnight

approx. 2 days / 1 night (longer on request)

Family Desert Adventure in Merzouga

Camels, sandboarding, a family-friendly camp and stars — an overnight desert adventure paced for kids.