Photo Journal: Camel Ride in the Agafay Desert

As part of our Honeys In Marrakech women's travel retreat, we visited the Agafay Desert in Morocco and rode camels in the dunes. Camels have a generally friendly demeanor and a long history of being used as traditional means of transport in this exotic landscape.

The experience of riding camels provided a glimpse into a centuries-old way of life. The camels' rhythmic gait and the vast expanse of golden sands and rocky moon-scape land created an enchanting feeling of timelessness. Having grown up in Florida, I hadn't experienced many deserts and a camel ride through the Agafay Desert was an unforgettable experience that left me with lasting memories.

I typically don't participate in animal tourism while traveling because it runs the risk of supporting animal exploitation. However, this was part of the organized tour, so I joined the ride to the Agafay Desert with an open mind. When we arrived, the camels seemed healthy and well cared for so, I joined for the ride. The experience was definitely one of a kind, but I don’t think it’s something I plan to do again. I am definitely more of a water and garden type of gal!

Our journey through the rocky desert gave me a new view on how the landscape has shaped Morocco's history and nomadic culture. In the golden light of late afternoon, the pace of the camel ride allowed us to enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the desert while also taking photos. Fortunately, I had some past experience with horseback riding and ended up with a friendly camel, but some of the gals weren't as lucky. This was a fun and bumpy photography challenge, and I'm impressed with my results.

We ended the day with dinner at an outdoor camp in the Agafay Dessert, where we encountered some of the brightest stars I have ever seen! Then, we shared stories of our travels around a firepit.

Looking for more about Morocco? Discover more about our girls’ trip to Marrakech.

Check out my Marrakech City Guide.