Camel ride in Essaouira: practical guide on technique and animal welfare

Crossing the dunes of Essaouira on camelback is an experience many dream of, but today it requires a new awareness. It’s not just about admiring the view from the saddle: to have a truly memorable camel adventure in Morocco, it’s essential to understand how to interact with the animal and ensure it is treated with respect. Many travelers rightly ask: “Will it be hard to keep balance?” and, above all, “How are the animals treated?”.

At Ranch de Diabat, we believe that riding a camel should not be just a simple "tourist ride," but a silent dialogue between man and nature. For this reason, we have prepared this definitive guide: to teach you how to move with the animal and to show you what it really means to practice tourism that prioritizes the well-being of the caravan.

How to mount and dismount the camel without falling

The biggest challenge for a beginner is not the walk itself, but the few seconds when the animal rises from the ground. The camel has a unique way of standing up: it first pushes with its hind legs, creating a sudden tilt of the saddle downward. If you try to resist this movement by stiffening, you will feel like sliding forward. 🎢

The secret we teach at the Ranch is the counterbalance rule. At the exact moment you feel the push from behind, you must firmly grab the front knob and decisively shift your torso weight backward. As soon as the animal completes the maneuver by straightening its front legs, you will feel a second "click": at that point, just bring your weight back to the center to suddenly find yourself two meters high, perfectly balanced. During the ride, forget rigidity: relax your pelvis and let your body follow the natural sway of the step. It is this fluidity that transforms a simple saddle into a privileged viewpoint over the dunes of Essaouira.

Test your technique: If you feel you have grasped the concept, the best way to try it out is with our 1-hour walk between beach and forest. It’s the ideal introduction for those seeking relaxation and absolute safety.

Protection and comfort: the ideal equipment

Travelers often underestimate the importance of clothing, thinking that warm weather requires light garments. However, choosing the right clothes is a matter of dermatological and physical safety:

• Long pants: the traditional saddle and the camel’s fur can be rough. The undulating movement of the walk creates constant friction; wearing durable fabrics (like denim or heavy cotton) prevents redness and irritation from rubbing.

• Closed shoes: besides protecting feet from the heat of the sand, they provide a stable base to leverage during mounting and dismounting. A well-secured shoe helps maintain balance when the animal changes slope.

• Heat protection: the camel’s body emits intense natural heat. Long clothes act as thermal insulation, keeping the skin cool and protected even during the sunniest hours.

Little explorers: children’s safety on the saddle

At Ranch de Diabat, the safety of the little ones is managed with almost scientific precision. For children who are not yet tall or strong enough to ride alone, we use the shared saddle technique:

1. Positioning: the child sits in front of the adult, protected by the parent’s arms who can firmly hold the knob. This creates a natural "safety cell."

2. Weight balancing: our expert guides select the most suitable camel based on the combined weight of adult and child. The goal is to keep the center of gravity low and central, avoiding asymmetric loads on the animal’s back.

3. Load distribution: we use additional padding to ensure the weight does not rest on a single point, protecting the camel’s health and increasing passenger comfort.

The Ranch’s ethical code: animal health as a guarantee of safety

We are often asked why we are so strict about certain limits. The answer is simple: a tired or suffering animal can never offer you a safe experience. Our commitment to ethical animal treatment is not only a moral choice but a quality guarantee. One of the cornerstones of our management is the weight limit of about 100 kg per participant. It may seem like a strict restriction, but it is the only way to preserve the integrity of our four-legged companions’ spines over the years.

But ethics don’t stop at weight. It means ensuring rest shifts that allow camels to socialize and graze freely, making sure they arrive at appointments with our guests calm and curious. When you see an animal calmly chewing cud or gently responding to our guides’ calls, you are witnessing the result of years of care and respect. This serenity is directly passed on to you: riding a calm animal means enjoying the scenery without worries, knowing you are part of an ecosystem that protects all its members.

Join our ethical caravan: If you are looking for an experience that combines excitement and deep respect for nature, discover our Sunset Tours on the Great Dunes. Experience the magic of Essaouira in the most authentic and responsible way possible.