Moroccan Dunes

The word "excursion" is one that takes me back to my school days. It was a word that I'd always hated because it was one that was only ever used in language lessons, a bit like "aller à la discothèque" (a sentence, which by the way, I have never once needed). However, just recently I have developed a greater understanding and appreciation for the word while on a trip to Morocco.

Having always wanted to visit, I was fortunate enough to squeeze in a trip to Marrakech during the summer and seized the opportunity to tick Camel Riding off my bucket list. At the recommendation of our Riad, we cleared half a day to book in with Dunes & Desert for what was the excursion of a lifetime.

We were collected from the Riad in the wee hours of the morning and ventured into the desert where we met our guides and donned a head scarf to ensure nobody burst into flames in the midday heat. Each off us was then allocated a fully saddled camel and prepared for a wobbly get-up. Much to my amusement, a lady ahead of me did almost take a tumble on her way up but was swiftly rescued by one of the guides. 

We set off on a 90 minute camel riding tour which gave us plenty of time to take photos, talk to the guides, listen to their songs, and soak in the surroundings. Just as everyone had started to become parched, we pit-stopped for some mint tea, water and msmimen with honey thanks to the immeasurable hospitality of a local Berber family. We were spoilt with plenty of delicious, authentic food and drink as well as an incredibly jovial and uplifting musical performance before returning to our camels and making our way back to base. 

Overall, I think we were out and about for around 4 hours which seems like an awful lot when you put it into writing, but it's such a wonderful experience that time really flies by. On our return to base we managed to squeeze in a couple of "camel selfies" as they're incredibly docile and, I'm pleased to say, well-treated creatures. We were also given the opportunity to purchase some of the professional photographs taken during the excursion or book in for another. Choose from mountain biking, quad biking, treks,ballooning and so much more! 

Before going to Marrakech, I read numerous reviews online that said camel rides were overpriced with some charging 100EUR for a 30 minute wander round a circular sand-pit. Dunes & Desert was such good value for money by comparison - 35EUR for a 4 hour / half day spent in wonderful company and with great memories to take away. Hot air ballooning across the desert and quad biking are still on my bucket list, so I may have to allow myself a trip back!