Camel Ride Safety for Children in the Sahara:

Camel ride through the dunes of the Sahara is one of top experience, you should not miss when visiting Morocco especially as a family with kids. Obviously, the quiet desert air, the gentle sway of the camels, and the lovely golden dunes of the Sahara Desert allows children to experience the magic atmosphere of the desert. Many parents still doubt about the camel ride safety for children in the Sahara.

Absolutely, younger children can certainly go on the camel ride. Hoping to have fun riding through Merzouga’s dunes. However, for the sake of everyone’s safety and enjoyment. Children under the age of five should be accompanied by an adult.

Camel Ride Safety for Children in the Sahara Tips & Advice:

Is Camel Ride Safe For Children?

Yes, camel ride is safe for children when it is done with camel guide and trustworthy. Camel ride in the Sahara may be a pleasant, safe, and memorable activity for the whole family if they are properly supervised. Furtherùmore, the ride in Erg Chebbi dunes usually lasts for around 1h 30 min to reach the camp. However, if you wish you can enjoy a camel ride for less that it’s still possible. For instance, you can enjoy a half hour or 1 hour camel ride through the golden dunes of Merzouga untill you reach your desert camp where you’ll spend the night.

What is The Best time for A Camel Ride?

Families can enjoy camel ride in the early morning and late afternoon when it’s cooler and the light is softer. Sunset rides are quite popular since they are magical and don’t happen in the hot noon sun. Therefore, visitors are advised to experience camel ride through the dunes of the desert which offer them the chance to watch an incredible sunset and enjoy its eye catching sceneries.

Recommended Age for Children:

Camel ride is a top activity in the Sahara desert. Children of all ages can enjoy camel ride through the dunes of Merzouga. However, children less than 5 years old should do the camel ride with a parent, or an adult for a safe and enjoyable camel ride.

Tips for Camel Ride safety for Children:

For a safe and unforgettable camel ride experience through the dunes of the Sahara, parent should follow some Morocco travel tips to ensure a safe, smooth and enjoyable experience:

Choose sunset rides: Sunset camel ride are fantastic experience for children allowing them experience the lovely atmosphere and enjoy fabulous sunset over the dunes of Merzouga.
Keep your personal Items safe: It’s better to keep your bags behind while riding camels, also you should pay attention not to fall down when riding a camel, put your mobile at your pocket and other items.
Teach your children safety measures: The children should hold the saddle safely when riding a camel. Also, children under 5 years old has to be accompanied by an adult so that children ensure their safety during the camel ride in the Sahara
Have Sun glasses & Suncream: It’s a better to bring some items for the comfort of your children including sunglasses and suncream especially summer when it’s quiet hot.
Listen to the guide’s instructions: Children should follow guide’s instructions when riding a camel for a safe trip. Keep quiet and don’t move right and left especially camel is standing.
Go to the bathroom if needed before the start: Before you start your camel ride. It’s important to go to the bathroom especially kids as the bathrooms are limited in the desert.

Camel ride safety for children in the Sahara

camel ride safety for children in Sahara

Camel ride safety for children in the Sahara

What kids should wear on a camel Ride?

Picking the appropriate clothes for a camel ride in the desert will keep kids safe, comfortable, and happy. Because camels can sit and stand up rapidly and the weather in the Sahara can change abruptly, you need to wear sensible clothes. In addition to that, having a scarf would be of great help as the sandstorm happens from time to time. Children should also wear jean and sneakers for a comfortable experience. However, in Summer time, wearing T-shirt and long pants would help you keep safe and protect your legs from the saddle.

Sunset Camel Rides:

A sunset camel ride is one of the most popular choices. As the sun goes down, the dunes change colour to gold, orange, and red, which is great for taking pictures. Therefore, a camel ride during the sunset is magical experience that will last forever.

Check out our blog: Things to do in Merzouga Desert

Sunrise Camel Ride:

Rides in the early morning are amazing allows families to enjoy the colorful glow behind the dunes. The desert is calm and chilly, and seeing the sun rise from the dunes is a peaceful, almost spiritual experience. This wonderfull experience allows kids to enjoy marvelous atmosphere of the desert.

Camel ride to the Desert Camp or only for sunset?

There are two ways to ride the camel in the Sahara Desert. First choice a lot of camel rides in Merzouga go straight to the desert camp in the middle of nowhere in the desert. The trip normally takes 1 to 1.5 hours conludes with overnight stay in the desert where visitors can enjoy the wonderful atmosphere of the Sahara, try sandboarding and stargazzing.
The second alternative is to ride a camel to see the sunset over Merzouga dunes and then back to Merzouga village for an overnight stay at the hotel or Riad near the dunes.

Camel ride safety for children in the Sahara

Camel ride safety for children in the Sahara

Does the camel get hurt when you ride it?

The camels don’t get hurt during a camel ride. A camel is naturally created to carry heavy loads. Many studies show that camels have great ability to carry heavy items for long distances. Therefore, it’s named” the ship of the desert” for its ability to transport possessions and loads for long distance.

What is the difference Between A Camel Ride & Camel Trek?

The camel ride is ideal for first time visitors and usually lasts one to two hours. It offers travelers the chance to enjoy the sunrise or sunset over the dunes. However, a camel trek is a longer experience, ranging from one to five days. The camel trek is designed for those seeking a deeper desert experience. Additionally, Camel treks allow visitors to explore remote desert landscapes, including the black desert, and experience the authentic nomadic way of life.

Getting Children Emotionally and Physically Ready for the ride:

Riding a camel in the Sahara for the first time is an amazing trip. Therefore, it’s important to make children ready for this adventure. Being emotionally and physically ready might help the children to minimise any sudden fall or discomfort and make the experience enjoyable.

Comfortable and Fed:

It’s important that you kids are physically and emotionally comfortable on the day of trek, ensure that your children are well-rested and have had a proper meal, but refrain from consuming very heavy foods immediately before the camel ride. A fatigued, irritable, or hungry kid is significantly more prone to experiencing a meltdown when seated on a camel.

Meeting the camel:

Once you get to the departure location in Merzouga, your camel will normally be waiting for you by the dunes line. Before you get on, take a moment to introduce your child to the camel and prepare them more phsychologically. Most camels are very friendly and gentle. Teach your children how to properly approach from the side and maybe allow them pet the camel. If the guide accepts.

These steps will help your child get ready for the trip, both mentally and physically. Kids are much more likely to enjoy something when they know what to expect and feel safe and welcome.

Address Fear and Built Excitment:

Before the camel ride starts, check if the children are ok. Some kids might be scared that the camel will be mean or that they will tumble off. Additionally, let them understand that camels are used for rides are peaceful, tolerant creatures that are used to people (many have given rides).This way children will be comfortable and ready for the adventure.

Alternatives for Families with Very Young Children:

Many families are wondering if they have a baby or toddler, or a child who isn’t ready to ride a camel yet? Don’t worry, your family and kids can still experience the enchantment of Merzouga’s desert. If you have extremely small kids or don’t want to go on a regular camel journey, here are some more options and changes you can make:

Short Ride or Photo with Camel:

If you have a kid between 2 to 3 years who is not ready yet for a camel ride. It’s still possible to enjoy a short camel ride. For instance, you may have a guide take the camel for a 15-minute slow walk near the bottom of the dunes and then turn around. This lets you try it out without having to spend an hour on it. Even just putting your kid on a camel for a quick picture might be exciting experience for them.

Multiple Riders:

You can ride a camel with a child in some instances. A camel can carry up to two people, especially if one of them is an adult with a child. But two adults can’t ride on a camel. Parents can take their youngest toddlers on a camel ride through the dunes. This is a terrific chance to get the magical experience.

4×4 Vehicle to the Camp:

If you are not ready for a camel ride or may be not of your interests. There is a 4×4 jeep option that can take you off- road across the dunes of Merzouga with your kids to the desert camp where you’ll enjoy a fantastic overnight stay in the middle of nowhere with a lovely drumming party around the campfire.

Stay at Hotel by the Dunes:

If you think that spending a night in the middle of the desert is not possible. Alternatively, you can opt for a hotel or riad by the dunes of Merzouga which offers the chance to try some fun acitivities, from Camel ride, Sandboarding, and watch sunset. Additionally, if interested you can book 1 hour quad or buggy ride across the dunes allowing you enjoy the marvelous atmosphere the place has to offer. Your kids might also be equally happy playing sandboarding in the nearby dunes.

Camel ride safety for children in the Sahara

Camel ride safety for children in the Sahara

Guidelines for Managing Camel Ride:

Managing the ride well can make the difference between a cranky kid and a happy desert traveler. Here are important tips regarding ride length, timing, breaks, and hydration:

Choose an appropriate ride length:

Camel ride in Merzouga might be as short as 20 min or less minutes around the dune base or as long as two hours to an overnight camp. For young children, shorter is usually preferable. Even if the typical trip is 1.5 hours long, you can frequently request a shorter trip. Remember that for a child, riding a camel is a whole new experience; after around 30-45 minutes, they may become sore or anxious. It is totally OK to take a 30-minute sunset camel ride instead of the entire walk.

Keep kids engaged:

Encourage the kids to join the experience by asking them to get ride of fear and stress. Let them know that camels are gentle and tolerant this way they’ll be more interested in joining the ride. However, if the kids are too annoyed and seem not interested don’t force them for the camle ride and maybe give them 4×4 Jeep drive to the camp as alternative.

Emergency/ Help:

One of the most important things you should know before booking a camel ride with a tour operator, if they offer a insurance and if there is anyone can help in case of any accident or injury. Moreover, You should know what the operator’s safety rules are. Is there a support vehicle nearby or a mechanism to call for help or if your child can’t continue the ride? This ensures camel ride safetyfor children. Merzouga’s campgrounds are not far from civilisation, but they are still in a rural area. A good company should have a 4×4 jeep that can help in case something happen.

Are you looking forward to booking a trip to Morocco where you’ll enjoy a camel ride with your kids?

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Final Thought:

Camel Ride Safety for Children in the Sahara is important aspect. As a result, taking your kids on a camel ride in Merzouga can be the best part of your family’s trip to Morocco. However, their safety first. Imagine how happy your youngster would be when they see the camel standing up in front of them and the huge ocean of dunes reaching out in front of you. You can make sure your kids have a safe and fun time by getting ready properly, picking a good guide, dressing appropriately, and bringing the right things.

Here are some Morocco desert tours that will let you experience camel ride. However, if any of these tours don’t meet your expectations feel free to contact us for a customized itinerary tailored to your requests and interests.

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