As early as the third century, Morocco became the starting point for the caravans of desert tribes such as the Sanhaga, Zagoua, Toubou, and Tuareg. These proud, sometimes warlike masters of the Sahara used their knowledge of the land and ownership of camels to become valuable middle-men between the opulent courts of Marrakech, Fes, Europe, and the mysterious realms of sub-Saharan Africa. Their heavy-laden camels conveyed cloth, salt, metals, and wood, pearls and writing paper from the Mediterranean and the Maghreb to Mali. In fabled Timbuktu, these precious commodities were haggled, sold, and traded for gold, exotic spices, slaves, ivory, and ostrich feathers.
Few images conjur up the romanticism of Morocco more than a camel caravan in the desert.
These long winding trains of camels, men, and treasures continued to cross the burning ocean of sands until the last caravan route was finally closed down in 1933. Still, the legacy of the trans-Saharan caravan lives on in the imagination of visitors to Morocco today.
While genuine caravans have been reduced to near non-existence in the modern era, the traditional dependence upon camels, poetically referred to as ‘Ships of the Desert,’ has not diminished. These hardy beasts of burden are still commonly found throughout the lands south of the Atlas Mountains. Berber families from Agadir to Merzouga rely upon camels for everyday tasks — much as families in the United States rely everyday upon automobiles. A commonplace occurrence is farmers, merchants, and families arriving with a small train of camels and donkeys to the weekly markets of Zagora, Rissani, and Erfoud.
Families from Agadir to Merzouga rely upon camels for everyday tasks — much as families in the United States rely everyday upon automobiles.
A sense of adventure and romance draws many visitors to discover the legacy of Morocco’s by-gone era of the caravan. And for some, a trip to Morocco is not complete unless they have ridden a camel and camped beneath the spectacular star-filled night skies of the Sahara. Fortunately, it is possible to arrange camel treks with local guides from Figuig to Merzouga to Zagora. These trips can be short, overnight adventures to nearby oases or extended treks following the nearly forgotten desert highways that connect the villages along the sandy perimeter of the Sahara.
The Sahara is the world’s largest hot desert and covers 5,596,430 square miles, which is almost an area as large as the United States. Morocco sits at the northern most edge of the desert, and has only one genuine Saharan sand dune within its borders, called Erg Chebbi. This landscape of shifting sands is awe inspiring, and requires preparation to be safely explored. With the knowledge of expert local guides, visitors are sure to discover not just the majesty of the Sahara, but a philosophy or perspective of life that may be entirely new to them.
Bedouin tents can be used as semi-permanent dwellings, and usually have several sections for different uses.
Regardless of how long a trek is undertaken, there are some basic rules for desert travel that should be considered. The first rule of the desert is to never forget your sense of humor. The experience of riding a camel for the first time can be exhilarating and sometimes awkward. It’s important to laugh at yourself as you adjust to the unfamiliar gait of your camel! Eventually, you’ll discover that your camel has a personality and is your companion, not just a means of transportation. Camels sometimes get a bad reputation, but if you treat them well, camels will respond well to you.
Camels sometimes get a bad reputation, but if you treat them well, camels will respond well to you.
The most important conditioning for desert travel is not physical, as it is not necessarily demanding in that manner. Most people who are in normal physical condition should be able to walk or ride a camel at a steady pace with no difficulty. Because the desert is truly an adventure far from civilization and modern conveniences, it is important for you to be prepared to give up some of your daily comforts like being able to shower. There is no electricity and definitely no air conditioning! You’ll be sleeping under the stars or in a tent and dining around a campfire. When you consider the wealth of experiences and new emotions that the desert reveals to you, these seem to be relatively trivial concessions.
Two lonely figures make their way through the desert sands.
It stands to reason that one of the most evocative images that Morocco may bring to mind is the caravans of turbaned nomads disappearing into the horizon over the golden hued dunes of the desert. It’s imagery that has been inspired by the past, for Morocco has forever been a crossroads.
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A Recent Article Published on October 30 in Original ArticlesGoing Nomad!Camel Trekking in Morocco
As early as the third century, Morocco became the starting point for the caravans of desert tribes such as the Sanhaga, Zagoua, Toubou, and Tuareg. These proud, sometimes warlike masters of the Sahara used their knowledge of the land and…
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A Recent Article Published on February 09 in Tour ListingsA Moorish Table
Discover the secrets of Moroccan home cooking as chef Yassine Harrak guides you through the souks and kitchens of northern Morocco.
Highly regarded among world cuisine, Moroccan food is known for its complex fusion of spices, fresh ingredients and the…
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A Recent Article Published on November 07 in Original ArticlesSubmission to the Will of GodIslam in Morocco
In Morocco, religion is a very integral part of daily life, and may appear complicated to Western visitors. During its history, Morocco has been home to numerous ethnic and religious groups that have each contributed to the culture and heritage…
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A Recent Article Published on October 07 in Cuisine ArticlesA Kitchen in Telouet
The town of Telouet, southwest of Morocco’s southern capital of Marrakech, lies perched on the edge of the country’s arid scrublands. Once a strategic outpost between Marrakech and Ouarzazate for purposes both commercial and military, it is now a jumping-off…
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A Recent Article Published on October 07 in Original ArticlesThe Ancient WaysExploring Folklore and Mysticism in Morocco
Moroccan folklore is extremely diverse. It expresses and enhances everyday life, of which it is an integral part.
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A Recent Article Published on September 07 in Cuisine ArticlesThe Cornerstone of Moroccan Cuisine
Moroccan cuisine varies incredibly in its ingredients and preparation techniques, owing mostly to its indelible history — and embracement — of the numerous different cultures that visitors and conquerors alike have brought with them to the country. Couscous and tagine recipes…
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A Recent Article Published on September 07 in Top Five ListsTop 5: Street Foods
Moroccan cuisine is world-renowned, and is home to any number of fine dining establishments. Some of the best food in the country, however, belongs to the realm of street vendors. Here are the 5 foods you must experience straight off…
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A Recent Article Published on September 07 in Original ArticlesLiquid GoldIn Morocco, Riches Really Do Grow on Trees
It is sought after for its delicate flavor, its healing properties, and its rumored cosmetic miracles. Its price is equal only to the ever-growing list of its uses and helpful properties. It is one of Morocco’s most important products, because…
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A Recent Article Published on August 07 in Cuisine ArticlesTwo Cultures, One Cuisine
In Morocco, Jews and Muslims have lived in harmony for hundreds of years, ever since the Spanish Inquisition when both groups were banned from Spain and found refuge across the Strait of Gilbraltor in Morocco. Every city and large town…
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A Recent Article Published on August 07 in Original ArticlesShips of the DesertCamels of Morocco
Camels, sometimes known as the “ships of the desert,” are what many think of when they think of Morocco. The camels found in Morocco are known as Arabian, or Dromedary, camels. The Dromedary camel makes up about ninety percent of…
Two of Morocco’s most popular ingredients, fish and olives, form a perfect marriage in this simple tagine. The star of the dish, however, is the chermoula, an herb and spice blend that’s often paired with fish in Morocco.
The former Portuguese stronghold of Essaouira is popular among visitors and natives alike.
Caravan Adventures
- Bedouin Journey
- Heart of Morocco
- Imperial Cities
- Land of the Moors
- Mountains and Deserts
- Realm of the Berbers
- Southern Caravan
- The Argan Coast
- The Atlantic Forts
- The Grand Moorish Caravan
- The Imperial Cities & Atlantic Forts, 12-Day
- The Imperial Cities and Atlantic Forts, 10-Day
- The Route of Salt and Gold
Rendezvous! Morocco
Jewelry is important in Moroccan culture for not just adornment, but as a means of . . .
Tramp Imperial Travel offers escorted trips, cultural destination packages and travel advice to people interested in journeying to Morocco. Working with local tourism professionals, we emphasizes the cultural experience of this diverse destination. To ensure the best travel experience, accommodations, restaurants and activities on our programs are arranged with Moroccan providers who are familiar with the needs and interests of our participants. We have handpicked reputable local partners, slept in the accommodations and dined at the restaurants in each location. This knowledge, along with the insider knowledge of our trip leaders, insure our guests a memorable travel experience.
Our goal is to take visitors not just to the places listed in guidebooks, but to places where each travel experience becomes a unique adventure, discovering the people, traditions and natural beauty that makes Morocco one of the world's best loved travel destinations. Discover the Magic of Morocco with Tramp Imperial Travel.