Palmeraie of Marrakech: walks, camel rides and quad bikes

Updated on October 1, 2026

North and northeast of the city, the Palmeraie of Marrakech covers 6,000 to 12,000 hectares depending on where its limits are drawn. Its creation is credited to the Almoravids, at the time Marrakech was founded in the 11th century; for centuries it was irrigated by khettaras, underground channels that tap the water table. Today, date palms stand alongside hotels, villas and golf courses, and several operators run camel rides and quad bike tours there. Since 2007, the Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection has led a conservation program, replanting hundreds of thousands of palm trees.

Highlights

Palm trees and tracks

The landscape alternates between groves of date palms, ochre earth and dirt tracks. The Circuit de la Palmeraie road runs through the area and lets you see a good part of it by car or by bike. The conservation program has also laid out a 5.2 km walking path.

The camel ride

This is the Palmeraie's best-known activity: a ride among the palm trees, at a walking pace, with a cameleer leading the animal. Most visitors book it in advance, often with a transfer from their accommodation.

The cameleers' stops

Along the tracks, saddled dromedaries wait in the shade of the palms between rides. The same areas are the starting point for quad bike and buggy tours, led by a guide after a driving briefing.

Infos pratiques

Tips

Prices for camel rides and quad bike tours vary widely with duration, transfer and season: compare several offers and ask exactly what is included (actual duration, transfer, equipment). Book preferably with a licensed operator or through your accommodation, and agree on the price before getting on the animal or the quad. For quad bikes, check that a helmet and insurance are included. In summer, the midday heat is intense: bring water, a hat and a scarf against the dust.

How to get there

Circuit de la Palmeraie, north of Marrakech, about 6 km from Jemaa el-Fna square: by petit taxi from the medina or Guéliz, or as part of an organized camel or quad ride with hotel pick-up A petit taxi or a booked taxi from the medina or Gueliz; many ride operators include a transfer from your hotel.