At a glance
- Duration
- 6–7 hours
- Start
- Pickup 2:30–3:30 pm
- Group
- Shared or private
- Where
- Agafay, 40 km south-west
The Agafay desert is the closest desert to Marrakech, and the easiest one to see in a single afternoon. It is a rocky desert of rolling, sand-coloured hills, not a sea of dunes, and on a clear day the snow-capped High Atlas sits along the whole southern horizon.
This tour is built around the best hour of the day. We collect you from your riad or hotel in the early afternoon, drive 40 minutes out of the city, put you on a camel as the light turns gold, and finish with a slow Moroccan dinner and live Gnawa music at a desert camp. You are back in Marrakech by around 10 pm.
It suits first-time visitors, couples, families with children over five, and anyone who wants the desert feeling without the eight-hour drive to the Sahara.
Tour highlights
- Hotel or riad pickup and drop-off anywhere in Marrakech and the Palmeraie
- Around 1 hour on a camel across the Agafay hills at sunset
- Mint tea on arrival and a three-course Moroccan dinner: salads, tagine, fruit
- Live music around the fire after dark, with a clear view of the stars
- Optional quad bike or buggy add-on before the camel ride
How the day works
- 2:30–3:30 pmPickup from your accommodation. Your driver calls on WhatsApp 10 minutes before arrival.
- 4:15 pmArrive at the camp in Agafay. Mint tea and time to settle in. Quad add-on guests ride now.
- 5:00 pmCamel ride into the hills with a camel guide. Stop on a ridge for photos as the sun drops.
- 6:30 pmBack at camp for dinner: Moroccan salads, chicken or vegetable tagine, seasonal fruit.
- 8:00 pmMusic and fire. Time for stargazing away from city lights.
- 9:00 pmDrive back to Marrakech. Drop-off around 9:45–10:15 pm.
Times change slightly with the season and sunrise or sunset. We confirm your exact pickup time on WhatsApp the day before.
Prices
| Option | GBP | USD |
|---|---|---|
| Shared tour: camel ride + dinner | £45 | $57 |
| Shared tour + 30-min quad bike | £65 | $82 |
| Private tour (car for your group) | £95 | $120 |
Per person. Children under 12 pay less; ask on WhatsApp. Pay in cash on the day (dirham, euro, pound or dollar) or by card link.
Included
- Return transport in an air-conditioned vehicle
- Camel ride with a camel guide
- Mint tea and dinner (soft drinks and water)
- Live music show
Not included
- Alcoholic drinks
- Quad or buggy (available as an add-on)
- Tips for guides and drivers
What to bring
- A warm layer: Agafay drops to 8–12 °C after dark from November to March
- Closed shoes or trainers
- Sunglasses and a scarf for dust
Frequently asked questions
Is Agafay a real desert?
Yes. Agafay is a stone desert, also called a hamada, with bare rocky hills instead of tall sand dunes. If you want orange dunes, look at our 3-day Sahara tour to Merzouga.
How far is the Agafay desert from Marrakech?
About 40 km, or 40–50 minutes by road from the medina. That is why it works as an afternoon trip.
Can children join the Agafay tour?
Yes. Children from 5 years ride a camel with an adult nearby, and under-12s get a reduced price. Tell us their ages when you book.
Is dinner suitable for vegetarians?
Yes. Vegetarian tagine is always available. Tell us about allergies or vegan requests when you book on WhatsApp.
What happens if it rains?
Rain is rare, but if the weather is unsafe we move you to another day or give you a full refund.
