About 45 minutes’ drive from Marrakech, the Agafay desert offers a complete change of scenery, without the long hours on the road to the Sahara. Ochre hills, stony plateaus, Berber villages and, on the horizon, the peaks of the High Atlas: welcome to Marrakech’s desert.
A stone desert, not a sand desert
Forget tall dunes: Agafay is a stone desert. Yet its rounded hills and rocky plateaus, in shades of ochre and beige, look almost like dunes at sunset. The Sahara dunes are about 9 hours’ drive from Marrakech, while Agafay is less than an hour away: the perfect escape for half a day or a full day.
Along the trails, you’ll pass Berber villages, dry riverbeds and, below, the Lalla Takerkoust dam lake. On a clear day, especially in winter, the view of the snow-capped Atlas peaks is spectacular.
Our oasis, in the heart of Agafay
In the middle of this mineral landscape, our oasis of more than 10 hectares is a real surprise: dozens of palm trees, a green riverbed full of birds, Berber tents and a large pergola to relax in the shade. It is the starting point of our adventures, and where we serve our traditional lunches and dinners under the stars.
How to explore the Agafay desert
On a camel, to take the time to admire the Atlas: ride to our oasis, or choose a private Premium camel ride, just for you.
By quad bike or buggy, for thrill seekers: explore the trails by quad bike or buggy, for half a day or a full day. Our full-day quad adventure, buggy adventure and private Premium buggy day take you deep into the desert. Can’t decide? Read our guide Quad or buggy: which one should you choose?
At sunset, the most magical time: our quad and buggy sunset rides end with a traditional dinner at the oasis.
By 4×4, on the way to the Atlas: our Pure High Atlas and Imlil day trips cross the Agafay desert in the morning, before heading to the Berber villages of the mountains.
We look forward to welcoming you! Discover all our activities in the Agafay desert and book online: confirmation is instant.
Photos: Dunes & Desert.
