Looking for things to do in Agafay Desert? This stony desert sits about 40 km from Marrakech, at the foot of the High Atlas Mountains. Unlike the Sahara, it has no sand dunes. Instead, you get bare golden hills, wide silence and the Atlas peaks on the horizon. This guide lists the best things to do in Agafay Desert, from a sunset camel ride to a night in a tent. In addition, it explains when to go and how to plan an evening there.
Why Agafay Desert Is Worth a Visit
First of all, Agafay is the closest desert landscape to Marrakech. You can leave the medina after lunch and watch the sunset in the hills the same day. That short drive is why so many people look for things to do in Agafay Desert. However, it is not part of the Sahara, so do not expect tall orange dunes. Rather, you get a moon-like plateau, cool evening air and a sky full of stars.
Many travelers come to Agafay because they do not have the three days needed for the dunes of Merzouga. If you are unsure which one fits your trip, read our comparison of Agafay Desert vs Merzouga.
The Best Things to Do in Agafay Desert
Here are the things to do in Agafay Desert that most visitors enjoy. In fact, you can do two or three of them in one evening.
Sunset and Evening
1. Ride a camel at sunset. A camel ride is the classic first activity. The camels walk slowly over the rocky hills while the light turns pink and gold. You need no experience, because the handlers lead the camels on foot. Want the same ride in the real dunes? Read about the camel ride in Merzouga.
2. Have dinner under the stars. For most people, dinner at a desert camp is the highlight of the evening. For example, expect Moroccan salads, a tagine and fresh fruit, served by candlelight. After the meal, some camps add live music. Since Agafay is far from the city lights, you can see many stars on a clear night.
Adventure Rides
3. Drive a quad bike over the hills. Quad bikes are one of the most popular things to do in Agafay Desert. Meanwhile, the tracks wind through the stony hills and dry riverbeds. Usually, a ride lasts one or two hours, with a guide in front and helmets provided. On our Agafay trip, however, a quad ride is an optional extra. If you want to ride in the dunes instead, see quad biking in Merzouga.
4. Try a buggy ride. A buggy is a small off-road car with seats side by side. Therefore, it suits couples and friends who want to share the ride. Also, buggies are faster than quads and feel more stable on the rough tracks.
5. Fly in a hot air balloon at sunrise. Balloon flights from Marrakech take off at dawn over the plains near the Atlas. Then you float above the villages as the sun rises over the mountains. For this reason, plan for a very early hotel pickup, before first light. For more ideas in the city, read our guide to activities in Marrakech.
Relax and Stay the Night
6. Spend a lazy day at a camp pool. Not all things to do in Agafay Desert happen at sunset. In fact, several camps have swimming pools, loungers and a lunch menu. As a result, a pool day is a good break from the busy medina. It works well in late spring and early autumn, when the days are warm but not too hot.
7. Sleep in a desert tent. Most visitors drive back to Marrakech after dinner, but you can also stay the night. In general, tents range from simple Berber tents to luxury rooms with private bathrooms. Even so, waking up to silence and a sunrise over the hills is worth it. Curious about camp life in the Sahara? Read about a night in a Sahara desert camp.
8. Watch the stars. On a clear night the sky above Agafay is full of stars. Above all, moonless nights are the best for stargazing. First, bring a warm layer. Then give your eyes a few minutes to adjust. For the darkest skies in Morocco, see our guide to stargazing in Merzouga.
Short Stops and Walks
9. Stop at Lalla Takerkoust lake. On the road to Agafay you can stop above the lake of Lalla Takerkoust, a reservoir with the Atlas behind it. The view is especially lovely in the late afternoon. Besides, it is an easy stop on the way to the camp.
10. Walk to a Berber village. Small Berber villages lie on the edge of the plateau and in the foothills. For instance, a short walk with a guide shows you how families farm and build with earth. Still, ask before you take photos of people. Our guide to Moroccan etiquette explains the local customs.
Best Time for Things to Do in Agafay Desert
Most things to do in Agafay Desert work all year. In particular, spring and autumn give the clearest sunsets and mild days. In summer, however, the afternoons are hot, so plan your activities for the evening. From October to April, the nights get cool, so bring a sweater. For the weather in each month, read our month by month guide to Morocco.
How to Get to Agafay Desert from Marrakech
The drive from Marrakech takes about 45 minutes. Besides, the road is paved most of the way, so you do not need a 4×4. For most visitors, a private transfer is the easiest option, because public transport does not reach the camps. Arriving at the airport first? Our guide to airport transfers in Morocco explains the options.
Things to Do in Agafay Desert on Our Evening Trip
Our Agafay Desert sunset camel ride and dinner is a private trip of about six hours. First, your driver picks you up at your riad or hotel in the afternoon. You can stop above Lalla Takerkoust, ride a camel at sunset and have dinner at a desert camp. In addition, a quad ride is available at extra cost. Prices start from $105 per person, based on two travelers.
See all our day trips from Marrakech, or compare budgets in our guide to the Morocco desert tour cost.
Agafay or the Sahara Dunes?
If you have one free evening, Agafay is the better choice. On the other hand, if you have three days or more, go to the real dunes. Our 3 or 4 day desert tour from Marrakech guide explains the route. The 3-day Marrakech to the Sahara tour is the most popular way to do it. Finally, with two days, the 2-day Zagora tour is another option.
What to Bring for Things to Do in Agafay Desert
- A warm layer for the evening, even in summer.
- Closed shoes for the rocky ground.
- A scarf and sunglasses for the sun and the dust.
- Some cash for small extras and tips. Read our guide to cash in Morocco.
- A charged phone or camera for the sunset.
How to Book Your Agafay Trip
Send us a message on WhatsApp at +212 609 490 681 or use the contact page. Then tell us your date, the number of travelers and the activities you want. After that, we will send you the price and the plan.
Ready for a sunset in the Agafay Desert?
Message us on WhatsAppThings to Do in Agafay Desert: FAQ
What are the best things to do in Agafay Desert?
The most popular are a sunset camel ride, a quad or buggy ride, dinner under the stars and a night in a desert tent.
How far is Agafay Desert from Marrakech?
Agafay is about 40 km from Marrakech, or around 45 minutes by car.
Does Agafay Desert have sand dunes?
No. Instead, Agafay is a stony desert with rolling hills. For dunes, go to Merzouga or Erg Chigaga.
Is Agafay Desert worth it?
Yes, if you have little time. It gives you a desert sunset and a calm dinner without a long drive.
Are there things to do in Agafay Desert for families?
Yes. Camel rides, dinner at a camp and stargazing suit children. Moreover, the short drive makes it easy with kids.
How much time do the things to do in Agafay Desert take?
An evening trip takes about six hours. A pool day or a night in a tent needs more time.
Can you stay overnight in Agafay Desert?
Yes. In that case, camps offer tents, from simple Berber tents to luxury rooms with private bathrooms.
When is the best time for things to do in Agafay Desert?
Spring and autumn are best. Evenings are cool from October to April, so bring a warm layer.
Navigate Morocco is a team from the Sahara desert who work as a family, as our ancestors did. We will be glad to help you plan your evening in Agafay.
More Navigate Morocco guides: is Marrakech worth visiting, Jemaa el Fna, El Badi Palace, the Ourika Valley, Imlil, sunset in Morocco, Morocco for couples, 7 days in Morocco.
