Just 40 minutes from the medina of Marrakech, the Agafay desert feels like another planet: golden stony hills, silent valleys and, on clear days, the snowy peaks of the High Atlas on the horizon. It has become the easiest way to experience the Moroccan desert without the long drive to the Sahara. This guide covers everything you need to plan your visit.
Where is the Agafay desert?
Agafay is a rocky desert plateau located about 35 to 40 km south-west of Marrakech, between the city and the foothills of the High Atlas. The drive takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on where you start. Nearby you will find small Berber villages and wide open views of the mountains.
Unlike the Sahara, Agafay is not a sea of tall sand dunes. It is a stone desert (a “hamada”) made of soft, rolling hills of beige and ochre earth. The landscape is wide open, which makes it perfect for quad biking, buggy driving, camel treks and watching spectacular sunsets.
How to get to Agafay from Marrakech
- With a tour (easiest): most activities include hotel pickup and drop-off. At Agafay Journeys, every experience includes free pickup from your hotel or riad in Marrakech.
- By taxi or private driver: possible, but you need to arrange the return trip in advance, as there are no taxis waiting in the desert.
- By rental car: the roads are paved most of the way, but the last kilometres to the camps are dirt tracks. Check with your camp before driving.
The best things to do in Agafay
1. Quad biking
The most popular activity. Automatic quads make it easy for beginners, and the tracks wind through hills with views of the Atlas. Read our complete quad biking guide to know what to expect.
2. Camel ride at sunset
A peaceful way to discover the desert. A camel trek at golden hour, followed by mint tea, is a classic. See our 10 tips for a camel ride in Agafay.
3. Buggy driving
For more adrenaline, a 2-seater buggy lets you drive yourself across the desert tracks with a guide leading the way.
4. Dinner under the stars
Many camps serve traditional Moroccan dinners under Berber tents, often with live Gnawa music and a fire show. Combining a sunset activity with dinner is the best way to end your day.
5. A day by the pool
Several desert camps have swimming pools facing the Atlas. A camel or quad ride followed by lunch and an afternoon by the pool is a perfect way to enjoy Agafay, especially in summer.
How much does it cost?
Prices depend on the activity and what is included. As a guide, here are our current prices with hotel pickup included:
- Sunset camel ride (1 hour): from €22 per person
- Quad biking (1 hour): from €29 per person
- Quad, camel & dinner show in a shared group: from €38 per person
- Camel ride & oasis half-day: from €35 per person
- Traditional lunch & 1h quad ride: from €45 per person
- Sunset camel ride & dinner: from €53 per person
- Agafay quad bike half-day: from €69 per person
- Buggy tour (1 hour): from €46 per person (2 people per buggy)
- Sunset quad, camel & dinner combo: from €89 per person
Children aged 4 to 11 pay half price on our experiences.
When is the best time to visit?
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offer the most pleasant temperatures. Summer days are very hot, so choose sunrise or sunset activities. Winter days are sunny and mild, but evenings are cold. Our month-by-month guide explains everything.
Agafay or Merzouga?
If you only have a day or two in Marrakech, Agafay is the perfect choice. If you dream of high sand dunes and have at least 3 days, Merzouga is worth the trip. We compare both in Agafay vs Merzouga.
Practical tips
- Wear comfortable clothes and closed shoes, and bring a scarf for the dust. See our packing list.
- Bring sunglasses and sunscreen, even in winter.
- Take a warm layer for the evening: temperatures drop quickly after sunset.
- Carry some cash for tips and small purchases.
- Book a day or two in advance in high season, especially for sunset activities.
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