Ask anyone who has visited the Agafay desert what they remember most, and they will usually say the same thing: the sunset. As the sun drops behind the hills, the stony desert turns gold, orange and pink, the Atlas Mountains glow on the horizon, and the air becomes soft and quiet. Then night falls, the campfires are lit and the sky fills with stars. Here is how to make the most of Agafay at sunset and by night.
Agafay sunset times by season
| Month | Approximate sunset | Best pickup time |
|---|---|---|
| December – January | 17:45 – 18:15 | 15:00 |
| March – April | 19:00 – 19:45 | 16:00 |
| June – July | 20:30 – 20:45 | 17:30 |
| September – October | 19:00 – 19:45 | 16:00 |
We adjust pickup times every season so that you are riding during golden hour. Read more in our best time to visit Agafay guide.
Best sunset activities
Sunset camel ride
The classic and most photogenic option: a slow caravan through the hills while the sky changes colour. From €22 per person for 1 hour. Read our camel ride tips.
Sunset quad ride
For more adrenaline, ride your quad to a viewpoint and watch the sun go down over the desert. The sunset quad with dinner costs €77 per person. See quad biking in Agafay.
Sunset buggy tour
Share a 2-seater buggy with your partner and chase the last light across the tracks. From €46 per person. See the Agafay buggy tour.
Dinner under the stars
After sunset, guests gather in a Berber camp for a traditional Moroccan dinner: fresh bread, Moroccan salads, a tagine or couscous, seasonal fruit and mint tea. Then the musicians start playing, dancers join in and the evening ends with a spectacular fire show. The shared quad, camel and dinner show combo starts from €38 per person, and a romantic private dinner from €89. Discover the Agafay dinner show.
Stargazing in Agafay
Because it is far from the lights of Marrakech, Agafay offers a beautiful night sky. A few tips:
- Check the moon: the darkest skies are around the new moon. During a full moon, the desert is bright and beautiful, but you will see fewer stars.
- Walk away from the camp lights: even 50 metres makes a big difference. Give your eyes 10 minutes to adapt.
- Use an app: star map apps help you find planets, constellations and the Milky Way.
- Best season: clear, dry nights are common from autumn to spring. Summer nights are warm and perfect for sitting outside for hours.
Photo tips for sunset
- Arrive early: the best light is often 20 minutes before the sun touches the horizon.
- Shoot silhouettes of camels and riders against the sky.
- Turn around: the light on the Atlas Mountains behind you can be even more beautiful.
- Bring a power bank: you will take more photos than you think.
What to bring for the evening
Temperatures drop quickly after sunset, especially from November to March. Bring a warm jacket, long trousers, closed shoes and a scarf against the dust. Full list: what to wear in the Agafay desert.
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