So close to Marrakech, an enchanted interlude in the Agafay desert.
If you dream of the desert but don’t have much time, head to the Agafay desert, just forty minutes from Marrakech. With its clear and shifting dunes, this rock desert is of sublime beauty. The landscapes seem to be from another planet. You will experience an enchanted interlude, totally disconnected from city life.
It is usual to watch the sunset over the desert. It is a magical moment that leaves a memorable souvenir.
Agafay as an adventurer and solo traveler
If you have a car, you can go there on your own. Study your itinerary, remember to bring water, a picnic, sunscreen, and appropriate clothing.
If you love nature, taking photos, and meeting people, leave in the morning and make the big loop through the Lalla Takerkoust dam lake. Before reaching the desert, you will cross beautiful landscapes planted with olive and vine trees. You can admire the peaks of the High Atlas and stop in Berber villages known for their hospitality. After sharing a cup of tea here and there, head to the Lalla Takerkoust lake (where you will find several cafes and restaurants).
In the afternoon, head towards the desert… The steppe with its changing colors and mineral beauty awaits you. It is of breathtaking beauty, in a striking silence.
A road crosses the desert to return to Marrakech.
A sunset over the desert, camels, and an evening with the Berbers.
Many tour operators offer a few-hour escapade in the desert. A driver picks you up in the afternoon in the city and takes you to a campsite in the desert. This is an opportunity to get to know your hosts and, depending on the chosen program, to take a camel (or quad) ride.
You will have time to discover the splendor of the steppe dotted with small soft dunes. Then comes the precious moment of sunset in the silence of the desert.
Around the crackling fire, once night has fallen, dinner will be served under the stars.
A music group, and sometimes acrobats, fire-eaters, or dance groups, entertain the evening. Finally, your driver will take you back to Marrakech.
In general, these excursions allow for a very convivial moment with the Berbers of the region who share their sense of celebration in a sincere and spontaneous way.
They are recommended for everyone: families with children, friends, or couples; everyone will come back with memories full of their heads.
A night under the stars of Agafay
If you have a little more time, you can also sleep in the Agafay desert.
The accommodations are usually comfortable and even luxurious campsites. Your bivouac in the desert will then have a delicious Out of Africa side. It can be a great birthday gift idea, for example.
These very glamping camps offer beautiful programs to discover the desert, its oasis, and the High Atlas.
They often have a swimming pool, sometimes a SPA to recharge even more completely.
Finally, you can also admire the desert in the dawn lights, beautiful like the first morning of the world.
For more advice, you can consult, for example, the website desertmaroc.com and travel platforms for an excursion or an evening that suits you.
