Morocco’s Agafay Desert: A Hidden Gem Near Marrakech November 25, 2023 | By Deb Hendricks Morocco is one of my most-loved countries in North Africa. It’s exotic and mysterious and full of adventures. If you’re looking for a unique...
Morocco’s Agafay Desert: A Hidden Gem Near Marrakech
November 25, 2023 | By Deb Hendricks
Morocco is one of my most-loved countries in North Africa. It’s exotic and mysterious and full of adventures. If you’re looking for a unique and unforgettable experience in Morocco, consider visiting the little-known Agafay Desert.
You’ll love its hundreds of hectares of calm, its stark landscapes, and its unique variety of activities.
But this is not your typical desert, with endless sand dunes and scorching heat. Instead, the Agafay Desert is a ‘reg’, or desert of stones – a vast expanse of rocky and arid terrain.
It’s located just 40 kilometres southwest of Marrakech, at the foot of the High Atlas mountains. Here you’ll discover new pastimes, dream accommodations, and the kind of peace and serenity that you only find in such austere surroundings.
The Agafay Desert is a hidden gem in Morocco that will surprise and enchant you with its beauty and tranquility.
The Agafay Desert from Marrakech
The journey from the busy and colourful city of Marrakech takes you past the palm groves and the golf courses that surround the city. It’s not long before the road is deep in the arid rural countryside.
The area is a stunning contrast of colours and landscapes. You’ll pass sights like the white and ochre hills that resemble the Sahara, and the green and blue oasis of Lalla Takerkoust.
And in winter the snow-capped peaks of the Atlas are an unexpected vision in the background.
Along the way, you’ll also encounter traditional Berber villages and houses. You can decide to stop at the lake or the small town of Asni to break up your journey, stretch your legs, and take some photos.
If only all road trips were as beautiful as the drive from Marrakech to the Agafay Desert. It will take you about an hour, depending on the traffic and the stops you make.
Currency in
Morocco: MAD
Moroccan Dirham (?. ?.)
Best Time to Visit:
April to May &
September to October
Electricity:
Plugin Type C or E;
220V & 50 Hz
Agafay Desert – Things to Do
The Agafay Desert is an ideal destination if you’re an adventure seeker or nature lover, as it offers a wide range of activities to enjoy. Here are some favourites:
? Camel ride:
One of the most classic and authentic ways to explore the Agafay Desert is by riding a camel. You can join a guided tour that will take you through the hills and valleys of the desert, and let you admire the scenery and the wildlife.
You can also enjoy a sunset or a sunrise camel ride, and witness the magical colours of the sky and the earth. A camel ride in the Agafay Desert is a memorable experience that will make you feel like a true nomad.
? Quad bike:
If you are looking for a more thrilling and fast-paced way to discover the Agafay Desert, you can opt for a quad bike tour. You will be able to drive your own quad bike or share it with a partner.
You’ll follow an experienced guide who will show you the best spots and trails of the desert. As you navigate the rocky terrain, you’ll the adrenaline rush of speeding through the desert. This is a great way to satisfy your adventurous spirit and have a blast.
? Buggy ride:
Another fun and exciting way to explore is by riding a buggy. A buggy is a small, agile vehicle that can handle any type of terrain. Again, you can drive your own buggy, or share it with a partner.
Your guide will take you to the most scenic and interesting places in the area. You will be able to see the lake, the hills, the villages, and the wildlife of the Agafay Desert.
? Hot air balloon:
If you want to see the Agafay Desert from a different perspective, try a hot air balloon flight. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will let you soar above the desert and enjoy a breathtaking view of the landscape.
You will be able to see the contrast of colours and textures of the desert, the lake, and the mountains. The feeling of peace and serenity is one of a kind. A hot air balloon flight in the desert is a magical experience that you will never forget.
? Paragliding:
Paragliding is another way to experience this desert from the sky. This is an adventurous and exhilarating activity that will let you fly over the desert and feel the wind and the freedom.
You’ll be accompanied by a professional instructor who will keep you safe and guide you through the flight. You will be able to see the beauty and the diversity of the desert and feel the thrill and the joy of flying.
Paragliding in the Agafay Desert is a challenging and rewarding experience that will make you feel alive.
? Yoga and meditation:
If you are looking for a more relaxing and spiritual way to enjoy the Agafay Desert, you can join a yoga and meditation session. You’ll be able to practice in a serene and natural setting, surrounded by the desert and the mountains.
You’ll be able to connect with yourself and with nature and feel the harmony and the balance of the elements. Yoga and meditation in the Agafay Desert is a healing and rejuvenating experience that will calm your mind and nourish your soul.
? Horse ride:
Horseback riding is an amazing way to explore the desert. You can join a guided tour that will take you through the desert on a well-trained and beautiful horse.
It’s a chance to enjoy the scenery and the wildlife of the desert. All while feeling the connection and the trust with your horse. You can choose a day or a sunset or sunrise ride. A horse ride is a relaxing way to feel closer to nature.
Where to stay in the Agafay Desert
The Agafay Desert offers a variety of accommodations to suit different tastes and budgets. Depending on your preferences and needs, you can choose from traditional hotels, guesthouses, or camps. Here are some of the most popular options:
Agafay Desert Luxury Camp:
This is one of the most luxurious and exclusive camps in the Agafay Desert. The exclusive getaway redefines the concept of camping, combining high-end amenities with the adventurous spirit of the desert.
Set amid the panoramic landscapes of the Agafay Desert, the camp offers luxury tents. These are equipped with air conditioning, heating, hot water and an en-suite open-air bath.
In fact, each wall opens, creating an outdoor living experience. You can wake up to breathtaking mountain views from your balcony.
The camp also boasts an infinity pool with pool bar, perfect for relaxing after a day of desert exploration. Stay connected with the world with free WiFi, or disconnect and enjoy the serene beauty of your surroundings.
Experience culinary delights at the two on-site restaurants. One with an emphasis on local Moroccan specialties, offering halal, kosher, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
The other serves international cuisine with a focus on Asian, Italian, and French, with halal options. Both restaurants have a high tea and a cocktail hour.
For the adventurous spirits, the camp provides cycling and walking tours, as well as bike rentals. After a day full of activity, rejuvenate at the spa or enjoy a round of darts.
You also get an outdoor fireplace, a picnic area, 24-hour front desk service, and paid airport shuttle service.
The Emeraude Camp Agafy
Also highly rated, but a bit more budget-friendly, the Emeraude Camp is located in the heart of the Agafay Desert. The camp will offer you a one-of-a-kind experience.
Each luxury tent has a private entrance that ensures your privacy. Each unit is tastefully decorated and comes equipped with a fireplace for cozy evenings, to ward off the desert chill.
You’ll also have a private patio with stunning mountain views. The outdoor dining area is the ideal spot for indulging in a continental breakfast every morning.
The beautiful terrace and garden are open to all guests looking to spend time relaxing in the outdoors. In that same vein, the camp has a bar, as well.
You’ll have free access to private parking and uninterrupted Wi-Fi to stay connected with the outside world. The on-site restaurant has local favourites that will have you asking for the recipes.
To make getting here easy, there is a paid airport shuttle service, to take the hassle out of your travel.
Moroccan Riad Accommodations
There are several good budget-conscious riads available in the area as well. But they are a bit farther out from the central Agafay, most about 15 km away. If you’re watching your dirham, they’re definitely worth looking into.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Agafay Desert
Q: Is Agafay a real desert?
A: The Agafay Desert is a real desert in the sense that it is a dry and barren landscape that receives very little rainfall. But, it is not a typical sand desert, like the Sahara, but instead is a ‘reg’, or a rocky desert, with hills and valleys of stones.
Q: What is the best time to visit the Agafay Desert?
A: The Agafay Desert can be visited all year round. But the most pleasant time to visit is during spring (April and May) and autumn (September and October).
Daytime temperatures average between 24°C and 28°C, ideal for exploring the desert landscapes and outdoor activities. Summers can be excessively hot, with temperatures peaking at around 37°C in July.
Winters see day temperatures around 18°C, dropping further at night. While winters offer a unique experience, spring and autumn are the ideal periods to visit for comfort and versatility.
Check the weather forecast and pack accordingly to enjoy the Agafay Desert.
Q: What should I pack for the Agafay Desert?
A: You should pack light and comfortable clothes, such as cotton shirts, pants, and dresses. Also bring a jacket or sweater for the evenings and the mornings, when the temperature can drop significantly.
You should also pack a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a scarf to protect yourself from the sun and dust. Bring comfortable shoes, too, such as sneakers or sandals, for walking and exploring the desert.
You should always pack a flashlight, a camera, and a power bank for your electronic devices.
Q: Is the Agafay Desert a part of the Sahara?
A: No, the Agafay Desert is not a part of the Sahara. The Agafay Desert is a rocky and arid plateau southwest of Marrakech, at the foot of the High Atlas mountains. The Sahara is a vast sand desert that covers most of North Africa.
The Agafay Desert and the Sahara have different geological formations, climates, and landscapes. The Agafay Desert is a lesser-known area that offers a unique experience for visitors. The Sahara is a large, iconic desert that attracts millions of tourists every year.
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Summing it Up: the Agafay Desert
The Agafay Desert is a hidden gem near Marrakech that offers a unique and unforgettable experience in Morocco. You can enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the desert, as well as the adventure and fun of the activities.
Choose from a variety of accommodations, from luxurious to rustic, to suit your taste and budget. You can also taste the delicious and traditional Moroccan cuisine, and enjoy the hospitality and culture of the local people.
The Agafay Desert is a perfect destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers, who want to discover a different and diverse side of Morocco.
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