If you're looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Marrakech, head to the desert for an unforgettable night under the stars. Your driver will pick you up directly from your accommodation in the city, or if you're staying at a riad in the old Medina, you'll meet at a set point. You'll then hit the road for a picturesque hour-long drive out of Marrakech to the desert. Next, you'll head south of the city and across the Haouz Plain, with views of the High Atlas Mountains, until you reach your far-flung desert destination: Agafay. Unlike the Sahara and its undulating dunes, Agafay is composed of stunning rock formations; its remoteness and tranquillity make this unique and serene retreat a must-see.
When you arrive at your camp, head out into the desert on a camel ride, then settle in for the evening. After sunset, enjoy a traditional Berber dinner and sit by the crackling fire, enjoying the silence in the desert and spectacular celestial views of the sky above. Your camp may offer unique activities like an astronomy lesson, which takes advantage of your remote location void of light pollution. You're bound to relax in the peace of the desert, so far removed from the hubbub of urban life.
You have a range of options for your camps and accommodations in the Agafay, but you'll be living large whatever you choose. Basic options featuring glamping tents blanketed with Moroccan rugs, cozy beds, lanterns, and ensuite bathrooms with toilets and hot showers. More luxe camps offer beautifully appointed tents and lodges swathed in Berber-inspired decor, modern bathrooms, heat, gourmet cuisine, and private terraces. Some accommodations offer incredible amenities: think infinity pools, massages, yoga and meditation classes, horseback riding, guided hikes, and mountain bike outings.
In the morning, you may want to get up extra early to watch the sunrise over the expansive, silent desert. Then enjoy breakfast al fresco with incredible vistas of the High Atlas beyond before you head out for some fun-filled desert activities, return to Marrakech, or embark on the next leg of your adventure.
Discover more excursions in and around Marrakech and other dessert experiences in Morroco.
