Best of Agafay

Top itineraries and travel advice in and around Agafay

The stone desert of Agafay is becoming more popular with travelers who don't want to travel the longer distances to the Sahara destinations of Merzouga or Zagora. Sitting roughly an hour outside of Marrakech, this rocky landscape feels like you’re almost a planet away, whether you’re experiencing it from the back of a camel or around a campfire.

Previous kimkim travelers have traversed the desert on camel rides through the plateaus and oases, or opted for a horseback riding excursion. A half- or full-day Jeep trip will take you to the valleys surrounding the Atlas Mountains and Takerkoust Lake, then top it off with a meal with local farmers in the Agafay oasis and spend the night in a luxury glamping tent.

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Agafay Essentials

Top Active Experiences in Morocco

Morocco is an ideal destination for active travelers and adventure seekers, offering unique experiences, like kitesurfing in Essaouira, riding horses through the desert, climbing Northern Africa's tallest peak, and carp fishing alongside the locals. With diverse outdoor environments, you'll find nearly every activity in Morocco. From the top of the Atlas Mountains to the bottom of river gorges and the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean, the country is an ideal location for adventures!

Top Desert Excursions in Morocco

The Moroccan Desert is one of the highlights of the country. From sleeping under the stars in a Bedouin-style desert camp to sunset camel rides, there are many ways to explore the towering dunes of Morocco! Go horseback riding, conquer sandy peaks, visit nomadic communities, listen to traditional music next to a flickering campfire, or let an e-bike help you navigate the hills. From dawn to dusk, the Moroccan desert is a truly unique experience.

Agafay Itineraries

Moroccan mint tea set on the table in the Agafay desert, Marrakesh

Marrakesh, Imlil & Agafay: Best Itinerary Ideas

Five to eight days is a great length for a Morocco trip, with stops in Marrakesh, Imlil, and Agafay. Travelers with less time can hit the route's highlights in four days, which makes for a fast-paced journey. Travelers with more time can enjoy extra sights and activities at each stop or explore more of the country—some favored itinerary extensions include Essaouira or Fes. Get inspired with kimkim's Marrakesh, Imlil, and Agafay trip ideas below.

Typical intricate Moroccan tile artwork; a fountain in Rabat, near the Hassan Tower and Mohamed V Mausoleum

A Taste of Morocco: Marrakesh, Atlas Mountains & Desert Glamping - 5 Days

This five-day Moroccan journey combines the best of buzzing Marrakesh with the quiet of the High Atlas mountains and the Agafay desert. Start in the city with a culinary tour, traditional hammam spa, and guided tour before heading out to the breathtaking Atlas mountains. Explore Berber villages, hike peaceful mountain valleys, and join a local family for lunch. Ride camels and ATVs in the rugged Agafay desert, and spend the night under the starlit sky.

Marrakesh to Casablanca: Agafay Desert & Atlantic Coast - 6 Days

This tour is perfect for the traveler who's short on time and looking for a taste of Morocco and its hidden gems. You'll enjoy a guided tour of Marrakesh and watch its famed Jamaa El Fna Square come to life at dusk, then ride a camel through the stunning sand dunes of the Agafay Desert, where you'll spend the night in a traditional tent. As you make your way to Casablanca, you'll stop at an argan oil collective, enjoy fresh, delicious seafood on the coast, and visit the gorgeous Essaouira, all at a relaxed pace.

Experience the remote beauty of the Agafay Desert from a luxury camp

Lavish Moroccan Adventure: Marrakesh, Atlas Mountains, Agafay Desert & Essaouira - 7 Days

This luxury journey across Morocco squeezes cityscapes, mountain vistas, desert horizons, and coastal charm into a single week. Beginning and ending in Marrakesh, you'll traverse the rugged beauty of the High Atlas mountains, stay at a luxury desert camp in the Agafay Desert, and ride a horse across the pristine beaches of Essaouira. This fast-paced itinerary ensures every moment is an adventure with 5-star comforts.

Imperial Cities Luxury Tour - 9 Days

Soak up Moroccan culture on this trip plan that features unique experiences (think a bespoke hammam experience, desert glamping, and hot air balloon ride) and the best of luxury pampering. You'll stay at five-star hotels and riads, where you can relax after days of private guided tours and hands-on cooking workshops. Wander medieval medinas, visit artisan workshops, and discover picturesque towns, ancient ruins, and incredible food.

Family Trip to Morocco: Marrakesh, Imlil & Agafay - 7 Days

Discover the best of Morocco on this family-friendly highlights tour that whisks you from dazzling Marrakesh to the peaks of the Atlas mountains and an unforgettable night beneath the stars in the Agafay Desert. Along the way, you'll cook Moroccan cuisine with the family, create your own mosaics, and take a hot air balloon ride over Marrakesh. As you and the kids ride camels across the desert sands and experience Berber hospitality firsthand, you'll come away with memories to last a lifetime.

Morocco Summer Adventure: Marrakech, Atlas Mountains, Desert Glamping & the Coast - 9 Days

A visit to Morocco in summer offers plenty of opportunities for sunbathing on beaches, exploring windswept deserts, and relaxing in shaded gardens. On this laid-back, nine-day trip, you'll see some of Marrakech's most scenic sights, enjoy an easy hike in the Atlas mountains, ride a camel through the Agafay Desert, and cool off in coastal Essaouira—making for the perfect summer break.

The iconic Koutoubia Mosque in Marrakech

Morocco: Luxury Imperial Cities - 10 Days

Spend ten days touring the Imperial Cities of Morroco while relaxing in the lap of luxury. In addition to having a private driver take you around the country and give you insider tips, you'll enjoy private guided tours, cooling classes and incredible experiences like a night of desert glamping and a sunrise hot air balloon. After a day of adventure and exploration, sink into comfort in five-star, richly appointed riads.

Family Fun in Morocco: Fes to Marrakesh via the Atlas Mountains - 10 Days

This 10-day guided tour introduces the whole family to Morocco's cities, deserts, and mountains—with plenty of fun, interactive activities along the way. Start in the historic city of Fes, where you'll learn the art of henna and have a traditional dinner with a local family. Then, it's off to Lake Bin El Ouidane for river rafting and kayak adventures. See the wonders of the "Red City" of Marrakesh on foot or by bike, take in the Atlas mountains via hot air balloon, and ride camels across the dunes of the Agafay Desert.

Start your Moroccan adventure visiting the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca

Morocco City, Coast & Desert Adventure for Families - 10 Days

Adventurous kids will find fun at every turn on this perfectly-planned 10-day Moroccan tour. Set out from Casablanca for coastal Essaouira, where treasure hunts, horseback riding, and plenty of beach time await. Continue to Marrakesh to get lost in winding souks, cycle through lush gardens, and whip up a perfect tajine in a family cooking class. The best is saved for last as you transfer to a desert camp in Agafay for camel rides and dining around a campfire under the stars.

Experience the quiet of the barren Agafay Desert at a luxury camp

Morocco Luxury Escape: Marrakesh, Imlil, Agafay & Essaouira - 10 Days

Luxury knows no bounds with this opulent 10-day Moroccan escapade. This curated journey embraces the buzz of Marrakesh before winding through the High Atlas to Imlil. Embrace the peace of the mountains before descending to the surreal Agafay Desert. Finally, escape to the coast at Essaouira, where fresh sea breezes and a cooking class await. Throughout the voyage, you'll stay at 5-star hotels and riads and enjoy exclusive tours, workshops, and experiences.

Dive into the treasures of Meknes, one of Morocco's lesser-visited imperial cities

Palatial Wonders: A Luxury Voyage through Morocco's Imperial Cities - 14 Days

Embrace Morocco's rich heritage with this luxurious itinerary that ticks off the four imperial cities while staying in opulent 4-and 5-star palace hotels and riads. Deepen your understanding with private walking tours in each city, and savor distinct regional cuisines with fine dining experiences. Experience a fusion of culture, food, and adventure as you cross desert dunes by camel, take to the skies in a hot-air balloon, melt away stress in a luxury hammam, and witness the raucous energy of a local rug auction.

Magic in Morocco: Casablanca, Marrakesh, Agafay & Essaouira - 15 Days

Whether you're an adventurer, foodie, or just looking for some relaxation, this fifteen-day tour of Morocco offers something for everyone. Begin in Casablanca, where you'll walk the streets of the medina and the lively Boulevard de la Corniche. Then, it's off to Marrakesh, with day trips to the stunning Ouzoud waterfalls and treks through the Atlas mountains. Head into the Agafay Desert for camel rides and a night under the stars, then end your adventure on the coast among the sweeping beaches of Essaouira.

Other popular travel destinations in Morocco
Marrakesh · Fes · Moroccan Desert · Chefchaouen · Merzouga · Casablanca · Rabat · Essaouira · Ouarzazate · Aït Benhaddou · Atlas Mountains · Boumalne Dades · Tangier · Meknes · Todra Gorge · Imlil · Zagora · Asilah · Taroudant · Skoura · Agadir · Bin El Ouidane · Agdz · Kalaat M'Gouna · Draa Valley

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