Agafay Desert day trip from Marrakech
The Agafay is a stony desert of bare hills just south-west of Marrakech, with the High Atlas on the horizon. It is not a sand-dune desert like the Sahara, but its open landscape and closeness to the city make it an easy way to see desert scenery in a day.
Ways to do this trip
Dates and prices for this trip are not published yet.
Contact us and we will tell you what is available.
A desert on the city's doorstep
The Agafay lies just south-west of Marrakech, usually less than an hour's drive away. It is a stony desert of bare, rolling hills rather than a sea of sand dunes like the Sahara, which is much further away.
Landscape and light
On clear days the snow-capped High Atlas stands along the horizon, and the lake of Lalla Takerkoust lies at the edge of the plateau. The colours change through the day, and late afternoon and sunset are particularly beautiful.
The lake of Lalla Takerkoust
On the edge of the plateau, a dam on the N'Fis river holds back the reservoir of Lalla Takerkoust. With the High Atlas behind it, the water makes a striking contrast with the bare desert hills, and lakeside restaurants and paths make it a popular stop. Because the Agafay is so close to Marrakech, it also fits easily into a day that leaves time for the city.
What people do there
Several camps in the Agafay serve meals in tents with views across the desert, and many offer activities such as camel rides or quad biking. Whether a meal or an activity is part of your trip, or optional and paid on the spot, is shown in the details of the option you book.
Practical tips
- It is hot in the middle of the day from late spring to autumn: bring sun protection and water.
- Evenings can be cold, especially in winter; bring a warm layer.
- Closed shoes are more comfortable than sandals on the stony ground.
What a particular trip includes, how long you stay and which stops it makes depend on the option you book. They are shown under Ways to do this trip once dates and prices are published.
Questions about this trip
Does the Agafay Desert have sand dunes?
No. The Agafay is a stony desert of bare hills. For large sand dunes you need to travel to the Sahara, several days' round trip from Marrakech.
How far is the Agafay from Marrakech?
It is just outside the city, usually less than an hour's drive.
What is the best time of day to visit?
Late afternoon and sunset, when the light is softer and the heat has dropped.