The Agafay desert, on the doorstep of Marrakech
A desert of stones and pale hills about forty kilometres from Marrakech, with the Atlas as a backdrop. People come for a sunset, a dinner or a night in a desert camp.
- Agafay is a stony desert, without big sand dunes.
- It can be visited in half a day or with an overnight stay from Marrakech.
- For sand dunes, you have to go as far as Merzouga.
What to see
The landscape is made of arid, rolling hills that turn golden at the end of the day. On clear days, the peaks of the Atlas close the horizon.
The camps offer dinners under canvas, nights in a bivouac, camel rides and quad or buggy outings.
It is a good option when you do not have time to go down to the Sahara, as long as you know what you are coming to see: a stony desert, not dunes.
Getting there from Tangier
Agafay is reached from Marrakech, in 45 minutes to an hour by road. From Tangier, you first have to get to Marrakech.
When to go
All year round, preferably in the late afternoon. Winter nights are cold, summer days very hot.
How long to plan
Half a day with dinner, or one night on site.
Limits of this page
Journey times are approximate and train, flight and site timetables change: check them before you leave. We give no price until it has been verified.