Riding a camel as the sun rises is definitely bucket-list worthy.
Though visitors coming to Morocco, particularly Marrakech, might find the trip to the actual Sahara a bit of an inconvenience.
Experiencing the solitude of the desert sounds great.You get the unique experience of pure, and practically untouched territory where you can gaze at the sand dunes, infinitely stretching over the horizon.
A space of seclusion, offering quite the contrast from the vibrant and lively scene of the city of Marrakech.
Everyone sings the praises of Saharan desert tours. However, what they fail to mention is the struggle it takes to actually get there and get back.
Nobody wants to spend two or three days trapped in a vehicle for a one-day stay. It’s not impossible to do a Sahara desert tour trip from Marrakech, but it’s highly unpractical.
Merzouga, the gateway to Morocco’s dunes, is 350 miles (560km) away from Marrakech.
That is approximately 10 hours of driving, stops not included. So expect to spend a good portion of your desert trip on the road.
Marrakech Day Trip to Agafay Desert
What if you don’t want to compromise your comfort -and perhaps even sanity- but still be able to get an authentic Moroccan desert experience?
Whether you’re traveling with your kids and you don’t want to subject them to hours of being on the road, or you simply don’t have much time to make the trip yourself, you’d be thrilled to find out about Agafay Desert.
Located in the outskirts of Marrakech, Agafay Desert is located 30 kilometers in the south of the city and stretches over hundreds of acres.
Granted, you won’t be able to encounter the grand sand dunes of the Sahara desert.
Even so, you still get to experience the peace and tranquility of what a safe haven the Agafay desert can be.
Agafay desert is half-an-hour drive from Marrakech, each way -just close enough for a phenomenal day trip.
Things to do on your Agafay Desert excursion
Some historical sites in the world seem to invoke an undeniable air of magic. The desert of Agafay is surely not exempt from this magic.
There’s a certain je ne sais quoi in the atmosphere that instantly transports you into a romantically exalting time capsule. Merely being in the presence of the exotic will intensify your thirst for adventure.
A thirst that can only be quenched by exploring the wondrous landscape of the desert and what it can offer.
In this piece of paradise, golden sand dunes are replaced by the sumptuous, snow-capped peaks of Atlas mountains.
In the middle of the Agafay desert is a hidden gem: an oasis where the flora and fauna transform through the seasons.
There are many things to do on your excursion from Marrakech to the Agafay desert.
You can take the time to sit back, relax, and pore over the expansive barren plateau of this stone desert.
Sometimes you just have to put your feet up, breathe the crisp morning air, bask in the dry sunshine, and enjoy a slower pace of life. And Agafay desert is just the place to unwind.
If you want to make the most out of your day trip, you can join one of several organized Agafay desert tours.
There are many camps that you can choose from, depending on the nature of activities you want to participate in.
If you’re looking for a relaxing time, go for an Agafay desert camp that offers comfortable accommodations, like a hammam or massage treatment.
You can also go on a walk along the tracks and fully immerse yourself in the serenity of the countryside.
If you’re seeking an authentic cultural experience, your journey through the Agafay desert will definitely fulfill that.
You can visit Berber families in nearby villages, and most will welcome you into their homes for some tea and refreshments.
You can organize a picnic in the oasis of Lake Takerkoust, or even a romantic candlelit dinner under the starry sky.
The edge of the lake is paved with mini restaurants that serve delectable Moroccan dishes.
After lunch, you can go hiking, you can visit traditional oil mills, or you can try canoeing at the lake.
There are several camps to take care of your day trip to the Agafay desert, and some even offer a customizable itinerary and activity-plan based on your personal preferences.
However, if you decide to stay overnight, you should always ask about what services are included and what services aren’t.
Inquire about food and sleeping arrangements, the number of potential guests along with the activities available.
If there are other things specific to your personal needs, do not hesitate to ask the Agafay desert camp. The tour organizers will definitely be able to help or assist you with your demands.
In conclusion, the Agafay Desert is a great alternative for those who want to experience the beauty of the desert without having to travel too far. It offers visitors a range of activities, from adventure and relaxation to peace and serenity.
So why not take a trip to the Agafay Desert and discover this hidden gem of Morocco?