Adventures in Agafay Desert: Camel Rides, ATVs & a Magical Sunset Dinner Show
- Tarry Laurensia
- Jul 19
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 6
Hey everyone!
If you’re spending time in Marrakech and looking for something beyond the souks and medinas, I highly recommend doing what I did—an afternoon trip to the Agafay Desert. It's close to the city, yet feels like another world entirely.
I joined a group tour that included camel rides, quad biking, dinner under the stars, and live entertainment—and it was one of the highlights of my Morocco trip.
Where is Agafay Desert?
Agafay is often called the “stone desert.” It’s not the golden sand dunes of the Sahara, but it’s much closer to Marrakech (only about 45 minutes away). Think rolling rocky hills, wide open skies, and total calm. It's the perfect quick escape if you don’t have time to go all the way to Merzouga.
From the City to the Desert: Getting There
The tour kicked off in the afternoon, which I loved—it gave me time to explore Marrakech in the morning, and then head out for the desert in time for golden hour.
The drive was smooth and scenic. You’ll pass olive groves, small villages, and eventually start to see the dry, open landscapes of Agafay.
Quad Biking Through the Dunes
First up: quad biking! We geared up with helmets and goggles and followed a guide on a loop through the rocky hills. It wasn’t too intense—perfect even if you’re not super experienced.
I loved feeling the breeze and seeing the landscape stretch out in all directions. There were also a few photo stops that really made it worth it.
Camel Ride
Next, it was time to slow things down with a camel ride. My camel was sweet (and taller than expected!), and the ride was peaceful. With the sun starting to set and the sky turning orange, it was such a relaxing way to take in the desert.
Poolside Chill & Moroccan Dinner
After the camel ride, we headed back to the desert camp. Some people jumped in the pool (yes, there’s a pool in the middle of the desert!), while others like me just grabbed mint tea and chilled out in one of the shaded lounge areas.
Then came dinner—and wow. Moroccan tagines, salads, fresh bread, and grilled meats, all served outdoors under a sky full of stars. It felt both cozy and magical.
🎶 Live Music, Fire Show & a Warm Ending
Dinner was followed by a live music performance and a fire show. The music was traditional, with drums and singing, and the fire dancers were seriously impressive. It felt celebratory and intimate—like a little party in the desert.
By the end of the evening, everyone was smiling, full, and just a little sandy (in the best way). Then it was time to head back to Marrakech—tired, happy, and so glad I didn’t skip this.
Why I’d Recommend This Tour
✅ Everything’s taken care of (transport, activities, dinner)
✅ You get a taste of adventure + culture
✅ It’s perfect if you’re short on time but want a desert experience
✅ No long travel hours like the Sahara—this is all doable in half a day
✅ Good mix of adrenaline, chill, and food!
📌 Ready to Book?
If you're planning a trip to Marrakech and want a unique afternoon-to-evening experience, this tour is a great choice. I booked mine through Viator—super easy, clear instructions, and great value.
If you’ve been to Agafay or are thinking about going, feel free to drop your questions below. Happy travels and see you under the desert stars 🌙✨
Another tips for you journey in Morocco; If you planning to staying in Marrakesh, I would highly recommend to stay in a Riad instead of hotels. Check out Riad options on Here.
Travel With tarry
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