I always recommend visiting the Agafay desert for those who don’t have time to go to the Sahara desert or those who don’t like long car trips. Getting to the Agafay desert in Morocco is much easier and less tiring. It still offers a great desert experience and will leave you with unforgettable memories you will cherish for years.
Visiting the Sahara desert from Marrakech is time-consuming. Driving from Marrakech to the Sahara desert takes around 9 hours without a stop. That’s why most tour agencies make several stops to rest and enjoy the journey, as there are many beautiful points of interest worth visiting. The minimum time I recommend for getting to the Sahara is three days. If you can spare four days or more, that would be much more enjoyable and less tiring.
Landscape of the Sahara desert Morocco
If you have less than four days, then visiting the Agafay desert is what I would recommend. It offers such a good alternative. It takes much less time to get there, as it’s located just outside of Marrakech and can be visited in one day. The main difference between the Agafay Desert and the Sahara Desert is that the Desert of Agafay is a stone desert and not one with golden dunes. The charm differs greatly as it offers breathtaking landscapes and the High Atlas Mountains views.
Landscape of the Agafay desert
The Agafay Desert
Located in Morocco, the Agafay Desert is characterized by its desolate terrain. It’s a charming place to escape the hustle of Marrakech and immerse yourself in entirely rugged nature.
What to Do in the Agafay Desert?
You’ll find many camps in the Agafay Desert ranging from affordable to luxury camps. My favorite way to spend time in the Agafay Desert is to unwind and have an experience that gets me closer to nature. Group tours are a good option if you are on a budget, but if you can splurge on a private tour – and they are not that expensive – with a private guide, you’ll get a custom experience and the opportunity to interact with your guide and enjoy the Agafay desert freely and at your own pace.
You’ll probably ride a camel in the Agafay desert. Some tours also offer the opportunity to arrange a cooking class with a local family or enjoy a traditional meal in a local tent. It’s a way to see how people live here, which can be very inspiring!
Beautiful desert camp courtyard with seats and carpets to chill at sunset.
You can enjoy a hearty dinner cooked over a crackling campfire at night and admire the twinkling stars. What a beautiful place to be!
How Can I Get to the Agafay Desert?
While you can always drive yourself to the Agafay desert, I wouldn’t recommend it unless you are familiar with the area. The most budget-friendly—and safest—way to get there is by hiring a driver at a reputable car agency. Once, you must navigate the desert yourself and shop for the experiences you’d like.
One day is enough to reach the Agafay desert, but two is ideal for stargazing and sleeping in a tent. Working with a local guide, you can narrow down the experiences you’re most interested in and get the most out of your trip at your own pace.
What To Pack for the Agafay Desert?
Hot days in the desert can be challenging, so bring drinks, sunscreen, and a hat. Wearing a scarf or cap might further shield you from the elements. Hiking shoes are also a must. Do not hesitate to ask your guide for the best recommendations on what to pack for the season.
Which Desert Camp to Choose?
There are several desert campgrounds in the desert of Agafay. Each camp will have its own offers and experiences: budget vs. premium, day vs. overnight programs, camel rides, etc. Choose the one that inspires you and allows you to get the most experiences at your own pace and with your schedule and budget. Here are a few points to look for:
- Are all meals included?
- Are tents private or shared?
- Which experiences are available? Ans are they included?
- Is heating and AC available?
- Is this a private tour or a group tour?
If you’re looking for a one-day or two-day private tour of the Agafay desert from Marrakech, this Agafay desert tour with Omar is one that I like. I have always recommended him to my clients and friends visiting Morocco.
If you have more time and would like to visit the Sahara desert at Merzouga along with other beautiful stops (AIT BENHADDDOU, Atlas Mountainsetc.), this private Merzouga Tour offers the best experiences in a convenient four-day tour that departs from Marrakech.