Agafay – Officially, Agafay is a village south of Marrakech, one of Morocco’s southern cities. It is also the name of the rocky, clay-soil desert where the first foothills of the Atlas Mountains can be seen. Stretching across Morocco, the mountain range supplies the water that sustains Marrakech itself.
Agafay is not the kind of desert often seen in movies, with endless sand dunes stretching for miles. About 30 kilometers from Marrakech, it flanks a winding road lined with small properties owned by residents and entrepreneurs whose livelihoods depend on desert tourism. The landscape invites visitors to imagine what life was like before cities emerged in the region.
Visitors can ride camels across the Agafay plains for about USD 30 for a 40-minute tour. When they are not carrying tourists, the animals spend their time grazing on hay at the small local properties. Another popular activity is a quad bike tour, ideal for those seeking a bit of adventure over the desert’s rolling hills. Prices start at around EUR 45 per person, or EUR 35 each for two people sharing a vehicle, also for about 40 minutes. Rates and tour options may vary. A more complete experience, including a camel ride and dinner in a desert tent, can cost more than USD 60 per person.
Agafay, however, offers an experience that is beyond price: the chance, however brief, to immerse yourself in the simplicity of desert life. And the sunset—even on a partly cloudy day—is unforgettable. Yes, the desert does get cloudy. Earlier this year, Agafay even saw rainfall, bringing water and a burst of vegetation that had not appeared there in a long time.
The desert experience becomes even more memorable if visitors spend the night—or at least enjoy dinner—in one of the tents, chalets, hotels, or cabins scattered across Agafay’s low hills. Most of the area’s boutique resorts offer swimming pools, sun loungers, and traditionally styled accommodations. They provide the perfect retreat for anyone seeking peace, quiet, and a chance to unwind amid the desert’s rocky landscape.
If an overnight stay is not possible, spending a few hours at one of these resorts to watch the sunset is well worth it. The sun sinks slowly below the horizon, and on clear nights the moon shines brightly, regardless of its phase. Traditional Gnawa music performances begin gently and gradually build in rhythm as guests settle into dinner, which typically features regional specialties such as beef tajine with potatoes seasoned with aromatic spices.
A trip to Agafay is an excellent way to experience the culture of the desert without long journeys or demanding adventures—and to enjoy a sunset that only nature, in all its tranquility, can provide.
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Trip made at the invitation of Braztoa and the ONMT, with travel insurance provided by GTA
Translated by Guilherme Miranda
