Atlas Mountains & Agafay Desert Day Trip with Camel Ride

Summary

Morocco Day Tour: Atlas Mountains, Agafay Desert & Berber Villages

You’ll wander mountain villages, share tea with locals, ride camels across Agafay’s rocky desert, and taste home-cooked Berber food—all in one unforgettable day from Marrakech.

What’s the experience like?

The morning air in Marrakech felt cool as we hopped into the van—our guide was already waiting out front, grinning and waving us over. By 9am, we were weaving south through the city’s edge, watching the pink buildings fade behind us. The road opened up to olive groves and fields dotted with sheep. You could smell fresh earth after last night’s rain. Our driver pointed out tiny roadside stalls selling oranges—he said they’re sweetest in spring.

About half an hour later, we pulled off near a quiet patch of desert. There were camels waiting, their handlers chatting softly in Darija. I’d never ridden one before—turns out they’re taller than you think! The camel ride lasted just over half an hour; it’s not fast, but you get this slow, swaying view of the Agafay landscape. The Atlas Mountains loomed blue on the horizon. I kept catching whiffs of wild thyme as we went along.

We carried on toward Imlil village at the foot of the High Atlas. The scenery changed—suddenly there were walnut trees and little streams running alongside the road. In Imlil, our guide led us through narrow lanes where kids played soccer with a taped-up ball. We stopped for mint tea with a Berber family; their terrace overlooked Lake Lalla Takerkoust shimmering in the sun. Lunch came next—a tagine cooked slow over coals, served with bread still warm from the oven.

The afternoon took us across Kik Plateau and down to Amizmiz—a bigger town where locals gather for market day (the souk). If you’re lucky enough to visit on a Tuesday, you’ll see farmers bargaining over piles of dates or chickens in woven baskets. After another tea break (Moroccan hospitality is real), we bumped along an off-road track to Imi n Tala spring—hidden deep in a valley lined with stone houses. We stretched our legs in Tnirt village; it’s quiet except for roosters crowing somewhere nearby.

The last stretch crossed Ouled Mtaa—a place mostly settled by nomadic families from further south—and finally back through rocky Agafay Desert. Sunlight turned everything gold as we stopped for photos one last time before heading back to Marrakech around 5pm. My shoes were dusty but my head was full of new sights and sounds.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Agafay Desert and Atlas Mountains Tour

• Pickup from Marrakech hotel and depart to Agafay Desert
• Camel ride experience in Agafay Desert
• Travel through High Atlas Mountains, visit Imlil, Kik Plateau, Amizmiz, tea break, offroad to Imi n Tala, walk in Tnirt village, lunch in Berber house
• Descend to Haouz plain, offroad crossing Ouled Mtaa village, explore villages, cross Agafay Desert, return to Marrakech

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for children or older travelers?

The tour is fine for most ages and fitness levels, but camel rides and some walking are involved. Specialized infant seats are available if needed.

What should I wear or bring?

Comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes are best—layers help since mornings can be chilly but afternoons get warm. Sunscreen and a hat are handy too.

Are meals included? Is there vegetarian food?

Yes, lunch is included at a local house—just let your guide know about any dietary needs ahead of time so they can arrange vegetarian options.

How long does the whole trip take?

The tour usually runs from 9am pick-up until about 5pm drop-off back in Marrakech.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pick-up and drop-off in Marrakech, bottled water for the journey, a guided camel ride (about 30 minutes), traditional Moroccan lunch at a local home, fresh tea with a Berber family, all transport by air-conditioned vehicle, plus your friendly guide throughout.