Atlas Mountains & Agafay Desert Day Trip with Camel Ride

Summary

Berber Village Walks, Waterfalls & Camel Rides Near Marrakech

You’ll walk through real Berber villages, share tea with locals, eat home-cooked Moroccan food, and ride camels across the Agafay desert—all in one day from Marrakech. It’s a mix of mountain air, village life, and wide-open landscapes you won’t forget.

What’s the experience like?

The morning air in Marrakech always feels a bit cool before the sun really gets going. We met our guide just outside the medina around 8:30 am—he waved us over by the little café where locals sip mint tea. Our van rolled out of the city, past olive groves and roadside stalls selling oranges. The Atlas Mountains started to show up on the horizon, hazy at first, then sharp and blue as we got closer.

We stopped for a quick photo at Azrou village. It’s tiny, but our guide said it’s the oldest Berber village around here. There’s this old stone archway, and you can hear chickens clucking somewhere behind the houses. Asni valley was next—if you’re lucky, you’ll catch the weekly market in full swing, with folks selling everything from spices to secondhand shoes. The air smells like dust and cumin.

Imlil sits right in the heart of the High Atlas. We laced up our shoes for a walk through narrow lanes—kids darted past us, and an old man nodded from his doorstep. There’s a waterfall just outside the village. It’s not huge, but the sound of water on rock is kind of soothing after the drive. Lunch was in a family-run place: tagine bubbling away, flatbread still warm. I tried the olives—salty, sharp, nothing like the ones back home.

After lunch, we drove across the Kik plateau. The houses here look almost camouflaged, built from earth and stone, blending into the hills. We stopped at a Berber family’s home for tea. The mint was strong, and the sugar—well, let’s just say they don’t hold back. Our host showed us how they bake bread in a clay oven out back.

The last stretch took us into the Agafay desert. It’s not sand like you might expect—more rocky, with wide open views and a breeze that kicks up little clouds of dust. The camels were waiting, all decked out in colorful blankets. Climbing on is trickier than it looks, but once you’re up there, it’s oddly peaceful. We rode out as the sun started to dip, golden light everywhere. Back in Marrakech by 5 pm, dusty and happy.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Atlas Mountains and Agafay Desert

• Meet guide in Marrakesh and start trip
• Visit weekly market to experience Berber culture
• Explore High Atlas Mountains and valleys
• Photo stop at Morocco's highest peak
• Camel ride in Stone Desert and Lake Takerkoust

Top questions

Is this day trip suitable for kids or older travelers?

Yes, it’s suitable for all ages. The walks aren’t too tough, and there are options for strollers or infant seats if you need them.

Do I need to bring my own lunch or snacks?

No need—lunch is included and there’s bottled water provided. You might want to bring a small snack if you get hungry between stops.

What should I wear for the Atlas Mountains and Agafay desert tour?

Wear comfy shoes for walking, layers for changing weather, and don’t forget sunglasses—it gets bright out in the desert.

Will we visit a local market during the trip?

If your trip falls on a market day in Asni, you’ll get to see it—lots of locals shopping and selling goods. It’s a real slice of village life.

How long is the camel ride in the Agafay desert?

The camel ride usually lasts about 30-45 minutes—enough time to get a feel for it without getting sore!

What’s included

Your guide will be with you all day. Air-conditioned transport keeps things comfortable. Bottled water is always handy. Lunch is traditional Moroccan food—usually tagine or couscous—and you’ll share mint tea with a Berber family. Camel rides in the Agafay desert are part of the adventure too.