Marrakech: Agafay Desert & Atlas Mountains day trip + camel ride

Summary

Walk Berber trails, share lunch, and ride camels near Marrakech

You’ll walk quiet Berber trails in the Atlas Mountains with a local guide, share lunch in a real village home, then cross into Agafay Desert for a gentle camel ride as sunlight shifts over the dunes. This day trip from Marrakech is full of small moments and honest connections you’ll remember long after you’ve left Morocco.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I didn’t expect to feel so welcome in the Atlas Mountains. We left Marrakech just after breakfast, and by the time we reached Tahnaout, the air already smelled different — drier, with a hint of woodsmoke. Our guide Youssef waved at nearly everyone we passed. He stopped us at a women’s cooperative where they pressed argan oil by hand. I tried to say “thank you” in Tamazight; the women laughed gently and corrected me. It felt good to stumble through it together.

The walk through the Berber village was slower than I thought it’d be (in a good way). Youssef pointed out wildflowers growing between stones and explained how each house was built for coolness in summer. At one point, a kid ran up to show us his pet tortoise — not something you see every day on a day trip from Marrakech to the Atlas Mountains. Lunch was at someone’s home: bread still warm from the fire, tagine with preserved lemons, mint tea poured high into little glasses. I’m not sure if it was the food or just sitting there with everyone that made it feel so real.

After lunch we wandered past irrigation canals and tiny fields before heading back to the car. The drive out toward Agafay Desert felt like changing worlds again — suddenly all golds and pale blues, wind picking up dust along the Kik plateau. The camel ride itself? Honestly, I was nervous at first (they’re taller than you think), but once we got moving it was oddly peaceful. The light kept shifting over the dunes as we rode; I still think about that view sometimes when things get noisy back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Agafay Desert and Atlas Mountains Tour

• Depart Marrakech accommodation
• Visit Berber women's cooperative in Tahnaout
• Explore traditional Berber Souk in Asni (Saturday only)
• Walk or mule ride in Atlas Mountains villages
• Lunch at Berber home
• Explore village and local water sources
• Drive to Agafay Desert via Kik plateau
• Camel ride or walk on dunes to see sunshine
• Return to Marrakech accommodation

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Marrakech to Agafay Desert & Atlas Mountains?

The tour lasts a full day, starting around 9:00 AM with return in the evening.

Is lunch included on this Atlas Mountains tour?

Yes, lunch is included at a Berber family home in one of the villages.

Do I need to walk or can I use a mule during the village visit?

You can walk or request a mule if needed for part of the route in the mountains.

Are hotel pickups included for this day trip?

Yes, pickup from your accommodation in Marrakech is included.

Is there an English-speaking guide on this tour?

Yes, your local guide speaks English and will accompany you throughout.

Can infants or children join this tour?

Yes, infants and small children are welcome; prams or specialized seats are available.

What’s special about visiting Berber villages on this tour?

You visit real homes, meet locals, and experience daily life firsthand with your guide’s help.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Marrakech, transport by air-conditioned vehicle, an English-speaking local guide throughout, lunch served at a Berber family home in the Atlas Mountains, plus time for walking or riding by mule if needed before heading out for your camel ride across Agafay Desert dunes before returning in the evening.