Marrakech: Agafay Desert Camel & Quad Tour with Lunch

Summary

Ride camels & quads in Agafay Desert near Marrakech, meet locals, lunch in Berber village

You’ll swap Marrakech’s rush for Agafay Desert quiet—riding quad bikes and camels with a local guide, sharing sweet mint tea with villagers, and tasting home-cooked tagine or couscous for lunch. Expect laughter (sometimes at yourself), wide desert views, and small moments that stick long after you brush off the last bit of sand.

What’s the experience like?

“You’re holding on too tight!” our guide grinned as I clutched the handlebars of the quad bike. Sand dust kicked up behind us, the sun already warming my sleeves even though it was barely mid-morning outside Marrakech. The city faded fast—one minute we’d been dodging scooters in the medina, then suddenly it was just us and this big open hush. I could smell thyme and something else sharp on the wind. My friend kept shouting over the engine noise, but honestly I was too busy trying not to bounce off.

After we parked the quads (my arms still buzzing), they brought out these gentle camels—one of them kept sniffing my backpack like he expected snacks. Our guide, Youssef, showed me how to say “thank you” in Tamazight. Li laughed when I tried it—definitely butchered it. Riding a camel is slower than you think, almost hypnotic. The desert here isn’t endless sand dunes like in movies; it’s rocky, pale gold, with little villages tucked into folds of land. You see kids waving from doorways and sometimes hear a radio playing something tinny and old.

We stopped at a Berber house for mint tea—sweet enough to make your teeth ache—and sat cross-legged while lunch cooked somewhere out back. Tagine or couscous (I picked tagine) came bubbling hot with bread to scoop it up. There was this moment where everyone went quiet except for spoons scraping bowls and someone’s phone buzzing in another room. It felt weirdly peaceful after all that bouncing around earlier.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Camel and quad biking in desert

• Start at tour office with facilities
• Explore Agafay Desert near Atlas Mountains
• Ride quad bike through desert trails
• Ride camel and enjoy panoramic views
• Have Moroccan tea with local villagers
• Eat traditional tagine or couscous lunch

Top questions

How far is Agafay Desert from Marrakech?

The Agafay Desert is just outside Marrakech, making it an easy half-day trip from the city.

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in your booking.

Can children join the camel & quad biking tour?

Children under 18 can only ride as passengers on the quad bike with a signed release form from a parent.

What do we eat for lunch on this tour?

You’ll have a traditional Moroccan lunch—usually tagine or couscous served at a local Berber house.

Are drinks provided during the tour?

Beverages such as soft drinks and Moroccan tea are included during your day trip.

Is there wifi or somewhere to leave bags?

Yes, wifi and lockers are available at the starting point before you head out into the desert.

What should I wear for camel & quad biking?

Closed-toed shoes and long pants are recommended for comfort and safety during both activities.

Do I need experience to drive a quad bike?

No previous experience is required but you must be at least 16 years old to drive; guides will show you how.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Marrakech, all equipment for both camel riding and quad biking (with helmets), soft drinks plus Moroccan tea with locals along the way, wifi access and lockers at base camp, guidance throughout by friendly locals—and finishes with a traditional tagine or couscous lunch before heading back to town.