Marrakech: Agafay Desert camel ride & dinner with pickup

Summary

Sunset camel ride, Berber tea, and dinner under Agafay’s stars

You’ll ride camels through Agafay’s rocky desert near Marrakech, sip mint tea at a Berber camp, watch sunset colors over distant mountains, and share traditional Moroccan dinner with music by firelight. With hotel pickup included and local guides leading the way, this is an evening you’ll remember long after you’ve left Morocco behind.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I was a little nervous about climbing onto a camel outside Marrakech — they’re taller than you think, and mine kept turning to look at me like we were about to have a conversation. Our guide, Youssef, just grinned and handed me a blue scarf to wrap around my head (“Saharian style,” he said). The desert air felt dry but not harsh, and the light was already starting to shift gold as we set off into the Agafay Desert. It’s not all sand here — more rocky hills and scrubby plants — but somehow it felt even more ancient that way.

The camel ride itself was only about 20 minutes, but it was enough for my legs to feel wobbly when I slid off. We were greeted with fresh mint tea at camp (I swear nothing tastes as sweet as that first sip after dusty air), and then had some time to wander up one of the nearby hills. I didn’t expect how quiet it would be up there. Just wind, distant voices from camp, and this slow-changing sky — pinks melting into deep blue over the Atlas Mountains. I tried to take a photo but honestly, it didn’t do it justice.

Dinner came after sunset: chicken tajine with vegetables (they made a veggie version too), served under open sky while Berber musicians played by the fire. There was laughter from another table when someone tried drumming along — not sure if it was the rhythm or the wine talking. The food was simple but real; you could taste the spices clinging to your fingers. On the drive back to Marrakech I kept thinking about that moment on the hilltop, how small everything felt for a second in all that space.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Agafay Desert Adventure

• Drive through Agafay desert and Atlas views
• Camel ride and sunset hill climb
• Dinner with music around bonfire

Top questions

How long is the camel ride in Agafay Desert?

The camel ride lasts about 15–20 minutes once you arrive at camp.

Is dinner included on this Agafay Desert tour?

Yes, a traditional Moroccan dinner (tajine with chicken or vegetarian option) is included.

Does this tour include hotel pickup from Marrakech?

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

What kind of music is played during dinner?

You’ll hear traditional Berber music performed live around the campfire during dinner.

Is there vegetarian food available for dinner?

Yes, vegetarian options are available upon request for dinner at camp.

Can infants or small children join this tour?

Yes, infants can join; prams or strollers are allowed and infant seats are available.

How far is Agafay Desert from Marrakech city center?

The drive takes about 30 minutes from central Marrakech to reach the desert camp.

Is this tour suitable for people with limited fitness?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels; activities are gentle and relaxed.

What’s included

Your experience includes hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned vehicle with a professional driver, bottled water throughout the trip, a short camel ride dressed in Saharian outfit, fresh mint tea at the Berber camp, traditional Moroccan dinner (with both chicken tajine and vegetarian options), live Berber music around a bonfire, plus time to enjoy sunset views before returning to Marrakech in the evening.