Marrakech Agafay Desert: Camel Ride, Sunset & Dinner Tour

Summary

Desert sunset camel ride from Marrakech with dinner under the stars

You’ll ride camels through Agafay Desert as sunset colors shift over the Atlas Mountains, then share mint tea and a traditional Moroccan dinner beneath lanterns at camp. With hotel pickup and a local guide to lead you through each moment, this evening brings both adventure and real calm—plus flavors you might dream about later.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I was a little nervous about the camel part. They’re taller than you think up close — and when our guide, Youssef, grinned and said “Don’t worry, she’s gentle,” I just had to trust him. The air out in Agafay Desert felt cooler than Marrakech’s city heat, kind of dusty but fresh, and there was this faint smell of mint from someone’s tea at the camp nearby. We climbed onto our camels (mine was named Zina) and started off just as the sun began to drop behind the Atlas Mountains. I didn’t expect how quiet it would be — only the soft plodding of hooves and Youssef humming something that sounded like an old Berber song.

Watching the sky change colors over Agafay Desert is something I still think about. It wasn’t those wild reds you see in travel ads — more like gold fading into blue, soft and slow. There were a few other travelers around but mostly it felt like we had miles to ourselves. When we got to camp, lanterns were already glowing and someone handed me sweet mint tea (I tried saying “shukran” — Youssef laughed at my accent). Dinner came out in big clay dishes: lamb tagine so tender it fell apart with a spoon, warm bread for scooping up everything. The spices hit different out there — maybe because of the cool air or maybe just because I was starving after the ride.

Sometime during dessert (orange slices dusted with cinnamon), everyone went quiet for a minute. You could hear nothing except the wind brushing over tents and far-off laughter from another group. It’s strange how peaceful it felt, being so far from Marrakech’s chaos but only an hour away by car. The drive back was sleepy; I watched city lights flicker on through the window and thought about how small everything looked from out in that desert. Not sure if it was the food or just that kind of silence you don’t get anywhere else.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Desert sunset, camel ride, and dinner

• Pickup from Marrakech hotel
• Drive to Agafay Desert Camp
• Enjoy thrilling wildlife desert drive
• Watch sunset over the desert
• Take camel ride in desert
• Have gourmet 3-course dinner under stars
• Experience traditional Moroccan cuisine
• Return to Marrakech accommodation

Top questions

How long is the Agafay Desert sunset tour from Marrakech?

The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, starting at 18:00 and returning around 22:00.

Is hotel pickup included for this Marrakech desert dinner?

Yes, transport from and back to your Marrakech hotel is included.

What food is served during the Agafay Desert dinner?

A gourmet 3-course Moroccan dinner is served at camp under the stars.

Are camel rides part of this Agafay Desert experience?

Yes, a camel ride through Agafay Desert is included before dinner.

Is this tour suitable for children or families?

Yes, infants can join with prams or strollers; specialized infant seats are available.

What’s included

Your evening includes pickup from your Marrakech hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle, a guided camel ride across Agafay Desert as sunset falls, plus a traditional Moroccan three-course dinner at camp before returning to your accommodation later that night.