Marrakech: Agafay Desert Quad Biking, Camel Ride & Dinner Show

Summary

Agafay’s golden light, quad bikes rumbling, Berber music in the air

You’ll leave Marrakech behind for an evening in the Agafay Desert—riding camels across sand, revving quads over rocky hills, pausing for mint tea with locals. With dinner under a Berber tent and live music as night falls, you’ll carry home more than just dust on your shoes.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the desert to smell like wild thyme. When we left Marrakech behind—just a jumble of horns and mopeds fading—I caught it on the wind before I even saw the camels lined up. Our guide, Youssef, handed me a scarf and tried to show me how to tie it. I think he gave up after my third attempt. The camel was taller than I thought; its fur felt rough and warm under my hand. We swayed out into the open, and honestly, I laughed at myself for feeling nervous. The city felt far away already.

The sun was low when we switched from camels to quad bikes—my hands still smelled faintly of leather reins. The quad’s engine was louder than I expected; you could feel it in your chest. We followed Youssef over pale hills that looked endless in every direction. At one point we stopped by an argan oil women’s cooperative—tiny cups of tea appeared out of nowhere (sweet, almost too sweet), and someone explained how the oil is made by hand. It’s slower than you’d think.

By sunset, everything turned gold and quiet except for our group’s laughter echoing off the rocks. Dinner was under a Berber tent—low tables, soft cushions, steam rising from tagines that smelled of cumin and citrus. There was live music (I still hum that tune sometimes), and later a fire show that made everyone gasp at least once. I kept looking up at the sky because you just don’t see stars like that back home—you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Agafay Desert camel ride and dinner

• Pick up in front of Tazi Hotel
• Receive tour briefing at base camp
• Ride a camel through Agafay Desert
• Quad bike to desert lookout point
• Watch sunset over Agafay Desert
• Enjoy traditional dinner under Berber tent
• Admire starry Moroccan night sky

Top questions

How long is the camel ride in Agafay Desert?

The camel ride lasts around 20 minutes as part of the tour.

Is hotel pickup included from Marrakech?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are included from your hotel or the closest spot to your riad.

What food is served during the Berber dinner?

A traditional Moroccan dinner is served under a Berber tent with local dishes like tagine.

How long do you spend quad biking?

You’ll have about 40 minutes of quad biking in the desert (two people per quad).

Are there any cultural performances included?

Yes, there are live music performances and a fire show during dinner.

Is this Agafay Desert day trip suitable for kids?

Specialized infant seats are available but check restrictions for young children or those with health issues.

Do you visit an argan oil cooperative on this tour?

Yes, there’s a stop at an Argan Oil Women’s Cooperative included in the itinerary.

What’s included

Your evening includes pickup and drop-off from your Marrakech hotel or nearby riad spot, a guided camel ride through Agafay Desert, about 40 minutes of quad biking (shared), a stop at an argan oil women’s cooperative with tea tasting, traditional Moroccan dinner under a Berber tent with live music and fire show—all wrapped up before heading back to town.