Marrakech: Agafay Desert Sunset Camel Ride & Dinner Show

Summary

Agafay’s golden light, camels at dusk and Berber rhythms by fire

You’ll leave Marrakech behind for an evening in the Agafay Desert: camel ride at sunset, tea with locals, dinner under canvas with couscous and tagine, then Berber music by firelight. The quiet out there is different — you might find yourself thinking about it long after you’re back in town.

What’s the experience like?

“You look like a natural,” our guide Youssef grinned as I clumsily swung onto the camel outside Marrakech. I definitely didn’t — my scarf kept slipping over my eyes and the camel (her name was Laila) snorted every time I tried to get comfortable. The city noise faded fast behind us; out here in the Agafay Desert, it’s mostly wind, a bit of laughter, and that dry-earth smell you only get after a hot day. There were a few other travelers but it never felt crowded. Just us, some distant goats, and those soft hills rolling off into the haze.

We stopped near a camp as the sun started dipping — not orange exactly, more like honey melting over everything. Someone passed around mint tea (the real stuff, sweet enough to make your teeth ache), and we nibbled on little almond cookies while Youssef pointed out how the light changes on the stones at this hour. He told us about his family growing up nearby — apparently his grandmother still makes argan oil by hand, which sounds like magic to me. The air cooled so quickly once the sun dropped; I was glad for my jacket.

Dinner was under this big tent with rugs thrown everywhere — not fancy but somehow just right. We ate couscous and these slow-cooked casseroles (I think they called them tagines), tearing bread with our hands while Berber musicians played nearby. There was a fire show later that got everyone cheering; I’m not usually into performances but something about watching sparks fly up against that black desert sky… well, it sticks with you longer than you’d expect. On the drive back to Marrakech I kept finding sand in my shoes and thinking about how quiet it had been out there compared to the city — in a good way.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Agafay Desert camel ride and dinner show

• Travel 45 minutes from Marrakech
• Pass through Berber villages
• Visit local clay factory
• Enjoy traditional cup of tea
• Take 20-minute camel ride
• Watch sunset with Moroccan sweets
• Eat dinner with salads and couscous
• Watch Berber music and fire show
• Return to Marrakech

Top questions

How long does it take to reach Agafay Desert from Marrakech?

The drive from Marrakech to Agafay Desert takes about 45 minutes by bus.

Is dinner included in this Agafay Desert tour?

Yes, dinner is included along with salads, casseroles (tagines), bread and couscous.

Are camel rides part of this Marrakech desert experience?

Yes, there’s a 20-minute camel ride included in the tour.

Do they provide hotel pickup for this sunset tour?

The tour includes pickup from Marrakech by air-conditioned vehicle.

Is there live music or entertainment during dinner?

Yes, after dinner there’s Berber music around a campfire plus a fire show performance.

Are infants or small children allowed on this trip?

Infants can join; prams or strollers are allowed and specialized infant seats are available.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels according to the information provided.

Are drinks provided during the tour?

Coffee or tea and water are included during your time at camp.

What’s included

Your evening includes pickup from Marrakech in an air-conditioned vehicle, a 20-minute camel ride through Agafay Desert hills, traditional Moroccan dinner under canvas with couscous and tagine, coffee or tea plus water throughout, live Berber music around a campfire with a fire show performance before heading back to town.