Marrakech, Atlas Mountains & Agafay Desert: Day Trip with Camel Ride

Summary

Atlas valleys, Berber villages, rocky Agafay desert & camels

You’ll start your day leaving Marrakech behind for mountain air in Imlil Valley, sharing mint tea with locals before hiking past waterfalls and barley fields. Lunch is homemade with a Berber family, then you cross Kik Plateau into Agafay Desert for a camel ride as sunset colors shift around you—a day full of small moments that linger long after.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit it: I was nervous about the camel ride. We’d just rolled out of Marrakech after a minty breakfast tea, and I kept glancing at the van’s window—first palm trees, then those jagged Atlas Mountains coming into focus. Our driver Youssef joked that the camels have names like “Michael Jackson” and “Bob Marley.” Maybe he was serious? Anyway, that broke the ice. The road to Imlil felt longer than it looked on the map (I think it’s just over an hour), but watching the city fade behind us felt oddly calming.

In Imlil village we met our guide, Hassan. He poured us more mint tea (I’m starting to think it’s the real national drink), and explained how we could pick a short or longer trek. We went for about an hour—past waterfalls and tiny hamlets where kids waved from stone doorways. The air smelled like wet earth and walnuts; at one point Hassan stopped to show us barley terraces tucked between cherry trees. He tried teaching me a Berber greeting—I butchered it so badly he just laughed and patted my shoulder.

Lunch was in a Berber family’s home in Ait Souka—flatbread still warm from the fire, tagine full of soft vegetables and chicken. There was this moment when everyone fell quiet except for the clink of spoons. You know how sometimes you feel like you’re intruding? It wasn’t like that at all—the family’s little boy even tried to teach me to say “thank you” in Tamazight. Afterward, we drove through Kik Plateau where sheep wandered across the road without any hurry (honestly wish I had their patience).

The last part took us into Agafay Desert—not sand dunes but this rocky gold plateau with scattered mud villages and dry riverbeds. The light gets softer there in late afternoon; everything turns sort of pale orange. Our camel ride was awkward at first (they really do sway) but after a while it felt almost meditative. We ended up sipping tea again as the sun dropped behind the Atlas peaks—Hassan said springtime brings wildflowers but even now it felt peaceful in its own way.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Atlas Mountains and Agafay Desert Tour

• Meet driver at accommodation 8:30am
• Travel through Asni and visit Berber Souk
• Arrive in Imlil, drink mint tea, meet guide
• Choose 1-2 hour local tour in Imlil Valley
• Pass waterfalls and hamlets Ait Mizan, Targa, Imoula
• Stop in Tamatert, view terraced fields and trees
• Learn about Berber culture from guide
• Travel through Ait Souka village
• Enjoy traditional Moroccan meal with Berber family
• Drive through Kik Plateau, see diverse landscapes
• Visit Agafay desert, sample tea with locals
• Watch sunset over Atlas Mountains
• Return to Marrakech, arrive around 6pm

Top questions

How long is the Marrakech day trip to Atlas Mountains & Agafay Desert?

The tour lasts approximately 9–10 hours, starting at 8:30am and returning by around 6pm.

Is hotel pickup included for this Marrakech day trip?

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

Do you visit Berber villages during this tour?

Yes, you’ll visit several Berber villages including Imlil and Ait Souka.

Is lunch included on this Atlas Mountains & Agafay Desert tour?

Yes, a traditional Moroccan lunch is served in a local Berber family home.

Are camel rides part of this Marrakech day trip?

Yes, a camel ride in Agafay Desert is included.

What kind of vehicle is used for transport?

An air-conditioned van or similar vehicle is provided for comfort during transfers.

Can infants join this Atlas Mountains tour?

Specialized infant seats are available upon request; service animals are allowed too.

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility or health issues?

This tour isn’t recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Marrakech, all transportation by air-conditioned vehicle, guidance from a local mountain expert throughout the trek, coffee or traditional mint tea stops (including one with locals), a homemade Moroccan lunch with a Berber family, your camel ride in Agafay Desert, plus all local taxes before returning to Marrakech by evening.