Marrakech: Desert Buggy Tour, Berber Tea & Hotel Pickup

Summary

Ride Marrakech’s Agafay dunes meet Berber tea and local stories

You’ll swap Marrakech’s city buzz for Agafay’s raw desert trails by buggy, pause for mint tea with a Berber family in their village home, and catch glimpses of camels and distant Atlas peaks along the way. Expect laughter, honest hospitality, and a little dust in your shoes—it’s an experience you’ll feel long after you’re back in town.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the crunch of gravel under my boots—kind of sharp, actually—when we stepped out near the palm groves outside Marrakech. It was early but already warm, and the air had that dry, dusty smell you only get in the desert. Our guide, Youssef, handed us helmets with a grin (“You’ll need this!”), then ran through safety stuff in French and English. I tried to look cool but pretty much fumbled with the gloves. The buggies looked tougher than I expected—mine even had a dent on the side (apparently from someone braver than me last week).

Once we started up, the sound was wild—like being inside a giant hairdryer mixed with rocks pinging off metal. The Agafay Desert isn’t what I pictured: not endless sand, but rolling hills that almost look soft from far away. There were camels off to one side, chewing lazily under some skinny palms. Youssef led us along tracks that twisted between dry riverbeds and these weird volcanic stones—he kept waving us to slow down at bends (“Pas trop vite!”). At one point I caught sight of snow on the Atlas Mountains way out in the distance—felt surreal with all that heat around us.

After about an hour or so (I lost track), we pulled up at a small Berber village. A woman in bright blue brought out mint tea and these crumbly biscuits—I still think about that taste sometimes, sweet and sharp at once. We sat on low cushions while her little boy peeked around the doorframe at us and giggled when my friend tried to say thank you in Arabic (she gave up after three tries). The house smelled faintly of wood smoke and something floral; maybe rosewater? It was just…quiet there for a bit, which felt good after all that engine noise.

The ride back felt faster somehow—maybe because I finally relaxed my grip on the wheel (my hands were sore for hours). By the time we got back to Marrakech, my shoes were full of sand and my face hurt from grinning so much. If you’re looking for a day trip from Marrakech that’s more grit than gloss—with real people and actual dust—this buggy tour is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Desert buggy tour and Berber tea

• Arrive at Agafay Desert oasis
• Meet welcoming team and see camels
• Prepare for buggy ride experience
• Ride buggies through Agafay Desert hills
• Enjoy views of Atlas Mountains
• Visit traditional Berber village
• Drink hot Moroccan tea with locals

Top questions

How long does the Marrakech desert buggy tour last?

The total duration is about 4 hours including transfers; actual buggy driving is around 2 hours.

Is hotel pickup included for this buggy tour?

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

What should I wear for the Agafay Desert buggy tour?

Closed-toed shoes and long pants are recommended; bring a jacket if it’s winter.

Can children join this Marrakech buggy tour?

Yes, children as young as 5 can ride as passengers with an adult; drivers must be at least 18.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

No full lunch is included but you’ll have Moroccan tea and snacks at a Berber village stop.

Are there single-seater buggies available?

No, each buggy seats two people; solo travelers will be paired or can pay extra for private use if available.

Do I need prior experience to drive a buggy?

No previous experience needed; guides provide a safety briefing before starting out.

What kind of buggies are used on this tour?

You’ll drive Can-Am 700 or CF 1000 models depending on availability.

What’s included

Your half-day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Marrakech, use of a two-person buggy with helmet, gloves and goggles provided by your guide after a quick safety briefing. Along the way you’ll pause at a Berber village for fresh Moroccan tea and snacks before heading back toward town—all water is included too.