Marrakech: Quad tour in Atlas & Agafay with tea break

Summary

Quad biking from Marrakech’s lake to desert, with Berber tea

You’ll ride a quad bike from Marrakech’s Lalla Takerkoust Lake into the Agafay Desert with a local guide, passing Berber villages and eucalyptus groves along country trails. Pause for traditional mint tea in a Berber tent before returning via panoramic views over lake and mountains — moments you’ll remember long after the dust settles.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest, I almost missed the pickup because I was still fumbling with my shoelaces when the van pulled up outside my riad in Marrakech. The driver just grinned and waved me in — no rush, he said, which already made me feel less like a tourist and more like someone who belonged there for a minute. The drive out to Lalla Takerkoust Lake was quiet except for the radio playing something that sounded like old-school Moroccan pop. I kept catching glimpses of snow on the Atlas peaks through the window, which felt weirdly out of place with all that dry earth around us.

After a quick run-through of how not to crash the quad (I appreciated how our guide, Youssef, didn’t sugarcoat it), we set off along these dusty trails that wound past eucalyptus trees and tiny Berber villages. There was this moment when we passed a group of kids kicking a ball — they waved at us like we were astronauts or something. The air smelled sharp and clean, but every so often you’d get this whiff of mint or woodsmoke from somewhere nearby. My hands got kind of numb gripping the handlebars; maybe nerves or just the vibration. Either way, it felt good.

The Agafay Desert isn’t what I pictured — not endless sand dunes but more like rolling pale hills and rocky patches that look silver under the sun. We stopped under this low Berber tent for mint tea (the real stuff, poured high so it foams). Youssef laughed when I tried to say “shukran” properly — apparently my accent is hopeless. Sitting there with sweet tea and dust on my boots, I realized how quiet it gets out here compared to Marrakech’s chaos. It’s almost too much silence at first.

On the way back, we climbed up onto this plateau above Lake Takerkoust. The light was starting to go gold over the water and you could see all the way back toward those snowy mountains. Someone tried to take a group photo but half of us blinked at the wrong time — classic. I still think about that view sometimes when things get noisy back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Quad Biking Adventure in Atlas

• Transfer to Lalla Takerkoust Dam
• Safety briefing and equip quad
• Quad ride through country trails
• Explore Agafay Desert and Valley of the Turtles
• Admire High Atlas peaks and Lake Takerkoust
• Cross eucalyptus forests and Berber villages
• Tea break with traditional mint tea
• End at high plateau with lake views

Top questions

How long does the quad tour from Marrakech last?

The quad excursion lasts approximately 2 hours from start to finish.

Is hotel pickup included for this quad biking activity?

Yes, pickup from your accommodation in Marrakech is included.

What do I need to bring for the quad tour?

All necessary equipment is provided; just wear comfortable clothes suitable for dust and sun.

Do we stop for food or drinks during the tour?

You’ll have a traditional mint tea break in a Berber tent during the ride.

Is this quad biking experience suitable for beginners?

Yes, it’s suitable for all fitness levels and includes safety instructions before starting.

Are there any health restrictions for joining?

This activity isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues.

Where does the quad tour take place?

The route goes from Lalla Takerkoust Lake through country trails into the Agafay Desert near Marrakech.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your accommodation in an air-conditioned vehicle, use of a quad bike with helmet and safety gear (motocross glasses and hair cover), plus a traditional mint tea break served in a Berber tent before heading back toward Marrakech.