Marrakech to Agafay Desert: Camel Ride, Dinner & Campfire Night

Summary

Agafay desert camel ride sunset dinner Berber campfire show

You’ll leave Marrakech behind for an evening in the Agafay Desert — riding camels at sunset, sipping mint tea with locals, tasting real argan oil at a women’s cooperative, and sharing dinner under lanterns as Berber music drifts through campfire smoke. It’s not just sightseeing; you’ll feel part of something quietly memorable.

What’s the experience like?

We were already bouncing along in the minibus out of Marrakech before I realized how quickly the city fades behind you. Our driver, Youssef, kept pointing out tiny villages and olive groves as we got closer to the Agafay Desert — it’s not the Sahara, but honestly, those rolling pale hills feel like another planet. The air changed too; dustier but somehow softer on my skin. There was this quick stop at a women’s argan oil cooperative where Fatima let us try crushing nuts (I’m terrible at it) and then gave us a taste of fresh oil — grassy and nutty at once. Didn’t expect that part to stick with me.

Camels were waiting near a low ridge, all decorated in bright blankets. My camel was called Mouna and she made a weird grumbling noise when I climbed on — I tried not to take it personally. The ride itself was slow and kind of swaying, nothing like horses back home. Our guide, Hassan, joked about “desert ships” while we watched the sun start dipping behind the hills. Mint tea tasted sweet and hot in my hands even as the wind picked up a little. There was this one moment where everything went quiet except for distant laughter from another group — maybe that’s what people mean by peaceful.

By dusk we’d reached this camp set up with lanterns flickering everywhere. Dinner came out in big clay tajines — lamb for some, veggie for me (they asked about allergies right away). Bread still warm from the fire and couscous that actually tasted different than what I’ve had before… more spices? Or maybe just hungrier than usual after the camel ride. Afterward there was music around a bonfire; someone played drums while two guys sang in Berber. I caught myself staring up at the stars longer than I meant to. It felt both new and familiar all at once.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Desert camel ride and dinner experience

• Pickup from Marrakech hotel
• Drive 55 minutes to Agafay Desert
• Visit local argan oil cooperative
• Enjoy camel ride in desert
• Watch sunset over dunes with mint tea
• Dine on Moroccan food at desert camp
• Listen to Berber music around bonfire
• Return to Marrakech hotel

Top questions

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

It takes about 55 minutes by bus from Marrakech to reach the Agafay Desert.

Is hotel pickup included for this Agafay Desert dinner tour?

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

Do they accommodate vegetarian or vegan diets for dinner?

Yes, dietary restrictions such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free can be accommodated if you let them know.

How long is the camel ride in Agafay?

The camel ride lasts about 20 minutes through the desert scenery.

What is included in the Agafay desert experience?

The experience includes transportation from Marrakech, a visit to an argan oil cooperative, mint tea at camp, a 20-minute camel ride, dinner with Moroccan food, and a traditional show with Berber music around a bonfire.

Can I add quad biking to this tour?

You can add 30 minutes of quad biking for an extra €15 per person.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels.

What’s included

Your evening includes pickup and drop-off from your Marrakech hotel, transportation into the Agafay Desert by minibus, a visit to a local argan oil cooperative (with tastings), sweet mint tea at a Berber camp as sunset arrives, a 20-minute camel ride over rolling hills, dinner featuring Moroccan specialties like tajine and couscous (with dietary needs accommodated), plus live Berber music around a campfire before heading back to town late in the evening.