Marrakech to Agafay Desert: Camel Ride & Dinner with Campfire

Summary

Agafay’s rocky dunes, sunset camel ride and Berber campfire feast

You’ll leave Marrakech behind for an evening in the Agafay Desert—tasting homemade bread at a Berber women’s cooperative, riding camels at sunset with local guides, then sharing dinner under desert stars with live music around a campfire. Expect laughter, new flavors, and quiet moments you might not forget soon.

What’s the experience like?

We rolled out of Marrakech in late afternoon—still that dry heat clinging to your skin—and I kept watching the city fade in the rearview. Our driver, Youssef, had this easy way of pointing out things on the roadside: olive groves, a shepherd waving (I waved back). First stop was this Argan oil place run by Berber women. The smell inside—nutty, almost sweet—mixed with mint tea steam and fresh bread. I tried to say “shukran” properly; one of the women grinned and corrected me gently. The honey was thick and floral. I could’ve eaten a whole basket but we had to keep moving.

The Agafay Desert isn’t what I pictured—no endless sand, more like pale stone rolling out toward the Atlas Mountains. The camels were waiting with their guides; mine was called Majid and he tied my scarf for me (I’d have made a mess of it). Riding as the sun dropped behind those mountains felt weirdly peaceful—the only sound was camel feet crunching gravel and someone laughing behind me when their camel sneezed. The light went gold, then pinkish. I took about fifty photos but none really caught it.

At camp it got cooler fast. We were handed glasses of sweet mint tea and shown where we’d eat under these lanterns strung up between tents. Dinner was slow—salads first, then tajine bubbling away somewhere behind us—and there was live music from three guys around the fire. At some point they pulled us up to dance; I tried, badly, but nobody cared. There was a smoky smell from the fire mixed with cumin from the food. Honestly, I still think about that sky—so many stars you feel small in a good way.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Evening desert tour with camel ride

• Pickup from accommodation
• Drive through countryside
• Visit Argan oil cooperative
• Enjoy snack with bread and mint tea
• Arrive at Agafay Desert
• Camel ride at sunset
• Relax at desert camp
• Drink Moroccan mint tea
• Dinner under the stars
• Listen to live Berber music
• Return to Marrakech

Top questions

How far is Agafay Desert from Marrakech?

It’s about 45 minutes by car from Marrakech to the Agafay Desert.

Is hotel pickup included for this Agafay Desert dinner & camel ride?

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

What do you eat during the Agafay Desert dinner?

Dinner includes local salads, tajines as main course, dessert, plus Moroccan mint tea.

Are there vegetarian options for dinner?

The reference content doesn’t specify vegetarian options; check directly with your provider.

Do you ride camels at sunset?

Yes, the camel ride across the rocky dunes happens as the sun sets over the Atlas Mountains.

Is there live music at the desert camp?

Yes, you’ll enjoy live Berber music around a campfire during dinner at camp.

Can children join this Agafay Desert tour?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels and infants can use prams or infant seats.

What should I bring for an evening in Agafay Desert?

A light jacket for after sunset is useful; everything else is provided including food and drinks.

What’s included

Your evening includes hotel pickup and drop-off from anywhere in Marrakech in an air-conditioned vehicle, snacks at a Berber-run Argan oil cooperative (with homemade bread and mint tea), a guided camel ride across Agafay’s rocky dunes at sunset, traditional Moroccan dinner under desert stars with salads and tajines plus dessert, live Berber music around a campfire—and you’ll be driven back comfortably at night.