Marrakech to Agafay Desert: Sunset Camel Ride & Dinner Under Stars

Summary

Agafay’s golden hour, camels at dusk and dinner by firelight

You’ll leave Marrakech behind for Agafay’s wide open spaces, sipping mint tea with locals before riding camels into sunset light. Afterward, share music and laughter around a campfire as dinner is served beneath desert stars. If you’re looking for something quietly magical — not flashy — this is one of those evenings you’ll remember long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

"You ever ridden a camel before?" our driver grinned as we left Marrakech behind, the city slowly dissolving into rocky hills and open sky. The drive out to Agafay Desert only took about forty minutes, but it felt like we’d crossed into a different world — the kind where the air smells dry and sweet all at once, and even the wind sounds softer. I kept rolling down my window just to catch more of that dusty scent. Our guide, Youssef, pointed out tiny villages tucked between stones and olive trees; he waved at a shepherd who actually waved back.

Mint tea was waiting for us when we arrived — hot, sugary, poured high so it frothed in the glass. I tried to say thank you in Arabic (no idea if I got it right), and one of the camp hosts just laughed and handed me another cookie. The camels were already saddled up; their eyelashes looked impossibly long in the low light. My camel was called Sahara. She seemed unimpressed by my nervous patting but plodded along anyway as we set off into those soft gold hills. The sun started dipping fast — everything went that kind of orange-pink you only see on postcards or Instagram filters, except this was real. I kept thinking I should take photos but then forgot because it was just... quiet out there.

Afterwards there was music — drums and singing around a fire that crackled louder than anyone talked. Dinner tasted smoky and warm; I think there was lamb tagine but honestly I didn’t ask too many questions because my hands were busy tearing bread apart. Someone tried to teach me a Berber song (I definitely butchered it), but nobody seemed to mind. There’s something about eating outside with strangers who feel like friends for an evening — maybe it’s just the desert air or maybe it’s the mint tea talking.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Desert camel ride and dinner experience

• Pickup from Marrakech accommodation
• Drive 40 minutes to Agafay Desert
• Enjoy views of villages and mountains
• Welcome with Moroccan mint tea
• 30–45 minute camel ride in dunes
• Watch sunset and take photos

Top questions

How far is Agafay Desert from Marrakech?

It’s about a 40-minute drive from Marrakech to Agafay Desert.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

Yes, pickup and drop-off from your accommodation in Marrakech are included.

How long is the camel ride in Agafay Desert?

The camel ride lasts approximately 30–45 minutes through the dunes.

Is dinner provided during this experience?

Yes, dinner is served at camp after sunset along with live music by the fire.

Are infants or small children allowed on this tour?

Yes, infants can ride in a pram or stroller; specialized infant seats are available.

Do guides speak English or other languages?

The local guide speaks English as well as other languages common to visitors.

What should I wear for the Agafay Desert tour?

Wear comfortable clothes suitable for mild desert weather; bring a jacket for cooler evenings.

What’s included

Your day includes air-conditioned transport with pickup and drop-off from your Marrakech accommodation, a welcome glass of Moroccan mint tea with Berber hospitality on arrival, a guided sunset camel ride across Agafay’s dunes, live music and a fireside show at camp, dinner under the stars, plus breakfast if staying overnight—everything taken care of so you can just enjoy each moment.