Marrakech to Agafay: Paragliding, Camel Ride & Local Tea Day

Summary

Paraglide above atlas mountains then ride camels in agafay desert

You’ll start with pickup in Marrakech before heading out for argan oil tasting at a women’s cooperative near Lalla Takerkoust Lake. Fly tandem by paraglider above Atlas villages with your local guide, sip Berber tea on a terrace, then finish with a slow camel ride dressed as a nomad through Agafay’s rocky desert. Expect moments you’ll replay long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect my heart to pound before we even left Marrakech — maybe it was the way our driver grinned and said, “Today is for flying.” The road out to Lalla Takerkoust Lake was quieter than I thought it’d be, just the hum of the van and that faint scent of dust and mint from someone’s breakfast. We stopped at this women’s cooperative for argan oil; I tried the nutty paste on bread (honestly, better than I guessed) while one of the ladies showed us how they grind it by hand. She laughed when I asked if her arms ever get tired — she just shrugged and kept working.

The lake itself looked almost unreal, like someone had painted it into the brown hills. Our guide, Youssef, handed us tiny glasses of sweet tea on a Berber terrace overlooking the water. He told us stories about his childhood here — apparently he used to swim across that lake as a dare. The main thing though? Paragliding over those villages. My pilot (Abdel, who barely blinked at my nerves) clipped me in and suddenly we were running off a hilltop. The air felt cold and thin against my cheeks, but all I could hear was wind and Abdel quietly pointing out rooftops below. I still think about that view — tiny green patches between rocks, smoke curling up from somewhere lunch was cooking.

Back on solid ground, we watched our own shaky videos over more tea (I look ridiculous in slow motion). Then came the camel ride — they wrapped me in a blue scarf like a proper nomad, though mine kept slipping down over my eyes. The camels moved slower than I expected; their footsteps made this soft crunching sound in the sand that sort of matched my heartbeat finally slowing down. There was this moment where everything went quiet except for some distant laughter and the creak of leather straps.

By the time we headed back to Marrakech, my shoes were full of sand and my phone full of photos I’m still not sure do any of it justice. It’s weird how you can feel both exhausted and kind of lighter after a day like that.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Paragliding and camel tour in Agafay

• Welcome at Riad or hotel
• Travel to Lala Takerkoust lake
• Visit women's argan oil cooperative
• Photo break by the lake
• Enjoy tea at Berber terrace
• Paragliding flight with pilot
• Take aerial photos and videos
• Return to terrace to share memories
• Camel ride dressed as nomads
• Return to Marrakech

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Marrakech paragliding tour?

Yes, pickup from your Riad or hotel in Marrakech is included.

How long does the day trip from Marrakech to Agafay last?

The experience lasts most of the day, including travel time from Marrakech to Agafay and back.

Do I need experience to paraglide over the Atlas Mountains?

No prior experience is needed; you fly tandem with a certified pilot.

Is there an age limit for children on this tour?

Children as young as 5 can join if accompanied by an adult.

Are food or drinks provided during the tour?

You’ll have Berber tea at a terrace stop; snacks may be available at the argan cooperative.

What else is included besides paragliding?

The tour includes camel riding in Agafay desert, HD video/photos of your flight, air-conditioned transport, and tea breaks.

Are there any health restrictions for paragliding?

The tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers but is suitable for most fitness levels.

Will there be opportunities to take photos or videos?

Yes—HD video and photos are included during your paragliding flight.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your hotel or riad in Marrakech with air-conditioned transport out to Lalla Takerkoust Lake. You’ll visit an argan oil women’s cooperative before sipping Berber tea on a lakeside terrace. Tandem paragliding over Atlas villages comes with HD video and photos taken by your pilot. Afterward you’ll enjoy a camel ride dressed as a nomad through Agafay desert before returning to Marrakech in comfort.