Marrakech to Atlas Mountains: Agafay Desert, Camel Ride & Berber Lunch

Summary

From Marrakech to the Atlas, camels in Agafay and Berber tea breaks

You’ll swap city chaos for mountain air as you ride camels in Agafay Desert, sip tea with a Berber family in their home, taste fresh bread after hiking up to waterfalls near Imlil Valley, and see local life unfold along winding roads. It’s a day full of small surprises — some you’ll laugh about later.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I didn’t expect the air outside Marrakech to feel so different — cooler, sort of dusty-sweet, even before we hit the Agafay Desert. Our driver Khalid had this habit of humming along to old songs on the radio, which made the early start less painful. The camels were waiting just past a patch of thorny bushes (I was nervous about stepping on something sharp). It’s not every day you find yourself bouncing along on a camel with the city shrinking behind you and that weird mix of dry wind and mint tea in your nose.

After that, we wound up into the Atlas Mountains. The road twisted through villages where kids waved at us — honestly, I felt awkward waving back with my camera out. Our guide, Youssef, grew up nearby and kept pointing out walnut trees and explaining how each valley (Imlil, Asni, Amizmiz) has its own rhythm. He stopped us at an argan oil cooperative run by women; I tried grinding nuts but mostly just made a mess. Li laughed when I tried to say “shukran” properly — probably butchered it.

The walk up to the waterfall was longer than I thought (bring good shoes), but worth it for that moment when you hear nothing but water and distant sheep bells. Lunch was in a Berber home — bread still warm from the fire, tagine bubbling away. The family’s little boy kept peeking around the doorframe at us like we were aliens or something. Looking out over those peaks (Toubkal somewhere behind clouds), I felt both tiny and oddly at home. We got back to Marrakech by late afternoon — tired legs, dusty shoes, and this feeling like I’d been let in on some small secret about Morocco.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Desert, Mountains, Berber Villages Tour

• Meet at accommodation or Cafe de France
• Travel to Agafay Desert
• Visit Atlas Mountains and valleys
• Walk and visit seven Berber villages
• Have tea with Berber family
• Ride camels in the desert
• Visit Argan women's cooperative
• Walk to Atlas waterfalls
• Lunch in Berber home with mountain views
• Walk back through walnut tree valley
• Stop at Naqab waterfall
• Return to Imlil and meet driver
• Drive back to Marrakech accommodation

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Marrakech day trip?

Yes, pickup from your accommodation in Marrakech is included.

How long does the Marrakech to Atlas Mountains tour last?

The tour starts around 9:00 AM and returns by about 5:00 PM.

Do you visit Berber villages during this trip?

Yes, you'll walk through several Berber villages and have tea with a local family.

Is lunch included on this Atlas Mountains day trip?

Lunch is offered at a Berber home for an extra 6 Euro (optional).

Are camel rides part of the Marrakech Agafay Desert tour?

Yes, a camel ride in Agafay Desert is included.

Can children join this day trip from Marrakech?

The tour is suitable for all ages; infants can sit on an adult’s lap or use a stroller.

Is there much walking involved on this tour?

You’ll walk up to waterfalls; alternative transport via mule is possible if needed.

What valleys are visited during this Atlas Mountains excursion?

The tour passes through Imlil Valley, Asni Valley, Amizmiz Valley and more.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from anywhere in Marrakech (or meeting at Café de France if you're staying in Medina), shared transport with your guide throughout Agafay Desert and into the Atlas Mountains, a camel ride experience outside the city, stops at several valleys and Berber villages with tea served by a local family, entry to an argan women's cooperative where you can try making oil yourself if you want — plus drinks along the way. Lunch is available at a Berber home for an optional 6 Euro before heading back to Marrakech by early evening.