Marrakesh Agafay Desert: Quad Bike, Camel Ride & Dinner Show

Summary

Ride camels and quad bikes at sunset then share Berber dinner

You’ll ride camels across Agafay’s stony desert in nomad dress, rev up quad bikes as sunset colors stretch over Marrakesh, then share a Berber dinner with live music under a tent. With hotel pickup included, you get both action and quiet moments — plus maybe a little sand in your shoes to remember it by.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the sound of the minivan doors sliding shut outside my Marrakesh hotel — that little thunk that means you’re actually leaving the city behind. Our driver grinned at us in the mirror, and I could see dust swirling already as we headed for the Agafay Desert. It’s not what I expected, honestly — no endless sand dunes, more like soft hills and pale stones stretching out forever. The air smelled dry but somehow sweet, and I kept rolling down my window just to let it in.

At base camp, we met Youssef (our guide), who handed me a blue scarf and showed me how to wrap it like the nomads do. He laughed when mine came out all lopsided — said it gave me “character.” Mounting the camel was awkward (I’m not graceful), but once we started moving, there was this slow rocking rhythm that felt ancient. The only sounds were hooves crunching gravel and distant voices from another group. My hands kept brushing against the rough wool of the saddle; I didn’t expect to notice that so much.

After an hour or so, we swapped camels for quad bikes. The engine buzzed under me — nothing subtle about that — and suddenly everything sped up. We followed Youssef over low ridges just as the light started turning gold. At one point he waved us to stop so we could see Marrakesh way off in the haze; I still think about how small it looked from there.

By dusk, we landed back at camp where Berber tea waited in little glasses that steamed up my camera lens. Dinner was tajine (the kind with apricots) and salad under a tent, with music drifting over from somewhere behind us. There was laughter, some clapping along — honestly I lost track of time. Sitting there with sand still on my shoes, watching stars blink into view above Agafay, I felt oddly lucky to be exactly where I was.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Desert activities and traditional dinner

• Hotel pickup in Marrakesh
• Meet crew and receive itinerary
• Meet guide and wear nomadic outfit
• Ride camel across Agafay Desert
• Ride quad bike to sunset viewpoint
• Relax and enjoy Moroccan hospitality
• Dine under Berber tent and stargaze

Top questions

How long does the Agafay Desert day trip from Marrakesh last?

The tour is a half-day experience including activities and dinner before returning to Marrakesh.

Is hotel pickup included for this Agafay Desert tour?

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

What activities are part of this Agafay Desert tour?

You’ll ride camels in nomadic dress, drive quad bikes for about an hour each, and enjoy dinner with music under a Berber tent.

Are meals provided during the tour?

A traditional Moroccan dinner is included: salad, tajine with fruits, Moroccan tea, water and soda.

Is this tour suitable for children or families?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels; specialized infant seats are available if needed.

How do you dress for camel riding?

You’ll be given a nomadic outfit (scarf/tunic) to wear during your camel ride.

What should I bring for the Agafay Desert day trip?

You may want comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting dusty; water is provided during the tour.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Marrakesh by air-conditioned minivan or minibus; one hour each of camel riding (with nomadic dress) and quad biking (with equipment); bottled water and soda; plus a traditional Moroccan dinner with salad, tajine, fruits and Moroccan tea before heading back in the evening.