Marrakesh to Agafay Desert: Sunset Camel Ride & Dinner

Summary

Ride camels at sunset in Agafay Desert with dinner & music

You’ll leave Marrakesh behind for an evening in the Agafay Desert — riding camels at sunset, sipping mint tea with locals, and sharing tagine under open sky. Expect laughter with your guide, real Berber music drifting through camp, and a quiet moment as dusk settles over rocky hills.

What’s the experience like?

“You see that hill?” our driver Youssef grinned as we left Marrakesh behind. “That’s where the sun melts into the stones.” I didn’t really get it until we were actually out there — forty-five minutes of city noise fading into this rocky quiet. The air changed too, kind of dusty but fresh, and you could smell mint from someone’s tea even before we reached the camp.

We stopped at a small argan oil place on the way. The women there showed us how they grind the nuts by hand — it’s slower than I expected, and my hands still smelled faintly nutty after trying it. They poured us sweet Moroccan tea (I tried to say thank you in Arabic, but just got a lot of smiles). Then back in the van, winding past Berber villages with mud houses that looked like they’d been there forever. Kids waved at us from doorways. It felt like time stretched out a bit.

The camel ride was both awkward and kind of peaceful — I mean, those animals are taller than you think. Our guide, Hassan, kept making jokes about my “camel driving skills” (which were questionable). But when we reached the top of that hill Youssef mentioned, everything went quiet except for some distant drumming from another camp. The sky turned this weird gold-pink color over the Agafay Desert and honestly, I just sat there not saying much. There was something about it — maybe just being away from everything for a minute.

Dinner was tagine under string lights, with Berber music playing somewhere close by. The chicken was tender and spicy-sweet; I’m still thinking about those olives they served first. We ate with our hands mostly — nobody seemed to mind if you dropped couscous on your lap. After dessert (just fruit but somehow perfect), we had more tea and watched the stars come out one by one. Didn’t expect to feel so far away from Marrakesh so quickly.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Agafay Desert Sunset and Dinner

• Be picked up from your place
• Drive 45 minutes to Agafay Desert
• Visit local argan oil cooperative
• Drink welcoming Moroccan tea
• Cross Berber villages and mud houses
• Arrive at desert camp for sunset
• Watch sunset with Moroccan sweets
• Enjoy traditional Moroccan salad and tagine dinner
• Dine under stars with Berber music

Top questions

How long does it take to get from Marrakesh to Agafay Desert?

It takes about 45 minutes by car from Marrakesh to Agafay Desert.

Is hotel pickup included for the Agafay Desert tour?

Yes, pickup from your accommodation is included in this tour.

What food is served during dinner in Agafay Desert?

Dinner includes Moroccan salad, chicken or vegetarian tagine, seasonal fruit, and tea.

Are camel rides part of this day trip?

Yes, a camel ride is included during your visit to Agafay Desert.

Is this tour suitable for children or infants?

Yes, infants can join using a pram or stroller; specialized infant seats are available.

Do you visit any local places on this trip?

Yes, there is a stop at a local argan oil cooperative along the way.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available near pickup points.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your hotel in Marrakesh before heading out to Agafay Desert by air-conditioned vehicle. You’ll visit an argan oil cooperative for tea and then enjoy a guided camel ride at sunset. Dinner features traditional Moroccan tagine and fresh fruit under desert stars before returning to town.