The desert of Marrakech in one day

Agafay is the only desert near Marrakech that allows you to have a one-day adventure and return to the city. It's a desolate, rocky wasteland just a 40-minute drive from the city.

Normally when we refer to the desert and talk about the Marrakech desert, it's really the Sahara Desert and the two large dune fields or Ergs at the far ends of Morocco.

Getting to either of these destinations from Marrakech requires a long journey. The Zagora desert requires a minimum 2 day trip while getting to Merzouga requires a minimum 3 day trip. So, instead of visiting the Great Moroccan Sahara Desert you can opt for the Agafay Desert. Here's how you can take a day trip to the desert and enjoy all its goodness.

The most convenient option

Marrakech Desert Tour with Dinner

Enjoy a unique excursion in the middle of the desert with transfer included.

Enjoy a typical Moroccan dinner in the open air or in a tent. Enjoy a special experience in the desert and take home a different souvenir of your trip to Morocco.

From AED 173 at Hellotickets

Enjoy booking this perfect experience to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city of Marrakech for a little while. The 6-hour excursion will take you to the Agafay desert, where you can enjoy an exclusive traditional dinner. The menu has several options to suit all tastes and you can choose to enjoy it under the stars, or in an exclusive tent.

This option includes transfer to and from your accommodation in Marrakech to the desert and is ideal for sharing with a partner, friends or family.

Recommended if...you want to do something out of the ordinary, without going too far or too long away from the city.

From your departure point at your hotel in Marrakech, stop on your way to Agafay to enjoy the Berber villages and eucalyptus forests on the outskirts of the city. Strolling through these forests you can take the opportunity to enjoy the wild diversity of the area and then make stops in the Berber villages that will allow you to soak up the local culture and learn more about the dynamics of everyday Moroccan life.

• On your own: The Berber villages on the outskirts of Marrakech are by taking Avenue Guemassa; you turn right at the Shell fuel station. It's a 29-minute drive.
• If you're on an organised tour: Some desert tours include a stop in the Berber villages just before reaching the final destination in Agafay, and pick-up at a hotel in Marrakech's Medina is included as part of the itinerary.

Once you have finished your tour of the Berber villages, it's time to join the stony desert closest to Marrakech: the Agafay Desert. At certain times of the year the desert is covered with rare wildflowers and barley wheat; however, in the summer and autumn seasons the stone dunes that descend from the High Atlas Mountains cover the entire area, emulating an authentic desert landscape. If you visit Marrakech in the summer, consider making a stop in Agafay part of your itinerary.

• If you're on your own: The drive from the Berber villages to Agafay will take about 20 minutes by taking the Avenue Guemassa.
• If you're going on an organised tour: Tours to the Agafay desert always include transport from the centre of Marrakech.

Camel riding remains the most popular activity with travellers; no visit to the desert would be complete without a camel ride through its desolate wastelands.

The one-humped dromedary camel has been, throughout Morocco's history and remains to this day, the means of transport for many of its inhabitants. These fabulous creatures, as well as having a gentle and docile character, have adapted to the most hostile desert and pre-desert environments and are a faithful ally of man.

You won't find the sand dunes of Agafay, but it will be a ride you will never forget. An expert guide will lead the group of animals through the stone dunes to enjoy both the landscape and the High Atlas Mountains in the background.

• On your own : Upon arrival in the Agafay desert, you will find several options of companies offering camel treks. Some alternatives to explore are Chameau Marrakech, Circuit Maroc, Agafay Camel Ride or Transfert Marrakech.

• If you're going on an organised tour: Most day trips to the Agafay desert include a camel ride or quad bike tour of the dunes in their itinerary, so you don't need to worry.

Under the shade of a beautiful Berber tent enjoy traditional Moroccan food. Take a seat, take a break from your morning walk and soak up the tranquillity of the desert; heading out to the desert for lunch or dinner under the stars is a popular excursion from Marrakech as it allows tourists and locals to escape the hustle and bustle of the big city for a while.

• **If you'**re on your own: Near the main R212 road you'll find several desert campsites offering breakfast, lunch and dinner in Berber tents. One easily accessible suggestion is Agafay Inn Luxury Camp. The house speciality is marinated beef with prunes and almonds, accompanied by a traditional tajine. They also offer a varied wine list.
• If you go on an organised excursion: Try to find an excursion to Agafay whose main focus is the desert dinner or lunch experience. This way you get the food service with transport to and from your hotel in the city.

Lalla Takerkoust is an artificial reservoir created by man. It was built during the French protectorate era to provide electricity for the region. Man-made or not, the lake is a great way to connect with nature, especially if you've been walking around the chaotic streets of Marrakech for days.

If you have the opportunity to travel to Agafay during the summer months or the hot season in Morocco you will see tourists and locals alike enjoying the large expanse of water where you can do all kinds of activities.

• If you are on your own: From your location in the desert of Agafay take a two minute stretch of road on the Avenue Guemassa. Until you find the exit to route P2013 on the right. In 24 minutes you will be at the entrance of the lake.
• If you go on an organised excursion: Day trips to enjoy the lake and its surroundings are constantly organised from Marrakech. The excursions include a return trip to and from your hotel in the centre of Marrakech.

The impressive Lalla Takerkoust Dam is located right at the opening point of the lake, it is about 60 metres high and has a total width of 350 metres. The dam serves as the gateway to the impressive artificial lake whose imposing 7-kilometre-long body of water contrasts with the surrounding desert landscape. From the dam you will have a breathtaking view of the Atlas Mountains; you can take it as a good photo spot.

Lalla Takerkoust is among the favourite recreational spots of Moroccans. A visit to its waters is among the best things to see and do in Marrakech, especially in the warmer months, due to the many entertainment options available both on the lake and in the surrounding desert.

The crystal clear waters of the lake are ideal for water activities such as jet skiing, a leisurely ride in a pedal boat, windsurfing, rowing or canoeing. Many excursions are organised in the surrounding area, and if you want to improve your water sports skills you can hire a qualified instructor. Some companies offering equipment hire are:

• Jet Atlas Marrakech
• Quad & Co Maroc

If you like quieter activities, you can opt for a quad bike or motorbike ride to do a bit of ecotourism, get to know the surrounding nature or visit the nearby Berber villages. Around the lake you can find several companies dedicated to renting the necessary equipment to carry out these activities, here are some alternatives:

• Quad Lac et Desert
• Rachid Quad Atlas
• Quad Marrakech
• Quad Atlas Loisiris.

Dar Zagora is located right next to the Lalla Takerkoust reservoir. It is nicknamed "The House of Artists" because it is the place where artists, mainly of Moroccan or French origin, exhibit their works. You will find: monumental sculptures in wrought iron, recycled metal pieces by the artist Jalil, an open gallery overlooking the central courtyard exhibits beautiful works and portraits. The drive from the lake to Dar Zagora takes only 4 minutes.

Make the most of your stay at Dar Zagora or retrace your steps to the lake to enjoy a delicious Moroccan mint tea while admiring the sunset over the waters of the lake and between the High Atlas Mountains. This is one of the most perfect views the desert has to offer and I recommend you bring your camera ready to take some great pictures.

From Marrakech you can reach the Agafay Desert using the following means of transport:

Tour to the Agafay Desert and surroundings

Opt for an organised tour that takes you to the most popular destinations without worrying about planning anything else. The tours to the Agafay Desert and surroundings are designed so that the traveller can enjoy an authentic desert experience by seeing as much of the desert as possible.

Transport by taxi

A taxi will take you from your hotel in Marrakech to the tents located in the Agafay Desert. Many taxi services in Marrakech also include a few stops to visit markets and authentic Berber villages. However, after your arrival in the desert some activities may be limited due to lack of transport.

Private transport for hire

You may choose to hire your own vehicle as a way of getting to your first destination. However, this option is only recommended if you have experience getting around Marrakech and the surrounding area.

Bus transport

The cheapest option on the list but also the most inconvenient. Although you can take the bus from the terminal in Marrakech and get off at a bus stop near the location of the desert camps, I don't find the option of walking in the desert very pleasant.

I find it important to always carry an easy to carry backpack and include the following equipment in it:

• Water bottle
• Sunscreen with a high sun protection factor
• Lip balm with sun protection factor
• Sunglasses
• A hat or cap
• Wet wipes
• Paper towels
• Plastic rubbish bag
• A high-protein snack or sandwich
• Camera
• Portable charger for your equipment

As for the clothes you should wear on your desert excursions. Take the following into consideration:

• Use cool, natural, breathable fabrics such as cotton and linen.
• Wear long sleeves to avoid burning under the sun.
• Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes to protect your feet.