A day in the (Agafay) Desert

A day in the (Agafay) Desert

Oct 27 - 2017
A day out in at Scarabeo Camp in the Agafay Desert near Marrakech

27 Oct A day in the (Agafay) Desert

After having visited the main highlights of Marrakech, shopped in the souks and enjoyed dinner on a rooftop overlooking the Marrakech medina, it’s time to head out of the city and experience another side of Marrakech.

Slip in to your finest bohemian chic attire. Grab your camera. And of course trendiest sunglasses and a basket bag from the local spice market. It’s time for an adventure.

Direction Agafay Desert

Scarabeo Camp in the Agafay Desert near Marrakech

Scarabeo Camp in the Agafay Desert near Marrakech

Perfect for travelers who may not have time to travel to the Sahara Desert (we recommend at least four days to head this far south), but still want to see the diverse landscapes surrounding Marrakech, we recommend a day trip to the Agafay Desert.

With cooler temperatures, our favourite Scarabeo Camp is welcoming guests for lodging and day visitors. Tucked in a remote region just 45 minutes from Marrakech and with views of the Agafay stone desert in the forefront and the Atlas Mountains in the background, this is one of the most romantic and relaxing spots for a break from Marrakech.

On our recent trip out, we opted for a late-afternoon camel trek where, perched above on camels that slowly meandered their way to the camp as guided by a local, we enjoyed the silence and views of the odd palm tree, rolling foothills and the Atlas Mountains soaring above. Arriving at the camp we were treated to aperitifs as the skies turned magical shades of orange and pinks as the sun set over the stone desert. As the sky filled with stars and the moon lit up the area, we were guided to our dinner spot with clear views that provided an ideal opportunity for stargazing.

With no electricity, the silence can be deafening and the darkness punctured by moon while the candles galore provided complimentary lighting. Here we tucked in to some of the most delicious Moroccan cuisine starting with an array of cooked Moroccan salads, followed by a tajine. It was the perfect menu for a night in the desert just minutes from magical Marrakech.

Scarabeo Camp in the Agafay Desert near Marrakech

Lunch with a view at Scarabeo Camp in the Agafay Desert near Marrakech

In the winter months, we recommend a daytime visit to the camp where the sun casts magical shadows over the rolling foothills of the Atlas Mountains and late lunch is served with a view. Opt for a quad-biking experience through the area, exploring the little Berber villages, little oases, and enjoying the snow-capped Atlas Mountains in the background.

Or for travellers with a bucket list that includes riding a camel through the desert, choose a one-hour camel trek to the camp. Just don’t forget your bohemian attire and camera for the perfect Instagram snap!

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