2025 Agafay Desert Camel Ride & Dinner Tour: An Honest Review

So, What’s the Agafay Desert Actually Like?

So, when you first think about a desert trip from Marrakech, your mind probably fills with pictures of those massive, rolling sand dunes you see in films, right? Well, it’s almost a surprise to find out the Agafay Desert is a bit different. Basically, it’s more of a stone desert, a huge, quiet space with these rolling hills that feel like they go on forever. Frankly, that unique quality is really what gives it a special kind of charm. You still very much get that wide-open, away-from-it-all feeling, but the landscape has this rugged, lunar-like texture that is, in a way, totally captivating. The fact that it’s just about an hour’s drive from the lively streets of Marrakech is pretty much the biggest draw. You can actually leave the city in the afternoon and, in what feels like no time, you find yourself in this incredibly peaceful world. That contrast is, like, a really powerful part of the whole experience.

The Journey Out and Our First Impressions of the Camp

Okay, so our pickup was more or less on time, arriving in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle which was definitely a welcome sight in the afternoon warmth. The driver was actually very friendly, pointing out some things along the way as we left the city limits behind. It’s almost amazing how quickly the environment changes; you know, you go from busy roundabouts to these long, straight roads with nothing but earth and sky. Honestly, the trip itself is a great way to kind of decompress and get ready for the calm of the desert. When we finally arrived, the camp was just this beautiful little setup against the backdrop of the hills. You see traditional Berber tents, lots of carpets laid out on the ground, and just a general feeling of calm hospitality. I mean, the silence is probably the first thing you really notice. It’s a very different kind of quiet than what you find anywhere else, sort of a deep and peaceful quiet.

The Main Event: Riding a Camel into the Sunset

Right, so this is obviously what everyone comes for. We were introduced to our camels, which, to be honest, were very calm and seemed really well looked after. The guides helped everyone get on, which is a pretty funny and wobbly experience in itself, and then we set off in a small caravan. The motion of the camel is sort of this gentle, swaying rhythm that you get used to pretty quickly. As a matter of fact, you are high up enough to get a seriously amazing view of the landscape unfolding around you. Our guide led us along these winding paths over the hills, and he would sometimes stop so everyone could take photos and just, like, soak it all in. As I was saying, he had a great sense of humor, which made the whole thing very relaxing.

Then, of course, there was the sunset. It’s really hard to describe just how stunning it is out there. Because there’s no city glow, the colors in the sky are just so incredibly pure and intense. We watched as the sun dipped below the hills, and literally the whole sky just seemed to catch fire with these deep shades of orange, pink, and purple. You could just hear camera shutters clicking all around. It’s one of those moments that, you know, feels both huge and very personal at the same time. The ride back to the camp as dusk settled was pretty magical, too, with the first stars starting to pop out in the darkening sky. The whole camel portion lasted about an hour, which, frankly, felt like just the right amount of time.

A Closer Look at the Camels and Guides

I think for a lot of people, the well-being of the animals is a big deal, and it’s definitely something I was looking out for. So, the camels on our tour genuinely appeared to be in very good condition. They weren’t being overworked, and you could see the handlers had a real connection with them, you know? The guides themselves were also a highlight of the trip. Our main guide was from a local family and he shared these little stories about the area and Berber culture that were just fascinating. He made sure everyone felt safe and comfortable, and he was obviously very experienced. Seriously, having a good guide can sort of make or break a tour like this, and we were absolutely lucky in that respect.

Dinner and Entertainment Under a Ceiling of Stars

So after we got back to the camp and dusted ourselves off, it was time for dinner. We sat at these low tables around a bonfire, which was just an incredible atmosphere. They started by bringing out fresh Moroccan salads and bread, which were really tasty and a bit of a welcome treat after the ride. Of course, the main course was a classic chicken tagine, and it was pretty much perfect. It came out in that iconic clay pot, steaming hot and incredibly fragrant with spices like cumin and saffron. I mean, the chicken was just so tender, it was practically falling off the bone. They also had a vegetarian tagine option, which I heard was really good, too.

While we were eating, a few musicians started playing traditional Berber music on lutes and drums. The music was so rhythmic and atmospheric, and it just added another layer to the whole evening. Instead of being some loud, over-the-top show, it felt very authentic and really complemented the setting. Later on, they had a fire performer who did some amazing things, you know, a very captivating show that had everyone’s full attention. Eating a genuinely delicious meal while listening to that music with a massive sky full of stars above you is, at the end of the day, an experience that will stick with me for a very long time.

“So, my biggest piece of advice is just to be present. You should definitely put your phone away for a bit, especially during the sunset and the dinner, and just, like, absorb the incredible quiet and the scenery around you.”

Helpful Tips for Your Own 2025 Agafay Trip

Alright, so if you’re planning on doing this tour, here are a few things that are probably good to know. First, you should definitely wear layers. It can be quite warm when you set out in the afternoon, but the temperature in the desert drops surprisingly quickly once the sun goes down. A jacket or a warm sweater is basically a must-have for the evening. Likewise, wear comfortable, long pants for the camel ride, and choose closed-toe shoes instead of sandals. You know, it’s just more practical and comfortable.

You may want to bring a small amount of cash with you. While the tour is all-inclusive, it’s always a nice gesture to have some dirhams to tip your guide and the musicians if you feel they did a great job, which they probably will. Also, check what your specific tour includes. Most, like ours, will include bottled water, but it’s always good to be sure. Frankly, booking your tour a little bit in advance, especially during peak seasons, is a really good idea as these trips are popular and can fill up.

• The Landscape is Unique: Basically, you need to remember Agafay is a stone desert, not a sand desert, which is amazing in its own way.
• Dress in Layers: It is often very warm in the afternoon but gets quite chilly at night, so a jacket is your best friend.
• The Ride Duration: The camel ride portion is typically about an hour long, which is really a perfect amount of time.
• Dinner is an Event: You can almost always expect a full, multi-course meal, usually featuring traditional tagine and salads.
• Entertainment Adds to the Mood: The experience is usually rounded out with authentic live music and sometimes a fire show, and stuff.

Read our full review: 2025 Sunset Camel Ride Tour In Agafay Desert With Dinner Full Review and Details

See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Check Agafay Desert Tour Options)