Visiting Morocco invites you to get close to the desert, one of the essential visits on this trip. It is very possible that, when talking about the desert, your mind goes to the sand dunes of the Sahara, but you will be interested to know that this is not the only desert in the country. Whether you do not have many days in Morocco and want to make a different excursion, or if you want to discover a different desert landscape than you imagine, we recommend the Agafay desert to discover the natural wonders of Morocco.
- Agafay desert, location
- What to do in the Agafay desert
- Recommendations to visit the Agafay desert
- Other excursions from Marrakech
Agafay Desert is a surprising enclave just 30 kilometers from Marrakech.
To reach the Agafay desert, you only have to drive 30 kilometers along the Amizmiz road. In addition, this route is very pleasant, as it crosses different towns in the region until you reach this natural attraction starring its extended arid and eroded hills, a green oasis that looks like a small paradise in the middle of nowhere, and the icing on the cake: beautiful snow-capped mountains, especially during winter, which culminate this contrasting landscape.
Disconnect from the hustle and bustle of the cities
This excursion is a real disconnect from the hustle and bustle of Moroccan cities. But what is truly attractive about a trip to Morocco is to combine the characteristic noise and hustle and bustle of the cities with the calm and purity of its natural surroundings.
If you are in Marrakech, you will experience this contrast just 30 kilometers away. If you want to access it easily and comfortably, there are one-day excursions that include transportation, a local guide, and other details that will culminate this experience.
The Agafay desert is located on the plateaus of the High Atlas. In fact, the views of the High Atlas that can be seen from the desert itself are spectacular. Despite tourism, it is in perfect condition, remaining unchanged, this being one of its main attractions, as the visitor can contemplate a completely natural panoramic view.
When you arrive at the desert of Agafay, you will see that the predominant colors are those ranging from white to ocher tones. This chromatic range responds to arid landscapes. Although Agafay corresponds to the common topography of a desert, it is not really a desert in the strict sense of the word. The Agafay desert is a desert expanse of several hundred hectares with a lunar-like appearance.
What to do in the Agafay Desert
If you decide to include this destination in your itinerary, you can make the most of your time by enjoying various activities. We tell you which are the most outstanding:
- Take advantage of the road to make stops in the Berber villages until you reach the Agafay desert. You will be surprised by the landscapes, the locals who inhabit these lands, their crafts, and gastronomy. Asni is a small village to reach Imlil, a highly recommended stop.
- In Imlil you can take a horseback ride to reach the top of the village and discover it, or you can do it walking.
- Another must is Lalla Takerkoust, a very appreciated place for its mountain ranges and its fabulous climate. During your stay, you can go quad biking, take a camel ride or practice water activities in its spectacular lake.
- You will continue to discover Moroccan gastronomy. Trust what the locals offer you, as you will taste a traditional and typical dish of the region. New flavors, aromas, and textures will be added to your trip.
- Once you arrive in the desert, you can choose the activities that best suit you: simply observe and enjoy the silence, meditate; contemplate the sunset that is hiding between the snowy mountains of the landscape; opt for sports practicable in the desert as a buggy ride, quad biking, camel riding or mountain biking.
- In the desert, there is also a golf course for those who appreciate this sport and the particularity is that it has no grass!
- If you decide to stay overnight, be sure to contemplate the fascinating starry sky that will bathe the night and what the lodge has in store for you: a delicious dinner and a traditional mint tea and, undoubtedly, a night of restful sleep in a tent.
Visiting the Agafay desert is an exotic experience for both those looking to unwind and those seeking adventure.
Recommendations for visiting the Agafay Desert
To make your visit to the desert, you just need to take some simple recommendations into account:
If your visit is only one day, you do not need to carry much luggage. With a small backpack or fanny pack where you can fit the essential things, it will be more than enough.
If you decide to spend the night in the desert, include in your backpack a pair of pajamas and a toiletry bag with your basic utensils. Also pack some covering clothes, as the temperature usually changes a lot from day to night.
Include comfortable shoes and a hat.
Remember to bring sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun. You may also want to consider lip sunscreen. Sometimes it can be uncomfortable if you don’t protect this part of your face and it suffers.
If you are sensitive to light, bring your sunglasses.
We recommend that you always go with documentation, with a photocopy of your documents if you prefer.
Bring some local cash in case you make a stop in the villages of the region.
Other excursions to complete your trip to Morocco
If you are planning your trip to Morocco and you are looking for more ideas to complete the experience, it is interesting to know that from the main cities of the country, you have organized excursions and activities to optimize your time. In Marrakech, you have the half-day guided tour of the Medina plus day trips such as the day trip to the Ouzoud waterfalls, Atlas mountains and Ourika Valley, or the trip to the beautiful coastal city of Essaouira.
In addition, in our blog, you will find many ideas and tips to plan your trip and not leave any loose ends. If we can also help you in any way, we will provide you with any information you need from our extensive experience, do not hesitate to contact us!
