Agafay Desert Day Trip

A wonderful day tour via the Agafay Desert, berber villages, and the Atlas Mountains in one day, including a cooling stop off at Takerkoust Dam.  Take a stroll across the breathtaking scenery or ride a mule or camel across it. During our Agafay desert day trip to Marrakech, you will discover lots of things.

The Agafay Desert, nestled just a short drive from the bustling city of Marrakech in Morocco, offers a serene escape into the mesmerizing tranquility of the desert landscape. Unlike the vast dunes of the Sahara, Agafay presents a unique blend of rocky terrain, sparse vegetation, and undulating hills, creating an otherworldly panorama that captivates visitors with its rugged beauty. Stretching over approximately 40 kilometers, this desert expanse provides a perfect playground for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts alike. From exhilarating quad biking and camel treks to serene sunset picnics amidst the quiet grandeur of the desert, Agafay offers a diverse array of experiences that cater to every traveler’s preferences.

One of the most enchanting aspects of the Agafay Desert is its ability to transport visitors into a realm of serenity and stillness. Away from the noise and distractions of urban life, the vastness of the desert landscape inspires introspection and a sense of awe at the raw power and majesty of nature. As the sun sets behind the distant horizon, casting hues of orange and pink across the sky, the desert comes alive with a magical glow, evoking a profound sense of wonder and reverence. Whether enjoying a traditional Berber feast under the starlit sky or simply basking in the silence of the desert night, Agafay offers a truly unforgettable experience that leaves a lasting imprint on the soul.

AGAFAY DESERT DAY TRIP ITINERARY:

With this day trip to Takerkoust Dam and Agafay Desert, you can relax in the peacefulness of the desert and countryside. At 9.00 a.m., our drive will pick you up from your hotel and drive to the west of Marrakech. The journey is shadowed by beautiful foliage, olive and orange groves, and goes through the tiny village of Ait Imour, from which we shall deviate off the beaten path.  Then, you drive through a diverse landscape of rocky desert, arid light brown plateaux Oasis, and high hills with panoramic views of the High Atlas.

After a few hours, small spots of green will appear, and you’ll soon be back on the tarmac road, flanked by old eucalyptus trees. You’ll arrive at the brink of the Lalla Takerkoust lake, which was erected as a dam to provide electricity to Marrakech. You will reach the Nfis valley by small hills beside the dam, passing through Berber towns and arriving at a Berber family home. Then, you will carry on driving to to Ouiragan via the forest, traditional salt pools before getting to Asni, a small town (market on Saturdays) with a view on Toubkal the highest peak in North Africa. After that, you will follow another road to Imlil valley.

Once you get to Imlil, you go on a short guided hike around some berber villages. It will take 1 to 2h walk. Then, you return back to a guesthouse where you will have lunch. Later on, you will drive back to Azerg Moulay Brahim where you will stop for a while. In addition, you will experience a short camel ride near a river. Finally, you will  drive back to Marrakech.

If you want to experience an atlas mountains overnight, we have the 2 days Atlas Mountains Trek.