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Only 40 minutes drive of Marrakech lies the desert of Agafay. It isn’t sand dunes like the Sahara. Yet layer after layer of rock dunes instill a similar feeling of remoteness. Of nothingness. Only troubled by the occasional douar, local hamlets with their mud houses which seem to slowly return to the adobe they’ve been molded from. There is no living soul in sight, if not for the solitary camel grazing by.
It is one of the few places in Morocco where near- total desolation manifests with such exquisite beauty. Some in- the- know travelers move through this desert as part of a 4×4 day trip from Marrakech into the High Atlas mountains. staying one night in Agafay desert part of a 2- day private 4×4 tour and discover the diverse area just south of Marrakech ? The desert, the High Atlas, the Kik Plateau, the local waterfalls, Lalla Takerkoust lake – so many contrasts just in two day.
Perhaps start with the Ourika Valley, hike up into the High Atlas, have lunch with a Berber family. Freshen up by the local waterfalls, see how the argan is turned into oil into a local cooperative. Discover the 12th century mosque of Tinmel, have a tea by the Lalla Takerkoust lake, lunch at Richard Branson’s High Atlas retreat or trek in the Atlas mountains. And, after all the lushness of the High Atlas, have a little bit of desert.
Arrive in the Agafay desert by the afternoon and, after settling in, have the most romantic dinner by candle light under the starriest sky, out in the open. Spend a night inside an adobe bungalow or white canvas tent and explore the surroundings next day by foot, camel, horse of mountain bike.
Agafay Desert in 2 Days 1 Night Itinerary:
Day 1: Marrakech – Tahanouet – Kik Plateau – Takerkoust Dam – Agafay Desert
Depature from the hotel at 9h00 am by 4×4 An and set off to discover the Agafay desert, just 30 mins from Marrakech city. You travel off-road passing a small lake and Berber villages and have time to get out and walk for a while along the tracks if you wish. You can also choose to take a camel ride and have tea in a Berber village.
The road then heads towards the lake of Lalla Takerkoust. which is a popular spot for picnics on the edge of the lake, restaurants serving traditional food. Lunch will be in one of the lakeside restaurants (not inc. in the price). Later on you will drive to agafay desert and stay the night in tents
Day 2: Agafay Desert – Asni – Marrakech
Awake early to enjoy the sunrise, followed by a typical breakfast. After breakfast you continue your journey eastwards and head for the Kik Plateau where you will stop for refreshments form a high vantage point, before then taking the road to the village of Moulay Brahim, with its famous holy shrine. Finally the road descends into the market town of Asni at the foot of the Atlas Mountains.
NB On Saturdays there is a lively local souk well worth stopping to visit to witness livestock trading, local produce and authentic rural life. Passing through orchards of apple, cherry and apricot trees you descend towards the agricultural plains of Marrakech to reach the city at around 6.00 p.m. after a thrilling mix of desert, mountains, lakes and villages all within a one-day tour from Marrakech.
Included in The price
- Private A/C Vehicle + fuel
- English/French/Spanish speaking driver during the tour
- Pick up & Drop off at your Marrakech accommodation
- overnight in camp with dinner and breakfast
- Breaks for photos
Not included:
- Lunchs
- Drinks
- Tips
- Entrance fees to monuments, studios and Kasbahs