Your sought-after guide on traveling to Agafay Desert
If you’ve ever felt that the most thrilling travel destinations are hidden from ever-increasing tourist throngs, you’re probably right. The Agafay Desert in Morocco might be your new favorite find. It has nothing to do with the heavily trodden paths of conventional vacation spots and offers an alluringly unique escape into a lesser-known corner of Morocco.
This is where the rolling dunes are superseded by rocky formations and where your nearest neighbor might only be a curious camel. Forget cliché-saturated locations because the Agafay Desert will never make you feel bored or as if you have seen something like this a hundred times before.
While this location is a must-visit for those in the know, our travel guide is your must-read before setting yourself in motion.
What is Agafay Desert?
From a visual perspective, it looks like it could be the backdrop of a Martian landscape. The Agafay Desert is renowned for its distinctively unique terrain that stands apart from its sandy counterparts in Morocco. It is more of a rocky kind, and its sparse vegetation paints a picture of raw and untouched beauty. This isn’t the Sahara with its infinite dunes but a more intimate yet equally enchanting space.
From a geographical perspective, the Agafay Desert is in the vicinity of Marrakech and is deemed to be one of the most underestimated Moroccan destinations. Even though it’s relatively new on the travel map, it’s quickly gaining a reputation for its charm and accessibility. It’s the new normal for people to find out about Agafay on Instagram by checking out the photos of celebrities they are subscribed to.
How far is Agafay Desert from Marrakech?
It’s like your friendly neighbor who lives a quick hop away but feels miles apart in terms of atmosphere. If you’re in Marrakech, you will only need to cover 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) to get there. Even though it’s small and easy for everyone to get through, the distance from Marrakech to the Agafay Desert is less about the mileage and more about what awaits you during the ride.
As you leave the Red City, your drive becomes a visual feast of ochre and amber hues, with the jagged terrain of Agafay coming into view in roughly 40 minutes. It’s the kind of trip that makes you feel you’re embarking on a grand adventure without actually straying too far from the urban comfort.
How to get to Agafay Desert from Marrakech?
It depends on how you’re traveling. If you are part of a tour group, you won’t have to worry about getting to the area. Your tour company will arrange everything for the number of people and belongings on board.
However, if it’s your first time in Marrakech and you have no idea where the Agafay Desert is, you’re better off using one of these options:
- Public transport. To keep transportation costs down, take a bus. There are a lot of buses that go from the Red City’s Medina to Agafay every 10 minutes. Look for vehicle signs that showcase the Agafay Desert location.
- Taxi. If you don’t feel like wandering near Medina or being jam-packed into a bus, take a taxi. There are many local services that can be booked the day before your drive or earlier.
- Private transfer. This option is the most expensive. But if you can afford a private transfer, you’ll enjoy the most stress-free journey. You can book one through travel agencies, resorts, or hotels in Marrakech.
Either way, the route will be lined with rolling hills and stretches of arid land, which is a prelude to Agafay’s rugged beauty.
Is Agafay Desert worth visiting?
Let’s be honest: would you like to step onto the surface of Mars while gazing upon spectacular views, listening to beautiful music, and eating fantastic food? If so, Morocco’s Agafay Desert is worth your time.
The landscape here is a photographer’s dream, with its stark beauty making for breathtaking shots. Bloggers and discerning travelers alike flock to the area for its exclusive feel.
For your comfort, Agafay is chock-full of glamping options. Imagine waking up in a tented camp, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the desert’s unrefined beauty while sipping your morning coffee. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a wedding, or a tranquil honeymoon, Agafay’s serene environment and upscale accommodations feel just right for the occasion.
What to do in Agafay Desert?
Once you get there, your options for adventure and relaxation are plentiful. But first things first – make sure to have a good camera because this place is made for photo ops. The terrain and the desert’s golden light will make your social media followers do a double-take.
Natural attractions can be enjoyed during:
- Mountain biking across craggy trails
- Hiking with different levels of difficulty but similarly amazing views
- Horseback and camel trekking while gently swaying over the expansive land
- Quad and buggy riding to send your heart into overdrive
- Tours to the High Atlas
If you’re looking for things to do in the Agafay Desert that are good for your soul, you can partake in traditional glamping experiences or enjoy live Gnawa music. There are even camps with swimming pools.
Agafay Desert temperature
The climate in this area is varied and depends on when you set off. You will want to avoid summer months when temperatures hit high extremes at 37°-45°. The cooler months, from November to March, offer a more temperate climate. But nights in the Agafay Desert can be as cold as 6°-8° if you travel from December to February.
To steer clear of overheating or teeth chattering, plan your journey for April, May, September, or October.
The closest Desert to Marrakech
The closest desert to Marrakech is the Agafay Desert, just about 30 kilometers southwest of the city. This rocky desert, characterized by its stunning landscapes and unique scenery, contrasts with the lushness of Marrakech. Visitors can enjoy activities such as camel trekking, quad biking, and stargazing, making it a popular destination for those seeking an adventure close to the city.
Where to stay in Agafay Desert?
You have more than enough accommodation options in Marrakech, including high-end hotels. But if a daily drive from the Red City to Agafay seems like an unnecessary nuisance, you can stay in the desert. It’s brimming with plush tented camps for all tastes that will have you covered with private amenities and luxury extras. Use Booking.com to find the best glamping facilities and compare prices.
For a stress-free stay, you can have all accommodation things sorted with pre-planned tours to the Agafay Desert in Morocco. Contact MCT for comprehensive travel packages without any of the usual travel planning headaches.
Address: 86 Lot Hiba, 30000, Morocco
Phone: +212 613-504732
Email: moroccoclassictours@gmail.com
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