Agafay Desert and Atlas Mountains Day-Trip with Lunch

Name: Agafay Desert and Atlas Mountains Day-Trip with Lunch
Start: 2025-11-30T09:00:00.000+03:00
End: 2025-11-30T18:00:00.000+03:00
Location: Marrakesh

Take a break from the hustle and bustle of Marrakech and take in the stunning scenery of the Agafay Desert and the Atlas Mountains. Discover the vibrant Berber culture in the mountainside communities, such as Imlii, Tahnaout and Tamatart. Relish the exquisite traditional Moroccan meal.

9 hrs

Group size up to 10 persons

Mobile ticket

English

Full refund for cancellations up to 24 hours

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund

What is included in activity

Pickup and drop-off service

Bilingual guide

Traditional lunch

Mint tea, coffee, and water

Snacks

Camel or horse ride

What is not included

Mule ride (optional)

Hide

Details

Take an unforgettable guided scenic day trip to the Atlas Mountains to learn more about Berber culture. Take a camel or horse ride through the Imlil Valley's villages, see beautiful scenery, and get to know the locals.

Meet your helpful local guide, who lives in one of the nearby Berber villages, at pickup to begin your day. As you hike between villages on your way to the Atlas Mountains, your guide will tell you about the Berber people's rich culture and history.

Arrive in Tahnaout and pay a visit to an argan oil cooperative run by women. Find out how the famous Moroccan argan oil products are made by pressing the nut.

Get a warm greeting in Imlil with a glass of mint tea prior to going past staggering cascades and little Berber settlements. Take a break in Tamatert to admire the views of ancient terraced fields that have been irrigated and are surrounded by cherry and walnut trees.

In Ait Souka, a Berber family's home is where you can feast on a traditional Moroccan meal. From a sun-drenched rooftop terrace, unwind while taking in the picturesque views of the valley.

After some time to rest, get in your car and drive through the picturesque Kik Plateau, which offers stunning 360-degree views. As you travel through stone desert, barren light brown plateaus, oases, and rolling hills, take in the majestic High Atlas Mountains.

You can take an optional camel or horse ride in the Agafay Desert to take in the tranquil setting. Or, before returning to Marrakech, simply unwind with a cup of Moroccan mint tea for the ideal way to end the day.

Important information:

The tour requires a moderate amount of walking on uneven ground, either uphill and downhill
The market is only open on Tuesdays and Saturdays
This is a group tour with an English-speaking guide. It includes a horse or camel ride. The animals can possibly carry up to 120 kg, i.e. 1 person at a time
Be sure to choose the option including a camel ride in case you want to experience this activity
Special dietary restrictions will be satisfied as best and precise as possible
To increase the comfort of the tour participants, the order of the schedule may be changed on the very day of your tour to ensure that not all tour groups turn up to the same location at one time

What to bring:

Sunscreen
Weather-appropriate clothing
Sunglasses
Sun hat
Comfortable shoes

Not suitable for:

People with mobility impairments
Pregnant women
Children under 2 years

Online Booking

Price
Children (Age 4-15)	$37.23 per person
Infant (Age 3 and younger)	$0 per person
Adult (Age 16-99)	$53.19 per person

For any payment method you must book a ticket through the booking form below and receive confirmation by e-mail and (or) SMS.

Places you will see

• Atlas Mountains
• Kik Plateau
• Agafay Desert

Activity book period

You can book tour up to 6 hours in advance.

Activity languages

English

How long your tour will be

9 hrs

Photos

Agafay Desert and Atlas Mountains Day-Trip with Lunch - photo 1

Agafay Desert and Atlas Mountains Day-Trip with Lunch - photo 2

Agafay Desert and Atlas Mountains Day-Trip with Lunch - photo 3

Agafay Desert and Atlas Mountains Day-Trip with Lunch - photo 4

Agafay Desert and Atlas Mountains Day-Trip with Lunch - photo 5

Agafay Desert and Atlas Mountains Day-Trip with Lunch - photo 6

Reviews by travellers

4.9 out of 5

1123 reviews

1015

108

Dudás H.

We had a great trip. Abdul was an excellent guide, clearly explaining the plan for the day and teaching us about the Berber way of life too. The camels were great and it was really interesting to learn about the Berber villages and see the snow on the Atlas mountains

6 days ago

Nagy K.

Romerro was a fantastic guide who was genuinely invested in the sites that we visited and making sure that everyone enjoyed themselves. He was so kind and accommodating to all, making us feel welcome and cared for, even though we only met him for the day. Great sites, history throughout and well worth the day. Couldn’t recommend more.

11 days ago

Baz B.

We had a lovely day with our guide Rachid Mazik and our driver Ibrahim. We were collected promptly at the agreed meeting point and welcomed by Rachid as we travelled to the Ladies Co-operative to learn about the making of Argan oil and associated products. Most interesting if a bit pricey (although there is no pressure or obligation to buy). We then went for a hike in the Atlas Mountains during which Rachid invited us into his family home for some tea and explained a bit more about growing up in the village. The tagine lunch was tasty and plentiful and set us up for the scenic drive to the Agafay Desert and camel ride. The latter was a bit “touristy” but I guess it’s hard not to be!! I would add that one of our party had a dodgy knee and Rachid was extremely helpful to her during the hike. Overall a most enjoyable day.

14 days ago

Mezei M.

We had an excellent time with our guide Marwan in the Atlas mountains and desert. He kept us laughing throughout the trip and answered all our questions. Lunch was included and they make sure to accommodate different dietary options (vegetarian, etc). Would highly recommend to anyone wanting to spend some time away from Marrakech and in the surrounding nature.

15 days ago

Oláh F.

An absolutely fantastic tour! We loved every minute of our trip and our tour guide Rachid Mazik was brilliant. He was very helpful, friendly and informative. He was very caring, well-mannered and supportive of our mum who needed more time for the hike, and tried to cater to everyone’s needs. The tour is very well structured, we got to see a bit of everything - from camel riding, to drinking traditional tea in a Berber home, and experiencing wonderful mountain views of the Imlil valley. We had tagine for lunch and it was amazing, we ate on a rooftop with a stunning view of the mountains. My mum and sister are vegetarians and they also enjoyed their food. Just wear good hiking shoes and ENJOY :)

15 days ago

Barta K.

My wife and I had Rachid Mazik as a guide, and he was truly wonderful. At first we were a little nervous as we weren’t sure about the details of the day (we don’t do these group day trip things usually). Rachid was great to ask any question, he explained everything kindly, and gave a real glimpse of village life. To be clear, the village is his own village, with his own family, and we visited his own house. It was a truly special experience and I feel very lucky to have been a part of it. Rachid taught us lots about how village life works and made sure we were always having fun and, importantly, frequently checked that we were safe and okay. Great guide, great tour, highly recommend.

16 days ago

Balog N.

We had an excellent day trip out with Abdul our guide. Ready for the trip our collection was delayed slightly but Abdul kept in contact to ensure we knew they were on their way (I can’t remember the drivers name). Turns out I’m terrified of camels but Abdul made sure that I was comfortable and able to swap to a camel that was more serene. This was really appreciated. The tour around the Imlil was really interesting as local knowledge was amazing. The lunch provided was plentiful and far too much for 2 people to eat. Overall the trip was made amazing by such a good tour guide, full of interesting facts and no question was ignored. Abdul was also keen to learn more about those taking the trip - now he just needs to remember that ‘Ey Up’ is a Yorkshire way of saying hello! Thanks Abdul (and Ahmed) for great communications and a wonderful trip - highly recommended.

20 days ago

El H.

Our tour guide was Rachid Mazik . He is a very lovely tour guide who gave us such a detailed tour along with taking us for perfect views. He stopped around so many locations for photo opportunities very helpful guide . If ever visiting Marrakesh I would recommend going with this tour and choosing Rachid .

26 days ago

Bálint K.

This was a great trip for us as a family of 4 with two teenage girls. Our guide, Romerro, was kind, knowledgeable and it was a pleasure to visit his house in the High Atlas Mountains. Well organised and well planned trip where we felt safe at all times. Lots to see and very tasty lunch. Excellent choice if you want to see a real contrast to the hustle and bustle of Marrakesh. Pick up drop off also well arranged.

27 days ago

Vászoly L.

Good value for money. We visited many places and found out a lot about the Berbers. Our guide Abdul comes from the area and explained everything very well. I personally liked walking in the Atlas mountains. The views were beautiful. Everything was well organized and we enjoyed the day a lot. I recommend.

29 days ago

FAQ

Is the Agafay Desert worth visiting compared to the Sahara?

Yes—Agafay is ideal for travelers who want a desert experience without long travel times. Unlike the Sahara, which requires an overnight trip or many hours of driving, Agafay is close to Marrakech yet still offers stone-desert landscapes, camel rides, sweeping views, and peaceful surroundings. It’s a practical alternative for visitors on a tight schedule.

What should I wear for a day trip to the Agafay Desert and Atlas Mountains?

The region can be sunny and windy, so wear breathable clothing, comfortable closed shoes, sunglasses, and a hat. Layers are helpful since temperatures shift between mountain villages and the desert. Clothing should be respectful of local culture but does not need to be overly restrictive—light trousers, long shorts, or modest dresses are all common choices for visitors.

How long should I plan to stay in the Agafay Desert?

For most travelers, a few hours is enough to enjoy camel or horse rides, photo stops, scenic viewpoints, and mint tea. This is why Agafay is frequently chosen for half-day or combined day trips, rather than overnight stays. Visitors looking for stargazing or desert camps may opt to return in the evening on a separate trip.

Can I travel to the Agafay Desert without a tour?

Yes—you can drive or take a taxi from Marrakech, as the desert is reachable within 45–60 minutes. However, many visitors prefer a guided day trip because it includes transportation, activities, local insight, and visits to Atlas Mountain villages that are more challenging to navigate independently.

What is the difference between the Agafay Desert and the Atlas Mountains on this tour?

The Atlas Mountains offer lush valleys, terraced fields, waterfalls, and Berber villages, while the Agafay Desert features rocky dunes, open plateaus, and a tranquil stone-desert atmosphere. Experiencing both in one day provides a dramatic contrast between mountain culture and desert landscapes.

Are Morocco desert tours safe for families and first-time visitors?

Yes—Agafay and Atlas tours are beginner-friendly and designed for travelers of various ages. The main considerations are moderate walking on uneven terrain and cultural awareness when visiting villages. The included camel or horse ride has weight limits, and infants under 2 years or pregnant travelers are generally advised not to join.

You will discover

Agafay Desert

Categories

Desert Tours