Whether you’re craving relaxation or adventure, discover the best Agafay Desert camps for your next trip to Morocco.
Unlike the golden dunes of other desert regions, the Agafay Desert boasts a uniquely rocky terrain. This makes it perfect for fun activities like quad biking, cycling, and even hiking (outside of the blaring midday heat, of course).
A trip to the Agafay Desert might be one of the best day trips from Marrakech, with its proximity to the city providing a quick escape to nature. Still, it’s worth spending the extra cash to enjoy an evening under the stars. Not sure where to start? Here’s our top pick of desert camps.
Best Agafay Desert Camps
BE Agafay: Best for All-Out Indulgence
BE Agafay describes itself as a hideaway… and we couldn’t agree more. This Agafay camp boasts one of the fanciest pools we’ve spotted in the desert, plus more than a handful of stunning photo opportunities scattered around the grounds.
The camp’s yurt tents are special, lavishly decked out in traditional Berber furnishings. Plus, the events at BE Agafay are something special – ranging from communal barbecues to all-out raves in the desert.
Inara Camp: Best for Wellness Lovers
Sprawled across more than 50 acres and featuring its iconic pastel blue truck and oasis-like vibe, Inara Camp is one of the best places to bed down in the Agafay Desert. If you’re after a wellness retreat, we think a yoga class followed by a massage and a chic picnic will sort you right out.
Take our advice – if you can snag Suite 19, do it. The outdoor hot tub might seem redundant but we promise it’s a delightful addition to your room when the desert temperature drops in the evening.
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Scarabeo Camp: Best for Adventurers
Don’t be deceived, Scarabeo Camp is actually made up of numerous locations dotted throughout the Agafay Desert. We particularly love The Stone Camp, a historical spot beneath a hill, and the elevated outcrop of Les Roches Noires.
Activity-wise, the Monster Jeep experience is a unique romp through the desert. Oh, and make sure you pay a visit to La Citadelle, a secluded crumbling adobe fortress with views that stretch for miles.
Oxygen Lodge: Best for Relaxation
With a bar, terraces, a sizable pool, and plenty of areas to relax and unwind, we guarantee you won’t want to leave Oxygen Lodge. The accommodation is as luxe as you’ll find in the desert – the modern rooms are kitted out with spacious seating areas, plush beds, and even WiFi.
While you could easily spend your entire trip lounging around and soaking up the desert views, we urge you to book the early morning hot air balloon ride over the barren desert landscape.
La Pause: Best for Traditional Experiences
La Pause has been the top Agafay eco-camp for over 20 years. Fair warning – that means there’s no electricity or WiFi available on site. But we promise you won’t miss these modernities at all.
So… what can you get up to? There are plenty of options: chill by the pool, head out for a cycle, sip Moroccan tea from the comfort of your terrace, or unwind with a competitive game of pétanque.
Caravan Agafay: Best for Special Moments
If we had to pick one Agafay Desert camp, we would pick Caravan Agafay every time. Those familiar with the Habitas brand will already be aware of how incredible their properties are, but this self-described desert mirage is ethereal.
Keep your eyes peeled for the numerous events Caravan Agafay hosts throughout the year – yoga retreats, visits to Berber communities, and desert survival skills workshops, to name a few.
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Le Bedouin Agafay Camp: Best for Tranquility
Looking to completely escape the buzz of Marrakech? Head to Le Bedouin Agafay Camp for an evening. There are activities aplenty here, but we think the real draw is the incredible restaurant serving up tasty traditional fare with rocky mountain views.
While the tent options are more lowkey, the Superior Suite is stunning – your own private quarter complete with a seating area, private bathroom, and a bed that wouldn’t look out of place in a 5* resort.
Alkamar Camp: Best for Luxury on a Budget
Alkamar Camp has only been open for a couple of years, but it has quickly become one of the best Agafay Desert camps. Particularly if you’re after a luxury experience on a tight budget.
The pool and lounge area is one of the most beautiful options, surrounded by the otherworldly landscape for as far as the eye can see. Activities range from yoga and massages to buggy rides and mountain biking – and, our favourite, star gazing with an astronomer guide.
How to Get to Agafay Desert from Marrakech
There are a couple of ways we recommend travelling between Marrakech and Agafay. You can either book transport directly through one of the above camps, or opt for a tour with an overnight stay included – though the accommodation on these tours tends to be very basic. We recommend this overnight Agafay Desert tour.
