The Sound Of The Souks

Category: Popular Excursions.

Exploring The Red City Of Marrakech.

Day trips from Marrakech

  • Islamic Architecture In Marrakech.

    A look at Islamic architecture and craftsmanship.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    The beautiful Islamic architecture found in Marrakech is a testimony to its wealth of history and culture. From intricately carved wooden doors to geometric mosaic tiles and tadelakt, Marrakech has some of the finest examples of Islamic architecture in Morocco.You can’t help but be impressed by the attention to detail as you wonder around the medina.

    Large wooden doors exquisitely carved out of Cedar wood appear out of nowhere as you pass through the winding alleyways.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    Zellige tiles originating from the 10th century form geometric mosaics decorating the floors, walls, and fountains. A skill which has passed down from generation to generation.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    Islamic architecture in Morocco follows the spiritual principle of Tawhid, the unity of God. There are handcarved stucco panels with expertly applied fine details, including floral motifs and calligraphy from Nakshi and Kufic Arabic scripts. These are set against a backdrop of peace and tranquillity.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    The use of symmetry, repeated geometric patterns, and balanced proportions reflect divine order and infinity. The use of geometry and proportion symbolizes universal harmony.
    Calligraphy enshrines verses from the Qur’an, which merges both word and form together. Light also plays a sacred role. As it filters through lattice screens called mashrabiyas and central courtyards, it evokes the essence of divine presence.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Islamic architecture blends together Arab, Amazigh, Andalusian and Sub Saharan influences. Perfect examples can be seen at the Koutoubia Mosque, Ben Youseff Madrasa, Bahia Palace, Saadian tombs, and El Badi Palace.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Bab Agnaou gate is one of 19 splendid arched gates into the city showcasing intricate carvings.

    Hammams, which were constructed centuries ago, reflect the scale of precision and sheer brilliance of Islamic architecture. Exploring these beautiful places is a journey through the history and culture of Marrakech. You will be spellbound by the beauty of the tiled fountains with their original zellige tilework in the courtyards of riads. Original water features have been restored and strategically situated around the medina.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    There are two knockers on the magnificent wooden doors. One which is strictly for family members and one for guests to use.  This is in order to shield and protect the women of the household from the gaze of male strangers.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    There are places all around the medina where you will want to take photographs of the beautiful work local artisans left the world as their legacy.

    The remarkable skills of trained craftsmen are evident inside traditional riads. Unique pieces of handmade furniture, beautifully painted doors, and splendid ceilings demonstrate the skill involved.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    You can find people creating things in Marrakech using the same techniques that generations before them had used. At Ensemble Artisanal Craft Complex near Cyber Park, you can see the artisans busy at work. Here, they teach young apprentices the art passed down by their ancestors.

    Around the medina, you will find carefully designed wooden chess sets and wooden boxes ornately inlaid with Mother of pearl. In Tinsmiths Square, metal workers are busy crafting traditional Morroccan lamps and mirrors.

    As you wander through the souks, you are presented with examples of beautifully crafted items for sale. The amount of work that has gone into creating each piece is phenomenal.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    The roots of Moroccan architecture originate from the Amazigh and Arab culture. Styles have evolved from one dynasty to the other, including the Almoravids, the Almohads, and the Marinids.

    Nowadays, architects are using a combination of old and modern designs in their construction of buildings. This has led to a new style. It’s still characteristic of the old medina, but introduces newer, environmentally friendly buildings. They continue to incorporate the traditional zellige tilework in order to pay homage to the history and culture of the city. Riads are restored as close to their original appearance as possible. Some are modern and contemporary, which some tourists find appealing.

    I personally love the rustic charm of the older riads. The ones that evoke images of a world gone by. Those riads clinging to remnants of the past. The ones telling the story of an ancient culture which, if you look closely, is still very much alive today.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.
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  • Things To Do In Marrakech.

    Ideas to help you plan your itinerary.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Marrakech is a big city with lots going on. A little organisation before arriving will help you get the most out of your trip. Having an itinerary before visiting Marrakech is useful. A list of places, including the opening times and addresses, will help you plan a stressfree visit.

    There are a number of places to keep you entertained. There are tourist attractions showcasing the historical significance of the city. Excellent day trips to fascinating places, including the Atlantic coast. You can visit interesting museums and learn ancient techniques passed down through generations. There are fun shopping experiences that offer demonstrations on how to make traditional Morroccan rugs and babouches.

    The next few posts are designed to help you choose sightseeing activities. I have included all the places I have visited. I want to give readers an idea of what to expect, including journey times, reviews, and when to visit.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    The first time I visited Marrakech, I was unaware of what to expect. I spent 3 days in the main square and shopping in the souks. The time passed quickly, and I went home feeling as though I’d barely scratched the surface. The next time I visited, I had already done some research. I spent 3 days sightseeing, I went on a day trip and spent an evening watching the sunset in Agafay desert. I still had time for shopping in the souks and ate in some excellent restaurants. I returned home happy and satisfied. I realised that Marrakech is so much more than I ever expected. If I had known about the amount of things to do, I would have had a much better experience the first time.

    Read about the activities I have experienced and use the information to create an interesting itinerary. I continually update my blog to include more adventures. I include places to visit for budget conscious travellers, and most activities can be done without taking an official tour. My own experiences have been booked through Get Your Guide or the riad where I’m staying. This gives me peace of mind as a solo female traveller. If I were travelling as a group of friends, I would plan excursions outside of the city independently. I don’t use guides for sightseeing around the medina. However, they are available if you want one.

    Take note of places that may be of interest to you. Decide the most cost-effective way to experience them and plan accordingly. When choosing a tour, check the reviews on Get Your Guide to make sure you’re getting value for money. There are tour operators around the city, but I have never booked through them.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Lastly, Marrakech has a lot to offer, and you will not fit everything into your first visit. Plan a varied trip  that includes places of historical interest such as Bahia Palace or Ben Youssef Madrasa. Visit a couple of museums and at least one excursion out of the city. I also recommend making use of the parks around the city to enjoy some peace and tranquillity. The Souks are dynamic and exciting but limit your time to early morning or later in the evening. The main square comes alive at dusk, leaving the daytime free for other activities.

    Of course, you can always come back to this fascinating city if you don’t manage to see everything.

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  • The Spice Square.

    Visit the apothecary of Marrakech.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    The Spice Square, also known as Rahba Kedima, is a smaller market, less densely packed with tourists. It is located at the end of Souk Semmarine and a five minute walk from Jamaa El Fna.

    It is here that you will find a wonderful selection of spices, including saffron, cumin, and turmeric. The spices are beautifully displayed in pyramids around the square, and the air is fragrant with the scent of incense. There are dried herbs, oils, potions, dried tea, and the traditional Moroccan lip stain.

    The Spice Square is the traditional apothecary of Marrakech and a treasure trove of Moroccan culture.

    In the Spice Square, you will also find hand woven baskets,  straw hats, baby tortoises, and shops selling Amazigh jewellery ,Tuareg leather amulets and beautiful throws and wall hangings. It is a vibrant, colourful market with a less frantic pace than Jamaa El Fna.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    The Spice Square is home to popular restaurants like Cafe Des Espices and Nomad, a well-known restaurant amongst tourists who flock to watch the setting sun from the rooftop terrace.

    The Spice Square is not far from the Medersa Ben Youseff and Marrakech museum, so it’s ideal for making it part of your day when visiting both of these attractions.

    Until the 20th century, Rahba Kedima was the cities grain market and the place where slaves were sold. It is now the epicentre of the medina where you can pick up the famous Moroccan spice blend ras el hanout and watch the spice sellers who come down from the mountain villages at 4.00 in the afternoon to sell their trade. The smells and colours are heady, as friendly vendors demonstrate the benefits of eucalyptus and other herbal remedies to the tourists.

    The Spice Square is a photogenic place where you will be met with a glimpse of trading traditions from the past. It’s the perfect balance between a bustling market experience and a relaxed, more laid-back atmosphere.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    As you meander your way through the busy Semmarine souk, it suddenly opens up to this feast of exotic colours that seem to appear out of nowhere. You will be greeted by a display of tantalising and pungent aromas that have become the essence of Marrakech.

    There are a few budget cafes around the spice square that are ideal spots for a pot of mint tea whilst sitting in the sunshine absorbing this sensual experience.

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  • Bahia Palace.

    One of the most visited attractions in Marrakech.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Bahia Palace is a 19th-century palace in Marrakesh. It’s definitely a must-see if you’re visiting the city, as it is quite spectacular.

    The word Bahia means  ‘brilliance’ in Arabic, a reflection of the splendour of Islamic architecture and art. The rooms inside the Bahia Palace are beautifully decorated with sculpted stucco, zellige tiles, paintings, and mosaics to capture the essence and skill of divine craftsmanship. The intricately carved cedar wood ceilings are a testimony to the beauty and precision involved in the creation of such a spectacular palace.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    The huge courtyard is one of the focal points of Bahia Palace. It is rather grand and very spacious with a fountain in the centre and intricate zellige tile work typical of Morroccan design and culture. All the doors open out into it.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    There are approximately 150 rooms organised around multiple internal courtyards and riad gardens. The palace covers around two hectares.

    In 1956, when Morocco gained independence from the French, the palace became the residence of King Hassan II until it was later transferred to the Moroccan Ministry of Culture to serve as a cultural icon and tourist attraction. Bahia Palace has now become one of the most significant landmarks and tourist destinations in Marrakech, attracting 1000s of visitors.

    If you’re planning a visit, it is advisable to book tickets as queues can be extremely long. They cost 70 dirhams at the time of writing, and the palace is open between 8.00am-5.00pm daily.

    The gardens surrounding the palace are also impressive, with orange trees lining the route to the entrance. It’s worth having a wander around them after seeing the interior.

    I would suggest arriving as close to opening time as you possibly can to avoid the crowds. That way, you can spend time reading about the history of the palace before it becomes too busy, and you also have a better chance to capture a few photos of the internal chambers and exquisitely decorated rooms.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    If you’re visiting marrakech, the Bahia Palace will give you a good understanding of both Moroccan and Islamic culture and the architecture, art and craftsmanship that defines it.

    If you enjoy looking at Islamic architecture, you should also visit Badi Palace and the Saadian tombs in the Kasbah area of the city.

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  • The Saadian Tombs.

    A testimony to the opulence of the Saadian dynasty.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    One of the most popular tourist attractions in Marrakesh is the Saadian tombs.

    The Saadian tombs have become a historical landmark dating back as far as the late sixteenth century. Built by the Saadian dynasty, they house the mausoleums of Sultan Ahmad al-Mansour and his family.

    The  mixture of Spanish and Moorish architecture is really impressive, with detailed stucco work, intricate mosaic tiles, and Italian Carrara marble.The main mausoleum is quite remarkable, with beautifully decorated ceilings and columns and there are usually very long queues waiting to see it. The Saadian tombs are very decadent with a mixture of Morroccan, Andalusian, and European styles, showcasing the wealth of the Saadian dynasty.

    I recommend arriving early around opening time to avoid waiting too long to see the main mausoleum. Tourists can wait for over an hour in the heat, so make sure you have a bottle of water handy just in case.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    The Saadian Tombs were hidden for centuries. They were spotted through aerial photography and are now one of the most visited tourist attractions in Marrakesh.

    Housing over 100 tombs with beautiful zellige tiles and marble columns, this royal necropolis was commissioned by Sultan Ahmed al-Mansour to honour his ancestors. The chamber of 12 columns is where the tombs of Ahmed al- Mansour and his successors are laid to rest. In the gardens lie the tombs of soldiers and servants. There is a smaller  tranquil chamber, which is called the Chamber of Three Niches.

    The Saadian Tombs are an example of Moroccos’ rich history and culture. They are in close proximity to El Badi Palace and Bahia Palace. Both are worth a visit if your you’re interested in Islamic art and architecture.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    The Saadian Tombs are in the Kasbah next to the mosque, and the opening times are 9.00 am until 5.00pm daily. The price of entry at the time of writing is 100 dirhams.

    The Kasbah is located to the south of the medina.

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  • El Badi Palace.

    The ruins of an extravagant palace from the Saadian dynasty.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    El Badi Palace was built in 1578 by Sultan Ahmad al-Mansour of the Saadian dynasty. The palace was built to showcase the considerable wealth of the Saadian dynasty and was a prime example of Islamic architecture and exquisite craftsmanship.

    Using both Moroccan and European influences, the palace was beautifully decorated with intricate mosaic tiles, marble arches, and ornate carvings. There were 300 rooms decorated in gold, turquoise, and crystal. It was also home to the sultans harem, which included over 500 women.

    When Meknes became the new capital city, the palace was completely stripped of all its materials and transported there to create a new palace.  After the death of Sultan Ahmad al-Mansour in 1603, the palace fell into neglect. Now, only the ruins remain.

    El Badi is worth a visit if you want to learn about the history of Marrakech and the elite who ruled centuries ago.There is an interesting exhibition area containing the Almoravid Minbar, which is the finely decorated pulpit that once  stood inside the Koutoubia Mosque. The area also hosts temporary art and cultural exhibitions. There are underground chambers that contain information and photographs about the history of the palace.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Unfortunately, the palace was badly damaged during the earthquake in 2023, and renovations have taken place to repair the cracks in the walls. It’s still a tranquil place to visit, and the huge courtyard feels very calm and peaceful. The storks nesting on top of the towers give it a mystical atmosphere.

    El Badi Palace is situated in the Kasbah district, which is to the south of the city. It is close to the Saadian tombs, an impressive burial site, and another place to visit to get an understanding of the history of Marrakech.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    Visiting this once opulent palace, you get a sense of the wealth and grandeur of the Saadian dynasty. There’s a feeling of tranquillity within its walls, and you appreciate its historical significance.

    El Badi Palace is open every day from 9.00am to 5.00pm and costs 100 dirhams to enter.

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  • The Museum of Mouassine Music.

    A museum hosting traditional music evenings.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    The Mouassine Museum of Music is in the Saadian quarter of the medina. It is housed in a recently restored 16th – 17th century house in the once aristocratic Mouassine area of Marrakech. The upper floor has a small guest room called a douiria. This is a prime example of fine Arab Andalusian architecture. The main room of the douiria is beautifully decorated, with carved stucco featuring geometric patterns and Kufic letter motifs as well as sculpted and painted wooden ceilings.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    There are several rooms showcasing the diversity of musical traditions in Morocco. Amazigh music, Jewish tradition, daqqa marrakchia, Gnawa music, and Arab-Andalusian music. The Music Museum contains a wide range of instruments, photographs, and videos. It is a fascinating walk through the musical heritage of Africa and home to some fascinating artefacts.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    After visiting the museum, make your way upstairs to the pretty rooftop terrace where there is a restaurant called the Belvedere Terrace. There are great views of the medina and Atlas Mountains from up there.

    The museum also hosts popular events. Three times a week, there are musical evenings. Mondays, there is an Andalusian music concert. Wednesdays is a concert dedicated to Berber music, and Fridays is traditional gnawa music. These concerts commence between 6 and 7.00pm.The concerts are followed by a traditional tea ceremony. I recommend booking in advance to guarantee a place. They are very popular and fill up quickly.

    The Mouassine Museum of Music is a deep delve into the history and culture of Marrakech. It’s a colourful museum with fascinating exhibits. The price of entry is 80 dirhams and permits entry into the museum of photography also.

    The address is 4,5 Derb El Hammam Marrakech Morocco. It is situated near the southeastern corner of the Mouassine Mosque and the Mouassine fountain.  The area is quite dense, so look for signs or use Google maps to help you locate it.

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  • Le Jardin Secret.

    Spend time in a serene corner of the souks.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Le Jardin Secret is a hidden gem inside the medina. It’s a restored 19th-century palace complex in the Mouassine district of Marrakech. An oasis of exotic plants and flowers where you can sit and enjoy the calm and beautiful surroundings, listening to the birds singing in the trees.  Nestled secretly in the middle of the souks amidst the chaos, suddenly appears this quiet, enchanting space to spend a little time recharging your batteries.

    In the heart of this magical oasis, there is a decorative pagoda to sit in the shade and recollect your thoughts.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Le Jardin Secret boasts two attractive large gardens. One containing a range of plants from around the world, the other a traditional geometric Islamic garden. It also has one of the highest towers in the medina with panoramic views.

    There is also a museum, a boutique, and two coffee shops on site if you want to enjoy a drink or a few light refreshments sitting in the sunshine.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Le Jardin Secret dates back 400 years ago to the Saadian dynasty and was left to decay before being discovered and renovated in the nineteenth century. It is a prime example of the beauty of Islamic art and architecture, and you can find out more about its history inside the museum.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    The gardens are simply beautiful with Cacti, palm trees, and other exotic plants, flowers, and shrubs. There is a small pond with resident toads and turtles who sit basking on the rocks to the delight of passing tourists. The harmonious sound of birdsong allows you to feel like you’re a world away from the busy souks outside the walls.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    There are plenty of benches dotted around the gardens for you to sit and enjoy the tranquillity and beauty that surrounds you, sitting here peacefully, you forget you are still inside the busy medina, dodging motorcycles, tourists, and donkeys.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    To get the most peaceful experience from your visit to Le Jardin Secret, I suggest arriving early in the daytime before the gardens become too busy with other tourists.

    Le Jardin Secret is located at 121 Rue Mouassine Marrakech 40030 Morocco. Opening times may vary depending on the time of year.It costs 100 dirhams to enter, and the gardens are wheelchair user-friendly.

    The cafes serve sandwiches, pizzas, and salads. They also offer hot and cold beverages, including juice, smoothies, tea, coffee, and a selection of delicious homemade cakes.

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  • Jamaa El Fna At Sunset.

    Experience the heartbeat of Marrakech.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    If you think that Jamaa El Fna  is a busy place during the daytime, be prepared for a surprise once the sun begins to set. Gone are the snake charmers and monkeys on chains, to be replaced by open-air restaurants, gnawa musicians, gambling, and exotic dancers.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    The scene is organised chaos and a complete sensory overload. The sights, sounds, and smells are not for the faint-hearted. The drumming becomes intense as the main square takes on the image of a huge fair ground.

    Thousands of people from all over the city and beyond come together to meet each other, alongside tourists all vying for space to watch the spectacle unfold. The exciting atmosphere is electric and pulsates with energy.

    Street vendors looking for potential customers pursue you with menus as you try to navigate your way through the crowds. They hop in front of you, and you have to dodge them like you are taking part in some sort of assault course.

    Images by Freebird Tracey

    The aroma from camel heads cooking on a spit drifts across the square, and fresh snails being plucked from their shells becomes a familiar sight.

    Although the scene is very intense, it is also magnetic and exciting. I love the energy in Jamaa El Fna after dusk, but some people find it too overwhelming. They prefer to sit at the edge of the square, away from the crowds, and watch everything from a safe distance with a drink.

    Jamaa El Fnaa at dusk is unlike anything else you may have experienced. There is so much to see.There are games being played, and a few little scams are taking place to try and trick you into coughing up a few dirhams.

    Locals hang around the cafe de France, chatting with each other over coffee. Families wander around the stalls that are brightly lit up and open until late. Young men enjoy kicking a football against the walls of the medina, and couples sit on benches chatting to each other in the warm evening air.

    Sugarcane and fruit juice are sold by lively vendors, and the banter is all done in high spirits. Tourists dine on rooftop terraces as the Koutoubia mosque rings out the call to prayer.

    As the sun sets, the crowds flock, and the atmosphere becomes electrifying.The square is transformed into a social hub where anything is possible and everything appears to take place at the same time. It’s an incredible experience.

    Dazzling bright lights from the open air food vendors and Morroccan lamps for sale on blankets give off a warm, inviting glow. The heady fragrance from incense cones competes with the smell of food cooking, each wafting through the air on a gentle breeze.

    Henna ladies sit waiting for unsuspecting tourists and then grab their arms in an attempt to sell them a tattoo. They tell you,”It’s a gift,” but don’t you dare to walk away without paying once they’ve applied it.

    You can hear the sound of the gnawa musicians playing dressed in their brightly coloured clothing, belly dancers perform, and acrobats show off their skills to the gathering crowd of curious onlookers, you can’t escape the mayhem. After all, the famous Jamaa El Fnaa is the heartbeat of the city, and it draws you in because it’s a special place and there’s nowhere else quite like it.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Jamaa El Fna magnetises you. The chaos that surrounds you is an assault on the senses. It’s an experience, an education, and a head-first dive into the rich culture of Marrakech.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Although there’s so much going on after dusk, please be mindful when stopping to take photos. Someone in the thick of the action will be eagle eyed enough to catch you. They are continuously on the lookout for tourists who have stopped to watch. They will pounce upon you from out of nowhere, with a cap in their hand expecting a donation.

    After sunset, it’s as though the whole of Morrocco has come out to play in Jamaa El Fna, and they are determined to have a good time. It’s a sight to behold, lively, energetic, colourful, aromatic, and incredibly loud. Be sure to visit this remarkable place and witness what it is that makes Marrakech so magical. It’s certainly an eye-opener.

    Although it’s mostly safe around the square, exercise the usual caution in large crowded areas and try to avoid any obvious scams.

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  • Agafay Desert.

    Take a trip to a vast stony desert near Marrakech.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    We met our tour guide near Jamaa El Fna at 6.00pm and boarded our air-conditioned mini bus.We were a small group of 8 people, and the journey took around 45 minutes.

    Agafay desert is a gravelly desert, composing of stones, rocks, and dunes where some vegetation is able to survive. As we approached our camp, camels sitting with their calfs looked fairly nonplussed at the convoy of tourists descending on their territory.

    As we disembarked, the sound of traditional gnawa music was playing in the distance. Our guide led us to tables that overlooked the vast expanse of desert. The panoramic view laid out before us was absolutely breathtaking.We could see for miles.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    Our camp was pretty, with colourful cushions and rugs scattered about and rattan lamps hanging overhead. There was a large Berber tent where you could shelter from the breeze.We  could eat inside the tent or at tables in the open air.

    After settling in with a mint tea, some of the group took a short camel ride. This activity was optional.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Next came a three course meal, including vegetable soup served with traditional Morroccan bread, a delicious tagine, and fruit for dessert. The food was tasty, and the fresh air had given everyone a good appetite.

    We ate our dinner watching the golden sun go down. The skies were a fiery red. It was one of the most beautiful sunsets I had ever seen.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    A group of Morroccan gnawa musicians played around the tables, entertaining us as we finished off our meals. It was a lot of fun, and everyone was in high spirits.

    Video by Freebird Tracey.

    As soon as dinner was over, the merriment commenced. Dubious tourists were pulled into a circle and were soon snaking around the campfires attempting Berber dancing. The atmosphere was lively and upbeat. Everyone was  clapping along and enjoying themselves. The stars came out in the clear sky as the campfires roared. By now, the temperature had started to drop, but we felt warm and cosy by the big open fires.

    When the lively display of Berber dancing was over, we all sat down to catch our breath. The camp was full of laughter, and everyone was having a good time.

    The grand finale was next. A spectacular light show in the middle of the desert. Everyone looked on in awe at the amazing pyrotechnic display taking place on a crater in front of us. By now, it was completely dark, and the effects were hypnotising. Watching the flames leap about against the backdrop of the vast dark desert was the highlight of the evening.

    The fire display brought the evening in Agafay desert to a close. It had been an exciting evening. We were escorted back to our vehicles and driven back to Marrakech.

    The excursion to Agafay desert was great value for money, and I would highly recommend it. I booked my trip through Get Your Guide, but your accommodation will also be able to organise the trip for you. There are a few different desert camps to choose from, and some have better facilities than others, so check the reviews before booking. Quad biking is also available if you prefer that instead of a camel ride

    It is also possible to book an overnight stay at Agafay Luxury Camp. The camp offers a swimming pool and luxury accommodation with showers and bathtubs. Details can be found on Booking.com or by  looking online.

    Here are a few things that you may wish to consider if you plan to visit Agafay Desert.

    Take a warm sweater or blanket because evenings drop cooler.

    There are plenty of toilet facilities but take some tissue with you in case there isn’t any. You may also want to take some hand sanitiser.

    Some tours visit an Argan Cooperative on the way to the desert. If you’re interested in purchasing anything, take some cash with you in case they don’t accept card payments.

    The evening tour usually finishes between 9.30-10.00. There may be earlier tours during the winter months.

    Agafay desert was an entertaining way to spend an evening. Now that I’ve had a taste of desert life, I am eager to visit the Sahara.

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