Camels, sunsets, and a fire show that left me speechless.
We met our tour guide near Jamaa El Fna at 6.00pm and boarded our air-conditioned mini bus.
The journey took around 45 minutes from Marrakech in total in an air-conditioned mini bus with a small group of about 8 people.
Agafay desert is a gravelly desert, composing of stones, rocks, and dunes where some vegetation is able to survive.
As we approached, there were camels with their calfs looking fairly nonplussed at the convoy of tourists driving slowly past.
On arrival, we could hear music playing from our camp a short distance away from where we were parked.
Our guide led us to our tables that overlooked the vast expanse of the desert that lay before us.
The panoramic view was absolutely breathtaking..
We could see for miles.
Our camp was really pretty, with colourful seats and rugs scattered everywhere.
There was a Berber tent for us to shelter in, and we could also eat inside there since it was becoming slightly windy.
After a hot, sweet mint tea, we all took the optional camel ride.
Much to everyone’s amusement, my camel came untied and got a bit frisky with the one in front.
After he was reattached, we continued a bit further for a short while before turning around and heading back to disembark.
That was also something of an experience.
I wobbled about on my camels back as he dropped down to the ground in the most undignified manner.
Immediately after we got off the camels, our food was presented to us.
It was a three course meal consisting of vegetable soup with traditional Morroccan bread, a delicious tagine followed by cakes and fruit for dessert.
We ate our dinner watching the beautiful golden sun go down. The sky was fiery red.
It was absolutely stunning.
I can honestly say it was one of the most beautiful sunsets I have ever seen.
Traditional musicians played their instruments around the tables, entertaining us as we finished our meal.
It was a lot of fun.
As soon as dinner was over, more merriment commenced.
Dubious tourists were pulled into a circle and were soon snaking around the campfires and attempting to mimic traditional Berber dancing.
The atmosphere was incredible.
Everyone was out of their seats, clapping and enjoying themselves.
The stars came out, and the campfires roared.
The temperature had cooled down, but we were soon nice and warm again.
After the lively display of Berber dancing had finished, we all sat down to catch our breath once more.
The air was full of laughter, and spirits were high.
Soon, the grand finale was about to begin..
A spectacular light show in the middle of the desert.
It was completely dark by now, and the visual effects were totally hypnotising.
Everyone looked on in awe at the amazing pyrotechnic display taking place on the dune in front of us.
It was the highlight of the whole evening.
We were completely blown away, watching the flames leaping about against the back drop of the vast dark desert.
I certainly wasn’t expecting anything quite as fantastic as that!
The fire display brought the evening in Agafay desert to a close.
It had been a wonderful evening.
We had tasty food, the entertainment was a lot of fun, the fire display was incredible, and the camel ride was interesting!
Everyone was able to participate in what turned out to be a very enjoyable time.
Once the evening had drawn to a close, we were taken back to our meeting point near Jamaa El Fna.
The cost of the excursion was well worth the money, and I would highly recommend it.
I booked my trip through Get Your Guide, and most of the accommodation in Marrakech will also organise the trip for you.
Apparently, there are a few different desert camps to choose from.
Some have better facilities than others, and some include a different itinerary. The cost varies, so do check what activities you are getting before you book.
It is also possible to book an overnight stay at Agafay luxury camp.
There is a swimming pool and other amenities with a more luxurious touch, such as rather grand tents with showers and bathtubs.
Check Booking.com or look for reputable online sites for details about staying there.
Here are a few things to consider if you plan to visit Agafay Desert.
Take a warm sweater or blanket, the evenings drop cooler, and you may find the wind is a little bit blustery.
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.
There are vegetarian options available. I had vegetable tagine, and the other people in my group had chicken.
The guides are excellent at their job.
I have been several times, and they always find us at the end of the evening if we get separated.
No one gets left behind.
Some tours visit an Argan Cooperative on the way to the desert.
I really enjoyed this and purchased some argan oil for my skin. It was a decent quality oil and lasted me ages.
The tour usually finishes around 9.30-10.00.
I think I may take a journey to the Sahara desert next.
Now that I’ve had a taste of desert life..
Sounds Of The Souks 