A lunar landscape over several kilometres, just 20 minutes from Marrakech. Treat yourself to an experience worthy of nomadic life, this is the promise of the Agafay desert.
The Agafay desert, stony unlike Merzouga, extends over hundreds of hectares, on the first heights of the High Atlas of Morocco. Once there, you might think that you are treading on the Moon. Only regarding thirty kilometers from Marrakech, the destination offers a unique experience. The rocky desert, the blue sky and the snows of the Atlas offer a magical picture for all those in need of escape. The night is magical, since far from the tumult of the city, where stands a sky of thousands of stars.
Let’s go back in time to understand the birth of this new tourist destination. In 2005 the first camp in the middle of the Agafay desert was created, just following the signing of l’Open Sky (in 2004). The opening of the sky has boosted arrivals, and a particular request from international tourists: Live the experience of the desert but without having to drive 8 hours to go to Merzouga or Mhamid El Ghizlane. All in a maximum of three days.
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A vein that did not escape Abdelkhalek Benalila, owner of the White Camel, a hotel located in the Agafay desert. He is among the first to set up luxury camps on site. His experience in Merzouga and Mhamid El Ghizlane help him create the concept. “We have brought together the experience of nomad camps for tourists,” explains the hotelier, nicknamed “the king of camps,” to Yabiladi.
Nomads for a few days
Going to the Agafay desert represents a break in time. A “spiritual” experience, off the beaten track, characterized by a communion with nature, and a connection linking heaven and earth.
Tourists spend the night in tents which are well equipped. “Our customers live the life of nomads for a few days, with Berber cuisine, campfires in the evening, a real experience of the thousand and one nights”, specifies our interlocutor.
The tents (or lodges) are not rudimentary, but equipped with air conditioning, king size beds, hot water, private toilets and a breathtaking view of the desert. The adventure continues beyond the rooms, since the hotel staff is dressed in blue, the favorite color of the Tuaregs, with cheches and nomadic outfits.
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Contacted by Yabiladi, Abdellatif Abouricha, communication manager at the Marrakech Regional Tourism Center, points out that the Agafay desert is a new product for “nationals” and is part of the “new routes” offered to Moroccans. No less than 15 service providers are currently in the Agafay desert.
“The destination has been known abroad for several years, but not yet enough in Morocco.”
Abdellatif Abouricha
observe the stars
Among the activities offered in the various hotels in the Agafay desert: Camel rides, quad biking, boogie, swimming pool in the middle of the desert (while respecting the setting and the environment).
© Provided by Yabiladi
“In the evening, we look at the stars with telescopes. Stories of nomadic life are told. We want to preserve Bedouin life.”
Abdelkhalek Benalila
The taste for new experiences, space, raw landscapes, calm are the assets of the Agafay desert just a few kilometers from the ocher city.