If you’re planning a trip to the Agafay Desert and are looking for the best Agafay Desert camps ever then you have come to the right place.
I live in Morocco and have been to the Agafay Desert many times. And while some Agafay Desert camps are hot, some are most definitely not.
It’s also worth noting that while the Agafay Desert is a quick, 35 or 45-minute drive from Marrakech, there are not a lot of public transportation options available.
Yeah, foreigners are the only people who come here. Plus, locals generally have their own motor bikes or cars if they’re living out here.
So, if you want to visit you will have to take a private transfer (650 Dirhams or $65 each way from the airport) or use bus 33. The problem with the bus is that it won’t drop you off right at the camp.
Therefore, you’ll still need to get a ride from the bus stop to the camp. Additionally, the Agafay Desert is a rock desert and not a sand desert.
Don’t expect the vast sand dunes of the Sahara when you visit. Instead, you’ll see large tracts of land filled with dirt and rocks.
But, if you like solitude and want to enjoy activities like quad biking and camel riding then a luxurious stay in the Agafay Desert of Morocco may be perfect for you.
So, let’s look at all of the best Agafay Desert camps that I would stay at if I were spending the night in the area.
This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure for more information. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.
Table of Contents
Is It Worth Spending the Night in the Agafay Desert?
Before you book your desert camp stay I want to prepare you. This way you know what to expect when spending the night in the Agafay Desert.
Firstly, the Agafay Desert is NOT the Sahara. A lot of people claim it’s a great alternative to the Sahara if you can’t go all the way there, but I don’t agree.
The Sahara is entirely different and a lot better IMHO. Yes, the Agafay Desert is quiet and peaceful and a nice place to visit. But, it is very expensive to get there if you’re not doing an Agafay Desert day tour.
In fact, it cost me 400 Dirhams each way to get to and from Marrakech Menara Airport.
Additionally, once there, you are pretty much stuck at the camp unless you book an activity. So, you’ll have to eat all your meals at the camp and I would not plan to do day trips into Marrakech since it will get expensive fast.
The cost of activities is also pretty expensive. I know at my camp a camel ride costs 300 Dirhams for an hour ($30.00) and a quad bike tour costs 400 Dirhams for an hour ($40.00).
That may not sound expensive, but if you book a day tour of the Agafay Desert from Marrakech then you’ll enjoy round-trip transfers to the desert, food, and activities (like camel riding and quad biking) for less than what you’d pay for one activity at a desert camp.
Therefore, I think that a day trip from Marrakech to the Agafay Desert is a much better and more affordable option than spending the night there.
But, if you’re looking for some quiet and just want to chill by the pool then booking a stay at an Agafay Desert camp is a great option.
Best Agafay Desert Camps
1. Oxygen Lodge Agafay
⭐️ Rating: 9.5/10.0 (1335 Reviews) Price: $426 per night 📍Location: MAG. SIS A SOUIKAT RIJAL AHMAR AGAFAY, 40000 Agafay Details: Read more on booking.com now!
Just because you’re in the heart of the desert doesn’t mean that you need to sacrifice comfort at Oxygen Lodge Agafay.
After all, this luxury Agafay Desert camp is home to an amazing outdoor pool, a stunning terrace, an enchanting garden, and sweeping views of the Atlas Mountains.
Each five-star glamping tent comes with wifi, a/c, soundproofing, desert-inspired decor, marble floors, and wooden accents. Tents also include large, king sized beds with a private fireplace available in deluxe accommodations.
“Great hotel at perfect location, deep inside the desert of Agafay, with fabulous view, very nice dinner accompanied by local musicians. The pool was very relaxing with the best aesthetic view, while the sunrise was the best picture. The staff was very kind and the lodge was spacious and clean. The activities provided were numerous. It is highly recommended, as it was the best way to end our trip in Marrakech!”
Anna (read more reviews now)
Private bathrooms are also present in each unit with slippers, free toiletries, and plush bathrobes available for an even more comfortable stay.
You’ll also love the wide array of complimentary breakfast menus available, with halal, vegetarian, and gluten-free dishes on offer.
Sadly, the pool is not heated. But, you can always head to the front desk and book a wide array of activities before relaxing around a fire pit and listening to live music.
It’s also worth noting that things are a bit pricey and that water is not included. So, bring your own water if possible. It is also not totally secluded since you can see some other camps around you.
But, you can book some cool trips and try one of the best camel tours in Marrakech.
2. Inara Camp
⭐️ Rating: 9.0/10.0 (494 Reviews) Price: $320.00 per night 📍Location: desert d’agafay route de mhamid, 40000 Agafay, Morocco Details: Read more on booking.com now!
Located deep within the Agafay Desert near El Karia, Inara Camp is a luxurious oasis of tranquility spread out on a 21-hectare property that features an outdoor pool, a restaurant, concierge service, a bar, and a garden.
Additionally, Wifi and on-site parking are both available, as is a complimentary Continental breakfast that is served daily in the Inara Camp. It includes msemen, dates, harcha, cheese, tea, coffee, and more.
“Inara Camp is simply stunning; the setting of tents in the middle of the desert sand is a dream come true… decor and design, delicious drinks and fabulous food, staff and service. I have to especially thank Mohammed, the most exceptional manager who made our stay memorable.”
Tanya (read more reviews now)
All 18 luxury glamping tents also come outfitted with comfy king-sized beds, a patio, private bathrooms (with hot showers), towels, free toiletries, slippers, and a hairdryer. They even have a unique open-air design for better views of the desert.
Bike rentals are also available and guests will adore the stunning views of the Atlas Mountains and the exceptional service offered by staff.
It’s worth noting that the pool is not heated. So, you may not be able to go swimming during cooler months, even though the pool is open year-round.
3. Alkamar Camp Agafay
⭐️ Rating: 9.2/10.0 (87 Reviews) Price: $318 per night 📍Location: Agafay, 40250 Agafay, Morocco Details: Read more on booking.com now!
Providing exceptional luxury and comfort from the heart of the desert, Alkamar Camp Agafay features high-end glamping tents with plush towels, wifi, king-sized beds, outlets, private bathrooms, and stunning poolside views.
A delish complimentary breakfast is also served daily, with a la carte and continental breakfast options available that include local delicacies, fruit, juice, coffee, tea, etc.
Guests can also use a shuttle service to quickly and easily arrive at the camp from the airport. Upon arrival, engage in fun walking tours or use a spacious outdoor pool to cool down after a long day riding camels or exploring the area by bike.
“Alkamar Camp was absolutely one of the most beautiful experiences of my life, a birthday that I will never forget thanks to all the staff but in particular to Mohamed (orange man), this will certainly remain my favorite place… I already miss it and I can not wait to come back! Thank you so much to all the staff and Mohamed.”
Linda (read more reviews now)
Just be aware that the road into and out of the property is not well-maintained. So, the journey to the desert camp can be a bit rough. Otherwise, the property is stunning and the service provided by people like Mohammed is exceptional.
You can even enjoy traditional Moroccan meals at the property’s restaurant while listening to amazing Moroccan music and admiring exceptional views of the Atlas Mountains.
Get Your Amazing 7-Day Morocco Itinerary Now!
Planning a trip to Morocco and not sure where to start? Or, maybe you don’t have weeks to sit and do research to create the perfect Morocco itinerary. If so then I am here to help. I have lived in Morocco with my Moroccan partner for YEARS. I created this custom, 45-page, 7-day itinerary so that you could plan the best trip possible with the least amount of stress. Customers are calling this itinerary “brilliant” and I think you will too. So, get yours now!
4. Agafay Pearl Camp Marrakech
⭐️ Rating: 8.7/10.0 (265 Reviews) Price: $273 per night 📍Location: DOUAR JORF LAAROUSSYINE COMMUNE AGAFAY CAIDAT Ait Imour Marrakech – Morocco, 40000 Marrakesh, Morocco Details: Read more on booking.com now!
What really sets Agafay Pearl Camp apart is exceptional entertainment and a wealth of fun Moroccan-inspired experiences.
However, guests will also adore beautiful tents that include wifi, terraces, a/c, flat-screen TVs, private bathrooms with toiletries, and twin beds or one queen-sized bed.
Guests can also make use of a rooftop pool before sitting around an outdoor fireplace and watching the stars light up the night sky.
“We stayed in 3 different places during our 8 nights in Marrakech and this was our absolute favorite! Such a beautiful oasis, not too far but far enough from the noisy city. We were the only ones at the camp that night but Mamud and the team made it exceptional with great dinner and music. Thank you so much!”
Sofia (read more reviews now)
You’ll also be well fed since buffet and continental breakfast options include pancakes, pastries, and Moroccan foods that are served to you inside a luxurious dining tent.
Additionally, families will love the indoor play area and outdoor kids playground for kids and can head to the 24-hour front desk to book fun desert experiences.
Just keep an eye on your bill since you’ll pay for lunch and dinner at the end of your stay. It’s also a fairly small camp and gives your more of a camping vibe since there are just ten tents on the property.
5. Les Terrasses d’Agafay
⭐️ Rating: 8.8/10.0 (97 Reviews) Price: $125 per night 📍Location: desert d’agafay m’hamid, 40000 Agafay, Morocco Details: Read more on booking.com now!
Easily of the best budget-friendly desert camps in the Agafay Desert, Les Terrasses d’Agafay is home to tents with large double beds as well as private bathrooms (with free toiletries) and mountain or pool views.
Tents even come with electric heaters to keep you warm on cold nights and can be accessed via a paid airport shuttle service.
Additionally, guests can dig into a complimentary continental breakfast before using the on-site infinity pool or dining at an authentic Moroccan restaurant.
“The views from the camp and the pool are exceptional. The tent is comfortable with hot water and an electric heater for cold nights. Above all, the food at dinner was amazing. For our second night, we were able to eat at the Inara camp nearby. I really recommend the whole experience.”
Adele (read more reviews now)
You also won’t have to worry about getting bored since a range of activities are available like yoga classes, camel rides, and quad bike tours.
The camp is also well-located so you can eat at nearby camps, like Inara, if you want to get off the property and dine at another restaurant in the area.
However, food and drinks can be pricey since meals cost between $30.00 and $35.00 per person. Tours offered through the hotel are also and you can sometimes hear your neighbors next door.
6. Emeraude Camp Agafay
⭐️ Rating: 8.8/10.0 (1119 Reviews) Price: $226 per night 📍Location: Douar laarissa commune agafay entoure pree marrakech, 40000 Agafay, Morocco Details: Read more on booking.com now!
Emeraude Camp Agafay features well-appointed tents with either a full or a queen-sized bed.
While there isn’t a bathroom in these rustic-feeling tents, guests can enjoy plush accommodations with linens, towels, free wifi, and electrical outlets.
There’s also a large outdoor pool on-site, surrounded by lounge chairs with umbrellas, as well as a garden, a bar, and a patio with an outdoor dining area.
“Had a lovely tent in the camp, it was cosy with a wood burner in the room to keep us warm. Pool was great for sunbathing but very cold. Food was great and so was the sunset camel ride!”
Camila (read more reviews now)
Breakfast is also included (it’s good but not great) and you can sign up for fun activities like camel riding. Just be sure to bring games and a book since there isn’t much to do besides sit by the pool and sign up for paid excursions.
Additionally, the shower and pool can feel a bit cold. So, be sure to visit on a hot day.
Book Your Morocco Travel Consultation Now
Nervous about traveling to Morocco and are not sure where to start when it comes to planning your tour?
Want to see the country from the local perspective?
Have an itinerary planned but aren’t sure if it needs any tweaks?
Don’t worry! I have you covered! Book a private consultation now and let me help you plan your trip. These one-on-one calls are designed to tailor your itinerary according to your personal preferences and needs!
7. Agafay, La Ferme Nomade Bivouac
⭐️ Rating: 8.3/10.0 (70 Reviews) Price: $120.00 per night 📍Location: Douar Lmigitifa, 40272 Agafay, Morocco Details: Read more on booking.com now!
La Ferme Nomade Bivouac is another one of the best budget Agafay Desert camps that features luxury tents with two twin beds or one double bed.
All tents also come with wifi, private bathrooms with toiletries, electrical outlets, sitting areas, heating, and daily housekeeping.
When you’re not relaxing in your tent, head to the outdoor pool and go for a swim before playing darts and enjoying a bit of table tennis.
“Our stay at La Ferme Nomade was great. The host Hamza and the whole staff was very friendly and more than willing to help. They gave us some great advice about the area and we had a great time. The tent we were in was very comfortable, so was the bed and the view is stunning! The diner they serve (If you choose to eat there, which we highly recommend) is delicious and so is the breakfast. At night they made a fire and the pool was a welcome refreshment after a day in the dessert. If you are looking for a place to stay that gives you both privacy and hospitality, this is a winner.”
Anne (read more reviews now)
Afterward, refuel with a meal in a beautiful outdoor dining area since the on-site restaurant serves drinks as well as authentic Moroccan cuisine for lunch and dinner.
You can also savor a complimentary, Continental breakfast filled with a wide array of local delicacies that everyone will love.
Just know that the pool is not heated and that guests have had issues with the quality of the excurisons and shuttle services arranged through the hotel. It also takes awhile for the showers to heat up.
8. Selina Agafay Nomad Camp
⭐️ Rating: 8.2/10.0 (1792 Reviews) Price: $35+ per night 📍Location: Route des Camps Désert, Agafay 40272, Morocco Details: Read more on booking.com now!
I stayed at Selina Agafay Nomad Camp and think it’s a great option for budget backpackers. See, Selina is a company that has high-quality, boutique hostels scattered all around the world.
So, it’s no surprise that they have a 35-person, dorm-style tent as well as private tents with lights, outlets, plush pillows/blankets, heat/aircon, and private porches (with chairs) overlooking the desert.
There are no ensuite bathrooms which can make showering challenging since there is nowhere to put your stuff.
But, deluxe rooms do come with private pools, which I thought was pretty cool. There are also two pools on-site, however both are not heated and can be quite cold. But, there is a nice infinity pool overlooking the desert by the main dining tent.
Breakfast is also not included and costs $15.00 per person for a buffet that is just okay. Yeah, I thought this was a bit expensive although their restaurant does serve traditional Moroccan food accompanied by live Gnawa music.
The crowd is also a bit young, the wifi is spotty, and I didn’t find people to be overly friendly during my visit. Yeah, it was a bit of a bummer since I was solo traveling Marrakech.
I also found the activities on offer to be expensive since it was 300 Dirhams ($30.00) for an hour-long camel ride and 400 Dirhams ($40.00) for an hour quad ride.
However, they do have a ton of activities for you to enjoy like cooking classes, cocktail classes, yoga classes in Marrakech, Arabic classes, pottery classes, quad biking in Marrakech, and more – all are paid though.
“Beautiful place to spend in the desert. Nice big spacious tent with AC.”
Carole (read more reviews now)
The staff is also lovely and the accommodations are quite nice. I also love that this desert camp is located near the beginning of the desert. So, you don’t have to travel far to get here.
Yup, that’s a bonus since the road through the Agafay Desert it’s definitely not great.
Just be sure to bring drinks and snacks since everything is expensive on-site and there is nowhere else to eat in the area.
9. Nkhila Lodge
⭐️ Rating: 8.8/10.0 (294 Reviews) Price: $116 per night 📍Location: Douar Nkhila Agafay Desert, 40040 Marrakech, Morocco Details: Read more on booking.com now!
The recently renovated luxury tents at Nkhila Lodge include a comfy queen bed or two nice twin beds.
They feature distinct, Moroccan-style decor in addition to private bathrooms (with showers and bathrobes), wifi, a private porch, and towels. Tents are also well-maintained and offer heat on chilly nights.
“Place very quite and peaceful. Enjoy full moon and cool weather around the fire. Staff are very polite and helpful and respectful. The food is 10/10.”
Yasser (read more reviews now)
Continental breakfast is also served on-site in a beautiful dining tent, while the on-site restaurant is open for lunch and dinner.
just know that meals can be expensive and cost 900 Dirhams ($90.00) for soup, chicken tagine, and fruit salad.
Sadly, there is no pool on-site. So, be sure to arrange some local tours with the staff since you’ll quickly run out of things to do. However, you can make use of a local picnic area or hang out around the outdoor fireplace.
There are also problems with the hot water in the bathrooms that can make showering difficult.
Get Your Amazing Morocco Safety Guide Today!
Planning a trip to Morocco and worried about safety? Or, maybe you don’t have time to scour the internet for mediocre safety tips from someone who has been to Morocco once. If so then let me help. I live in Morocco with my Moroccan partner and have developed these safety tips after spending years traveling in Morocco alone. I created this custom, 26-page document with 19 actionable tips to help you stay safe and have the best time possible. Get yours now and take the anxiety out of traveling to Morocco.
10. Camp Cameleon
⭐️ Rating: 8.8/10.0 (293 Reviews) Price: $204 per night 📍Location: Commune D’agafay, 40000 Marrakesh, Morocco Details: Read more on booking.com now!
Camp Cameleon is a remote camping spot that offers visitors stunning panoramas of the Agafay Desert and the snow-capped Atlas Mountains.
All tents are large and have an Indiana Jones style about them. They come outfitted with private bathrooms, solar-powered lights, spacious beds, fluffy covers, and heaters for cold winter nights.
“Peaceful place, amazing to disconnect with reality. Very silent and far from other camps.
Marina (read more reviews now)
Staff helped to organize celebration of my husband’s birthday, and it was sweet, very thankful!”
A delicious breakfast is included with your stay and meals are prepared on-site. They are served at picnic tables inside an old-world tent so that you can enjoy awesome dishes like tagine and shakshuka.
Sadly there is no pool and no wifi. But, a cool mud village is located nearby where Madonna actually celebrated her birthday.
This camp is eco-friendly and strives to give back to local Berber communities. So, the land is rented from the community and camel/quad tours are led by knowledgeable local guides.
Staff are also on-hand should anything break or if you need any other assistance.
11. Agafay Valley
⭐️ Rating: 8.6/10.0 (158 Reviews) Price: $204 per night 📍Location: Agafay Valley Near Marrakesh, Marrakesh, Morocco Details: Read more on booking.com now!
Want to stay in insulated bubble tents at one of the best Agafay Desert camps of them all? If so then book a stay at Agafay Valley.
These super cool, spherical tents feature private terraces, stunning views, and en-suite bathrooms with free toiletries and slippers.
“The dome and the camp was great, very spacious and clean, very pretty and the bathroom was inside, as in the pictures. The staff was very polite with us, and helpful, and the breakfast was good. The mint tea was so good also. And looking at the night sky at night was something so beautiful. We were lucky that that night there was a full moon.”
Ardit (read more reviews now)
All in all, the tents have a quaint feel to them and feature colorful decor, heat, large beds with epic blankets, and great a/c.
You can also enjoy a complimentary breakfast filled with local food and pancakes before ordering an array of drinks and meals at the on-site restaurant.
There’s also an awesome indoor swimming pool for you can use at any time of year.
Just be sure to pack some snacks and drinks since meals can be expensive. But, there’s nothing you can do since you’re in the desert and there’s nowhere else to go. Also, be sure to bring cash for incidentals and be prepared for spotty wifi.
Map of the Best Camps in the Agafay Desert
Best Time to Visit the Agafay Desert
When I was in the Agafay Desert we had terrible sand storms where winds of 45+ (30 Miles) km per hour hit the camp. It was pretty bad since you couldn’t do anything and felt like your tent was gonna blow away.
I also learned that these storms are quite common from May through June. However, due to global warming, they now hit the area from March through June.
So, if you can, try to visit the Agafay Desert when the weather is warm (so you can use the pool) and when you don’t have to worry about the intense winds from sand storms. I mean, it’s fun and definitely one of the top things to do in Marrakech.
Honestly, they just make things miserable since you can’t do anything and just sit inside a tent waiting for the storm to pass.
That wraps up this guide to the best Agafay Desert camps. Did your fave make the list? If not then let me know.
If you found this post useful, sign up for our email list and Facebook group for even more awesome Morocco travel advice.
Finally, please consider buying me a coffee. It’s a great way to say “thank you” for all the free content you receive. No amount is too small and anything you can give will be greatly appreciated.