7 Amazing Places to Stay in Agafay (Camps, Lodges and Hotels) for a Desert Experience Near Marrakech
- Malika
- May 10
- 8 min read
Located less than an hour’s drive from Marrakech, Agafay is increasing in popularity as a destination to escape the madness of the medina and experience a more peaceful side of Morocco. While it’s not the Sahara (you can read about the differences here), it boasts magnificent scenery - the snow-capped Atlas loom around every corner! I also just love the relaxed atmosphere of Agafay, which comes as a welcome relief after the hustle and bustle of the “Red City”.
In my experience, most visitors to Agafay seek out one of its many luxury camps for a quintessential desert experience. But there are plenty of other options if you don’t want to stay in a tent (albeit a VERY nice tent). From high-end hotels to kasbah lodges and a rural-inspired farmhouse stay, there's something to appeal to all styles of traveller.
In this article, I’ll highlight 7 amazing places to stay in Agafay (including camps, lodges and hotels), all of which receive rave reviews. Some are perfect for budget and solo travellers while others will appeal to families with young kids and couples seeking a romantic, high-end stay.
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Best luxury ecolodge in Agafay
Offering incredible views across a rocky expanse of the Agafay Desert, this ecolodge receives outstanding reviews for its spectacular setting and exceptional hospitality. It’s a relatively new addition to Agafay’s desert camp offerings, with both luxury tents and lodge suites to choose from. All are beautifully decorated and feature air conditioning for the summer months and wood stoves (in the suites) to keep you cosy in the winter months.
All of the tents and suites have private seating areas and loungers from where you can soak up the panoramic views, all the way to the snowcapped Atlas Mountains. There’s also a swimming pool fringed by shaded loungers where you can cool off during the heat of the day and an onsite solar system that powers most of the camp’s energy needs.
La Table Perdue dans le Desert is the in-house restaurant and serves breakfast and dinner, as well as lunch on request. Oxygen Lodge offers a whole host of activities and excursions, from camel rides to village visits, quad biking and hot air balloon flights. Evenings at this luxury Agafay camp are generally spent around the campfire, listening to the sounds of a Gnaoua duo.
“A magical experience.” - Tamasin (read more reviews here)
An outdoor seating area and fireplace at Inara Camp in Agafay Desert, Morocco (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Best luxury desert camp in Agafay
Previously known as Agafay Camp, Inara nestles on a 21-hectare plot of land just a stone’s throw from Oxygen. Previous guests have described the views here as “to die for” and I have to agree - it’s an incredible place to just soak in the serenity and disconnect from the stresses of modern life.
Inara Camp features 19 luxuriously appointed tents and suites, all newly renovated by owner Vincent Jaquet. Each comes with a king-size bed, a private bathroom and both thermal and sound insulation so you'll sleep like a baby. There are several different categories to choose from, starting with the more budget-friendly Discovery Tents, all the way up to the ultra-spacious Suite n°19.
As with most Agafay camps, there are a whole host of activities and excursions available, with Inara making a point that it only collaborates with operators who respect labour laws, women’s equality and treat their animals well. It can also facilitate day trips to the Atlas Mountains, organise yoga classes and massages, as well as traditional pottery workshops.
"This place definitely exceeded my expectations.” - Mercy (read more reviews here)
Spectacular desert scenery near Inara Camp in Agafay, Morocco (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Best budget desert camp in Agafay
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly desert camp in Agafay or you're travelling solo, then Ngayan is a great option. It receives wonderful reviews from previous guests for its hospitality and magnificent views, all without the high price tag of some of the surrounding properties.
Ngayan Camp features 12 well-appointed tents, each decorated with traditional Amazigh furnishings and textiles. Guests can relax on their private terrace and take in the breathtaking views of the desert scenery and the snow-capped Atlas Mountains in the distance.
The heart of Ngayan Camp is the central lounge tent, where you can socialise with other guests, play board games or unwind with a book from the onsite library. As with the other Agafay camps on this list, there are plenty of desert experiences to keep you entertained, from camel trekking to quad biking and stargazing in the evenings.
"Amazing place and wonderful hospitality. Such a peaceful and scenic location, surrounded by red sandstone mountains and snow-capped Atlas mountains in the distance.” - Dantha (read more reviews here)
An opulently decorated tent at the Kalyptus Luxury Camp in Agafay Desert, Morocco (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Best luxury camp in Lalla Takerkoust
Perched on the edge of Lac Lalla Takerkoust, Kalyptus is a highly-rated Agafay camp that is perfect for a luxury stay. I have to admit, this is where me and my best friend bunked down for a night last time I was in Agafay and it was exceptional, to say the least. The lakeside setting contrasts with that of Inara and Oxygen - perhaps it has less of a “desert” feel but is no less spectacular.
Established in 2020, Kalyptus Luxury Camp features 16 tents, the best of which offer incredible views from their outdoor lounges and private plunge pools. But even if you’re in one of the Deluxe Tents along the back of the property, there are plenty of communal seating areas and cabanas where you can drink in the views. The infinity pool is dreamy, although it’s not heated - you’ve been warned!
El Mezdigh is the onsite restaurant and prides itself on using locally sourced ingredients wherever possible (the buffet breakfast we had here was one of the best I’ve had in Morocco). The restaurant setting is absolutely gorgeous, with a beautifully decorated dining area and a sun-drenched terrace, and we were treated to live Gnaoua music during dinner.
“Look no further, this place is a dream.” - Eoin (read more reviews here)
A private villa at Jnane Tihihit - a family-friendly farmhouse stay near Agafay (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Best farmhouse accommodation in Agafay for families
Jnane Tihihit differs from the other properties in this list in that it’s not a desert camp but a traditional farmhouse that has been converted into guest accommodation. It’s perfect for travellers looking for an authentic rural experience while still getting to explore the Agafay region. Stays at Jnane Tihihit are less about luxurious pampering and more about connecting with the people and land. It's a great option for families!
Jnane Tihihit is inspired by the private gardens once owned by Marrakech families (known as “jnane”) and features several little houses (“douirias”) scattered throughout the property. From each, there are stunning views of the Atlas Mountains, not to mention direct access to a trail that leads to 100-year-old vineyards on the edge of Lac Lalla Takerkoust.
Meals at Jnane Tihihit are on par with what you’ll find at high-end Marrakech restaurants, largely due to the quality of the produce. Fresh vegetables are harvested from the on-site garden, eggs and poultry from the barnyard and milk comes from the resident cows while the jams and preserves are all made onsite. Guests can stroll through the olive and orange groves, relax beside the pool and meet some of the many animals that call the property “home”.
“A very peaceful retreat on a farm in nature.” - Victoria (read more reviews here)
A swimming pool backed by the Atlas Mountains in the grounds of The Capaldi (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Best luxury hotel in Agafay
Located partway between Agafay and Lac Lalla Takerkoust, this luxurious boutique hotel blends traditional Moroccan architecture with modern design. It’s a great choice if you’re after a high-end stay in the Agafay region but don’t necessarily want a desert camp experience. As a side note, it operates a sister property, Riad Capaldi, which is set in the heart of the Marrakech medina.
The hotel features 23 elegantly appointed suites and villas, each designed to provide the ultimate in indulgence. What sets The Capaldi apart is its facilities, which include a state-of-the-art fitness centre, a private cinema and a full-service spa, complete with a traditional hammam. There are also two swimming pools, including an infinity pool with incredible views of the Atlas Mountains.
The Capaldi Restaurant is staffed by chefs with Michelin-star training and offers modern European cuisine using local ingredients and flavours. While lazing by the pools and never leaving the property is a worthy way to spend your time (particularly if you’re here to recharge), there’s also everything from quad biking to mountain biking and paragliding on offer.
"One of the best hotel experiences in 40+ years of travelling.” - Alan (read more reviews here)
A luxurious suite at The Capaldi - one of the best places to stay in Agafay (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Best kasbah hotel in Agafay for families
If you walk south along the road that leads from Kalyptus Luxury Camp, you’ll arrive at Kasbah Beldi, a gorgeous property with multiple pools, beautiful gardens and an atmosphere of pure relaxation. While I didn’t stay here, I walked through the grounds with two of the friendliest hotel staff I’ve ever met and vowed to come back next time.
At Kasbah Beldi, there are 19 well-appointed rooms and nine spacious lodges, making this a great choice for families wanting to stay together (many Agafay camps require you to book two separate tents). Aside from two sparkling swimming pools, there’s also a separate children's pool where young guests can splash around.
The on-site spa at this Agafay kasbah hotel features a traditional hammam and massage rooms where you can be pampered during your stay, plus they can organise everything from quad biking tours to family-friendly donkey strolls. Meals are crafted using fresh produce from the gardens and can be served either in the dining room, on the expansive terrace or under the shade of a century-old pistachio tree.
"Beautiful place to stay in what feels like the middle of nowhere!” - Adam (read more reviews here)
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About the author
I'm Malika, a global traveller who first visited Morocco in 2014 before marrying a local and settling down in a little village on the Atlantic coast. Over the years, I've developed an intense love for Morocco, its majestic landscapes, storied cities and the incredibly warm hospitality of its people. As the owner and content creator of Malika in Morocco, I share my years of experience exploring the country, from north to south and from the Atlantic Ocean to the Sahara Desert. I am passionate about helping others plan their Moroccan travel adventures to ensure they get the most out of their North African experience.
