Agafay vs Sahara: Which Moroccan Desert Experience is Right for You?

Trying to decide between visiting Agafay or the Sahara on your next trip to Morocco?  From the get-go, I want to say that I think these two desert destinations offer completely different experiences, so it’s not a case of comparing apples with apples. Yes, both boast spectacular landscapes that are uniquely appealing and worthy of your time. And yes, both offer a taste of Morocco beyond the big cities.

Having visited both Agafay AND the Sahara, the thing they have most in common, in my opinion, is their “desert” label and the fact that they are home to some amazing camps where you can spend a night (or few). But that’s where the similarities end. 

In an ideal world and with unlimited travel time, I would say “visit both!” But I know that’s not realistic for everyone. 

I’ve noticed that so many people are asking for insights on the Agafay vs Sahara debate to decide which is right for them. While I don’t think there is a “right” or “wrong” choice, I thought I’d create this article explaining what sets them apart to help you make an informed decision. 

Ultimately, the one you choose will depend on the type of desert experience you are seeking, the time you have available and where you want to spend your tourism dollars. 

For more information about planning a trip to the Sahara, check out my detailed article here.

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Agafay vs Sahara: Landscapes

Agafay is an arid region to the south of Marrakech that is notable for its rocky desert terrain, undulating hills, dry river beds and small pockets of sandy dunes. It’s punctuated by small towns and villages, backed by the (sometimes snowcapped) peaks of the Atlas Mountains. There’s nothing “remote” about Agafay but that doesn’t take away from its lunar-like beauty. 

Last time I visited Agafay, I could have soaked up the scenery all day long, watching the colours change as the sun moved across the sky throughout the day. There’s an otherworldly beauty about the place and the fact that you have these looming mountains in the distance (the Atlas) really adds to the drama. 

In contrast, the Sahara, which covers a big chunk of North Africa, is notable for its sea of dunes that seemingly stretch as far as the eye can see. This is what most people imagine when they think of a desert - an ocean of ochre-hued sand that is constantly shifting and being re-sculpted by the wind. The sense of grandeur and scale are unparalleled!

While there are gateway towns at Merzouga and M’Hamid, once you venture out into the Sahara, the wind-sculpted dunes are really all you see (apart from the desert camps). It’s that sense of solitude that is a big part of the appeal and the timelessness of being in a place that has been traversed by nomadic peoples for centuries. 

Again, I could sit and watch the interplay of light and shadow across the dunes of the Sahara all day long - it’s completely different at sunrise and sunset compared to the middle of the day! I don’t think the landscapes in the Sahara are any more impressive than Agafay (they’re just completely different) but the feeling of being amidst such an immense and strikingly beautiful wilderness is incredibly special. 

Sunrise over the wind-sculpted dunes of the Sahara Desert in Morocco

Agafay vs Sahara: Accessibility

Okay, so this is where things really differ between Agafay and the Sahara. While Agafay is located just 35 kilometres southwest of Marrakech, the Sahara is more than 500 kilometres away. You can easily reach Agafay from the “Red City” in less than hour while it’s a 9-hour drive from Marrakech to Merzouga. While M’Hamid is slightly closer at 450 kilometres (7 hours) away, it’s still a full day’s drive. 

That being said, there is HEAPS to see along the way, including some of my favourite destinations in Morocco, such as Dades and Todra gorges, the oasis of Skoura and the ancient ksar of Ait Benhaddou. If time allows, the journey to the Sahara allows you to experience a completely different side of the country from its big cities and bustling medinas. BUT, you need time (at least three days) to really appreciate it. 

If you're looking for tours to the Sahara, click on these links to see some of the best options from Fes and Marrakech.

If you’re visiting Marrakech for a long weekend or only have a limited amount of time to explore Morocco, then venturing all the way to the Sahara might not be feasible. Perhaps you only have one night up your sleeve to get out of the city. If you’re in this situation, Agafay presents a great alternative for getting away from the hustle and bustle. 

In less than an hour, you’ll be amidst the peace and quiet of its arid terrain, with the option to participate in classic desert activities (camel riding and quad biking are among the most popular). Agafay can even be visited as a day trip or you can journey there in the late afternoon to watch sunset, indulge in a feast and stargaze before returning to your Marrakech accommodation. 

Looking for other day trips from Marrakech? Check out these 10 amazing options.

The snow-capped Atlas Mountains backing the desert scenery of Agafay

Agafay vs Sahara: Activities

To be honest, there isn’t much difference in the activities that are available between Agafay and Sahara, it’s more the backdrop that you will have while doing them. Quad biking is perhaps more popular in Agafay as you have established roads, donkey trails and dry river beds to drive along, rather than destroying pristine dunes. 

Camel trekking is available in both destinations but it feels more remote in the Sahara as there aren’t so many roads and villages in the immediate area. Once you leave Merzouga and M’Hamid behind, it really is dunes (and desert camps) as far as the eye can see. Horseback riding is also possible in Agafay and it’s close enough to the hot air balloon launch sites that you could include this in your itinerary. 

For sandboarding, you really need to be in the Sahara where the dune systems are. We went sandboarding and it was super fun! I also think the stargazing is better in the Sahara, simply because you are further from light pollution. I’d also argue that the Amazigh cultural experiences are more authentic here as the camps are run by the descendants of nomadic peoples who have lived in this region for years. 

A silhouette of a camel train in the Sahara Desert, Morocco

Agafay vs Sahara: Accommodation

Generally speaking, Agafay caters more to luxury travellers while the Sahara has a wider choice of budget-friendly options. But in reality, you can visit either desert region without breaking the bank OR opt to splurge on a high-end glamping experience. Even at the budget end, you’re not “roughly it” - you’ll usually get a private tent, although the toilet facilities may be shared. 

Because the camps in the Sahara are nestled amidst the dunes, they have more of a “temporary” feel to them. Essentially, they reflect the setup that nomadic tribes and caravans of travellers would have once had while journeying through the region. Most feature a handful of private sleeping tents organised around a campfire, plus a communal tent where meals are served and evening entertainment takes place. 

The camps in Agafay are more established - remember, they have rocky terrain (rather than sandy dunes) as their foundation. Many come complete with swimming pools and multiple communal areas that include restaurants, libraries and lounges where you can relax in between activities. The best Agafay camps are perched on the edge of hills, offering sweeping views toward the Atlas Mountains. 

If you don’t like the idea of “camping/glamping” but want to experience the Sahara, there’s also the option to stay in one of the hotels in Merzouga or M’Hamid. Many of these are actually really atmospheric (inspired by kasbahs) and have all the hotel amenities you’d expect, including swimming pools. During the day, you can embark on camel treks or 4x4 tours from your base and the stargazing is still pretty amazing!

A wooden boardwalk leads through a luxury desert camp in Agafay

Agafay vs Sahara: Best time to visit

When planning a trip to either Agafay or the Sahara, it’s important to consider the timing of your visit and take into account seasonal variations. The Sahara Desert is best visited between October and April when daytime temperatures are warm but not scorchingly hot. The desert nights can be chilly, particularly in the winter months, but huddling around a campfire and gazing at the clear, starry skies more than makes up for it. 

From late May to September, the region experiences extreme heat, with temperatures frequently surpassing 40°C (104°F). This makes it challenging to be out in the dunes during the daytime and overall it’s just a less comfortable experience doing any kind of activity. 

Agafay, on the other hand, is more accessible throughout the year, without the extremes of temperature you can expect in the Sahara. That being said, spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offer the most comfortable temperatures - summer is still really hot and winter nights are cold. 

Camel footprints in a sand dune in the Sahara Desert, Morocco

Agafay vs Sahara: Responsible tourism

I don’t want to finish this article without highlighting the concerns of many locals about the loss of business in the Sahara as Agafay gains in popularity. If people opt not to travel to the Sahara because they think they can have an equally authentic desert experience in Agafay, then those living in some of Morocco’s remotest and poorest regions are losing an income. 

Some Moroccans feel that there is already a lot of tourism dollars being spent in the Marrakech region, of which Agafay is a part. Spreading the wealth across the country is important and is something you may want to factor into your decision. It’s also a means of keeping nomadic traditions and customs alive, rather than the descendants of the Aït Atta people being forced to move to cities for work. 

An infinity pool at a luxury desert camp in Agafay, Morocco

Agafay vs Sahara: Which Moroccan desert experience is right for you?

When it comes down to it, I really can’t say which desert experience is right for you: Agafay or Sahara. It depends on the type of experience you're seeking and the amount of time you have available, as well as where you want your tourism dollars (dirhams?) to end up. 

If you only have a day or two to spare, Agafay is a great choice and I think the rocky desert landscapes here are magnificent. Aside from glamping in a luxury tent, you can go camel trekking and quad biking, as well as cosy up beside a campfire while stargazing at night. 

On the other hand, if you have at least three days and crave a more immersive, traditional desert adventure, the Sahara is the way to go. The journey to the Sahara is an unforgettable experience in itself, taking you through magnificent landscapes peppered with ancient ksars and kasbahs before opening up to a sea of sand dunes as far as the eye can see. 

In the Sahara, you can ride camels into the sunset, sleep under a canopy of stars in a traditional Amazigh tent and witness the timeless beauty of this iconic desert region. While the Sahara requires more time and travel, the sense of solitude and tranquility make it a bucket-list worthy experience. 

Golden sand dunes in the Sahara Desert, Morocco

FAQs

Is Agafay Desert worth visiting?

Agafay is an enchanting area of arid terrain to the south of Marrakech that is definitely worth visiting for those seeking a desert experience without having to venture too far from the city. While Agafay is not a "true" sandy desert like the Sahara, it features a impressive rocky terrain, rolling hills and stunning views of the Atlas Mountains. 

While visiting Agafay, you can participate in a range of classic “desert” activities, from quad biking and camel rides to hiking and stargazing under the clear night skies. Many Marrakech-based tour operators offer day trips or overnight camping excursions, staying at one of the many luxury camps that pepper the region. 

The serene and peaceful atmosphere of Agafay provides a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of Marrakech, plus the sunrises and sunsets are sublime!

Should I do a day trip or stay overnight in Agafay Desert?

When deciding whether to take a day trip or stay overnight in Agafay, there are several things to keep in mind. A day trip allows you to get a taste of the area’s arid scenery, without having to fork out for one of the luxury camps or relocate luggage from your Marrakech riad. 

During a day trip to Agafay, you can ride a camel, go quad biking and soak up the tranquility before returning to Marrakech by evening. This is a great option if you have limited time or want a daytime excursion outside the city before your international flight home in the evening. 

Staying overnight in one of Agafay’s desert camps allows you to experience the area at its most atmospheric - sunrise and sunset. You’ll have more opportunity to soak up the peace and beauty of the region, as well as take advantage of its exceptional stargazing. 

Not only will you get to sleep overnight in a nomadic-inspired tent, but you’ll be treated to a traditional dinner and perhaps music around a campfire. The overnight experience allows you to really disconnect from the hustle and bustle of Marrakech and experience Morocco beyond the “Red City”. 

Agafay or Sahara: which is better?

When deciding between Agafay and the Sahara for your next adventure, it ultimately depends on the type of experience you're craving. Located just outside Marrakech, Agafay offers a more accessible desert getaway. While it lacks the towering sand dunes iconic to the Sahara, it does feature a captivating rocky landscape that is beautiful in its own right. 

Agafay’s proximity to Marrakech makes it ideal for those short on time who still want to enjoy the rugged beauty and tranquility of a Moroccan desert experience. You can enjoy activities like quad biking, camel rides and camping under the stars, all within easy reach of the city. 

In contrast, the Sahara Desert is situated in eastern Morocco and it takes a full day to reach from Marrakech. It’s home to the tallest sand dunes in the country (some reaching over 150 metres in height) and delivers the quintessential desert experience on a grand scale. 

While getting there requires a longer journey (often multiple days), the journey takes in some of Morocco’s best scenery, travelling up and over the Tizi ’n Tichka Pass in the Atlas Mountains. Trekking by camel, camping in traditional Amazigh tents and immersing yourself in the nomadic culture are highlights of a Saharan adventure, together with the exceptional stargazing. 

Ultimately, the Agafay offers a more convenient and time-efficient option, while the Sahara promises a bucket-list-worthy desert adventure for those willing to venture further to get there. 

Is the Sahara or Agafay better for kids?

If you’re travelling to Morocco on a family vacation and want a desert experience, both the Sahara and Agafay are incredible. Kids will love going camel riding and being out under the stars, as well as quad biking and hanging out around the campfire. 

Reaching the Sahara does, however, require a longer journey (often multiple days there and back from Marrakech or Fes), meaning it may not be ideal if you have young kids. In contrast, Agafay can be reached in less than an hour from Marrakech, making it much more accessible for families pressed for time or with little children who don’t handle well extended periods in a car.

When is the best time to visit the desert in Morocco?

When planning a trip to Agafay or the Sahara, it's essential to think about the timing of your visit and the seasonal changes. The best time to explore the Sahara Desert is from October to April, when the daytime temperatures are pleasantly warm but not excessively hot. Nights in the desert can get quite cold, especially during winter, but gathering around a campfire and admiring the stunning starry skies makes it worthwhile.

From late May to September, the Sahara experiences intense heat, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C (104°F). This can make it difficult to enjoy being out in the dunes during the day - it’s just a less comfortable experience overall. 

In contrast, Agafay is more suitable for visits year-round as it doesn’t experience the extremes of temperature that are typical of the Sahara. That being said, it’s still relatively hot in summer and the winter nights can be chilly, making spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) the best times to visit. 

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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.