Marrakech Airport to Agafay Desert Private Transfer

The drive from Marrakech Airport to the Agafay Desert

Agafay is a stony desert of pale, rolling hills south-west of Marrakech. It has no sand dunes: the appeal is open space and a clear view of the High Atlas, snow-capped in winter. From Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK) the 35 km take about 50 minutes. The car heads out of the city on the road towards Amizmiz and the Lalla Takerkoust reservoir, through olive groves and villages, then the land empties and the tarmac ends.

Reaching your camp: the last kilometres on track

Camps and lodges are scattered across the plateau, and almost none sits on a paved road. The final stretch is a dirt track, driven slowly. How it works depends on the camp:

• Many camps can be reached by car or minivan along a graded track, right to reception.
• Some more remote camps meet guests at a set point where the tarmac ends and finish the trip in their own 4x4.

Ask your camp which applies, then give us its exact name, a map pin and a phone number. Our guide on how to get to the Agafay desert from Marrakech compares the ways of reaching the plateau.

Timing tips: sunset, dinner and the ride back

Most visitors come for sunset and dinner. Tell us the time your camp expects you and we count back from there. Aim to arrive at least 45 minutes before sunset, so the light is still on the mountains when you sit down.

Bring a warm layer from November to March: nights on the plateau are cold. A return after dinner costs the same as a daytime ride. If you sleep in the desert and fly the next day, leave the camp about 3 hours 30 before an international departure. Other short rides from the terminal are listed under Marrakech airport transfers.