Desert ToursTHE AGAFAY DESERT, AT THE GATES OF MARRAKECH!
The desert is 30 km from Marrakech (40 min by car). It is at the first height of the High Atlas.
It is an erg that extends over several hundred hectares. Do not confuse the Erg Chebbi desert, which is better known as the Merzouga Dunes (in the Sahara).
Note that an erg is a sandy desert, and a reg is a stony desert.
This desert of rocky dunes is incredible! There is even an oasis of about seven hectares nicknamed the Enchanted Oasis. The nearby river provides water to the eucalyptus trees, olive trees, and vines.
WHICH CAMP TO CHOOSE IN THE AGAFAY DESERT?
After looking at several camp addresses in the Agafay Desert, we chose the Scarabeo Camp.
It seemed perfect for our stay. A dream: a villa with a swimming pool, good value for money, and good feedback on the welcome and quality of the meals.
This camp is one of the first in the region to have opened. It is a real bivouac made up of Berber tents. Looking at the photos of this place, we are already under its spell!
And what a surprise it was when we discovered this place upon our arrival! The Scarabeo Camp has a magical quality. It is a total change of scenery, out of time. The camp has preserved its authenticity while offering modern comforts.
Do you know about glamping?
Glamping is a trendy trend that combines camping and glamour! Glamping is a tourist accommodation in the heart of nature. It combines comfort and respect for the environment.
Do you get the idea? Well, to sum up, that’s exactly the spirit of Scarabeo Camp!
Scarabeo Camp
As soon as we arrive, we are greeted with Moroccan pastries and mint tea (Berber whisky, the base!). Seated at a table, we contemplate the clear landscape of the Atlas. A feeling of fullness in absolute silence, alone in the world.
Then our hosts take us to our accommodation. There are different sizes of tents: for two, for four, and the largest for six.
The tents are very comfortable. They have everything you need. You will find exceptional bedding, a shower area, and chemical toilets. There is even electricity; we didn’t expect it! The décor is neat, refined, and authentic. It has Berber carpets on the floor, a wood stove, and copper taps.
You can’t miss the swimming pool… it’s incredible in the middle of nowhere! As soon as you see it, you can’t wait to take a dip in it!
OUR SHORT STAY AT SCARABEO CAMP
At the end of the day, we’re lucky enough to witness a wonderful sunset.
That’s when the staff offers camp guests an aperitif at the pool bar…
We then have the choice of ordering soft drinks or alcohol. It is possible to buy a bottle of wine (white, rosé, or red) or to have it served by the glass.
Like we are in paradise! With such a setting and such a serene atmosphere, it’s pure bliss!
At nightfall, lanterns are lit throughout the camp.
We just have to follow the illuminated path to reach the large tent where dinner is served and where a small private concert takes place… A man plays the guitar and sings a rather nice repertoire!
A lovely candlelit dinner awaits. Enjoy starters, beef tagine, lemon chicken tagine, and dessert. The quantities are rather generous, and they offer us wine (with a supplement, of course).
To finish this wonderful evening, let’s dig around the campfire. Armchairs await us there.
And as it is a little chilly, the staff who are taking great care of us will bring a blanket to each of us.
So good! After such a big meal, there’s nothing like a break to appreciate the moment.
The sky was clear that evening and we were able to admire thousands of stars. We would have liked time to stop…
In the morning, a hearty breakfast awaits us under a tent. They offer a large buffet. It has tea, coffee, fruit juices, cereals, eggs, and bread. And especially, the famous Moroccan 1,000-hole pancakes!
A real treat! There is something for everyone.
It is usually requested that we leave the tent by 11 am. But the staff kindly offered us more time at no extra cost. We will thus enjoy this exceptional setting until 5 pm! Needless to say, we didn’t need anyone to ask us twice!
You can keep enjoying this beautiful setting and the swimming pool. You can also take part in activities after returning to the tent.
Is it possible to come for the day?
The answer is yes! If you do not want to sleep on-site, you also have the option of enjoying the place for the day.
Aside from the Scarabeo Camp, many camps now offer a daily package. This gives you access to the pool (if they have one), lunch on-site, and activities (at an extra cost).
They will help you, among other things, to better explore the area. You can do this on the back of a dromedary, quad, or buggy.
But, as you will have understood, we tell you that if your budget allows, you should spend a night in the Agafay Desert. You will enjoy the site’s magic and the evening atmosphere.
ORGANIZE YOUR EXPERIENCE IN AGAFAY
How do I get there?
The Agafay Desert is about 40 minutes from the city center of Marrakech.
You can get to Scarabeo Camp by using a grand taxi or a private taxi. It costs 400 Dh (40 €) per trip on average for four people.
You can book your transport through the camp’s website. In this case, it is much more expensive… It costs 550 Dh (55 €) per trip for 3 people or 810 Dh (81 €) for 4 people, for example.
What is the budget?
For one night (+2 days)
A night in the Agafay desert, especially at Scarabeo Camp, is expensive.
For one night in a 2-person tent, for example, half-board included, you have to pay 2400 Dh (240 €). To book a family suite for 4 people, you need to pay 2950 Dh (290 €). The total cost will decrease as more of you take part in this experience.
For a day
If you want to spend the day at Scarabeo Camp, count 350 Dh (35€) per adult and 185 Dh (18€50) for children under 12.
This price includes access to the pool and a Moroccan lunch!
If you need information to organize your stay at Scarabeo Camp, consult their website.
We would like to point out that this is not a collaboration and that it is a big crush on this establishment!
