Sunset Camel Ride in Agafay Desert: A Review

Thinking about trading the hustle and bustle of Marrakech for a sunset camel ride in the Agafay Desert? Well, you, like your typical tourist, could be in for a treat! This isn’t the Sahara’s rolling sand dunes, that you may have read about. Instead, picture a stark, yet stunning, landscape of rocky hills that is so charming. I went on this particular excursion, and that gives me a story to tell, right? So, I wanted to give you, like your fellow traveler, my firsthand account to help you know what awaits. From the transfer to the terrain and, finally, that magical sunset, I’ll give you the details on what makes this experience truly remarkable.

Booking the Tour: First Steps

The booking part is usually pretty easy. So, lots of tour companies that are offering this adventure. That is something that I located on the web. Many offer hotel pickup, too, that is such a plus. That, one should consider. Reading those reviews and comparing prices are almost too good to skip. It can certainly save you, like the frugal guy or gal, some hard-earned cash. Also, confirming what exactly is included can often make the difference. Some packages might include dinner. But some just have a simple camel ride, that could disappoint, though. In my case, the booking process was very simple, but, arguably, I got tricked by a smooth talker who was also my driver!

The Drive to Agafay: Getting There is Half the Fun

The drive from Marrakech to the Agafay Desert is, in fact, a good peek at Moroccan rural life. So, after piling into a van, the city scenes turn into countryside vistas. What you see could be small villages, olive groves, and even the Atlas Mountains that peek at you on the horizon. It’s almost too cool how the landscape turns rather quickly. Though the drive is sometimes a little bumpy, arguably, it only adds to the whole thing, you could even feel it in your bones. In my experience, the drive was a good moment to chat, arguably, to your guide. It might just offer you a bit more about the area that’s sometimes missed when one just, like your travel friend, looks out the window. That being said, some of those bumpy rides might even have your teeth clacking.

Meeting the Camels: Gentle Giants

Arriving at the Agafay, there is a meeting. I mean, you get to meet the camels! So, they’re often standing patiently that wait for their riders. That’s what I witnessed, anyway. These camels are very accustomed to people, that is something that gave me comfort. You will probably notice that they seem pretty calm and, very, well cared for by their handlers. Mounting the camel can feel a little strange to someone that’s never done it. Very different feeling, so expect a wobble as they rise, front legs first, and then their rear. It might seem wobbly to a new rider, too it’s almost like riding a seesaw. The camel guides are always very close to make sure everything goes alright, that is reassuring.

The Camel Ride Experience: Views and Sensations

As you are swaying atop that camel, in some respects, you might feel as if time kind of slows down. So, the views are stretching out before you, exposing what a desolate but grand landscape is very close to you. That, you will find almost surreal. Unlike sand dunes, Agafay presents rocky hills and it even has some vegetation. These give it almost a moon-like feel, that is quite dramatic. The ride is often peaceful, just the soft footfalls of the camel on the earth. A few snapshots with the camera might capture the scenery, yet no picture does it proper justice. So, you probably won’t catch it with your mobile device.

Sunset Spectacle: The Desert Comes Alive

The highlight, by the way, is definitely that sunset. That is pure magic. The sun starts to descend, so it casts what seems to be a warm glow across that Agafay. That gives a special color to the hills. Everything gets touched by gold. The desert comes, finally, to life, literally, right before your eyes. It becomes awash with an orange, then pink, too it’s almost purple palette, very awesome. It’s one of those moments where everyone, basically, stops to appreciate the sheer wonder of it. I sat in silence with others, you know, during my ride and appreciated the quiet beauty. No noise or anything that interrupted. The camel guide started some rhythmic music. That music added a very Moroccan soundtrack to something pretty amazing.

Traditional Dinner and Entertainment: A Cultural Treat

Some tours, anyway, include a dinner after the camel ride. So, I got to enjoy some authentic Moroccan food in a tented camp. It felt very Bedouin-esque. Expect tagine, couscous, and mint tea, that is such a warm ending to a day. Very tasty! Following dinner, there could be some traditional Berber music or maybe some storytelling. All of this to, you know, the experience. Arguably, sitting out there, that is far away from the city lights, looking at stars is more soothing. In a very calming environment.

Things to Consider: Tips for a Great Experience

To ensure your Agafay experience goes perfectly, for example, there’s stuff that’s handy to bear in mind. So, it is handy to take layers. Even though the desert heat is rather significant throughout the daytime, but when evening starts closing in it turns cool quickly. So, wear layers! Sunscreen is definitely your very close pal, since there’s hardly any shade that, I’ll assure you, is worth taking seriously. A hat and sunglasses are obviously to have. They shield you against the glare, right? Respectful attire is also key. Morocco is obviously a Muslim country. What I would wear again is what covers shoulders and knees, by the way, for all genders! I didn’t use them, but many, you know, bring their camera to get images, even a little shaky. All the more reason to bring your smartphone! Lastly, hydrate really well with plenty of water, for example, specifically through the camel ride, for real!

My Final Verdict: Worth It?

So, would I tell you to saddle up? Yes! That is because, without a doubt, it is one special trip that I almost could talk your ear off, honestly. The sunset camel ride, by the way, across the Agafay Desert gives you a chance. In a very different spot, and very stunning landscape just outside of Marrakech, so much value that the heart feels so enriched! You will appreciate all nature could ever be!