Sahara and Ouarzazate
Erfoud, renowned for its dates, is the gateway to rolling red sands of the Sahara, the world’s largest desert, stretching from Morocco right across the northern third of Africa.
The Atlas Mountains stretch for 1,500 miles across northwestern Africa through Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia, separating the Mediterranean and Atlantic coastlines from the Sahara Desert. Within this range, the High Atlas Mountains may be the most dramatic section, and are easily accessed by a short, scenic drive from Marrakech.
Located just one hour’s drive from Marrakech, in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, the Agafay Desert is an unspoilt, tranquil retreat. Best known for its undulating dunes, hidden canyons and epic mountain views, the Agafay Desert it a great way to break up the hustle and bustle of city life in Marrakech. It can be accessed as a day trip, or you can overnight here in a tented camp. Agafay Desert does not look the same as the Sahara: Agafay dunes are expansive and impressive, but not the classic sandy dune you might picture when thinking of the Sahara. But keep in mind, the Sahara is very far from Marrakech (over 10 hours’ drive, with a necessary layover in Ouarzazate). Agafay is a great alternative for those who have less time or are uninterested in long drives.
Other areas to explore
A visit to the Atlas Mountains and Agafay Desert puts you within easy reach of many other beautiful and fascinating parts of Morocco.
Essaouira
Situated on a vast sweeping bay on the southwest coast of Morocco with long stretches of golden-sand beaches, you will find the historical town of Essaouira.
Chefchaouen
Perched high up in the Rif Mountains of northeastern Morocco, Chefchaouen is a picturesque and historical city known for its striking, blue-washed buildings.
Marrakech
Desert, dynasty, and design come together in Morocco’s most captivating city
Why book with Extraordinary Journeys?
We go deep
We value depth over breadth. While we have broadened our map, our intimate expertise runs deep—from understanding each locale's hidden rhythms to cultivating relationships with exceptional guides.
We keep it honest
Seasoned travelers know that places change, authentic experiences migrate. We'll listen to your hopes and passions, but push back when we know something will better resonate with you.
We’ve got it covered
Traveling to wild places asks something of us— a quality of attention and presence. From behind-the-scenes logistics to bespoke culinary experiences, our team has thought of everything.
We know it’s personal
There will undoubtedly be extraordinary unscripted moments: hippos emerging at sunset, the impossible blue of Arctic ice. We know that meaningful memories often live in personalized details.
We go deep
We value depth over breadth. While we have broadened our map, our intimate expertise runs deep—from understanding each locale's hidden rhythms to cultivating relationships with exceptional guides.
We keep it honest
Seasoned travelers know that places change, authentic experiences migrate. We'll listen to your hopes and passions, but push back when we know something will better resonate with you.
We’ve got it covered
Traveling to wild places asks something of us— a quality of attention and presence. From behind-the-scenes logistics to bespoke culinary experiences, our team has thought of everything.
We know it’s personal
There will undoubtedly be extraordinary unscripted moments: hippos emerging at sunset, the impossible blue of Arctic ice. We know that meaningful memories often live in personalized details.