Experience · Marrakech
Quad Biking in the Agafay Desert
Forty-five minutes south-west of Marrakech, the palm groves give way to Agafay: a bare, rolling plateau of stone and clay the colour of toasted bread, with the High Atlas lined up along the horizon. It isn’t a sand desert — it’s something stranger to find so close to a city, and it is made for a quad bike.
The ride
After a safety briefing, helmet and goggles, you follow your guide in single file along dirt tracks, over the crests and down into dry river beds. We book one or two hours in the saddle, at a pace that suits the slowest rider; no off-road experience is needed.
Best time of day
Late afternoon, when the low sun turns the hills gold and the heat has gone out of the day. From June to September we go early in the morning instead. In winter and spring the peaks behind you are white with snow.
Make an evening of it
Finish at one of Agafay’s desert camps for mint tea on the terrace, a short camel ride at sunset or dinner under the stars, then drive back to Marrakech — or stay the night and wake to total silence.
Good to know
Wear closed shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting dusty, and bring sunglasses and a scarf for the dust. Travelling with children? Tell us their ages and we’ll arrange the right bikes, or a seat behind a parent.
More about Marrakech: where to stay, when to go →
When to go
- JanGood
- FebBest
- MarBest
- AprBest
- MayBest
- JunGood
- JulHot
- AugHot
- SepBest
- OctBest
- NovBest
- DecBest
Book ahead: High season is March–May, September–November and 15 December–10 January. The most beautiful riads and boutique hotels sell out early, so for these dates we recommend booking several months ahead.
