The best desert glamping in Morocco is at the Selina Nomad Camp Agafay, and this is our firsthand review. We spent a night here as part of our two-day Morocco trip — one night in the Agafay Desert, one night in Marrakech — and the desert experience was the highlight. We upgraded to a private pool tent and spent the night floating in our pool staring out at an endless field of stars while the desert plateau stretched to every horizon. In the morning we did a camel ride as the sun came up. It was one of the most memorable nights of any trip we have taken.
WHERE IS THE AGAFAY DESERT?
The Agafay Desert is a rocky desert plateau about 30 to 40 minutes by car from Marrakech. Unlike the Sahara, it is not a sand dune desert — the Agafay is a vast rocky plateau that stretches toward the Atlas Mountains, with the snow-capped peaks visible on the horizon on clear days. The combination of the raw desert landscape and the mountain backdrop makes it genuinely spectacular, and it is far more accessible than the Sahara for a short trip from Marrakech.
THE SELINA NOMAD CAMP AGAFAY: OUR REVIEW
The Selina Nomad Camp sits directly on the Agafay plateau with unobstructed views in every direction. Selina is a global hospitality brand known for its nomad-focused properties and this desert camp is one of their most unique. Accommodation ranges from standard glamping tents to private pool tents — we upgraded to the private pool option and it was worth every dirham.
The private pool tent comes with your own plunge pool on a private terrace directly overlooking the desert. After the camel ride in the morning and a day in Marrakech, we checked in, settled onto the terrace, and spent the evening floating in the pool watching the stars come out one by one until the sky was completely full. There is almost no light pollution in the Agafay and the star field is extraordinary — one of the clearest night skies we have seen anywhere. We barely moved from the pool all evening and did not need to.
The camp has a communal dining area and bar serving Moroccan food and cocktails, a fire pit for the evenings, and organised activities including camel rides, quad biking, and sunset viewpoint visits. Staff are excellent and the whole operation runs smoothly for what is a fairly remote location.
CAMEL RIDE IN THE AGAFAY DESERT
We did the morning camel ride as the sun was coming up over the plateau — the light on the rocky desert in the early morning is extraordinary and the Atlas Mountains in the distance catch the first light beautifully. The camel ride itself is exactly what you hope for: slow, slightly precarious, and a completely different way to move through a landscape. Book through the camp — they organise it well and the timing with the sunrise makes a significant difference to the experience.
HOW TO BOOK THE SELINA NOMAD CAMP AGAFAY
Book directly through the Selina website or via the usual booking platforms. The private pool tents book out significantly in advance for peak season (October through April when the weather is most comfortable). Standard glamping tents have more availability. We strongly recommend the private pool upgrade if it is within your budget — the difference in experience is significant.
PRACTICAL TIPS FOR THE AGAFAY DESERT
Bring warm layers for the evening even in summer — desert temperatures drop sharply after sunset. Sunscreen and a hat are essential during the day. The camp provides everything for the night stay but bring any specific toiletries you need. Arrange transport from Marrakech through the camp — they can organise a driver for the 30 to 40 minute transfer. The combination of one night in Marrakech and one night in the Agafay Desert is the perfect two-day Morocco trip.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT AGAFAY DESERT GLAMPING
Is the Agafay Desert worth visiting?
Absolutely — it is one of the most memorable experiences we have had on any trip. The combination of the desert landscape, the Atlas Mountains on the horizon, the extraordinary star field at night, and the private pool made it genuinely special. Much more accessible than the Sahara for a short Morocco trip.
Is the Selina Nomad Camp Agafay good?
Yes — the private pool tents are excellent, the staff are great, the location is stunning, and the organisation around activities like the camel ride is smooth. The communal dining and bar work well for the social side of the camp. We would go back.
How far is the Agafay Desert from Marrakech?
About 30 to 40 minutes by car. The camp can organise a driver from Marrakech — book through them in advance. It is close enough to combine easily with one or two days in Marrakech.
What is the best time to visit the Agafay Desert?
October through April when daytime temperatures are comfortable and evenings are warm rather than hot. July and August are very hot during the day. The star field is best on a new moon — check the lunar calendar when booking if this is a priority for you.
Should I upgrade to the private pool tent?
If it is within your budget, yes. Floating in your own pool watching the desert stars come out is the defining memory of this trip for us. The standard glamping tents are good value but the private pool experience is the reason to come here over other desert camps.
MORE FROM THE JET LAG JOURNEY
Read our complete guide to two days in Marrakech for the medina, souks, and everything the city has to offer. For planning a wider trip, our Europe trip planning guide covers all the logistics for combining Morocco with a European itinerary.
