City breakMarrakech Riad Break
- 5★ riad in the medina
- Flights from London Gatwick, Luton or Stansted
- Return airport transfers
From£329per person · 2 sharing
View details
Marrakech & the Agafay Desert
Three nights in a Marrakech riad, then a night in a tented camp in the Agafay desert, with flights, transfers and dinner at the camp.
- 4 nights
- B&B, half board at the camp
- From London Gatwick, Luton or Stansted
From
£449
per person · 2 sharing
About this holiday
Three nights in a riad in the Marrakech medina, then a night in the Agafay desert, approx. 45 minutes from the city. Agafay is a stony desert of low hills and dry valleys rather than sand dunes, with views of the Atlas Mountains on clear days.
Camps here have large furnished tents with beds, and dinner is served at the camp in the evening. The package includes return flights, the riad with breakfast, the camp with dinner and breakfast, and all your transfers.
- Duration
- 5 days, 4 nights
- Board
- B&B, half board at the camp
- Hotels
- 5★ riad and a desert camp
- Flights
- London Gatwick, Luton or Stansted
- Transfers
- Airport, camp and return
- Good for
- Couples, friends, families
5★ riad and a desert camp
In Marrakech you stay in a 5-star riad in the medina, built around a courtyard. In the Agafay desert you stay in a tented camp with furnished tents and beds; private bathrooms, pools and heating vary by camp, so we confirm them with each quote.
Hotel features
- Breakfast at the riad and camp
- Dinner at the camp
- Courtyard riad in the medina
- Desert views towards the Atlas
- Wi-Fi at the riad
- Family tents at some camps
Times from your hotels
- Jemaa el-Fnaaapprox. 5–15 mins on foot
- Bahia Palaceapprox. 15–20 mins on foot
- Jardin Majorelleapprox. 15 mins by taxi
- Marrakech to Agafayapprox. 45 mins by road
- Airport, from the riadapprox. 20 mins
- Airport, from the campapprox. 45 mins
Times are approximate and depend on your riad, your camp and traffic.
Included in the price
Included
- Return flights from the UK, with checked baggage
- 3 nights in a 5★ riad in Marrakech and 1 night in a desert camp
- Breakfast every morning, and dinner at the camp
- Transfers from the airport, to the camp and back to the airport
- ATOL protection under ATOL 10416
- A UK consultant before and during your trip
Not included
- Travel insurance
- Camel rides, quad bikes and excursions
- Other meals and drinks
- Extras such as seat selection or extra baggage
Before you go
Flight time
Approx. 3 hours 30 minutes from London to Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK). The Agafay desert is approx. 45 minutes from Marrakech by road.
Time difference
Morocco is usually 1 hour ahead of the UK in winter and on the same time in summer. Its clocks go back an hour during Ramadan.
Money
The Moroccan dirham (MAD) is a closed currency, so you can’t buy it in the UK. Change money or use a cash machine on arrival, and change leftover dirhams back before you fly home.
Visiting mosques
Most mosques are open only to Muslims; the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca runs guided tours for visitors. Dress modestly in the medinas, covering shoulders and knees.
Language
Arabic and Amazigh are the official languages, and French is widely spoken. English is spoken in most hotels, riads and tourist areas.
Weather
Marrakech averages 22–32°C in spring and autumn and 36°C in July and August. Desert nights are cold in winter, so bring a warm layer.
Day by day
These are suggestions; entry fees, camel rides and excursions are not included.
- Day 1
Arrive in Marrakech
Fly from the UK to Marrakech, approx. 3 hours 30 minutes. Your driver takes you to the medina, approx. 20 minutes; cars can’t reach every lane, so the last few minutes to your riad may be on foot, with help for your bags.
- Day 2
The medina
Walk from Jemaa el-Fnaa into the souks, visit the Bahia Palace and see the Koutoubia Mosque from its gardens.
- Day 3
Gardens and a hammam
Take a taxi to the Jardin Majorelle, approx. 15 minutes, then book a hammam back in the medina.
- Day 4
To the Agafay desert
Your driver takes you to the camp, approx. 45 minutes. Watch the sun set over the hills; camel rides and quad bikes are available at extra cost. Dinner is served at the camp.
- Day 5
Fly home
Breakfast at the camp, then your transfer to Marrakech Airport, approx. 45 minutes, for your flight to the UK.
Questions about this package
Is Agafay a sand-dune desert?
No. Agafay is a stony desert of low hills and valleys, with views of the Atlas Mountains. The tall dunes of the Sahara, at Merzouga, are a long drive from Marrakech; we can quote a longer trip on request.
What is the camp like?
Camps have large furnished tents with beds, and dinner is served in a dining tent or outdoors. Bathrooms, pools and heating vary by camp, so we confirm the details before you book.
Are camel rides included?
No. Camel rides, quad bikes and other activities are run by the camps or local companies and cost extra. We can book them for you.
When is the best time to go?
March to May and September to November, when days are warm and evenings mild. Summer days are very hot, and winter nights in the desert are cold.
Can I spend more nights in the desert?
Yes. You can add a second night at the camp, or more nights in Marrakech. Tell us your dates and we’ll price it for you.
More Morocco holidays
You might also like
Stay in the city only, add the beach, or tour the imperial cities.
City break
Twin-centreMarrakech & Agadir
- 5★ riad and a beach hotel
- Into Marrakech, home from Agadir
- All transfers, including the drive
From£749per person · 2 sharing
View details
Private tourImperial Cities Tour
- 5★ riads and hotels
- Flights from London Heathrow, Gatwick or Manchester
- Private car and driver
From£1,049per person · 2 sharing
View details
Questions about this holiday?
Talk to a UK consultant
Call us or send an enquiry, and we’ll check prices for your dates, suggest hotels and change the package to suit you.