Agadir Desert Tour: Uncover the Magic of Morocco’s Wild Landscapes
Author:
Alyssa Faraji
Published:
The Agadir Desert refers to the magnificent dunes on the city’s outskirts. Many Moroccan tourists can enjoy its vast beauty on a day trip or by staying overnight, depending on their travel itinerary.
There are plenty of activities to enjoy on a Sahara Desert tour, which makes it a worthy destination for your Morocco trip.
When planning your Sahara Desert tour, you should have a look at the following:
During your Agadir Desert Safari, you can expect to be amazed by the breathtaking scenery of the Sahara Desert. The vast expanse of sand dunes and rocky mountains will leave you in awe.
You will have the opportunity to explore the Souss Massa National Park, which is home to many species of wildlife such as wild boar, bald ibis, and pink flamingos and even huge palm trees!. Make sure to bring your binoculars to spot these magnificent creatures.
Cultural Experiences
Desert tours will also provide you with a unique cultural experience. You will have the chance to visit a local Berber house and learn about their way of life. You can witness traditional pottery making and even take home a souvenir. On your tour from Agadir, you will also have the opportunity to ride a camel and experience the way of transportation used by the locals for centuries.
Meals and Accommodations
During your Agadir Desert Safari, you will be treated to delicious traditional Moroccan meals such as tajine and couscous. You will have the chance to dine in a local Berber house and enjoy the hospitality of the locals. Accommodations may vary depending on the type of safari you choose, but you can expect to have a comfortable and unique experience.
Overall, your Agadir Desert Safari will be an unforgettable experience. You will have the chance to immerse yourself in the culture and natural beauty of Morocco. Just make sure to bring comfortable clothing, sunscreen, and a sense of adventure!
1. Best Time To Visit
Going on holiday to any country should entail a weather consideration so that you may have the best experience possible. The same is true for a Moroccan Agadir Desert tour. Your top Agadir visitation time will be in the spring, summer, and Fall months to get an authentic blazing sun experience.
You’ll want to avoid the Agadir desert in March and April to avoid the Sirocco wind blowing dust into your face and causing unexpected sandstorms. The sand is still sun-kissed in Spring and Fall, which is great if you’re not a fan of dry heat but want to encounter a true desert.
Spring in May is the most popular time to visit Morocco. If you’re happy to share the lovely 75-degree Fahrenheit temperature with other tourists, then you will have a lovely time on your Agadir Desert tour. Summer months are between June and August, with the highest temperature at 115 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you visit in Fall, you’ll enjoy September when the temperatures reach 70 degrees Fahrenheit, which is also the quietest time to visit the Agadir Desert. Whenever you travel to the Agadir Desert, you should keep in mind that the temperatures drop drastically in the evening.
2. Booking With A Tour Agency
Booking an Agadir Desert tour with an agency is worthwhile as they often include a night’s accommodation and some activities. It is of utmost importance that you book with a reputable agency, so you don’t end up disappointed with the service.
It is typical for souks, aka the traditional Moroccan markets, to offer tour packages at a low price, which sounds promising, but may have some surprise costs. Many tourists had chosen to go through souks in the past, only to pay unforeseen expenses when they were supposedly inclusive, such as meals, petrol, activities, accommodation, and return trips to the city you were in.
Always ensure the company you book with has an online presence and tourist reviews, so you know what you’re in for. It may be more expensive to book online, but at least you’ll have surety about what you’re getting with no room for unwanted surprises.
If you’re staying in a nearby city like Marrakech, you can often book an Agadir Desert tour at the desk, which is also a suitable means of booking. The hotel you’re staying in can also help you book transport and activities if you have accommodation in Agadir already.
3. Overnight Stay
Where you sleep at night is an important step when planning your tour. If you’re in Agadir, you won’t need to worry too much about accommodation as the dunes are nearby, and you can experience an entire day without too much travel time to get back for a good night’s rest.
If you’re traveling from another city, you’ve most likely spent quite a few hours cramped in a car, and staying over in Agadir is necessary. If you came as part of a tour, you’d most likely have your accommodation sorted as part of the package.
You can stay in a boutique hotel within the city for ultimate comfort, but if you want a unique Moroccan experience, you can stay in a Berber camp. The desert Berber villages include Tiznit and Rasmouka. These tiny villages are packed with traditional Moroccan charm, and you’ll stay in a tent under the starry desert sky.
Some tours likely include the nearby Agadir beach and other nature escapes, and you’ll stay at other Berber villages in Paradise Valley or Tamri. You can always stay in a hotel wherever you go, but taking the opportunity to camp in the Agadir Desert is something you won’t want to miss out on.
4. Activities
There are many ways to enjoy the dunes of Agadir. The main means of transport to the desert is a 4×4 vehicle, which is an activity in itself. You’ll enjoy scoping the hills and troughs of the landscape on a bumpy ride, so be sure to buckle up!
An activity often included in a tour package and an Agadir Desert must is a camel ride through the dunes. These creatures are built to live in arid conditions and are more than happy to give you a ride through the yellow sand. Keep in mind that they’re not as comfortable to sit on as horses, and your thighs might hurt afterward, but it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that is a boatload of fun.
Did you know you could surf on sand? Sandboarding is another desert activity requiring a specialized board like a snowboard that easily slides across the sand. You’ll climb to the top of a dune, stand, sit, or lay down on the board, and slip down it for an ultimate adrenaline rush. Sandboarding is often an add-on in tour packages.
Another way to experience the Agadir Desert is on an ATV. You’ll get briefed on how to use it and then speed away for hours of enjoyment scoping the dunes. ATV tours can be included in your tour package, but if they aren’t, you’ll want to organize one for a thrilling time.
An Agadir Desert tour usually includes multiple locations, like the beach, Berber villages, and the Souss-Massa National Park. This means you might enjoy some inclusive activities like water sports, hiking, bird-watching, and guided tours of the towns and markets. If some activities aren’t complementary, and you don’t want to miss out, you should contact the touring agency to ensure you can include them.
Types of Agadir Desert Safaris
Camel Trekking
I highly recommend camel trekking as a must-do activity during your Agadir desert safari. Riding on a camel’s back is a unique experience that will take you back in time to the days of the Berber nomads. You will get to explore the desert and its surroundings while enjoying the gentle swaying motion of the camel. Most camel trekking tours include a visit to a traditional Berber village, where you can learn about their culture and way of life.
Quad Biking
If you are looking for a more adventurous experience, quad biking is the perfect choice. You will get to ride on a powerful ATV and explore the vast and diverse terrain of the Agadir desert. The tours usually start with a safety briefing and training session, so you can feel confident and comfortable on the quad bike. You will get to ride through the sand dunes, valleys, and rocky terrain, which will give you a thrilling and exciting experience.
Sandboarding
Sandboarding is a fun and unique activity that you can enjoy during your Agadir desert safari. It is similar to snowboarding, but instead of snow, you will be riding down the sand dunes. You will get to experience the rush of adrenaline as you slide down the steep dunes, which can reach up to 300 meters high.
Most sandboarding tours include a safety briefing and training session, so you can learn the proper techniques and feel confident on the board. In conclusion, there are many types of Agadir desert safaris that you can choose from, each offering a unique and exciting experience. Whether you prefer camel trekking, quad biking, or sandboarding, you are sure to have an unforgettable adventure in the Agadir desert.
5. What To Bring With
The hot semi-arid temperatures will require you to bring plenty of drinking water to ensure you don’t dehydrate. Tours don’t usually include water, so ensure you bring enough to support you through a full-day or multi-day itinerary. Snacks are also helpful in avoiding getting hungry.
Sunblock, sunblock, and sunblock. Getting sunburnt should not be included on your tour, so make sure to bring some with a high SPF, along with a sun hat and sunglasses. You might also want to bring a scarf or long sleeves for extra coverage. If you’re staying at a camp overnight, the temperature drops significantly, so be sure to pack some warm clothes.
You’ll need to bring extra cash, as tipping your guide and other helpers along the tour is a standard practice in Morocco. You might also need to pay for snacks, extra activities, and shopping at markets in the Berber villages.
If you’re on a multi-day trip, bring all your essentials like toiletries, chargers, and clothing for all weather conditions. Lastly, you won’t want to forget your camera and tripod for some stunning shots of the stunning sands and star-speckled night sky.
Sunscreen with a high SPF
A hat or scarf to protect your head and face from the sun
Sunglasses to protect your eyes
A light jacket or sweater for cooler desert nights
A camera to capture the stunning views
A reusable water bottle to stay hydrated
Closed-toe shoes for walking in the sand
Conclusion
An Agadir Desert tour is an exciting way to experience Morocco, whether you’re in Agadir already or traveling from another city. It’s best to visit the beautiful dunes between May and September and March and April because of the sandstorm winds. You should always ensure your tour agency is reputable, avoiding booking one from a souk market.
Visiting these stunning Agadir dunes and nearby natural wonders will be a holiday like no other! When you visit the Agadir Desert, you’ll have the most fun partaking in activities like camel rides, sandboarding, and ATV riding. Be sure to bring water, sun protection, warm clothes, and cash.
How far is the desert from Agadir?
The distance from Agadir to the Sahara Desert varies depending on which part of the desert you intend to visit. To reach Merzouga, a popular starting point for exploring the Erg Chebbi dunes, you’ll need to travel approximately 570 kilometres (354 miles).
The journey typically takes around 9 hours by car, as the route involves traversing the picturesque Atlas Mountains. Alternatively, you can join an organised tour, which often includes transportation and other amenities, ensuring a comfortable and hassle-free experience.
What are some of the notable places to visit during our journey from Agadir to the Sahara Desert?
Along the route from Agadir to the Sahara Desert, you’ll have the opportunity to visit several fascinating places, including:
Taroudant – Also known as “The Little Marrakech,” this charming city is renowned for its traditional architecture and vibrant souks, with the high atlas mountains in the background.
Taliouine – A picturesque town famous for its saffron production.
Taznakht – A traditional Berber village known for its exquisite handmade carpets.
Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah – A UNESCO World Heritage site, this fortified village is a striking example of traditional Moroccan architecture and has served as the backdrop for numerous films and television series.
The Atlas Film Studios – Located in Ouarzazate, these studios have hosted the production of many pop
What other points of interest and scenic views can I expect during a Agadir Sahara Desert tour?
During the Agadir Sahara Desert tour, you will experience a variety of captivating sights, including:
Daraa Valley – The longest valley in Morocco, offering stunning landscapes and lush palm groves.
Rissani, Alnif, Tazzarine, and N’Qob – Charming towns and villages that provide insight into the local culture and way of life.
Off-road drive along the ancient caravan route – Discover ancient villages and extensive palm tree forests while traversing this ancient trade route.
Agdz – A picturesque town nestled in the heart of the Draa Valley.
Bou-Azzer Mine – Observe the unique landscapes surrounding this active cobalt mine.
Taznakht – Famous for its handmade Gelims and carpets, offering an opportunity to shop for traditional Moroccan handicrafts.
Can I expect a knowledgeable and friendly driver during my Sahara Desert tour from Agadir?
Absolutely! Whether you choose a private tour or shared tour, your driver will be friendly, knowledgeable, and eager to share insights and fascinating information about the sights and experiences encountered throughout your journey to the Sahara Desert.
From the hotel pickup their expertise and welcoming nature on a guided tour will enhance your adventure, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable experience.
