Planning your excursion to the Agafay Desert and wondering how to get there from Marrakech? Good news: it is much simpler and quicker than you think. The Marrakech-Agafay journey is one of the pleasant surprises of this destination. Here are all the options, with prices, durations and our tips to make sure everything goes smoothly.
How Far Is Agafay from Marrakech?
The Agafay Desert is located approximately 30 kilometres south-west of Marrakech, heading towards the Atlas Mountains. In terms of travel time, allow 30 to 45 minutes depending on your starting point in Marrakech and traffic.
The main road goes via the P2015 towards Amizmiz. It is a paved road in good condition, accessible to any type of vehicle. Once past the village of Lalla Takerkoust, you enter the Agafay Desert area. To pinpoint the exact location, see our article Where Is the Agafay Desert?.
Option 1: Transfer Included with Your Excursion
This is by far the most practical option and the one we recommend. When you book a quad excursion in the Agafay Desert or a quad + camel combo with Quad Agafay, the round-trip transfer from your hotel in Marrakech is included in the price.
In practical terms, a driver comes to pick you up directly at the door of your riad or hotel in Marrakech. You have nothing to organise, nothing to negotiate, and you are brought back to the same place after the excursion. It is the zero-stress solution, especially if this is your first visit to Morocco.
Option 2: Taxi from Marrakech
If you prefer to organise the journey yourself, a taxi remains a perfectly viable option.
Grand taxi — Grand taxis (often beige Mercedes) are the most common means. From central Marrakech, a Marrakech-Agafay trip costs between 200 and 350 MAD one way (approximately 18 to 32 EUR). The price is not fixed: you need to negotiate before getting in. Tip: also agree on a return fare and pick-up time, or ask the driver to wait for you (for an extra charge).
Petit taxi — The small red taxis of Marrakech are theoretically not allowed to leave the city. Some agree to do so, but the fare will be higher and you will have no guarantee for the return trip.
Tip: if you share the taxi with other travellers, the cost per person becomes very reasonable.
Option 3: Rental Car
Renting a car in Marrakech is simple and affordable (from around 200 MAD/day). The route to Agafay is easy:
1. From Marrakech, take the Amizmiz road (P2015) heading south-west.
2. Pass the Lalla Takerkoust dam.
3. Continue for about 10 km: you are in the Agafay Desert.
The road is entirely paved. A GPS or Google Maps is more than enough. Note: some tracks inside the desert are unpaved. For more remote camps, a vehicle with good ground clearance is preferable but not essential.
Option 4: Private Transfer
Several companies in Marrakech offer private transfers to Agafay. Prices range between 250 and 500 MAD one way depending on the vehicle and provider. It is a good option if you want the comfort of a private vehicle without having to drive. Your hotel or riad can usually arrange this for you.
Practical Tips for the Journey
Timing: avoid leaving Marrakech between 5pm and 7pm on weekdays — it is rush hour and getting out of the city can take time.
Returning at night: if you attend a sunset dinner, arrange a reliable means of return. Taxis do not operate in the desert at night. An organised transfer is strongly recommended.
Internet connection: mobile coverage works well on the road and in most areas of the Agafay Desert, so Google Maps remains usable.
Want to simplify the entire journey? Book your quad excursion with transfer included and we take care of everything. All you have to do is put on your shoes and enjoy the adventure.